The Best Backpacks Under $100 for All of Your Back-To-School Needs
If you’ve got places to go and people to see, a backpack can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re commuting to work or school, heading out on the weekend to see friends, hitting up the trails or hanging out at a coffee shop, backpacks hold all of your essentials and then some.
These days, backpacks are designed with functionality in mind. Gone are the days of dumping things into an endless sac and trying to find your wallet or keys in a hot second. Some of the best backpacks come with endless compartments, laptop sleeves and other features to keep you organized while you’re on the go. Unfortunately, all of those extra features also mean that many packs have inched upwards in price.
Luckily, there are still plenty of backpacks that won’t break the bank. Check out our picks for the best backpacks under $100.
1. The Brevitē Backpack with Quick Side Access
BEST OVERALL
These functional, industrial-designed packs hold an incredible number of items so that you can stay well-stocked and outfitted from day to night. There are hidden pockets for valuables, a separate laptop pocket and even a luggage passthrough so that it fits on suitcases, making it perfect for a variety of situations. The Brevitē also comes with a lifetime warranty and free shipping, which basically just adds even more value to an already amazing product. Colors have been selling out fast as TikTokers discover the genius of the design, but put your name on the list anyhow because new ones are constantly being produced.
Image courtesy of Brevitē
2. SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack
BEST BUDGET
Amazon reviewers are all-in on this budget pack, which comes with a lock, USB port and padded shoulder straps that are adjustable for students and adults alike. Users report the backpack is lightweight and comfy, and it fits everything they need with room to spare. Plus, there are plenty of compartments to keep essentials organized and handy, as well as two water bottle holders so that you can stay hydrated on longer hauls.
Image courtesy of Amazon
3. Fjällräven Classic Kånken
BEST FOR SORE BACKS
Packs are a convenient and easy way to carry around all that extra stuff, but they can also take a toll on the back. That’s where this Swedish backpack comes in handy. The classic design was created in 1978 to prevent back problems with school children. These days though, it’s used worldwide for trekking to the old 9-5 and for exciting outdoor adventures alike. Aside from coming in an array of colors for all kinds of personalities, they’re durable, quick-drying and water-resistant, so you can expect yours to last for years to come.
Image courtesy of Amazon
4. Herschel Miller Backpack
BEST INSULATED
Is there anything like stopping for a cold one after hitting the trails? With this insulated backpack, you can do exactly that, since the foam-padded insulation will keep your sodas cold all day long. There’s also a front pocket with a key clip bottle opener (just in case), plus a leakproof liner (also just in case). This pack fits up to 20 cans, so you can load it up for a family or a few buds and know that you’ll all stay hydrated throughout the day.
Image courtesy of Herschel
5. Herschel Daypack
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
If you’re looking for something small and lightweight that you can just throw a few things into and hit the road, this backpack under $100 is a great bet. It comes with a soft cotton canvas and adjustable shoulder straps that fit all kinds of bodies. This pack also doesn’t have a firm structure, which means it packs easily into larger bags when traveling. Meanwhile, the minimalist design still features many of the company’s signature finishes, like the classic woven label.
Related: Best Ultralight Backpacks
Image courtesy of Herschel
6. Everlane ReNew 15 Inch Transit Backpack
BEST FOR TRANSIT
If you’re the commuting type, then you know the importance of having a backpack under $100 that’s large but organized. Enter this offering from Everlane, which comes decked out with extra features. There’s a 15” laptop sleeve hidden underneath that water-resistant finish, plus internal and external water bottle pockets to keep you hydrated all day. There are also multiple compartments for all of your various knickknacks and belongings, so you’ll never be fumbling looking for those wireless headphones again.
Image courtesy of Evelane
7. Adidas Prime Backpack
BEST FOR TRAINING
When you’re on route to the gym or getting ready to hit the trails, you need a backpack under $100 that’s going to stand up to a little wear-and-tear —especially if you have to stuff it in a locker or jam extra workout gear in there. Luckily this backpack from Adidas is reasonably priced and incredibly durable. It comes with shock-absorbing shoulder straps for those times you’re out jogging the trails, but it can also function as a daily pack thanks to the padded laptop sleeve and wide array of pockets.
Image courtesy of Adidas
8. Lululemon Everyday Backpack
BEST FOR MOVING AROUND
If you’ve got places to go — trails, the gym, a night away — this pack will help you get your things there in one piece. There are lots of compartments and pockets to get those goods to where they need to go because the piece has been designed for those with full days. There’s also an easy-access exterior pocket where you can stash things you’ll need to access in a hurry, because you’re always on the go like that.
Image courtesy of Lululemon
9. Tommy Jeans Recycled Roll-Top Backpack
BEST ADJUSTABLE
Whether you want to gear up or gear down, this adjustable, roll-top backpack has you covered. It’s one of the most unique backpacks under $100 on the market and it definitely stands out thanks to the “Golden Age” hue. There’s also a fast-release clip and top carry handle, so it works in a variety of situations (including work thanks to the internal laptop sleeve). In love with the pack but still not quite sure it’s for you? Tommy fabricated this one with the planet in mind, using only 100% recycled polyester.
Image courtesy of Tommy Jeans
10. SwissGear ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
BEST SMART PACK
You don’t have to be a tech lover to appreciate all of the bells and whistles on this pack, which will keep you charged and ready to go from morning to night. The ScanSmart is specifically designed for airplane commuters who want to spend less time going through security, but it also features a ton of other cool upgrades. There’s a laptop and padded TableSafe pocket, for example, as well as an integrated media pocket with a headphone port and a zip mesh accessories pocket. The only thing it doesn’t come with is a USB port, but odds are if this pack is of interest you’ve already got a few portable chargers in your rotation that you can use instead.
Image courtesy of Amazon
11. Vans Old Skool III Backpack
RETRO PICK
If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for the backpacks of yesteryear and need something fun to lug your stuff around in, this pack certainly fits the bill. The retro design is a mood, but we’re all about the functional feels here. It’s got your basic compartments and adjustable straps, which makes this backpack under $100 a great medium-sized bag for school or a laid-back day at the park.
Image courtesy of Nordstrom
12. Osprey Daylite Tote Back
BEST TOTE
Is it a tote or is it a backpack? You decide with this everyday pack from Osprey. It’s designed with multiple purposes in mind, from hiking to commuting to studying at your favorite java joint. Load it up with your laptop and work gear for a day at the office or school, or throw some essentials into the secure front panel zipper pocket and head out to the farmer’s market this weekend.
Related: Best Hiking Backpacks
Image courtesy of Ospey
13. Under Armour Adult Roland Backpack
BEST MEDIUM-SIZED
Sometimes you just need a backpack under $100 that’s going to get your stuff from Point A to Point B, and investing in a larger pack that’s going to load up the old back with extra weight just doesn’t make sense. That’s why Under Armour has this sleek offering, which is meant for lightweight travel. Don’t mistake lightweight with flimsy though, because this thing is meant to last thanks to the highly water-resistant Storm technology finish and the element-resisting, coated bottom panel.
Image courtesy of Amazon
14. The North Face ‘Jester’ Backpack
BEST FOR SMALL SHOULDERS
This roomy pack is easily accessible thanks to the two-way closure and external bungee cord system, but it also features two large zip compartments and a padded laptop sleeve to cover all of your basic needs. The adjustable shoulder straps and removable sternum strap and hip belt are specifically designed with smaller frames in mind, which also makes this backpack under $100 a great bet for kids, teens and women.
Image courtesy of Nordstrom