10 Best Backpacks for High School Girls That Are Looking to Make an Impression

Back-to-school vibes rub off on teen girls in several ways. To many, it’s the perfect time to shop for trendy clothes and the best backpacks for high school girls. But how does anyone get fashionable bags in a crowded market?

We’ve made finding the perfect school backpack easier by narrowing down your search to the top ten bags. From this article, you’ll also get tips on things to consider before buying a backpack if you want your investment to be right on the money.

Our Top 3 Picks

Here are our best three trendy backpacks for high school: 

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

1. Vancropak Backpack for High School Girls (Best overall): Top of our list and our best overall pick is this sleekly designed, water-resistant backpack. It has enormous space to contain several items and comes with charging and music-playing features.
2. ProEtrade Backpack for School (Best for durability): This backpack maintains the traditional backpack look while unlocking more space. It is made from top-grade, durable materials and is super comfortable to wear. 
3. SAMAZ School Backpack for Teen Girls (Best backpack for features and accessories): This is an excellent backpack for carrying large laptops and many school items at once. It comes with its own set of accessories and features to stay connected on-the-go.

What are the top 10 backpacks for high school girls in 2020?

We found the following to be the best backpacks for high school girls from our extensive research of trendy and classic bags. 

1. Abshoo Flowery Backpack (Best lightweight backpack)

Starting our list of the best backpacks for high school girls is this simple yet stylish Abshoo backpack. It offers functionality and class to teen girls looking to make a fashion statement.

This backpack has six pockets; one main compartment, two side pockets for water bottles, a front zipper pocket for snacks, and two mini pockets in the large compartment. These should be enough space for your school stuff if you don’t intend to take your closet to school.

In addition to this, the backpack has pads on its back panel. Its shoulder straps are wide and comfortable to use for long hours.

This backpack is a great unit if you’re looking to touch up your casual look.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 11 x 5.7 x 16.5 inches

Material: Canvas with polyester lining

Weights: 1.3 lbs

Pros:

• It’s lightweight.
• It has lots of compartments
• It has a USB charging port.

Cons:

• It is not waterproof.

Our thoughts

Abshoo makes a lot of durable backpacks. So, we didn’t expect this unit to be any different. It sure met and exceeded our expectations in terms of comfort, design, and durability.

We couldn’t take our eyes off this backpack because of its stylish look. Its material is thick and nice, and you can fit a 15.6-inch laptop in its main compartment. However, we were a bit disappointed with how easily the zippers broke off after a while.

If you want a cute, average-sized backpack for school, you should consider getting this bag. It is one of the coolest backpacks for school. 

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2. Jansport Big Campus Backpack (Best backpack for fabric)

Next is this simple, rose-smoke backpack from Jansport, a reliable bag manufacturer. The Big Campus is designed to fit loads of school essentials at a time without adding pressure on your shoulders.

Unlike previous designs from Jansport, this bag has two large main compartments. Its design includes one front utility pocket, one zippered and mesh stash pocket, and a water bottle holder. And at the back, there’s a fully padded panel.

This backpack has an S-curve shoulder strap and a web-haul handle. You can fit a 15-inch laptop in its large main compartment with a padded sleeve.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches

Material: Canvas with polyester lining

Weights: 1.8 lbs

Pros:

• A lifetime warranty backs this backpack.
• It has several compartments.
• It is ergonomically designed.

Cons:

• It is a bit heavy.

Our thoughts

If you have a soft spot for slid, uniform bags, then you should like this backpack. We think its capacity is large enough to take all your books at a time, without hurting your look. This bag is made from a well-known brand that offers a lifetime warranty is also a plus.

On the downside, a couple of customers have reported that its front mesh pocket and strap damage after a few months. Our research found these claims to be true. However, negligent use of this Jansport backpack is the primary cause.

Overall, we think the Big Campus is one of the best backpacks for high school girls that can double as a traveling bag.

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3. Mygreen Casual-Style Backpack (Best backpack for size)

Coming in third on our list is this cool, durable bag. It has a unique, soft print that looks catchy. In addition to this, the backpack has adjustable and comfortable padded straps.

