7 Best College / University backpacks (+ buying advice)

7 Best College/University Backpacks // Pros and Cons // Best price and more!
🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉 www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Backpack Theory
1:28 - 70's style
3:39 - College sling
5:33 - College / hiking
7:17 - University / outdoors
9:04 - Urban / university
10:56 - Retro / recycled
12:47 - Design student
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A fast round-up of the backpacks we think are best for college/university.
A great college /university backpack must:
• Look stylish
• Be compact
• Be lightweight
• Have a great laptop compartment
• Have a few handy pockets for quick organization
If you think we missed an important backpack for uni, please let us know in the comments below.
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✍🏼 70's style backpack:
🎒 Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/30iBNxJ
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/classic-b...
✍🏼 Slings for university:
🎒 Nomatic Navigator Sling - hard shell + 11" tablet
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/30fsvTb
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/navigator...
🎒 Aer Tech Sling 2 - best sling that holds a 13" laptop
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3qz5be6
👉🏼 Check their website: go.nomadsnation.com/tech-sling-2
✍🏼 College / outdoor backpacks:
🎒 Able Carry Thirteen - lightweight and durable
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/30iBz9R
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/thirteen-...
🎒 Wandrd Duo daypack - extremely water-resistant *DISCLAIMER: The WANDRD Duo is now discontinued, check out the WANDRD PRVKE instead! They are both great weather-resistant bags for photographers.
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3osBmcD
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/wandrd-prvke
✍🏼 Retro backpack for university:
🎒 Day Owl Backpack - 60's style wax canvas bag
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3Ryy1cj
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/dayowl-bac...
✍🏼 Designer backpack for university:
🎒 Bellroy Melbourne Backpack - plastic denim material and beautiful styling
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3FiU4dD
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/melbourne...
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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [e-mail]
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Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our 7 Best College / University Backpacks review! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)
Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews-if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@Brandon-0028]

I've said it before here, but that Duo is just organizational and accessibility genius. My complaint was that it's designed for a smaller frame than mine and the aesthetics aren't my preference. But, man... that Belroy really stands out far in front of the rest in my opinion. Yes, I am a designer and UX Architect. My only problem with it again comes to the straps and sizing, which leads me to maybe the Apex perhaps as it fits a bit larger. Still though, for those college kids with money to burn, it doesn't get much better than the Mission Workshop Rhake. Tons of organizational space, and the amazing material, craftsmanship, and design of Mission Workshop.

[@marianthelibrarian2274]

Yep, agree with you about the Rhake. Plus it's a very comfortable carry.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

3 in 1 convertible back packs are my preferred choice. You have back pack straps if having to walk or cycle for 10-20 minutes on your commute. On a bus or tube (Metro) you can put away the straps and carry as a brief case. Same in lecture theatre, classroom or lab. Less to get tangled or in your way or other people. Third way is with a shoulder strap. It does not take much extra in books and notepads with a laptop to get very heavy. Even backpack under 15 litres can be very heavy and not everyone can pump 10-15kg single handed all day long. Waist belt options really do help. Many smaller back packs (under 30 litres) don't have a waist strap. Some however enable fitting one and may work adequately. I use a waist belt and convert it to a shoulder strap with the addition of a pad over the belt buckle. Saves carrying two separate straps. A brief case style looks more professional and smart and that means it will last for many years longer than just college and university assuming your can get into a career after graduation. "4, 6 or 8 years of university." Oh! You met my daughter (2013-2021).

[@Nomads.Nation]

I literally LOL-ed on your last line 😂

[@brenocarvalho4673]

I have Nomatic 6L Sling, and it's great! Very urban/sexy/office. It's a big 6L. Although it doesn't fit a laptop, they now have a 10L version, and can fit a 13" macbook.

[@mitchellkirkham844]

Funny coincidence but I am actually rocking the AER Slim Pack to medical school today! Just packed it out. I love it for packing light, especially in a digital era of education all I need to bring is my iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard and apple pencil and a couple accessories (in AER slim pack) and I am good to go. When I want to pack more, bring a laptop, or bring a lunch I switch to the AER Tech Pack 2 which I also highly recommend for higher Ed. TPU zippers great for rain/snow, and the self standing feature is actually incredible, especially in lecture halls where there is very rarely a good place to prop up your bag. Holds a change of clothes for a workout or scrubs for anatomy lab and you are ready to roll. Thanks for the vid! I found your channel when researching which packs to get for school actually so I owe it to your individual reviews that I found and have been enjoying AER’s products!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much for the kin words Mitchell! And I'm so glad to hear our reviews have been helpful. Love me all of Aer's products but agree that the Tech Pack 2 is ideal for higher Ed.

