The best backpacks for university in the UK 2023

As you enter college, you'll need to find a backpack to carry your books, notebooks and laptop. Practical, comfortable, and equipped with several compartments, the college backpack will be of great help to you. This type of backpack comes in different models, colors, sizes, and capacities. To help you make the right choice, read this guide.

Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy 1
9/10

Best value for money

Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy

The best backpack for college in 2021

With a large main compartment, this backpack is perfect for carrying your bulky documents. Thanks to its adjustable shoulder straps and padded back, it also offers a real comfort of use.

32,76 £ on Amazon

With a capacity of 24L, the Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy ensures that you have your various documents, even the bulky ones, within easy reach. It has a spacious main compartment, as well as a front zippered pocket for extra space for smaller belongings. And it's unmatched comfort with adjustable straps and a padded back. Made of high density ballistic nylon fabric, it promises strength and durability. It is also a waterproof backpack that can keep your belongings safe from bad weather. In any case, its design will keep you stylish during your college years.

Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack 2
8/10

Best value for money

Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack

The best backpack for entry-level college

Enjoy a stylish backpack with this Kroser model. Its versatility, comfort of use and durability will seduce you for sure. It is available in several colors.

See price

With this Kroser women's backpack, your college life will be made easier. Its many compartments allow you to store your files as well as your laptop. The presence of a USB port offers the possibility to charge your various electronic devices wherever you are. Another undeniable asset is the fact that it is a very elegant ecological canvas backpack, with leather handles for a comfortable and very chic grip. Waterproof, padded for protection against accidental shocks, it will effectively preserve your belongings wherever you are, and even during the rainy season.

Berliner Bags Lille 3
7/10

Best value for money

Berliner Bags Lille

The best backpack for high-end college

Handcrafted, this genuine leather Berliner Bags briefcase will follow you through college. It has a large compartment to store your 15" laptop and adjustable shoulder straps.

119 £ on Amazon

Quality is the name of the game with the Berliner Bags Lille. Hand-stitched, this leather satchel promises strength and durability, perfect for everyday use during your college years. The zippers are signed with the brand's logo, and the buckles are designed to be strong. Stylish and functional, this bag has a main compartment for your documents and a pocket to store a 15.6-inch laptop. You also have a smaller, but zippered exterior pocket for your smaller items. The adjustable shoulder straps add a real comfort to its use. Its various pockets are designed for each of your personal belongings. In case of loss, the TUMI tracer function will ensure that it is detected via GPS.

17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock 4
7/10

Alternative

17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock

The best high-end alternative

In two words: stylish and practical. Its various functions and elegant design will make you feel unique at university. This backpack with spacious compartments will keep everything within reach.

See price

With this grey model by Matein, enjoy a stylish and cozy backpack for your shoulders as well as for your gear. In addition to its dedicated compartment for a laptop up to 17 inches, it has multiple pockets to efficiently organize all your stuff. In all, it has a capacity of 32 L. Its high quality fabric is also both light and very resistant, especially thanks to the thick foam padding of 0.5 cm to protect PC and tablets from scratches or shocks. Moreover, it promises to be waterproof to better protect your belongings, even in the rain. All its features will offer you an optimal use and will accompany you even in the professional world.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best backpack for university

Any specific needs?

The best backpack for college in 2021

The best backpack for entry-level college

The best backpack for high-end college

The best high-end alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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4.9/54 votes

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Comparison table of the best backpacks for university

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy 5
9/10
Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack 6
8/10
Berliner Bags Lille 7
7/10
17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy
Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack
Berliner Bags Lille
17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock
With a large main compartment, this backpack is perfect for carrying your bulky documents. Thanks to its adjustable shoulder straps and padded back, it also offers a real comfort of use.
Enjoy a stylish backpack with this Kroser model. Its versatility, comfort of use and durability will seduce you for sure. It is available in several colors.
Handcrafted, this genuine leather Berliner Bags briefcase will follow you through college. It has a large compartment to store your 15" laptop and adjustable shoulder straps.
In two words: stylish and practical. Its various functions and elegant design will make you feel unique at university. This backpack with spacious compartments will keep everything within reach.
Robustness
Dimensions
18 x 30 x 40 cm
43.18 x 29.21 x 19.05 cm
40 x 28 x 14 cm
48.3 x 35 x 20 cm
Materials
Polyester and Nylon
Eco-friendly canvas fabric
Genuine leather
High-quality lightweight polyester fabric
Number of compartments
2
9
3
8
Weight
540 g
721 g
1 200 g
920 g