The Mygreen casual-style backpack offers generous space with one main compartment, two side pockets, one front zipper pocket, and three inner pockets. While the compartments have smooth SBS zippers, its side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas are elastic.

This medium-capacity bag can fit a 14-inch laptop and needs to be washed by hand.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 16.9 x 5.5 x 12.6 inches

Material: Cotton canvas

Weights: 1.45 lbs

Pros:

• It has durable straps.
• It’s lightweight.
• The backpack is made from premium-quality cotton.

Cons:

• You can’t wash it in a washing machine.
• It isn’t waterproof.

Our thoughts

You might not find a better-looking backpack than this Mygreen bag. The fabric used in making it is that good!

This backpack offers a great combination of comfort, durability, and capacity at an affordable price.

As a medium-sized bag, we weren’t expecting to find several compartments in it. So, we were pleasantly surprised that it could take a 5-subject notebook and diary, two water bottles, and a cell phone conveniently. However, its relatively small laptop compartment can be difficult to work with.

If you don’t have a lot to carry to school and need a replacement bag, then we think this is one of the cutest backpacks for school you can get.

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4. Kenox Canvas School Backpack (Best vintage backpack)

Vintage is the new modern, and this Kenox backpack brings back the classic bag look. It has a beautiful design and sturdy build.

On the outside, you can easily spot the three exterior pockets of this school backpack. However, it also has two inner pockets for small items like phones and keys. The leather-like buckle keeps everything you throw in it in place.

This Kenox backpack is big enough to hold your school stuff and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 14.6 x 11 x 5 inches

Material: Cotton canvas

Weights: 1.46 lbs

Pros:

• It has a unique design.
• It’s sturdy and durable.
• It is highly secure.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a laptop compartment.

Our thoughts

If you need a standout backpack for high school, then this might be the bag you’ve been looking for. From customer reviews, the straps and buckle hold up for years, and you should be able to fit a lot of things in it.

As with other buckle bags, organizing your stuff could be a problem with this Kenox model. It’s also only water-resistant and requires you to hand wash it. But there’s no denying the fact that it’s one of the cutest backpacks for school available.

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5. Vancropak Backpack for High School Girls  (Best overall)

The best backpacks keep their shape after many months of use, and this Vancropak unit is a good example of such bags. Designed to be functional, secure, and fashionable, this bag is best suited for teen girls who like to organize their stuff.

It has one large compartment with slots, a front zipper pocket, and two side pockets. There’s also a sleeve for sunglasses and business cards on the padded shoulder straps.

For the perfect teen experience, this Vancropak bag has an earphone hole and an in-built USB charging port. It can fit a 15.6-inch compartment conveniently.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 5.5 inches

Material: Completely lined canvas

Weights: 1.46 lbs

Pros:

• It is water-resistant.
• This bag is durable and made from high-quality material
• It is a multipurpose backpack.
• It’s lightweight.

Cons:

• It has an above-average capacity.

Our thoughts

There are many things we like about this backpack. For starters, it is quite comfortable to use and durable. The pink version also has a premium look and highly permeable fabric. However, our best features are its anti-theft inner zippers.

We think this bag can take a lot of things at a time. However, we would have liked it was a bit larger. If you don’t mind its size, then we think you should consider gifting this backpack or getting one for yourself.

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6. UGRACE Rucksack for School Girls (Best budget backpack)

Only a few bags can offer you more space than this UGRACE backpack. It has five compartments and comes in different colors, all of which are great for teen girls.

This UGRACE multifunctional backpack has adjustable shoulder straps, and its main compartment can take a 15.6-inch laptop.

As a uniquely designed backpack for school girls, it opens up with its magnetic straps and is tear-resistant. There’s also a safety pocket under the magnetic straps.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 11.6 x 17.2 x 5.4 inches

Material: Oxford fabric with quilted polyester lining

Weights: 1.6 lbs

Pros:

• It is a multifunctional backpack.
• It is durable and fashionable.
• Its shoulder straps are comfortable to wear.

Cons:

• Its side compartments aren’t large enough for water bottles or umbrellas.

Our thoughts

This UGRACE unit is great for casual use and school. We were quite pleased that it came in green, black, blue, violet and red. Its security straps at the sides worked well, and customers had no issue with its high-grade zippers.