[@charlesmendez5156]

I just found this channel love the energy and videos. I got more into backpacks once I started looking at them for day to day and this channel is perfect thanks

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much Charles!

[@mkphilly]

I have this 10yr old 20" Highland Tactical molle backpack that has survived everything I throw at it, and I love the "eyelids" over every external zipper (there's also a nice hole on the bottom for draining) and, of all my bags, it's my go-to. AND, I use the AER smaller items to supplement it, especially the Day sling I use with it. With so many bags, I still find your reviews great, especially when you do walkabouts with what you keep in it. Cheers!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much mkphilly! Your support means a lot to us.

[@mkphilly]

@@Nomads.Nation you deserve it. As a bag nerd my self, am so surprised you don't have way more subs, as all your reviews are totally honest and comprehensive, with just the best attitude ... the verve😎👍

[@mkphilly]

@@Nomads.Nation BTW, the AER Day Sling just became available, so bought for the ORANGE interior along with Slim Pouch. So the old Day Sling will be gifted to someone. You sold me on AER! Also told 'em it was your reviews.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@mkphilly hell yeah that xpac with the orange interior is so sickkk!

[@mkphilly]

@@Nomads.Nation BTW, left comments on AER after the X-Pacs and mentioned your reviews sold me, and they mentioned you and Tav and your great reviews: " Aaron and Tav are both great and we thoroughly appreciate the honest thoughts and opinions that they bring to all their different reviews of carry products"

[@LezOLee]

Second version of the Bellroy classic backpack plus was release a short while ago that brought some meaningful updates. Should give it a look.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Will do Leslie, thanks for the heads up!

[@cassiehemming6394]

such high quality reviewing right here! i SO appreciate the backpacks in this video. GORGEOUS, my only problem now is having to pick one eeeeek

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much Cassie! Good luck with your selection ;)

[@keithstone8693]

I'm looking for a backpack that would fit a "Digital College Homeless" need. Think travel-pack capacity , with lots of organization, but with features a college student would appreciate. Things I'm looking for: - Square-ish design with a semi-flat bottom , so the backpack could be sat on the ground, and stay upright. I can set it down on the ground, right next to my desk, and it's just sitting there. Doesn't flop over. - Additional front pockets that open upwards. So when the backpack IS sitting down next to my chair, I can just reach down into the open slot pockets, grab my pens, my phone, wallet, etc. At least x2 front pockets would be preferable, more sleeves are always a plus. Organization is god-tier - Dedicated laptop compartment with space for at least a 17" beast of a laptop + accessories - Large main compartment (at LEAST 20 Liters) that opens up only partially; (I don't like how most travel bags open up "all the way" , since my books and groceries end up spilling out when the zipper gives. A partially open frog-mouth design works for me perfectly. - Any additional features, such as molle webbing to the front, sides, or even the backpack straps, are a plus. Customization and adding attachments and accessories are always amazeballs. Some close ones that nearly fit my "perfect backpack" category would be Timbuk2's 1st Gen "Q" laptop backpack (since discontinued in 2014, and no longer available) and the Linus Tech Tips backpack... but its missing a few features. (And that front pocket is god-awful, my pens and phone will spill out when I unzip that thing. Give me your recomendations internet people

[@Gavolak]

The mantis 26 comes to mind. You can easily pack a laptop, iPad, notebook or two, and stationary, AND a full outfit change. It’s meant to be a backpacking / travel pack but you can definitely use it for school

[@williamvega8652]

You make nice videos that it’s so inspiring to pursue my dream to be a content creator ✨

[@Nomads.Nation]

That’s super nice William, thanks so much! If you want to create content just get started! My first videos were terrible but they have slowly gotten better

[@benjaminraymundo6711]

Cool list and I loved the last one. Looks unique

[@Nomads.Nation]

glad it was useful!

[@niles8102]

I love the day owl in black. Canvas material is my favorite.

[@Nomads.Nation]

amazing material from an amazing brand

[@Franduil]

What would you recommend for driving via bike. In my area its raining fairly once a week when Im driving to school and I need some space for folders etc. - it needs to have some architect/designer feeling though. Hope you can help!

