Top-Rated College Backpack Brands for Ultimate Style and Durability

Choosing the right college bag can make a significant difference in a student's daily routine, providing both style and functionality. With a plethora of options available on the market, selecting a brand that balances durability, comfort, and aesthetics is crucial for any college-goer. Among the top contenders are brands known for their innovation and reliable designs, promising to meet the diverse needs of students everywhere. Ready to find out which brands top the list? Discover our top picks below.

Illustration of college bags

Best brands of college bags in 2025

JanSport

JanSport is a leading producer of college bags, boasting a significant market share of 44.1% in the backpack industry and a dominant 22% market share in the U.S. backpack market. The brand is renowned for its high-quality, durable backpacks, with a 95% brand recognition rate and a 96% customer recommendation rate. JanSport's revenue has reached $1.2 billion, highlighting its substantial financial success. The brand's popular products, such as the SuperBreak backpack, have garnered over 30,000 reviews, demonstrating widespread consumer engagement. JanSport's commitment to quality, functionality, and innovative designs has solidified its position as a go-to brand for college students.

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Supply Co. is a leading global accessories brand renowned for its high-quality and stylish college bags, having sold 6 million units in 72 countries by 2015, up from just 8,000 in 2011. The brand, founded by brothers Lyndon and Jamie Cormack, has gained popularity for its modern, utilitarian backpacks that combine vintage and contemporary design elements. Herschel bags are known for their durability, lightweight properties, and eco-friendly materials, aligning with the growing consumer preference for sustainable products. The company's strong online presence and effective marketing strategies have contributed to its rapid growth, with the brand being approached by over 500 investors. Herschel Supply Co. continues to innovate, focusing on sustainability and quality, making it a favorite among students and travelers alike.

The North Face

The North Face is a leading brand in the school and college bags market, renowned for its high-quality, durable, and functional products. The brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability, such as using eco-friendly materials, has driven its growth. In the North American region, The North Face has a significant presence, contributing to the backpacks market's dominance with a high revenue share in 2021. The brand's products, including travel bags and backpacks, are popular among students due to their lightweight and compact design, catering to the increasing demand for school bags. With the surging school infrastructural facilities in countries like the U.S. and Canada, The North Face continues to propel the growth of the backpacks industry. For more information, check out their backpacks collection.

Fjällräven

Fjallraven is a renowned Swedish brand specializing in outdoor equipment and luggage, particularly celebrated for its durable and lightweight college bags. The Fjallraven Kanken, introduced in 1978, was designed to prevent back problems among school children and has since become the company's best-selling product, with over three million units produced by 2008. The Kanken is made from hard-wearing Vinylon F material, ensuring sustainability through longevity. As of April 2018, the Kanken is available in 54 different colors, highlighting its versatility and appeal. Fjallraven's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a preferred choice for students worldwide.

Under Armour

Under Armour, founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, has established itself as a prominent producer of high-performance athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories, including college bags. The company's strong marketing strategies and partnerships with influential athletes like Stephen Curry and Jordan Spieth have contributed to its growth. As of Q3 2024, Under Armour holds a market share of 3.07% in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry. With global net revenues of approximately $5.7 billion in 2024, Under Armour continues to be a significant player in the market. Their back to school collection features premium performance materials and stylish designs, making them a popular choice for college students.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned as one of the top producers of college bags, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality. The brand's use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally responsible products, contributing to the market's positive growth outlook. In the school bags market, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030, Patagonia's innovative and durable designs are highly favored by students and parents alike. The brand's emphasis on lightweight and sturdy bags, capable of accommodating electronic gadgets, further enhances its appeal. With the Asia Pacific region dominating the global school bags market with a 56.1% revenue share in 2024, Patagonia's global reach and reputation ensure strong market presence.

SwissGear

SwissGear is renowned as one of the top producers of college bags, particularly excelling in the laptop carry case market, where backpacks like theirs accounted for 55.0% of the market share in 2022. Their products, such as the SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack, are made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and feature TSA-friendly lay-flat technology, making them highly popular among students and professionals. SwissGear's focus on travel and business bags, along with their ability to respond to emerging trends, has solidified their position in the market. The global laptop carry case market, in which SwissGear is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030. SwissGear's products also include innovative features like phone charging hubs and organizational pockets, enhancing user convenience.

Nike

Nike is a leading producer of college bags, renowned for its high-quality, durable, and ergonomically designed products. The company's strong brand reputation and innovative design capabilities ensure its school bags are both functional and fashionable, catering to the evolving fashion preferences of students. Nike's extensive distribution network and strong offline and online retail presence help it reach a broad customer base, solidifying its position in the market. With a focus on incorporating ergonomic features, Nike's school bags are popular among students, contributing to the company's significant role in the global school bags market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030. For more insights on the global school bags market, visit Grand View Research.

Adidas

Adidas is a prominent player in the school bags market, known for its high-quality and ergonomic designs that cater to the needs of students. The brand's commitment to innovation, as seen in its use of sustainable materials and trendy designs, drives its popularity. For instance, the global school bags market, which includes brands like Adidas, is expected to reach $37.19 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.92% from 2025 to 2033. Adidas' focus on comfort and durability, along with its iconic 3-Stripes logo, makes it a favorite among students. The brand's products are particularly popular in regions like Asia Pacific, where the school bags market is dominated by countries like China and India.

Timbuk2

Timbuk2 is renowned as one of the top producers of college bags, known for its durable and stylish designs. The brand's products, such as the Timbuk2 Wander Pack, feature high-quality materials like 420D ripstop nylon, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Despite being a smaller player compared to giants like JanSport, which dominates over 55% of the US backpack market, Timbuk2 has a loyal customer base appreciating its sleek and functional designs. The brand's focus on travel and urban backpacks has made it a favorite among students and travelers alike. With advancements in materials and design, Timbuk2 continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of its customers.