Best Backpacks for Back to School

Jun 9, 2025

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An image of an individual on top of a mountain peak staring out into the view. The individual is wearing a colorful backpack.

Introduction

A great backpack is essential for students of all ages. Whether for carrying heavy textbooks, laptops, and tablets, or just the essentials, the right pack must be durable, functional, and comfortable. We've rounded up 10 backpacks that are perfect for back-to-school merch and can also be customized with your brand to get your name out there on campuses.

An image of the Carhartt Ripstop backpack being hung on a wooden table in the outdoors. There is another backpack located below the one being hung.

1. Carhartt® Ripstop Backpack

Best for: All-purpose use, from school to weekend.
Built tough with water-repellent CORDURA® ripstop fabric, this backpack is ready for anything. Features include a padded laptop sleeve, mesh compartments, a sternum strap, and a breathable back panel.
Customizable area: Front panel – embroidery or patch branding recommended.

An image of a man outside wearing the OGIO connected backpack in the color black. The man is looking at his phone and there is a white Jeep located in the background.

2. OGIO® Connected Pack

Best for: Tech-savvy students and commuters
A premium backpack with a USB charging port, laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pockets, and reflective detailing. Its modern look pairs well with digital-first lifestyles.
Customizable area: Front pocket or top panel, which is ideal for embroidery or heat transfer.

An image of a man in a white T shirt wearing the "Never Check Expandable Backpack". The man is facing away from the camera to show off the backpack. The photo is taken against a white background,

Never Check Expandable Backpack

Best for: Travelers and flexible storage needs
Expandable capacity, weatherproof zippers, and premium materials make this a top pick for students who are always on the move.
Customizable area: Subtle branding options – sleek print or small patch recommended.

An image of two women looking over a bridge. Both women are wearing colorful apparel, but the one to the right is wearing the Cotopaxi Batac Backpack.

4. Cotopaxi® Batac Backpack

Best for: Lightweight carry and eco-conscious branding
Each Batac backpack is a one-of-a-kind color combo made from repurposed materials. Simple, packable, and great for quick trips.
Customizable area: Cotopaxi logo remains; branding via attached tag or custom insert.

An upclose image of an individual placing their passport into their black Rivin pack backpack. The photo is taken in front of a grey and white stripped background.

5. Rivin Pack

Best for: Trend-forward students and professionals
Modern and sleek with diagonal zippers, hidden laptop sleeve, and reflective safety panels. Made from recycled materials with style in mind.
Customizable area: Back panel or strap – great for subtle, high-end branding.

An image of a man walking up a concrete staircase wearing a black Samsonite classic business laptop backpack.

6. Samsonite Classic Business 2.0 Everyday Laptop Backpack

Best for: College students and business programs
A professional backpack with multiple compartments for laptops, books, and accessories. Modern and tailored for everyday carry.
Customizable area: Top panel or front pocket – embroidery preferred.

An image of a man in a creme colored shirt wearing a black Backpack Pro. The image is taken against a grey background.

7. Backpack Pro

Best for: Work, gym, and everything in between
Minimalist design with functional extras like a water bottle/wine sleeve and weather-resistant construction. Ultra-sustainable materials with a low carbon footprint.
Customizable area: Clean front design – screen print or embroidery.

An upclose image of a man wearing the Moonyx utility backpack in a light grey color. The background is very dark.

8. Moonyx Utility Backpack

Best for: Versatility and travel convenience
20L backpack with a detachable front pouch that becomes a crossbody. Includes a hidden passport pocket, laptop sleeve, and luggage pass-through.
Customizable area: Front pouch or back panel – multiple print options.

An image of a man turned away from the camera to showcase the Coloma Roll-Top backpack he is wearing. The backpack is black and the photo is taken against a wooden background.

9. Coloma Roll-Top Backpack

Best for: Urban style with high functionality
Roll-top closure, metal buckles, and a bold design. The hidden laptop compartment and hidden pass-through make it practical and premium. Customizable area: Roll-top flap or side panel – embroidery or patch branding.

An image of a woman in a khaki jacket facing away from the camera to showcase the Eco Ripstop Alcatraz Backpack she is wearing. The backpack is in the color black and the photo is taken against a grey background.

10. Eco Ripstop Alcatraz Backpack

Best for: Daily school use and tech protection
Durable, water-resistant, and built to hold books, lunch, and electronics. Includes separate compartments for a laptop and tablet.
Customizable area: Front pocket – great for a large screen-printed logo.

Conclusion

Customization Options

Each of these backpacks can be customized using the following branding techniques:

Embroidery
Heat transfer
Screen printing
Custom patches or tags

These packs are perfect for schools, universities, employee onboarding kits, and branded merchandise programs.

Backpacks are daily essentials that offer year-round visibility for your brand. Whether you're outfitting a student body, welcoming new employees, or building out your merch line, a custom backpack makes a lasting impression on whoever is wearing it or seeing it.

Ready to create the perfect backpack? Contact us today!