[@Nomads.Nation]

I can’t say for sure, don’t have a bike. Able Carry should be a good brand to check out, and Timbuk2

[@jpmccarthy33]

I feel like the rennen from Boundary would be a solid option here (and is built well and not overly expensive)... But yeah, boundary fan boy lol

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great call Jeff! It looks the part, has great functionality, and it being eco-friendly will resonate with a lot of uni students. Let's say it's backpack #8 on our list ;)

[@driserq199]

What do you guys think about Modern Dayfarer? I think it'd be a good option for college/high school. I personally want to by one for my high school.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Fucking love Modern Dayfarer - all of their products are amazing - good call!

[@gabrielcodina5466]

I just saw at 13:03 the lady is carrying toilet roles from a special handle integrated into the packaging. I wish we had that in Canada.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Such a game-changer, I've taken them for granted since being in Hong Kong haha

[@gu364]

I would like to choose one for university, from either: 1. bellroy melbourne: it looks great and I love the texture, materials used as well as its design; but probably a bit big for me 2. day owl slim: I love its size, the ease of carrying, and the concept of being eco-friendly; but there's a smaller capacity so I'm not sure if it is enough for me to carry stuff 3. day owl (standard): similar to day owl slim, but also not sure if it would be too big for me As I am a short girl (about 5 ft), which one would you recommend? And are their heat dissipation good enough? (as you know it's very hot in HK during summer lol)

[@Nomads.Nation]

If you have a ton of books and gear (laptop, charger, water bottle, notebook, etc) then the day owl slim will be way too small. If I were you I’d try the day owl regular, but I’m not sure if they ship to Hong Kong 🤔

[@Nomads.Nation]

So therefore maybe the Melbourne will be your best choice. Or really anything by Bellroy. Go visit Suburban in Kwon Tong - they might have one there you can try on to see if you like the size

[@gu364]

@@Nomads.Nation Got it, tysm!! :D

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@gu364 glad to help :)

[@robbobstone]

My wife is going back to college and fell in love with Tom Bihn's Brain Bag. Yes it's expensive but not only does she use it for school she uses it as a diaper bag, and travel bag. The materials are so strong and well made she will leave this forever

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’ve heard great things about TB!

[@sukhdeepkaur5036]

I think the Bellroy transit is also a good choice

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hopefully I'll get to review that soon!

[@mr_red13]

Is there a good one with two bottle holders? I’d like to bring coffee and water 💦

[@Nomads.Nation]

Maybe check out our ‘best everyday carry backpack’ review. Might be a few in there

[@Morphjin47]

Hey I'm a Uni student, about to do work placement next semester + work part time and I go to the gym often. What's a great backpack for me? I'm not sold on any of these and I think I'm looking for something a bit bigger around the 25-30L mark. I also go on holidays a bit usually for 3-7 days. Would love to be able to bring the same bag to all the different occasions.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Check out the Modern Dayfarer backpack

[@Morphjin47]

@@Nomads.Nation while I love the features and sleek look. I'm worried about the 18L-22L capacity. Will that be enough to carry like gym clothes + shoes + clothes for a few days of travel? I feel like it wouldn't?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Morphjin47 it all depends how you pack. For me, I can do a week on a 22 liter no problemo

[@Morphjin47]

@@Nomads.Nation do you use packing cubes with it?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@Morphjin47 sometimes yes sometimes no. Usually I put clothes on the bottom half of the pack, a tech case and Dopp kit on the top half, laptop in the back - good to go!

[@TheFeist77]

wish you would have said how much each hold by liter.

[@TheFeist77]

should have watch longer before commenting. sorry.

[@Nomads.Nation]

no worries, thanks for watching! And remember, each bag has its own in depth review which you can find in the description

[@ASH7388]

Day Owl changed their backpack design and i cant find one now....

[@Nomads.Nation]

maybe check the NN Marketplace to see if there are any listed - district.net/nomads

[@pk4883]

Are any of them water resistant?

[@Nomads.Nation]

All have varying levels of water resistance in their own ways. Able carry and WANDRD in particular are very WR

[@zacharysoon3756]

Surprised the Rennen didn’t make this list

[@Nomads.Nation]

great bag, just missed the list!

[@sli894]

good channel

[@Nomads.Nation]

Much appreciated!