At first, we were confused about why there were PU leather buckles attached to the magnetic snaps. After testing this backpack, we found that the buckles are just for aesthetics.

This backpack is durable and lightweight. Consider getting it if you need a multipurpose bag to match your clothes. It’s one of the best backpacks for high school girls out there.

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7. Abshoo Lightweight Striped Backpack (Best for print design)

Remember the first Abshoo backpack we reviewed earlier? Well, this is a more fashionable backpack for school from the same brand. This model has a monochrome look with a touch of brown. However, there are multiple colors to select from.

This Abshoo striped backpack has one main compartment with two internal pockets, two side pockets for water bottles, and one zippered pocket. Like other bags from this manufacturer, there are two holes where you can use your USB cable or earpiece.

This great backpack for highschoolers can fit a 14-inch laptop in the main compartment.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 13 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches

Material: Canvas with polyester lining

Weights: 1.3 lbs

Pros:

• It is super-light.
• This backpack is made from quality materials.
• It’s comfortable to carry around and fashionable.

Cons:

• Washing the white stripes can be tough work.

Our thoughts

Stylish, classic, and durable are the words we can use to describe this striped Abshoo backpack for high school girls. It’s pretty color first caught our attention, and it is sure to make this backpack stand out in any room.

The thing about monochrome bags, like this backpack, is that a stain on the white side could be tough to get out. But if you don’t mind scrubbing stains out, then we really think you should consider getting this backpack.

It could well be one of the best backpacks for high school girls you’d find for its price.

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8. SAMAZ School Backpack for Teen Girls (Best backpack for features and accessories)

Next, we have this high-quality, accessory-packed backpack for teen girls. It’s great for schooling, camping, trekking, and other outdoor activities. It has a generous capacity, offering seven compartments in total. All compartments have durable anti-theft zippers.

SAMAZ took the demand to charge and listen to music into consideration when it designed this backpack. It has an earphone hole and a USB port. However, the backpack doesn’t power itself.

When it comes to decorations, this teen bag leads the pack with its bow-knot and key chain. You can easily fit a 16-inch laptop in its main compartment.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches

Material: Canvas with polyester lining

Weights: 1.2 lbs

Pros:

• It is water and tear-resistant.
• This backpack is lightweight.
• It comes in bright colors.

Cons:

• The charging port can develop a fault after a while.

Our thoughts

We think this durable backpack is a solid unit and a great investment if you’re big on accessories. It has adjustable straps and a comfortable handle. However, it is its large capacity that first caught our attention. It can comfortably hold all your school supplies in the large main compartment.

One issue we had was the distracting inscriptions on the sides, straps, and handles. Another thing some customers have reported is a faulty charging port. Aside from these, we think this bag is secure, beautiful, and comfortable to carry.

Consider getting it if you want a simple single-color backpack for high school.

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9. ProEtrade Backpack for School  (Best for comfort and portability)

This is the ninth backpack on this list, and it is here for good reasons. It’s a thoughtfully designed backpack with enough space to fit all your school items.

As a large capacity bag, this backpack has a total of eight compartments. Each model has a combination of two colors, with the first being a night light reflective. The shoulder straps on this backpack have mesh paddings, and there’s an anti-theft buckle at the side.

This ProEtrade backpack is best suited for carrying 15.6-inch laptops to school, and everywhere else you go to.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 8.5 inches

Material: Canvas

Weights: 1.7 lbs

Pros:

• It has a massive capacity.
• It is secure.
• This backpack can be used for different functions.

Cons:

• It is a bit heavy to carry.

Our thoughts

If your bag’s size matters to you, then we doubt you’d find a larger capacity backpack than this unit. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it is made from water-resistant and anti-scratch fabric. But this backpack’s selling point is its durability.

Most recent customers have reported that it is a bit heavy to carry from its handle. This is expected in large capacity backpacks for high school girls. Therefore, sticking to its S-curved straps would be the way to go with this unit.

We recommend you get this backpack if you pack heavy and switch from school to other outdoor activities often.

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10. Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Cotton Campus Backpack  (Best for comfort and portability)

Our final item is a top product from a reliable brand for women. The average-sized backpack has a patterned print that comes in more than 36 colors.

