How to Choose The Perfect Backpack for College (& What’s in Mine)

This is a sponsored post in partnership with High Sierra and Her Campus Media. All words and opinions are my own!

From the time we’re in elementary school up until basically forever, backpacks are essential. My backpack holds my books and laptop one day for class and a change of clothes and my makeup bag for a weekend getaway the next. When you’re buying something that you’ll use every day for as long as possible (until it invariably rips), you want something good. Having owned plenty of backpacks (and some *shudder* messenger bags) in my time, I’ve finally figured out the formula for finding the perfect backpack for college.

While shopping for all of your college essentials don’t forget to shop for the crown jewel of it all — your backpack. Here’s exactly how to choose the perfect backpack and a peek inside of mine.

1. The Purpose(s)

I prefer a larger backpack that I can use for class and also use when I’m heading home on the weekends. It makes more sense financially and it’s definitely more convenient. Remember, in college, you don’t have a ton of storage space so having a multi-purpose backpack is very effective.

Perhaps your backpack will also be doubling as the bag you take hiking. You’ll definitely want something large and durable. Or, maybe it’ll double as the backpack you take to your internship. In that case, you may want something extra sleek and simple.

2. Size & Fit

Make sure you’ve got a backpack large enough for your laptop! You’re guaranteed to need a way to take your computer to class or somewhere on campus to study. Measure the dimensions of your laptop before shopping for a backpack for college.

Consider what you’ll be carrying on a daily basis. If you generally don’t carry much, you might want a small backpack. If you’re a busy person, you’ll definitely have some days where you’ll have to pack all of your books, your laptop and gym clothes for your workout later. In that case, opt for the larger size.

3. Amenities

If you are never without a water bottle, you might want a side pocket for water. If you’re constantly misplacing your keys, perhaps you’d like a small zip pocket on the front. A good amenity I always look for is a padded tech pocket that fits my laptop (High Sierra’s Emmett 2 backpack has one!). This is essential if you plan on bringing your laptop with you everywhere you go. Which, if you’re in college, you surely will.

4. Comfort

Padded straps are a wonderful perk. Ensure the straps on the bag you’re looking for are adjustable and the bag is a comfortable size to carry. This High Sierra Emmett 2 backpack has padded straps so they won’t leave those red marks on your shoulders when you’ve got a tank top on and are carrying a heavy bag.

It also has a primary padded back panel, which is another thing to look for in a backpack. Padded back panels mean more comfort and they can help keep your back cool. Don’t pretend you don’t know the horrors of backpack-created back sweat!

5. Sections & Pockets

I love having a ton of organizational pockets on everything from purses to backpacks. It helps me keep track of all of my belongings without turning my bag into a black hole of clutter. I’m a girl who keeps a lot of things in her bag, so I need a bag with plenty of sections and pockets. The Emmett 2 from High Sierra has a ton of pockets. It has large pockets I can fit water in, smaller pockets for keys, front pockets for pens and pencils, etc.

6. Style

My first real backpack for college had a very bright, tropical floral print. I loved the print but, at the end of the day, it really clashed with so many of my outfits. In fact, it even matched some of my favorite floral dresses a bit too closely and it looked super weird. I’m not looking to twin with my patterned backpack. I’ve since chosen a simple, classic black bag. Consider a timeless color or print when choosing your bag. You’ll look at it and use it every single day, so choose carefully. You can opt for versatility or a statement piece.

I also love a simple black bag because it can easily be dressed up and personalized with patches and key chains. Everything matches black! How cute is that lip keychain? It has a zippered pouch perfect for spare change or hair ties.

7. Durability

While you may be tempted to choose a really cheap “fashion” bag, backpacks are generally worth the investment. The investment doesn’t even need to be that much. This High Sierra Emmet 2 backpack was under $40 and it’s fantastic quality. Always go with a brand you trust and know to be durable.

8. Backpack vs. Oversized Tote/Purse

I’m a huge proponent of the backpack. I’ve used totes before and I have so many qualms:

• You can’t fit as much. If you need to bring a textbook, your laptop, a notebook and an umbrella to class, your bag will be way overstuffed.
• All of the weight is on one side of your body rather than equally distributed across your back. One side of you is going to be sore and weighed down.
• Most of them don’t close entirely. Namely, when it rains all of your crap is getting soaked.
• They’re not super safe. When you put your bag down, someone can just reach their hand in and take your stuff. Just sayin’.

While totes are really cute, they generally aren’t very practical for school. This, of course, is all up to you. There are plenty of stylish backpacks that are way more effective and just as cute as totes. With all of this being said, I’d say my college is split on this decision. Half of the girls use totes/purses and the other half use backpacks. That being said, a lot of my friends who use totes end up using their “emergency” backpack half of the time when they have too much to carry. So, really, if you’re looking to save money and space…a backpack is usually the better choice.

9. Turnover Rate

If you know yourself and know you want a new backpack for each year of college, keep that in mind. You might be more inclined to choose a bold print or pattern because you’ll only use it for a year. Then again, if you plan on using your backpack until it literally falls apart, you might prefer something versatile.

In My Backpack for College

So, now that you’ve got a backpack for college it’s time to fill it up! I keep a lot of junk in my backpack, so I won’t get too into detailed but I like to keep things divided in pockets or in smaller pouches so it’s more organized.

I keep folders, notebooks and a pencil case in the main pocket. My pencil case always has miniature sticky notes, pens, pencils, a permanent marker, multiple colors of highlighters, a flash drive and a miniature stapler. I also keep my planner with me, I’m currently using the ClassTracker planner and I’ve been loving it so far! (It’s pictured in the very first image of the post).

I also keep my laptop in my backpack in the laptop sleeve compartment. Plus, I have a smaller tech bag with a phone charger and two pairs of earbuds. I also have another essentials bag where I keep hand lotion, hand sanitizer, a nail file, some medicine, bobby pins, hair ties and lip balm in my bag.

I also keep my glasses, sunglasses and an umbrella (depending on the weather forecast). I often keep a novel, in case I get bored while waiting for something. Lastly, I keep a pack of gum to combat coffee breath and an emergency granola bar in case I get hungry. Honestly, my bag has anything and everything in it.

What do you keep in your backpack for college?