Top School Bag Brands for Style and Durability

When it comes to selecting the perfect school bag, parents and students look for a combination of durability, style, and functionality. Numerous brands have excelled in providing school bags that meet these needs while also offering a range of designs to suit different tastes. From traditional backpacks to trendy totes, these brands ensure both comfort and protection for all the essential supplies students need on a daily basis. To discover the top picks that cater to various age groups and preferences, explore the list of best brands for school bags below.

Illustration of school bags

Best brands of school bags in 2025

JanSport

JanSport is a leading brand in the backpack industry, boasting a significant 22% market share in the U.S. and a substantial 44.1% share globally. Founded in 1967, JanSport has maintained its dominance, particularly with its SuperBreak backpack being the number one selling backpack in the U.S. The brand has seen notable growth, with an 11.1% increase in market share from January 2021 to October 2021. JanSport's strong brand recognition and customer satisfaction contribute to its success, with a revenue of $1.2 billion and a brand recognition rate of 95%. Its commitment to quality and customer service solidifies its position as a top choice for school bags. For more insights, explore JanSport's market share details.

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Supply Co. is a leading global accessories brand renowned for its high-quality and stylish school bags, having sold 6 million units in 72 countries by 2015, up from just 8,000 in 2011. The brand's success is attributed to its modern designs, affordability, and strong online presence, particularly as it leveraged social media effectively. Herschel's products combine vintage and contemporary design elements, making them highly appealing to students. The company has turned down over 500 investor offers, maintaining full ownership and control. Herschel's commitment to sustainability and quality has made it a favorite among consumers.

North Face

The North Face is renowned for producing high-quality school bags, known for their durability and comfort. These backpacks, such as the Router Backpack, feature innovative designs like the FlexVent suspension system, which has earned the American Chiropractic Association's approval. They offer ample storage with multiple compartments and pockets, making them ideal for school and travel. The North Face backpacks are highly durable, with some models lasting nearly a decade, and are often available at discounted prices, such as up to 41% off during sales. Their products are favored for their water-repellent exteriors and ergonomic designs.

Under Armour

Under Armour, although primarily known for its athletic performance apparel and footwear, does not specifically focus on producing school bags. However, the brand's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality could potentially position it well if it were to enter the school bags market. Under Armour's focus on performance-driven innovations and its goal to use 75% of low-shed materials by 2030 aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly and durable school bags. The company's strong brand presence and customer loyalty, as seen in its apparel and footwear segments, could be leveraged to capture a significant market share in the school bags sector. Under Armour's net sales exceeded five billion U.S. dollars for the first time in 2018, demonstrating its capability to drive significant market growth. For more insight into their commitments and values, visit Under Armour's mission and vision.

Adidas

Adidas, as a prominent player in the school bags market, is known for its innovative and ergonomic designs, catering to the growing demand for comfortable and durable school bags. The brand's commitment to sustainability, such as using recycled materials, aligns with the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products. Adidas' global reach and strong brand recognition, built over decades, contribute to its market share in the school bags sector. The brand's focus on lightweight and durable materials, driven by the rising use of electronic gadgets in schools, further enhances its appeal. With a CAGR of 4.3% expected in the global school bags market from 2025 to 2030, Adidas is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. You can explore more about their brand history on their official blog.

Nike

Nike, a leading global athletic footwear and apparel brand, also excels in the production of high-quality school bags. Known for its innovative products and strong market presence, Nike's school bags are part of its broader accessories line, which includes bags, socks, sport balls, and other equipment. In 2023, Nike exceeded $50 billion in revenue, showcasing its robust market performance. The brand's commitment to innovation, high-quality construction, and sustainable supply chains enhances its school bag offerings. For instance, Nike's use of materials like nylon, polyester, and canvas ensures durability and comfort, aligning with consumer preferences for ergonomic and eco-friendly products.

High Sierra

High Sierra is renowned as one of the top producers of school bags, known for its durable and stylish designs. The brand's products are favored for their high-quality materials, such as polyester, which accounted for 42.05% of the school bags market in 2021 due to its waterproof and sturdy nature. High Sierra's school bags are widely available through dominant distribution channels like supermarkets and hypermarkets, which held a 53.90% market share in 2021. The brand benefits from the growing global school bags market, projected to reach USD 31.25 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2029. High Sierra's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a preferred choice among students and parents. For more information, explore their official website.

Fjällräven Kånken

The Fjallraven Kanken backpack, designed in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, has become an iconic and beloved brand globally, with 200 Kankens sold every hour worldwide. Made from durable and water-resistant Vinylon F fabric, the Kanken is known for its lightweight and spacious design, fitting A4 books and laptops easily. By 1980, just two years after its launch, over 30,000 Kankens had been sold, and its popularity has only grown, with a significant global appeal especially after the release of various colorful editions in 2008. Fjallraven's commitment to sustainability and longevity is evident in the Kanken's design, which has been recognized by the Swedish Government for its cultural significance. The brand continues to be a leader in the outdoor gear market, with a strong online presence and significant eCommerce revenue. For more details about their range, visit the official Fjallraven Kanken page.

SwissGear

SwissGear is renowned as one of the top producers of school bags, known for its high-quality, durable, and feature-rich products. The brand's backpacks, such as the SWISSGEAR 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack, are made from abrasion-resistant polyester fabric and feature advanced organizational pockets, TSA-friendly lay-flat back panels, and ergonomic design elements like padded shoulder straps and breathable fabric. SwissGear's products cater to both students and professionals, offering superior storage options and innovative features like self-repairing zippers and media player packets. The brand is a key player in the global smart backpack market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2032. SwissGear's commitment to quality and functionality has made it a preferred choice among consumers.

Columbia

Columbia, although primarily known for its outdoor apparel and gear, is not a leading producer of school bags. However, if we consider the broader context of backpacks and bags, Columbia's expertise in durable and high-quality outdoor products could translate well to the school bag market. The school bags market itself is driven by factors such as increasing student enrollment and government initiatives to enhance education, leading to a projected CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2029. Key players in the school bags market include Samsonite, VF Corporation, and Nike, but Columbia's brand strength in outdoor gear could position it well for entry into this segment.