How to Choose a Backpack for School: The Complete Guide

2026-07-23

Back to school season is here. That means it’s time to make sure you’ve got all the gear you need to hit the classroom—and a great backpack should be at the top of your list.

A good school backpack is with you all day, and it has to do lots of things well. It’s got to have room for what you need, and pockets where they actually help. Also straps that are comfortable on your shoulders, even when you’re carrying heavy weight. And finally: style that speaks to you.

That’s where Vans comes in. Built with skate culture DNA, our backpacks and bags bring durability and off-the-wall energy to every school day.

What to look for in a school backpack

First things first: your school backpack has to work for you. That is, your specific day ahead. Before you select a color or design pattern, think about what you actually carry around all day. Laptop? Tablet? Workout clothes? Huge textbooks?

A great place to start is with the compartments. You definitely need a main compartment that’s big enough, but the smaller pockets also matter. And how about an external pocket or internal organizer for your pens, charger, keys, headphones, lip balm, calculator, ID card—everything else that tends to disappear when you need it. A laptop sleeve is also an essential if you carry tech to school. And a slip-in interior pocket can help keep notebooks and folders separate from the rest of your stuff.

Next up: think about comfort. Padded shoulder straps make a big difference. When it comes to fit, look for a bag that sits close to your back and doesn’t swing around or bounce when you walk.

Then there’s a big question. Will it last? Crowded buses, lockers, sudden downpours—your school backpack must weather them all. So, keep an eye out for a bag that’s going to stand up to it all and be easy to clean.

Finally comes style. A backpack school bag is a big part of your overall look, so pick one you actually want to wear. The best bag is the one that fits your schedule and your vibe—no matter what outfit you put on.

Speaking of outfits, check out Vans kid’s new arrivals for back-to-school styles they’ll actually want to wear.

College kid sitting on a chair with Vans backpack

What size backpack do you need for school?

Big and roomy, or small and compact? The truth is that the right size depends on tons of things. If you’re mostly carrying a few notebooks, lunch, and a pencil case, you don’t need to go huge. If you’ve got a laptop, textbooks, folders, and after-school stuff to bring along, you’ll want something that can hold much more.

For younger students or lighter days, a bag of around 18 liters can be enough. Vans Old Skool Grom Backpack is a solid option, with an 18-liter capacity, a water bottle pocket, and an interior slip-in pocket. It’s still got that Vans look, just scaled for smaller loads. For outfitting the little ones for the whole school year, check out our kids’ back to school assortment. You’ll find shoes, clothing, and the rest of what they need—from head to toe.

For most high school or college days, 22 liters is going to be a sweet spot. That gives you room for books, all your tech, a water bottle, snacks, and the usual extras without feeling too big. The Old Skool Classic Backpack, Old Skool Check Backpack and Old Skool Sport Backpack all sit in this zone.

Need more space? Go for 30 liters. The Old Skool Trek Backpack is the bigger move. It includes a laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch laptops, a front zip pocket, a water bottle pocket, interior organizers, and ergonomic padded shoulder straps—so even if you’re carrying more, your shoulders don’t feel the strain.

The best Vans school backpacks by style

There are tons of options when it comes to style and vibe. Going for classic Vans silhouettes? The Old Skool Backpack is the place to start. It’s clean, simple, and works with whatever you want to wear to school. The two-pocket design keeps things straightforward, while the internal organizer, laptop sleeve and water bottle pocket make it genuinely useful. If you like low-effort styles, this is the everyday hero.

If you want something more iconic, the Old Skool Check Backpack brings the checkerboard pattern into the mix. It has the same practical feel, with a laptop sleeve, front pocket, padded shoulder straps, and water bottle pocket.

If your style is more athletic, the Old Skool Sport Backpack could be it for you. Plus, it still comes with a laptop sleeve, organizer, and water bottle pocket, but adds a suede bottom panel for a sportier, after-school vibe.

If you carry more, go for the Old Skool Trek Backpack. At 30 liters, it has extra space without losing that Vans shape. It’s built for busier days and bigger loads, with a laptop sleeve, organizer, side bottle pocket, exterior zip pocket, and ergonomic padded straps.

How to style your school backpack

The easiest way to style a Vans backpack is not to overthink it. Love keeping things simple, or want something that works with most uniform-friendly basics? A classic black Old Skool Backpack is an easy win.

If your style is more graphic, go checkerboard. Pair it with black jeans, a white tee and your slip-on shoes or let it clash on purpose with color. Plus, to keep your pick looking fresh throughout the semester, don’t leave it lying around too long. Empty it once a week, shake out crumbs, wipe marks with a damp cloth, and let it air dry if it gets wet.

Also think about kids' accessories like laces, socks, pins, hats, keyrings and patches to make any bag their own. Shop by child with dedicated girls’ shoes and boys’ shoes selections, too.

Whether you want a low-key black, classic checkerboard, or extra space, Vans has a backpack that fits how you move through the day. Carry it to school, throw it on the bus, then take it to the skate park later on. Not sure where to start? Shop best sellers to get started on the rest of your back-to-school essentials.