10 Best Backpacks for Middle School Students: 2021 Review Guide

Whenever I Googled for the best backpacks for middle school students, I always found general results. Either those backpacks were too big for me as a middle school student or not suitable. That’s why I sat down and compiled a list of the best backpacks. This is the list of backpacks for a middle schoolboy.

This article on the best backpacks for middle school students includes 10 best backpacks. You must read this guide and make a decision about which one is according to your needs.

Keep in mind that this list of backpacks is for college students. Because if you are looking for a backpack that is good for a high school student, then we have already written a separate article on that.

The marketplace for middle school backpacks is full of a lot of options. But selecting and narrowing down the best backpack is a real art. I have kept in mind how a middle school student perceives his backpack. At this age, students are a little picky about their backpacks.

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Following is the list of the best backpacks for middle school students:

Now I will also discuss the features of each backpack in detail.

Best Backpacks for Middle School Students

1. Under Armour Boys Storm Scrimmage Backpack

“Highest-rated Backpacks on Amazon”

This Under Armour Boys Storm Scrimmage Backpack checks all the points for the selection criteria. Also, it is one of the highest-rated backpacks on Amazon. The durability and affordability are some of the key features of this bag.

Compartments

This bag comes with three compartments. One of them is small but the other two are big and the main ones. You can carry a laptop too.

Features and Organization

This  Under Armour Backpack comes with enough features for the organization of different things. Because there is a soft-lined laptop sleeve to carry a 15” laptop. There are also side pockets to carry water bottles.

Looks

This backpack provides a new and modern look. As it comes in a variety of colors. There are also enough options for middle school students to choose from.

Durability

This backpack is durable due to its materials. The UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability. It is also made from 100% polyester. This makes it more durable.

Safety

I am surprised that there are not any safety features on this backpack. There is no protection for anything. But middle school students don’t carry the stuff of that much value to have an anti-theft system.

Size

Even with three compartments, this backpack doesn’t look too bulky. But it looks good for small to teenage students. The dimensions of this bag are 18″ x 12″ x 8.5″.

Capacity

This bag comes with 26.5L of capacity. This capacity is enough for a middle school student to carry his/her books and necessary items.

Comfort & Support

This backpack provides excellent comfort and support on the back for your little ones. Because it has a nice wide shoulder strap. These shoulder straps are adjustable. The back panel is also padded for ultimate comfort.

Price

The price of this backpack is a little high, but this is in-lined with the high quality of the bag. If you seek ultimate comfort for your little ones, then this is the normal price to pay.

Customer Reviews

Most of the customers on Amazon are happy and satisfied buyers of this backpack. Because of its ability to carry heavy items. Some of them are also confident because their children liked it very much. It neither too big, neither too small because it lies in between. It is also one of the best backpacks for middle school students.

2. Vbiger School Backpack for Girls & Boys

“Best For Girls and Boys”

This also an awesome and best backpack for middle school students. Vbiger School Backpack for Girls & Boys is a heavy-duty back backpack that is rated for ultimate durability by reviewers. Beautiful looks and a lot of selection options also make this pack unique.

Compartments

This backpack comes with a variety of compartments for both the girls’ and boys’ options. No matter which option you select. Because there are four pockets on the boys’ one. There is a front little zipper pocket. Then there is also an ancillary pocket. After that there two main pockets. One is the big patch, and the other is the main one with a large capacity.

If you are looking for the girls’ one option, then there are two pockets. On the front small zipper pocket and on the other is the main pocket with so many little compartments.

Features and Organization

This backpack comes with a variety of pockets that help you in organizing your items correctly. There are compartments for laptops, tablets, books, and other necessary items. Also, these compartments are on both options boys’ and girls’ ones. There is also a compartment to carry water bottles on the sides.

Looks

The Vbiger School Backpacks for girls and boys are pretty stunning. Because they are beautiful and elegant. They like those which teenagers like at an early age. This kids school backpack has a stylish appearance, ideal for various occasions such as school, travel, as a hiking backpack and camping, and so on.

Durability

Because this backpack is made of nylon fabric, this is durable. This is tear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and waterproof. Overall this backpack has the best durable performance.

Safety

This backpack also compromises safety. But this Vbiger School Backpack has many compartments, and no one of them is anti-theft proof.

Size

This Vbiger School backpack is of enough size to carry the belongings of middle school students. The dimensions of this backpack are 18.2”*11.8”*4.8”.

Capacity

This backpack comes with 32L of capacity. This backpack has enough capacity and compartments for carrying stationery items, umbrellas, and notebooks.

