The 9 Best Backpacks Under $100 for All of Your Back-To-School Needs

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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. SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

BEST OVERALL

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.

2. Fjällräven Classic Kånken

RUNNER UP

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.

3. 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

4. Everlane ReNew 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.

5. 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.

6. Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

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.

7. 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.

8. 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 

9. 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.

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