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Buying guide - backpack for university

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How to choose your backpack for university

Many students have suffered from a lack of space or a poor quality binder. It is therefore essential to select one that meets your requirements, in order to avoid embarrassment to your classmates. Here are the criteria to consider when choosing the best backpack.

#1 - Ergonomics

Consider first and foremost its practicality when you go to try it on. Besides the laptop, you will inevitably carry many books in addition to your personal belongings, so take into account the number of pockets and compartments to better organize your stuff. Also opt for models with a padded back for more comfort.

#2 - Robustness

The sturdiness of the bag should never be overlooked. Your backpack may be stylish and practical. But if it can easily tear, it's not going to do you much good. In any case, take into account its resistance to save you from buying one every year. Prefer models made of leather, or waterproof canvas, for their sturdiness.

#3 - Waterproofing

As a student, your documents are sacred and must be protected especially from water. You don't want the materials and files inside to be destroyed due to negligence or bad weather. So, opt for a waterproof briefcase. It will save you more often than you think.

#4 - The style

Style is always important for college kids. Choose a bag that shows off your personality. You are unique and you should show it through the choice of colors, patterns, materials. Even so, this does not prevent you from opting for the trends of the moment or of the year without detaching from your originality.

How to lighten your backpack for college?

Although comfortable and easy to use, a backpack can sometimes cause back and shoulder pain. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips for lightening your backpack for college. Here are some tips:

Adapt your bag's contents to your course schedule

To lighten your bag, start by arranging it according to your schedule. This way, you can carry only the documents you need for the day's classes. In addition, you should make a reading sheet every time you review your classes. With this, you won't have to bring tons of notebooks during review periods. Also, be sure to check the contents of your backpack every day, in case you forget any other materials.

Avoid putting too many books inside

Try to set limits on the number of books you take with you. Encourage reading on site and buying books. If you don't have the time or money for that, here is another tip, you have the possibility to photograph the book with your smartphone. Be careful though, because in some bookstores this is not allowed.

Adjust the straps of the backpack

For your well-being, you should think about balancing the shoulder straps of your bag. This will save you from shoulder and back pain. First of all, be aware that if they are not equalized, one of your shoulders will bear the weight of the entire bag. Second, try shortening the shoulder straps of the bag to better distribute the load.

Did you know that?

The weight of your backpack should not exceed 10% of your own. Otherwise, you risk wearing out or wearing it out too quickly.

The different types of backpacks for university

Apart from the colors, brand, size, sturdiness, there are other features to consider for your choice. Discover the various types of backpacks for college to choose the one that will suit you best.

The school bag

Since our childhood, we have been used to carrying a backpack. And you can use it even for university. And for good reason, it is very practical in terms of ergonomics and comfort. Timeless, it has many compartments to classify your stuff. And it has a great robustness for a daily use.

The leather backpack

Leather, is a material that is both robust and classy. It is a must-have model in the current market. All fashion followers know it, leather is to a noble material, design and very accessible. Its resistance and waterproofness will help you economically, as you will only have to buy one for your entire journey.

The printed backpack

The

printed backpack attracts more young people nowadays. Its originality gives a modern look, a casual look and a unique style. It also goes with every clothing style. And each model gives off a stunning look that will bring out all your originality.

The computer backpack

Having room for a laptop on a daily basis is a must in a student's life. That's why opting for this bag makes sense, because you'll have all your files within easy reach. It's a large bag with multiple compartments, and sometimes technology to charge your electronic gadgets. Its sturdiness is assured, and there is no risk of breakage due to the weight of the computer.

Things to remember

NEVER wash your leather backpack. Water could damage the quality of this noble and robust material. A damp cloth will suffice.

Backpack or shoulder bag for college?