Comfort and Support

This backpack provides the best comfort and support for the shoulders and back. This backpack has two mesh padded straps. The back panel is perfectly fit and has a spine curve. The breathable fabric provides ultimate comfort.

Price

This backpack is rightly priced. It also provides the best value for money. Because of this best price, too many people have bought it and provided reviews. It also comes with after-sales service.

Customer Reviews

The customers who bought the girl option are very satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They said that the backpack was way better than expected. One customer used it for two years daily and it held up with the expectations.

3. JanSport Black Label Superbreak Backpack

” Best for Elementary and Middle Schoolers”

JanSport is famous for its backpack collection for middle school students. They are the best till now because they are ultralight and super durable. The JanSport Black Label Superbreak Backpack is also one of them. Made by the same company curated for best performance.

Compartments

This backpack comes with only two compartments. These are simple and convenient compartments for carrying stuff. One is a small compartment for carrying stationery items. But the other one is the main compartment used basically for carrying the laptop or the other stuff like books.

Features and Organization

There are not plenty of features on this JanSport Black Label Superbreak backpack. There are no water bottle pockets on the sides. The main compartment doesn’t have any small organization pockets. But there is only one organizer for this backpack. On the top, it also has a web haul handle.

Looks

This is a classic-looking backpack. Mainly focused on durability, it has nothing much to offer apart from that. There are also plenty of color options. Otherwise, it is a simple but elegant backpack.

Durability

You can use this backpack for a lifetime because of its durability. It is that durable. Because of their extreme durability company offers a lifetime warranty for this backpack. It is made up of 100% polyester.

Safety

This backpack is not made for safety. Because it claims boldness. It does not have any safety pockets or anti-theft locks.

Size

This backpack doesn’t have a big size. Because it is of an average to small size. The dimensions of this backpack are 16.7 inches x 13 inches x 8.5 inches.

Capacity

Because this backpack does not have a big size; therefore, its capacity is also limited. It comes with only 25L of capacity. This not that much. Because you can’t carry that many items in it.

Comfort and Support

JanSport is the name of comfort. The shoulder straps of this backpack are extendable to 15 inches. It has a 2/3 padded back panel. But shoulder straps are not padded or not breathable. The shoulder straps are also not that wide enough.

Price

Because it is JanSport, it also comes with a big price tag. Price does not justify the offerings made by a backpack. Also, it is targeting a different audience.

Customer Reviews

There are plenty of positive customer reviews, but there are also some negative ones too. Because some users said that this one is not the original JanSport backpack that they bought from the store. But some users liked the quality of the backpack and according to them, it is perfect.

4. Herschel Little America Backpack

“Best Favorite for Teenagers”

Herschel Backpacks are the favorites ones for teenagers. According to some surveys, they are the best choice for students. Because of that, this is one of the best backpacks for middle school students. That’s why I included this Herschel Little America Backpack on the list. But the Herschel backpacks are on the expensive side too.

Compartments

There are two compartments on this backpack. One compartment is on the front of the backpack which is protected by a clip and hidden zip. There is also the main compartment for carrying other books and notebooks. There is also a tech-safe sleeve for a laptop up to 15”. Also, a small pocket for your smartphone is good.

Features and Organization

This Herschel backpack is very well organized and fitted with a lot of features. There a separate compartment for each item. There is also a headphone port that is good for your go-to playlist. You can easily organize your stuff in this backpack.

Looks

This backpack is also modern-looking. As Herschel is the choice of most of the teenagers in the US, they didn’t disappoint us with this. There are almost 20+ options for this backpack. You can get it in either the leather or rubber option.

Durability

This backpack is also made up of durable materials. Sturdy polyester and nylon fabric are the best options for this backpack. Because of its durable design, it is tech-friendly. It is suitable for both day-to-day usage and also occasional use due to its beautiful design.

Safety

The front compartment of this backpack is anti-theft. That’s why this also comes with safety features built-in. But the lack of lock on the main compartment is also missing.

Size

As the name of the backpack says little America so, it is small in size. But due to better organization features, it does not feels that small. The dimensions of the backpack are 18 x 15 x 3 inches. These are small but reasonable.

Capacity

This backpack comes in 17L and 25L capacity options. The mid-volume is 17L, and the classic one is 25L. But the classic one is better for boys in middle school. Because the mid-volume one is better suited for girls.

Comfort and Support

The backpack is made of padded shoulder straps for maximum comfort. It is also the most comfortable backpack for backs because of mesh air back padding. It is also designed for a better and supportive comfortable commute to work or school.

