How to Choose the Perfect Backpack

Finding the perfect backpack is a bit like finding the perfect partner: it needs to understand your needs, match your style, and be ready to go wherever life takes you.

With so many backpacks available, it’s important to understand the various purposes of each bag, review their unique characteristics, features and differences, and determine which one works best for you.

Whether you're a busy commuter, a diligent student, an intrepid globetrotter, or someone who’s simply seeking a versatile bag, we have an impressive range of different types of backpacks to choose from. Here’s how to choose the backpack that’s just right for you.

Travel Backpacks: For Your Wanderlust

Your travel backpack should be as adventurous and spontaneous as you are.

When determining how to choose a travel backpack, some of the key features to consider include:

• Size: Choose a travel backpack that meets airline carry-on regulations if you frequently travel by plane.
• Durability: Look for backpacks made from sturdy materials quality materials that stand up to frequent use.
• Compartments and Organizational Features: Travel backpacks often have multiple compartments to help you stay organized. Consider features such as laptop sleeves, zippered pockets, and separate compartments for travel essentials such as smartphones, chargers, passports and IDs.
• Comfort: Look for padded shoulder straps and trolly sleeves to ensure comfortable carrying and easy portability, especially for extended periods.

Plus, who says travel gear can’t be stylish? With vibrant patterns and thoughtful design, you can travel smart and look great doing it.

Recommended Travel Backpacks

Small Chancery Backpack

Perfectly sized for a day out sight-seeing, this backpack features comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps with plenty of room for your essentials. Easily packable in your large suitcase, choose water-repellent Nylon for adventures in any weather.

"This is my fourth Vera Bradley backpack, and I have taken them all around the United States and beyond. These are wonderful products and very well-made." ~ Tammy

Westover Hybrid Backpack

Perfect for your next trip, the Westover Hybrid backpack combines lightweight, casual style and versatile functionality and a lay-flat-for-packing design. This durable and dependable bag is sized for easy storage under airplane seats or in the back seat.

"The size is perfect for weekend travel! I love that you can fully open it like a suitcase. It's also pretty lightweight which is good. Overall I really like this backpack for travel!" ~ Lapkwan

School Backpacks: For Smart and Stylish Students

A great school backpack combines durability, comfort, and enough space for all your books and supplies.

If you’re a high school or college student shopping for a new backpack, consider the following factors:

• Size: Choose a backpack that easily accommodates a laptop and textbooks with room to spare. Confirm its dimensions and capacity to ensure it meets all of your school day needs.
• Organization: Look for backpacks with multiple compartments, including a padded laptop compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets for smaller items like pens, notebooks, and water bottles.
• Ergonomics: Carrying around all of those essentials can be tough on your body. Opt for a backpack with generously padded shoulder straps and back panel to reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

And, of course, don’t forget to express your personal style with fun patterns and colors, and a cute bag charm too!

Recommended School Backpack Picks

Large Bancroft Backpack

With a padded laptop compartment, a water bottle pocket, and plenty of space for books and supplies, this is the perfect backpack for any high school, college or grad student.

"This backpack is great for travel. Lightweight with plenty of pockets for everything you need." ~ Kristine

Bancroft Backpack

Offering many of the great features of its big sister, this lightweight and durable backpack is ideal for carrying everything you need around campus without weighing you down.

"I love this bag! I use this all the time! Super light easy to clean." ~ Samantha

Work Backpacks: For Your Professional Power Moves

A work backpack should seamlessly blend style and functionality. It’s all about balance here. Look for sleek designs that fit your workday essentials while still making a statement.

When you need a dependable bag for commuting to work or your next business trip, shop for backpacks that check the following boxes:

• Size and Capacity: Choose a backpack that can accommodate your laptop, documents, and daily essentials without being overly bulky.
• Durability: Since your commuter bag is going to be logging as many miles as you in the car, bus or subway, it needs to be made of high quality material to withstand the rigors of its daily journey.
• Organization: Look for backpacks with dedicated compartments for laptops, tablets, and smaller pockets for accessories like chargers, pens and stationery.
• Comfort, Convenience and Style: Choose a backpack with padded shoulder straps, a pair of top handles for those times when you can’t wear a backpack in crowded buses, subway trains, and a color or pattern that reflects your personal style.

Don't forget to add tech accessories like a cord organizer pouch and AirPods bag charm to keep everything you need right at your fingertips.

Recommended Work Backpacks

Chancery Backpack 

A must-have for any getaway, offering ample space and multiple pockets with room for a laptop up to 15". Classic leather wears well no matter where you go, or choose water-repellent Nylon for durability during your commute.

"Buttery soft leather, lightweight, nice pockets for packing. Comfortable straps." ~ Tammy

Small Banbury Backpack

Compact yet versatile, this backpack is designed for effortless workday use. With a smart layout featuring two zip compartments, multiple slip pockets, and a secure zip closure, it keeps your essentials organized and within reach. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit when you’re moving from your car to desk to conference room.

"Love this little backpack! I use it as a purse and it's perfect! I can carry everything I need and I don't have to worry about it hurting my shoulder." ~ Susan

 

Everyday Backpacks: For Your Daily Adventures

Your everyday backpack should be your reliable sidekick, ready for whatever the day throws at you. Think versatility and comfort. You need something that can transition from a morning workout to an afternoon meeting to an evening hangout with friends.

Some of the features to consider when selecting the perfect backpack for your daily needs are:

• Size: Depending on your unique needs, choose a backpack that offers enough space for your essentials without being overly bulky.
• Accessibility: Opt for backpacks with multiple compartments and easy-to-reach pockets, allowing you to quickly access essential items on the go.
• Lightweight: Look for backpacks made from lightweight materials like nylon to lighten the load as you're out and about.

Best of all, our wide array of solid color and pattern options mean you can choose a design that can go from casual to chic in a heartbeat.

Recommended Everyday Backpack Picks

Mini Banbury Backpack

Compact yet spacious enough for your daily essentials, ideal for on-the-go convenience.

"Love this mini backpack. It is the perfect size to hold everything you need. It's so cute too🥰" ~ Charlotte

 

Lorman Sling Backpack

Versatile and chic, perfect for everything from running errands to heading to the yoga studio.

"I am really happy with my little bag ! Very soft , pretty and so practical ! Wonderful gift that would make anyone very happy!" ~ Geny

Enjoy Every Day with the Perfect Backpack

Choosing the perfect backpack is all about knowing what you need and finding a style that speaks to you.

We believe that your backpack should be as unique and wonderful as you are. So, whether you’re off on a grand adventure or just heading to class, we’ve got the perfect bag to match your life and style. Because you don’t live your life in neutral, and neither should your accessories.

Find Your Perfect Backpack