The backpack for college

The backpack remains the most popular bag for students. It is more comfortable because it saves your energy. It divides the weight of everything you carry in half, preventing your shoulders and back from tiring quickly, even with a heavy load. It also comes in several types depending on your needs and preferences.

The shoulder bag

The shoulder bag is quite practical in everyday life. Both classy and stylish, it allows you to show your elegant side while relieving one of your shoulders of the weight of your belongings. Various models are offered on the market according to your needs. Your small personal belongings will be well protected with it since it can be put on both sides as well as in front. Thus, you could easily carry it wherever you are.

Verdict

The choice between a backpack and a shoulder bag can be difficult. In terms of comfort and ergonomics, a backpack is the best choice. It allows you to carry a lot more stuff without getting in the way. However, if it's a question of appearance, as they say, there's no arguing with taste and color.

Tips

Caring for a leather backpack

To clean it, simply take a piece of cotton with a fragrance-free makeup remover. Polish it with it. Then put an organic shoe polish on it. NEVER wash your leather bag with water.

Repair a bag closure in less than 5 minutes

Just line up the top and bottom prongs with a pair of pliers. Then gently close the slider.

Cleaning a stain on your canvas backpack

For

a cloth bag, take a sponge with mild soap, and a few drops of ammonia or white vinegar. Simply polish it well, rinse it and let it dry.

Cleaning the stain of a garment on a leather bag

Rub

the entire bag with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Put a little more emphasis on the stains. Wipe with a damp cloth. Put a little touch of colorless shoe polish.

Good practices for washing your backpack

Never put your bag in a washing machine or dryer. Avoid ironing. Use shower gel, liquid detergent or neutral soap to clean it.

FAQ

How do you organize your backpack for college?

Arrange your belongings in the backpack according to their size. The computer and large binders should be placed at the bottom, followed by notebooks and books. Then put the notepads at the top. You can also organize it according to your schedule. Put priority stuff within easy reach. This will prevent you from turning everything upside down to find an important item.

How do you pack your small belongings in the backpack for college?

Normally, a college backpack has everything you need to store your things, from the big ones to the small ones. If the bag has small pockets, put your keys, erasers or lighter in them. Dedicate another small pocket for the flash drive and another for pennies. If you don't have these small pockets, it would be wiser to use a pouch or case for these small items.

Can you put a bottle and a computer in a backpack for college?

It is not recommended to put a computer and a bottle in the same compartment. Besides being risky because the bottle is never 100% waterproof, it is not very comfortable to wear. So, never put your computer and your bottle in the same place in the bag. Put the bottle in the dedicated pocket that is usually on the side of the backpack.

How can I extend the life of my backpack?

To ensure that your bag lasts at least a few semesters, avoid exceeding its capacity or maximum weight. Try not to put sharp objects inside your bag. Don't put your bag on the floor and avoid using it as a seat or pillow if you are relaxing somewhere between classes.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , toutpratique.com
  3. , eikenshop.com
  4. , tendances-de-mode.com
  5. , abordage-shop.com
  6. , mes-habits-cheris.com
  7. , society19.com
  8. , mybaggage.com
  9. , trendy.letudiant.fr
  10. , zen-life-48.webself.net
  11. , gigastore.fr
  12. , dakine.fr
  13. , altitude-blog.com
  14. , eastpak.com
  15. , tendances-de-mode.com
  16. , etudiant.lefigaro.fr
  17. , cabaia.fr
  18. , vaude.com
  19. , lancel.com
  20. , tendances-de-mode.com
  21. , eastpak.com
  22. , atlasformen.fr
  23. , hexagona.com
  24. , kapten-son.com
  25. , mybackshops.com
  26. , deuter.com
  27. , dakine.fr
  28. , idealo.fr
  29. , amazon.co.uk
  30. , ebay.fr
  31. , amazon.co.uk
  32. , kipling.com
  33. , kapten-son.com
  34. , zalando.fr
  35. , vidaxl.fr
  36. , fnac.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy 9
Eastpak Padded Pak'r Blakout Stripe Icy
Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack 10
Kroser Waterproof Casual Backpack
Berliner Bags Lille 11
Berliner Bags Lille
17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock 12
17 inch backpack with Matein grey lock

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