With so many options on the market where backpacks are concerned, it can be difficult to weed through them all. While it’s possible to go to the corner store and pick up the cheapest bag you can find, why do that when there’s so much affordable quality out there? Whether you’re a student or simply looking for a more efficient way to carry things around, we can help you pick out the best backpack in 2018.
Comparison Chart
Product | USB Port | Laptop Compartment | Water Resistant | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ZUMIT Laptop Backpack  | No | Yes, 15 inches | Yes | No products found. |
Under Armour Hustle 3.0  | No | Yes, 13 inches | Yes | No products found. |
JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack  | No | Yes, 15 inches | Yes | No products found. |
Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack  | Yes | Yes, 15 inches | Yes | No products found. |
SOCKO Convertible College Backpack  | No | Yes, 17 inches | Yes | No products found. |
Product FAQ
What are some features I should be looking for in backpacks?
What size laptops will these bags carry?
How We Reviewed
We have an eye on quality. We really wanted to make sure that we could offer great backpacks at great prices. Some of these hover around the $$ mark, and others are slightly more expensive. However, all will perform well at what they were made for. It’s important for you to understand your own needs where owning a backpack is concerned.
Price Range of the Product
In terms of backpacks in general, they can range from $ or less all the way up to $$$ of dollars, depending on brand and materials used. For this article, all of the bags are under $, as this is probably the most common price point for somebody who wants to buy a nice bag that will last a while but isn’t looking for a designer product.
The Best Backpacks of 2018
ZUMIT Laptop Backpack
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This is a backpack that is perfect for the minimalist who doesn’t want to carry around the kitchen sink. (Or the type of person who will carry around the kitchen sink if the bag is too big.) If you don’t have a ton of stuff to carry around but you want to carry your laptop in comfort, the ZUMIT Laptop Backpack is a great choice.
Key Features
The key feature to the ZUMIT Laptop Backpack is its slim appearance. Carrying around the ZUMIT Laptop Backpack means that you will travel lightly and effortlessly. We also like the look of the bag: all straight lines. The ZUMIT Laptop Backpack is more of an “executive” feel rather than a “college student” feel, and those who need a more professional look are sure to love it.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The ZUMIT Laptop Backpack is $ on Amazon.
Where to Buy
You can get the ZUMIT Laptop Backpack or purchase it directly from ZUMIT.
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Under Armour Hustle 3.0
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This is a great backpack if you happen to be an athlete or attend the gym a lot. It has a very rugged nylon construction that will handle basically everything that you throw at it. Additionally, you’ll be able to clean the Under Armour Hustle 3.0 very easily, so you won’t have to worry about too much of a “gym bag” smell if you do use it to haul your socks back from the gym.
Key Features
The extra pockets on the Under Armour Hustle 3.0 are very well thought out. There’s one at the top of the bag, which is perfect for keys or a wallet. There is another zippered pocket at the base of the bag, which is great for gym shoes and socks. There is also a laptop sleeve, but keep in mind that it’s only going to fit laptops up to 13 inches.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 starts at $ on Amazon.
Where to Buy
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 is available on Amazon and can also be found at major sports outlets across the country.
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JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack
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This is one of the most classic backpacks in the game from one of the most classic backpack manufacturers. JanSport is well loved for a reason, and that’s because it produces some of the hardest wearing backpacks in the industry. A JanSport backpack will likely last you years if taken care of correctly, and the JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack is no exception.
Key Features
The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack has the traditional JanSport look with the suede bottom. It also has a sleeve that will fit up to a 15-inch laptop. The interior is very large and only one pocket, which may be a pro to some and a con to others. There is another large pocket on the front of the bag which is good for wallets and other smaller items.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack retails for $ on Amazon.
Where to Buy
The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack is available on Amazon and can also be found at many big box retail stores.
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Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack
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This is a great backpack for those who want a sleek look and also want the added benefit of a built-in USB charging cable. This is also great for those who are concerned about their belongings becoming water damaged, as the material is fully waterproof. (Great for those who live in rainy climates!)
Key Features
In addition to the wonderful appearance and the fact that this has a USB charging cable in it, the Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack also is very handily divided. There are specific areas for your keys, phone, water bottle, and more. If you are the kind of person who likes to have all of your possessions well organized, the Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack is a great choice.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack is available on Amazon for $.
Where to Buy
The Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack is available on Amazon and does have Prime.
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SOCKO Convertible College Backpack
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If you can’t decide between a messenger bag and a laptop, the SOCKO Convertible College Backpack has the answer for you. It can be easily carried both ways and looks great doing it.
Key Features
Easily the key feature to the SOCKO Convertible College Backpack is the fact that it’s convertible. Some people really love carrying messenger bags generally, but may need the functionality of a backpack when they have to carry heavy loads. This is where the SOCKO Convertible College Backpack comes into play.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The SOCKO Convertible College Backpack is $ on Amazon.
Where to Buy
The SOCKO Convertible College Backpack can be bought on Amazon.
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Our Verdict on the Best Backpack of 2018
We’ll be honest: if we had to pick one, we’d go with the Under Armour Hustle 3.0, with the exception of the small laptop sleeve. The small laptop sleeve does set it back considerably, however, which is a bit of a shame. However, if you don’t need to cart a bigger laptop around, then the Under Armour Hustle 3.0 provides a lot of versatility for the money. We also like how it has the convenient separate pockets, which make it easy to cloister smelly clothing together.
Again, if you don’t plan on carrying around large laptops, this is our choice. If you are planning on carrying around a larger laptop, then we’d go with the JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack. We love the JanSport name and quality, and we also love how the pockets are not divided. Obviously, this is totally a matter of preference. If you do like to have divided pockets so that you can be super organized, then we’d recommend the Matein Anti-Theft, Water-Resistant College Backpack over the JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack.
