Stylish back-to-school backpacks and bags
You’ve got the notebooks, your laptop is ready, and you’re working on the book list. Now take a break from the basics; it’s time for the best part of back-to-school shopping.
As essential and functional as that crazy-comfortable pair of shoes that got you around campus all last year, your backpack is also an excellent chance to show off your personal style. Since you’ll carry it daily, don’t choose in haste. Take time to find the one that perfectly fits your needs, body, budget, and personality.
Even if you’re not going back to school, consider updating the bag you use for daily commuting or day trips. This year’s trends for both men and women are too much fun to resist! Prints are big, including bold florals and stripes. There’s a little 90’s nostalgia going on, along with a revival of that old-school wilderness look, complete with leather straps and buckles.
I’ve steered clear of those outrageously expensive bags you’ve seen in this month’s fashion magazines, and instead present you with 13 on-point options that showcase the best of form plus function, without blowing your back-to-school budget.
Herschel Supply Co - ‘Little America’
$89.99
Inspired by the classic mountaineering bags of days gone by, Little America is entirely modern in its comfort and convenience. Clean design gets tons of compliments (ask the reviewers on Amazon), and the drawstring-plus-magnetic flap closure keeps your stuff secure. Comes in khaki, navy, or black, a fresh-squeezed light purple, or a dark navy feather pattern that perfectly marries classic and modern looks.
Choose this bag if your laptop is on the small side (the fleece-lined laptop sleeve fits a MacBook Air perfectly), and you don’t need to carry all of your books at once. This is the mid-volume size, but there’s a full size version if you need more room. You might also choose this size if you’re on the smaller side yourself: Smaller reviewers have noted that this pack is superior to the overwhelming full size.
$64.95
Silly name, serious bag. Two compartments organize everything you need for the day, including your laptop and/or tablet. Small enough to stay easily portable, it still has a 26 liter capacity, plus front-panel bungees to lash down a sweatshirt for cooler days. This ultra-modern pack is great for getting to and from, and will easily double as a day-hiker.
It’s supposedly designed for women, but men, don’t let that stop you. The range of colors is
delectable, and I wouldn’t want you to miss out. For those who don’t do color, The Jester has you covered with a sleek basic black.
$13.95
If your idea of features is a brilliant pattern, look no further than this better-than-basic number from the ever-popular Vans. Forget hydration ports, built-in organizers, and suspension systems: All you really need is space and style.
Bonus: the Wild Thing is on crazy sale right now for only $13.95.
Like this but prefer a cleaner print? Vans Old Skool 2 comes in a floral-on-black pattern that is fashionably fresh-picked. Unfortunately, this style is not on sale.
Candie’s - ‘Anna’ Floral Cargo Backpack
$30
Score this sweet cargo backpack right now for 50% off! Lots of pockets in and on this 15.5’-high bag hold everything you need for class. The combination of rucksack design and baby-blue floral print is a style winner.
Bueno - Striped Print Drawstring Backpack
$29.99
It may be small, but this splashy blue and white striped bag makes a big statement. Walk around like it’s still summer and you’re headed to the beach. About 13” x 12” x 6”, this purse-sized pack carries all your essentials, plus that copy of Pride & Prejudice you’re supposed to be reading. (Give it a try - it’s good.)
Bonus: Pockets galore, inside and out!
Herschel Supply Co - ‘Pop Quiz’
$69.99
A little bit hipster (especially in the buffalo plaid check), this roomy backpack is a nice step up from basic. A cushy laptop compartment holds up to 15’ laptops, and there’s an external pocket for the small stuff, but otherwise this pack’s appeal is in its quality and design.
And there is plenty of appeal. Amazon reviewers practically personify this bag. One says it “handles school stress better than I do.” Another “want[s] to be friends with this backpack, that’s how good it is.” Sounds like you should try the Pop Quiz for yourself. You might just make a new friend.
$60
Vera Bradley is known for making quality bags of all sorts, in beautiful, joyful patterns. This one is just the right size (15 inches high and 11 inches wide), with just the right number of interior and exterior pockets (5), and several just-right patterns that couldn’t be prettier. It’s lightweight for everyday wear, and the durable poly fabric repels rain showers. Plus, several of the prints are on sale!
$54.99
Count on Kipling to wrap something so practical in the cutest possible package. This cross-body style has two main zippered compartments, plus some extra zippered pockets on the front. The prints are signature-Kipling adorable (pictured: ‘Oceanic Dream’.) If you prefer solid colors, check out the sale section at Kipling. Dove gray, creamsicle orange, bright pink - yes, please!
This bag isn’t for heavy book loads. Reviewers love it for light travel, and some use it daily as a purse.
$19.99
I couldn’t resist another Kipling bag. This one is quite small, meant specifically to carry your lunch or snacks to work or school. The citrusy print is completely cute, and the practical waterproof interior keeps any spills contained. Normally $29, it’s on sale right now for only $19.99.
$74.95
A Swedish company that’s been around since 1960, Fjallraven is beloved for the high quality and durability of its products, as well as its clean-lined Scandinavian design. (The name of the company means ‘Arctic Fox’ - no ravens are involved.)
The Kanken is the most popular Fjallraven rucksack. Originally designed for kids in Sweden heading back to school, it’s now worn by day-packers, commuters, and students of all ages around the world.
Features include water-resistant fabric, top carry handles, and a removable seat pad so you can take a load off at the bus stop, on the subway, or on a mountainside. Though it’s on the small side for a backpack (16L capacity), reviewers say it holds more than you’d think.
Yahoo Shopping readers, what are you carrying to school this year?