Price

The price of this backpack is too high. Because of its ultra-high quality, its price can be justified. But it is targeted towards an elite class of users. This price range is not targeted towards everyone.

Customer Reviews

Customers are very much satisfied with the quality of this backpack. Because of the best in class, it is one of the best backpacks for middle school students. Some customers say that they found the compartments very useful. But some are pleased with the comfort quality of the backpack.

5. PUMA Boy’s Backpack With Lunch Boxes

“Perfect and Affordable”

PUMA is very much known for its high-quality sports equipment and essentials. But this backpack from PUMA is one of the best backpacks for middle school students, especially at this affordable price range. It also checks all the points of a near good to a perfect backpack.

Compartments

There are three main compartments in this little backpack. Because it is specially targeted towards the middle to small student groups. It has a small front compartment for stationery items. Next to it, there is also a compartment for the lunch box. The 3rd and also the main compartment is for carrying the notebooks and stuff for students.

Features and Organization

It is also a well-organized backpack for students. There are also five interior pockets in this backpack. There are also two side pockets for carrying water bottles.

Looks

It looks amazing for a 12 to 14-year-old student. It comes with a variety of different color options. There is also a big old classic PUMA logo on the front of the bag.

Durability

The backpack is made up of 100% polyester. This makes it more durable than ever. There is also a lining of polyester.

Safety

Like most of the backpacks on the list, this also doesn’t have any safety options. There should be at least an anti-theft pocket on this backpack.

Size

This backpack is of a small size. This is sized-down for trendsetting kids who want to stand out in school. The dimensions of this backpack are 16.9 x 12.5 x 3 inches.

Capacity

This backpack has enough capacity to carry books and notebooks and stationery items of little ones.

Comfort and Support

This backpack is also made up of padded and breathable straps. Due to these straps, the shoulders remain comfortable. The back of this backpack is also breathable polyester.

Price

This backpack comes with an amazing price point. That makes this backpack the choice of most of the parents.

Customer Reviews

Most of the customers are satisfied with the quality of the PUMA backpack. Because some of them said, they were not expecting this amazing quality from this backpack at this price point.

6. BOLANG College Backpack for Men

“Right Backpack for Students”

BOLANG College Backpack for Men is a super stylish backpack for men. It is beautiful and also full of exciting features that every teenage student wants in his bag. Let’s talk about the detailed feature of this backpack.

Compartments

If you want a backpack that is full of compartments, then you should check out this backpack. It has three compartments. One on the front is a small compartment that is for carrying a mobile phone and other stationery items. But the other 2 are big compartments. One of them can also carry a big 16-inch laptop.

Features and Organization

This is a feature-rich backpack. In the main laptop compartment, you can carry your mobile phone, iPad, and other stuff in an organized way. There are also side pockets for carrying water bottles.

Looks

This is the most simple and beautiful backpack. This also comes in a variety of colors for teenage students. While this BOLANG backpack looks astonishing. It is simple, as well.

Durability

It is a lightweight and durable backpack. But it is not waterproof. It is highly durable for day-to-day usage. Because it is made up of nylon material.

Safety

This backpack doesn’t have any safety measures. But there should be an anti-theft pocket or the main lock on this backpack.

Size

This backpack is large. It is also a well-constructed backpack. Its compartments do not make it feel like a small backpack. But they either don’t make it feel like a big backpack. Its dimensions are 18.5″ x 12″ x 6″.

Capacity

The capacity of this backpack is large. Because this backpack has so many compartments. Because you can carry everything you can in this backpack. But this is suitable for other traveling purposes too.

Comfort and Support

This backpack is the most comfortable. Because both the shoulder strap and back pads are breathable. They provide ultra-support and comfort.

Price

This backpack is the best value for the money. But this is a little overpriced. It is also one of the best backpacks for middle school students.

Customer Reviews

Most of the customers who bought this backpack are satisfied with the quality of this backpack. One of the buyers said he satisfied more than he expected.

7. JanSport TDN7 Big Student Backpack

“Best for Daily Commuter”

So, this JanSport TDN7 is the second one on the list. As JanSport is a famous manufacturer of backpacks so, we can expect a lot coming from them. People look for the middle school backpacks from JanSport. This is also one of them.

Compartments

This backpack is a little bit bigger than the previous one from JanSport. It has five compartments. Out of which 3 are the smaller ones, but the other 2 are the main and big compartments. This backpack can also be used for other purposes like traveling due to its big size.

Features and Organization

Inside the backpack, there are a lot of features like different pockets for carrying a laptop, mobile, and iPad easily. Due to this organization of items on this backpack is easy. It also has a side pocket for a water bottle.

