Back-to-School Backpacks that Double as Travel Gear 2024
*Updated July 2024*
When it comes to back-to-school essentials that double as travel gear, backpacks are an absolute must-have. I’ve searched for the best backpacks with functional and stylish options that can be used in the classroom as well as on your weekend adventures. Check out the best back-to-school backpacks for young adults, teens, big kids, and your youngest family members that they can use for both school and traveling.
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Best Dual-function Backpacks for College Students
Investing in a quality backpack is a game-changer for student travelers. Look for backpacks that are spacious enough to hold your textbooks and school supplies, yet versatile enough to be used as daypacks during your travels. Opt for lightweight materials that won’t add unnecessary weight to your load, and choose a design that suits your personal style. Some backpacks even come with built-in laptop compartments, making it even more convenient for students who need to bring their devices on the go.
Must haves:
- Room for a 14″ laptop
- Place for wallet, keys, phone
- Large enough to carry a weekend’s worth of clothing
This is the back pack you will here me rave about over and over (and over). We currently own two, and as our kids get older we will probably invest in a few more. It’s perfect for road trips (which are a must for college students!) and it will also fit as a personal item, and save you baggage fees, on budget airlines. If traveling light is your kind of thing, check out my post on traveling with less for more tips and tricks.
Not only is this a great bag for airline or road trip travel, but it can function great as an everyday school backpack with room for a laptop, textbooks, and snacks. The added straps will save your back and can help keep it secure if you commute via bicycle, scooter, or by foot. And most importantly, this one won’t fall off your shoulders as you run across campus so you’re not late to class!
Pros:
- Small enough to fit as a personal item on most US commercial airplanes (Make sure to order the Large, not Large -L)
- Lots of pockets and compartments for travel, but also easy to use for school
- Wipeable exterior
- Fits Laptops up to 14″
- USB Port to connect your phone to a portable charger
Cons:
- Not the most stylish
- Shoe bag may get in the way when using it as a day-to-day pack
- Water bottle pocket is slim
Venture Pal 40 L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack
We have a similar bag to this for easy travel, and I love that the bag itself is lightweight. This one here is slightly larger and includes more features. However, if you are carrying more than one textbook or a small laptop this may start to feel a bit heavy. So if you don’t have too much to carry around on campus and need a hiking/adventuring day pack, this just might be the one for you!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Two water bottle holders
- Plenty of room for clothing layers and personal items
- Wet pocket to store wet items
- Can pack into itself to be added to carry-on or checked luggage if needed
- Chest strap
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy loads
- No interior structure, so can be a bit floppy when looking for items
- No breathable back meshing or padding
Best Dual-Function Backpacks for Teens
This is a tricky one because for many teens, it’s all about the look rather than the functionality of the backpack. But parents want something that will last and be versatile. These back-to-school backpacks should tick all the boxes for fickle teens.
The following recommendations fit these basic criteria:
- Multiple colors or style options
- Durable
- Big enough for school items, small enough to carry while hiking or traveling
I feel like a middle or high school student can make a statement with this backpack without being too flashy. Pockets galore, lots of space, and cute to boot. It comes in two different sizes to fit your unique needs. My best friend (not a teen) bought this and brought it to a conference to lug all her materials in and raved about it.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Carries a lot
- Perfect for your personal item on a plane or a car bag for a road trip
- Sleeve to slip over handles of a carry-on bag
Cons:
- May be too bulky for hiking
- No chest strap
Yup, I did it. I recommended the Jansport. It’s a true classic and I definitely sported one in middle and high school. Featured here is the Main Campus Backpack, but your teen may be interested in the classic Super Break One or the leather-bottomed Right Pack. JanSport has stood the test of time, and will continue to be a fabulous no-frills, multi-use backpack.
Pros:
- Classic style, with lots of color and print options
- Well-known, durable brand
- Large enough to carry several textbooks
- Dedicated laptop sleeve
Cons
- More expensive
- No chest strap
- Not waterproof or very water resistant
Best Back-to-School Backpacks for Elementary School Kids
What an elementary school kid needs in a backpack can vary greatly. While some kids have all the newest school supplies that they want to carry around, others only need space for a small folder. However, traveling kids need plenty of space for jackets, binoculars, snacks, and drinks, so I chose packs that wouldn’t be too cumbersome for little ones, but will still fit everything they need.
The following back-to-school backpacks should be able to do the following:
- Carry a small tablet or Chromebook
- Hold a regular lunch bag
- Tall and wide enough for 8.5×11″ papers and notebooks
- Place for a water bottle
- Comfortable to carry hiking or traveling
With five different color options, there’s a style for any kid in your family. Undoubtedly, kids will love the various pockets and bungee cord, and parents will love not having to lug all their snacks, activities, and water on the next family trip or outing.
Pros
- Padded straps
- Chest strap
- Deep water bottle pockets
- Water resistant (not waterproof)
Cons:
- May be too small for some kids’ needs
Best Backpacks for Little Ones
Many of your youngest kids may not even attend school, but still may benefit from having their own backpack. If everyone is getting ready for the next school year, consider getting your preschool aged kiddo a back-to-school backpack of their own. They can use it to carry treasures, snacks and a water bottle while tagging along with errands or on family vacations. If you train them young, they will be much more willing to carry their own things when they travel. Game changer.
Must haves for a preschooler pack:
- Small enough it is easy for them to wear
- Comfortable
- Visually appealing for the kid
It’s hard not to love this back pack just from its picture, and it has the reviews to back it up. Just pay attention to the different “models” – some of the features vary depending on the color/animal.
Pros:
- Cushioned straps
- Breathable back
- Kid-friendly design
- Perfect as a carry-on bag for little ones
Cons:
- A little pricey for a preschooler/toddler backpack
- Buckles may be difficult for younger kids
- Too small for school folders
- Water bottle pockets may be too small for some water bottles
I loved reading the reviews and finding one that was from a college kid who bought and loved it. So maybe you can buy one now and keep it until college? Now that’s a budget buy! With a variety of styles, this bag has options for every preschooler and early elementary kid. This was our pick for my kindergartener this year (she ordered the purple butterfly one if you’re wondering).
Pros:
- Chest strap
- Highly rated
- Fun styles
- Will fit traditional-sized school papers/folders
Cons:
- Might be too big for some little ones
- Straps may not have much cushioning
Finding the Best Back-to-School Backpack Deals
Before you buy any of the above items, make sure you have the budget and the need. I get swept up in all the great products and want them all, but I also want to go and do the things I’m buying them for! So if your $5 backpack is currently doing the trick, keep it around. We tried that last year and they fell apart quickly, so we’re choosing to invest this year.