This backpack makes it easier for high school girls to organize their things easily. There are two mesh slip pockets for your laptop and one front zippered pocket for frequently used essentials. Besides these, there are two side slip pockets and a hidden back pocket.

The Vera Bradley Campus backpack can be washed in your machine, and it can contain a 15-inch laptop.

Product Specification

Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 8 inches

Material: Cotton with polyester lining

Weights: 1.7 lbs

Pros:

• It is durable and super-light.
• You can wash it in a machine.
• It has lots of small pockets.

Cons:

• The zippers become stiff after months of use.
• It isn’t the cheapest backpack available.

Our thoughts

This Vera Bradley backpack scores cool points in our books for quality, durability, and aesthetics. Our first impression was that it is a small-sized backpack. However, we’ve been impressed with the number of things we can fit in it at a time. It can take a laptop, a 4-inch large binder, notebooks, chargers, and other carry-ons you need for school.

We understand that backpacks usually have zipper problems after a while. However, we didn’t expect it to be so soon with this bag. The customer reports, they only work for a couple of months.

The Vera Bradly Campus backpack has an eye-catching design and premium look. We see no reason you shouldn’t consider it as one of the best backpacks for high school girls available or get one if you need a unique average-size backpack.

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Buying Guide: What to consider before buying high school backpacks for girls?

A great high school backpack is a combination of many factors. So, how can you tell whether to go for vintage backpacks, justice backpacks, or the best north face backpack for high school?

Here is an ordered list of things you should look out for before you make your buying decision:

1. Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider before you go shopping is the size of the backpack you need. In determining this factor, you should think of your school stuff and whether you can keep things light or not.

For example, if you carry only a few binders, notebooks, and your laptop, then getting a big bag shouldn’t be your primary focus. Moreover, if your middle school or high school has lockers, you can easily keep most of your school stuff there.

However, if there’s no way you can pack light, then consider getting a big backpack. While Osprey backpacks dominate the ‘big’ section, some of the best backpacks for high school girls also fall into this category.

In general, backpack sizes are measured in liters. While a small backpack offers less than 10 liters of space, an average-sized one has between 10 to 25 liters of space. A big bag for high school girls provides more than 25 liters.

If you’re looking for the best backpacks, then you should also consider the backpack’s fit. Here’s a guide on how to know if a backpack will fit your back or not.

2. Material

Next, consider the fabric used in manufacturing the backpack. The popular materials are polyester, cotton canvas, and nylon.

Polyester is a durable plastic-based material that many manufacturers use. It is lightweight and strong. However, its ability to retain color is one reason it is used to make school backpacks.

Cotton canvas is another option. It is rough woven, easy to clean, and super-light. Most backpacks you see people wearing are made from cotton canvas.

Nylon is a synthetic family of materials used to make high school backpacks. It is strong, durable, and resistant to high abrasion temperatures.

3. Style and Color

You can move to the style and color of your backpack when you have the material and size sorted out. For this factor, you’d need to be creative.

There are several styles and designs of high school backpacks for girls to choose from. For example, you could go for a vintage style or a classic look. No hard and fast rule says you should choose pink or purple. We recommend you check out the different available backpack colors and styles before you make your decision.

4. Comfort

Everyone wants to own the coolest backpack they can find. However, they aren’t always the most comfortable to use.

The primary parts that relate to the comfort of a backpack are the straps and back. In general, padded adjustable straps are the most comfortable to use. If the backpack you intend to get has additional features like mesh panels for ventilation, then that’s a plus for it.

5. Purpose

Another important factor to consider is whether you only want to use the backpack for school or other activities. For example, it might be wise to get one multifunctional bag than to get Patagonia backpacks for traveling or Gregory backpacks for hiking.

If you want to use your high school backpack for other purposes, it should be durable and heavy-duty. This way, they’ll be able to take different items without ripping.

In our review, we’ve highlighted some of the best backpacks for high school girls that you can use in other functions. 

6. Price

There’s no denying that product prices determine most of our final buying decisions. This paradigm is no different for high school backpacks.

The prices for backpacks are based on several factors like the brand, size, and the material used to make it. While some are more expensive than others, a backpack for high school shouldn’t cost you a fortune.