Looks

You can carry it everywhere. That is because of its beautiful looks and 20+ color options. Though I don’t like the design of the backpack that much.

Durability

This JanSport TDN7 backpack is made up of durable materials like 600D Poly fabric. It is also water repellent. Moreover, JanSport is providing a lifetime warranty.

Safety

They added safety features to it, like secure big pockets. They also provide anti-theft protection.

Size

This the biggest bag on the list. So, you can guess the size. You can pack everything in this backpack. The dimensions of this backpack are 16.9 x 13 x 9.8 inches.

Capacity

Due to the big size of the backpack, it has some big capacity. It can fit a lot in it. The capacity of this backpack is 34L.

Comfort and Support

The padded back and S-curved padded shoulder straps won’t become a burden on your body. Thus, this backpack provides some comfort and support. But it is not of top-notch quality.

Price

This backpack comes with a little bit of a high price tag. But it compensates for that with its quality.

Customer Reviews

Customers who bought this backpack are liking it. Most of them are liking space, lightweight, and colors. But they don’t like the comfort and support of the backpack. Also, this is not that durable.

8. High Sierra Fat Boy Backpack

“Right for Middle School”

High Sierra Fat Boy Backpack caught my attention due to its ability to carry heavy load items. It can also be considered as one of the best backpacks for middle school students. High Sierra Fat Boy Backpack serves the purpose very well.

Compartments

This backpack comes with 5 exterior compartments. Out of these 5 3 are small or half-sized compartments. While the other remaining 2 are the full-sized main compartments.

Features and Organization

In terms of organization, this backpack provides interior pockets only for one small front compartment. There you can place your keys and pencils and other stationary stuff. There is also a side pocket for a water bottle.

Looks

I didn’t like the backpack by its looks. It is loose in looks and doesn’t hold up to any shape.

Durability

This backpack is made up of 100% polyester. Every manufacturer basically uses this material except for some high-quality backpacks.

Safety

The high Sierra backpack doesn’t come with any of the safety features.

Size

It is of average size. Basically, you can carry most of the stuff in it. The dimensions of this backpack are 7 x 13 x 19.5 inches.

Capacity

It also comes with a decent capacity to carry items in it. The capacity of this backpack is 27L.

Comfort and Support

This backpack provides the best comfort and support for your back. Due to padded back and straps. Shoulder straps seem to provide durability.

Price

The price of this backpack is a little high. But this provides durability and the best standards for the backpack.

Customer Reviews

Most of the customers who bought this backpack left a positive review on Amazon. Overall, customers appreciated the capacity, durability, and quality of the backpack.

9. Adidas Foundation Backpack

“Very Simple Look”

Adidas is known for its great and quality sports products. They also manufacture backpacks and they are of great quality. The same is the case with this Adidas Foundation Backpack.

Compartments

It has four compartments. Out of the four compartments, one is the smaller one and the other 3 are big main compartments to carry big stuff in them.

Features and Organization

This backpack comes with basic pockets like one for carrying a laptop of up to 15 inches. Otherwise, it has large compartments. There are side pockets too for carrying water bottles.

Looks

This Adidas Foundation Backpack looks simple. It comes in a variety of color options. While carrying, it looks simply elegant. It is more focused on sports-oriented students.

Durability

It is made up of 100% polyester. High-quality polyester provides it with the most durability. This material is water-repellant.

Safety

There are not any safety pockets in this backpack. There are not any safety measures taken on this backpack.

Size

This backpack comes in an average size. The dimensions of this backpack are 12 x 19.5 x 15 inches. This size is enough for most middle school students.

Capacity

This backpack has 25L of capacity. This capacity is enough for normal American students except is not carrying some exceptional items.

Comfort and Support

Padded shoulder straps and padded back panels provide ultimate comfort and support to the user.

Price

This backpack comes with a normal price tag. This price point provides value for money. Those who want to use their backpack for long use should consider it.

Customer Reviews

Customers of this backpack have left a lot of positive feedback and a high star rating. Because most of the customers seem to be happy with their purchase.

10. AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack

“Best Choice For Students “

AmazonBasics Classis school backpack is one of the highest sold backpacks on Amazon. It provides extreme value for money. It is also one of the best backpacks for middle school students. This backpack is our backpack of choice for middle school students.

Compartments

This backpack comes with only two compartments. But these two compartments fulfill the needs of a middle school student. One compartment is small and the other is the big main compartment.

Features and Organization

The AmazonBasics classic school backpack comes with a laptop pocket and plenty of other pockets inside. Otherwise, space is enough for carrying books and notebooks. There is also a zipper pocket behind the laptop compartment. There are also pockets on each side for carrying water or pencils.