[@hamzapathan4671]

Bro plz review the new northface surge 2021 its awesome. By the love your content guys 🧡 keep going .💪

[@mitchellkirkham844]

North face Surge and Jester just might be the single most popular backpack at my school (Utah). I don’t know what it is but they are crazy popular.

[@hamzapathan4671]

@@mitchellkirkham844 They are crazy as durable and dope m8 that's why. In our schools here in bangalore India northface is not a very popular brand but I love it I have a recon which I use for school and hiking I treat it like my pet 😂👍💪.

[@mitchellkirkham844]

@@hamzapathan4671 I totally agree! Plus, for people who don’t pay attention to high quality materials they are probably the best quality and design at the lower price range. Great packs, my wife just bought one for herself a month ago.

[@immonkei]

hey brother could I buy these for highschool maybe? Would thank you for the reply!.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Of course! 😊

[@immonkei]

@@Nomads.Nation thank mate❤️

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@immonkei glad to help :)

[@darkktint5974]

Durable should be number 1.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Don’t worry, these bags are made by the best so they are highly durable

[@josephbrown9656]

I was thinking the Bellroy Tokyo totepack would be a good one…

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good call! We haven't reviewed that one yet but it def deserves an honrable mention :)

[@intellectualesemv]

Crunchy xpac is a pro, imo

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@GMC997]

I would care less about aesthetics and more about practicability/smart design.

[@Nomads.Nation]

To each their own! For me personally I want both - functionality and sexiness 😻

[@LayHunter_]

I Personally don’t like the bellroy mellbourne because if you have to carry books with you the ,,strong” magnets won’t hold and your backpack will be open

[@Nomads.Nation]

solid point

[@LayHunter_]

@@Nomads.Nation i Need a new backpack for work and School so i have to Carry Many things Around Laptop 13 Inch Books headphones water bottle and many cables so some additional pockets would be nice and I will wear it in a city if that helps could you maybe recommend me one ?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@LayHunter_ I recommend watching this kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5mUqnh5adOqa8U

[@kellerfraley1627]

Me just being here cus im a highschooler that needs to carry a lot of shit

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad you’re here!

[@gmatar]

What? No Fjällräven????

[@Nomads.Nation]

great brand! just didn't make the cut for this video

[@gilernt]

why do they all look so goofy what happened to simple ah backpacks

[@Nomads.Nation]

Backpacks are going through a revolution right now and lots of new with lots of new and interesting designs. If you want a more traditional look there are still plenty of options with brands like Jansport, Osprey, etc

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Mel-bin, guys, not Mel - Booooorne. These Bellroys were born in Melbourne Australia, not Florida, so please pronounce it correctly. Thanks for the great detail.

[@Nomads.Nation]

glad you enjoyed! 🇦🇺

[@wickedheathen7347]

It’s not scary but fuck expensive

[@Nomads.Nation]

🤔

[@musicviolamusician4392]

Anyone else dislike all of them😅

[@Nomads.Nation]

Lol, all good, but tell me what you prefer!

[@botgamer_0173]

Is it just me or do all of these look ugly lmao

[@Nomads.Nation]

All good, not everyone will like these packs, what’s a backpack that you think looks nice?

[@botgamer_0173]

@@Nomads.Nation oh damn, didn’t expect you to reply. Respect ✊. I like the Herschel bags a lot, but looking for something that’s better in quality.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@botgamer_0173 I reply to every comment ❤️. Check out our Gentcreate reviews - if you like Herschell you might like those (and they are higher quality)

[@benkrauss5041]

I haven't watched more than a minute of the video yet but all these backpacks look so ugly

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the comment Ben - can you recommend a good looking backpack to me so I can check it out

[@benjaminraymundo6711]

last one was just beauty tho

[@benkrauss5041]

@@Nomads.Nation No problem Nomad! I quite like Ogio, it doesn't make me want to hot glue my eyes shut like all of these.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@benkrauss5041 Cool! Not a very common opinion, most people think Ogio bags look like something a drunk uncle would use to carry his bowling gear in, but to each their own ;)

[@jamesbyrd3740]

Are you getting commission? Insanely overpriced crap

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hey James thanks for your comment! Yes, if you purchase a pack using one of the links in the description we do get a small commission that helps to support our channel. As for the prices, yup, these are on the pricey side which I clearly acknowledge at the 1:10 mark. But if you are looking for quality (aka - the ‘best’) these are some of the best options I’ve tested :)