For example, some of the fanciest backpacks go for as much as $500. If you’re a highschooler in the market for a new or replacement backpack, then you shouldn’t be looking towards such pricy backpacks. Instead, some bags only cost a few bucks.

Affordable bags aren’t always made from low-quality materials.

7. Warranty

Only a handful of backpacks last for a lifetime. The majority develop faults within a few months. Therefore, having a warranty could save you from buying a new backpack, irrespective of who is at fault.

Backpack brands offer a six-month to a lifetime warranty on most of their products.

8. Safety

Yes, safety should still be a consideration even when the kids are high school students. If your high schooler is one that waits at a bus stop or walks to school, then some kind of reflective fabric or reflective strips may prove to be beneficial.

Why Wouldn’t a Handbag Suffice for High School Girls?

If you’re like most people, you might be wondering whether getting a handbag or gifting one won’t work instead of buying a backpack. Well, here are a couple of reasons you shouldn’t consider this alternative:

1. Handbags have limited capacities: Handbags are undoubtedly girly. But so also are the best backpacks for high school girls we’ve listed above. If you carry a lot of books, then relying on a handbag might not be the wisest decision. At best, they’ll be able to carry only a handful of books at a time.
2. Using handbags can affect your shoulders: Here’s another red flag if you somehow find a way to fit all your school stuff in your backpack.

Several studies have shown that heavy bags cause shoulder and body pains. In serious situations, it can lead to brachial plexus. Carrying a packed handbag instead of a school backpack can lead to these conditions.

3. Handbags aren’t multipurpose bags: Unless you have a secret handbag lifehack, there’s no way you can use a one for hiking, traveling, or picnicking. On the other hand, most backpacks for high school can double as a bag for any of these outdoor activities.

In Conclusion

As a teen, you lose in every possible way if you don’t get a backpack that matches your style and load. Your friends could see you as uncool, and don’t get us started with how an overloaded or massive backpack would look on you.

By now, you should know which backpack you want for high school. But if you’ve not spotted the right one yet, then go through our buying guide and list of the best backpacks for high school girls.

We’re confident you’d find an affordable bag you’d be comfortable wearing.

Best Book Bags for High Schoolers FAQ

Still have questions when it comes to finding the best book bags for high schoolers? Then hopefully, our FAQ can shed some light on some of the more frequently asked questions.

Q1. What is the best backpack for high school girls?

The Vancropak student backpack is our best bag for high schoolers.

Q2. What should I put in my high school backpack?

You should have your laptop, chargers, notebooks and binders, stationery, and a pocket note in your backpack. However, this list isn’t exhaustive. As long as you need an item, it can fit in your backpack, and it won’t ruin other things, then you should put it in your backpack.

Q3. What is the most durable backpack for high school?

From our research, one of the most durable backpacks for high school girls is the ProEtrade backpack. It is made from tough and premium materials that stand the test of time. However, it doesn’t compromise its look for durability.

Q4. How do I wash tough stains on my high school backpack?

The first thing to do is find out which method between hand washing and machine washing works for your backpack. For handwashing, first, pretreat the stains. Then use a soft brush to scrub the entire bag in soapy water.

Make sure you use quality stain removers and gentle detergent to wash your backpack.

Q5. How often should I wash my school backpack?

You should wash your backpack at least once every month. However, backpacks with bright colors should be washed more frequently.

Q6: Are Jansport backpacks big enough for high school?

Jansport backpacks are good for high school use because they are versatile and functional and can hold everything your high schooler needs throughout the day without having to make several trips to their locker.

Q7: What is the best backpack for the gym?

The best backpack for the gym is one that can hold an extra change of clothing, an extra pair of shoes, and whatever else you may need before you can head back to class. Since it is a bag you will primarily use for gym, you may also want to make sure that it can fit into your gym locker, so you aren’t’ stuck carrying it around with you all day.

Q8: How much should a backpack weigh for school?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that a child’s backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight. This means that if the student is 80 pounds, then their backpack should not weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds. The same can be applied to high schoolers as well. A heavy backpack can be cumbersome to carry around and can cause back and shoulder pain when worn for extended periods of time.