Looks

This backpack is pretty simple in looks. Nothing much crazy is going on. The color options are also single solid colors. It looks amazing.

Durability

This backpack is made up of durable materials that make it last longer.

Safety

This backpack has a hidden zipper pocket behind the laptop compartment. This will be enough for keeping necessary items that are meant to be kept safe.

Size

Amazon says this is large but according to me, it is an average-sized backpack. The dimensions of this backpack are 12.2 x 6 x 15.8 inches.

Capacity

This backpack has a capacity of 25L.

Comfort and Support

This backpack comes with a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps for cushioned comfort during extended use.

Price

This backpack provides the best price to value ratio. Any backpack on the list does not provide that.

Customer Reviews

Even the customers of this backpack are very much satisfied and left positive reviews. Most of them are saying that this backpack gets the job done. Some users also say that this backpack provided an extreme price to value ratio to them.

Buying Guide: Best Backpacks for Middle School Students

Now I will tell you in this buying guide how we choose the best backpacks for middle school students. There are different types of backpacks in the market used as middle school backpacks. So it would help you chose a backpack that fulfills your needs.

There are some fundamental and essential aspects for school backpacks, you must keep these points in your mind when you are buying, like durability, size, and capacity, padded shoulder straps, multiple compartments, etc.

Now we describe all these points one by one with full details.

1. The Durability of The Backpacks

If you are a student or parents and buying backpacks for middle school, you must keep this first point in your mind to examine what are the material and fabric of your backpack. The fabric and material depend on your environment; if your place of living a rainy, foggy climate, then you must want to buy waterproof and water-resistant backpacks. These types of backpacks are mostly made of nylon and polyester materials.

2. Material of The Backpacks

In the second step, consider the material used in the backpack. Well, known material for backpacks is polyester, nylon, cotton, and canvas, etc. polyester is a durable and sturdy fabric, lightweight and strong, and therefore mostly used in school backpacks.

The second famous fabric is nylon fabric; it belongs to the synthetic family of fabrics. They are mostly used in high school and college backpacks. This material is robust, durable, and resistant to high temperatures.

3. The Size and Capacity of The Backpacks

First, you decide what the items you need in your classroom are. If you need to carry more books and notebooks, then purchase a backpack that has a large space to store all your necessary items. If you need a laptop in your class, then you must buy a laptop backpack. Some time students carry a water bottle to school, so in this case, you select a backpack to have a separate side pocket for a water bottle. Most backpacks have side pockets used for a water bottle or umbrella.

4.The Compartments of The Backpacks

You must select a backpack that has multiple compartments and pockets. Because when backpacks have different large and small pockets, it keeps your gear organizing way. So when you choose the best backpack for middle school must keep this aspect in mind.

A good design backpack has some hidden pockets to keep your important items, a separate laptop compartment, and side pockets for a water bottle.

5. Unique Feature of The Backpack

In this modern electronic era, students of all classes need laptops and an iPhone for getting scientific information, so the unique feature of a backpack is that it has a USB charging port to charge your laptop and phone or tablet. These features are present in most premium backpacks.

6. Comfortability of The Backpack

It is notable to choose a comfortable backpack for school commuters. A heavy backpack puts unnecessary force on your shoulders, so you must select a lightweight backpack for school. A comfortable backpack shoulder straps are padded and adjustable. Some time a weighted backpack also affects your muscles.

7. The Style and Color of The Backpacks

In this modern world most of the students like stylish backpacks, especially girls students. Different students like different styles and colors. You select the color and style of a backpack according to your mind.

8. Price of The Backpacks

Each backpack brand has a different price. Most students can not afford pricey backpacks, so there are many affordable backpacks in the market, you can buy the best backpacks from them. These are under 50$ and 100$.

Conclusion

The above list of the best backpacks for middle school students is comprehensively built. This guide will you choose between different backpacks for your loved ones. Following our choice of backpacks that we found tick most point of relevancy (Top to bottom):

• AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack 
• Herschel Little America Backpack 
• PUMA Boy’s Backpack with Lunch Boxes

You can go for the above three backpacks without even checking. They are better than any other backpack on the list. But there are two questions that people ask me about what size backpack for middle school? and the second one is how much should a backpack weigh for school?

The answer to the first question is that the size capacity of around 21L to 30L is the best for an average middle school backpack.

But the answer to the second question is that a school backpack must not weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s weight. A study shows that an average American middle school students’ backpack weighs from 18.4 pounds to as much as 30 pounds.

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