September’s closer than you think, which means it’s nearly time to head back to school or college. Even though the idea of returning to a rigid schedule isn’t so appealing, there couldn’t be a better time to show off and stunt on your classmates with your new gear. Aside from pulling up new kicks and outfits, perhaps the most overlooked item is the backpack that you’ll be using every day.

We've gathered the best backpacks for school, from over-the-top high fashion and luxury backpacks (hello, Margiela) to more durable, everyday ones designed to fit your laptop and all of your essentials — and everything in between. Whether you're looking for a backpack for school or college, our selection will have you standing out in the best way once the semester commences.

Shop Best Back To School Backpacks

Porter-Yoshida & Co. Tanker Day Pack

Tanker Day Pack

$535

Porter-Yoshida & Co.

Buy at Highsnobiety

Along with the three-layer fabric and quality Porter bags have become well known for, this monochrome is outfitted with several compartments to safely store your belongings with ease.

Brain Dead Equipment Climbing Mesh-Trimmed Colour-Block Ripstop Backpack

Equipment Climbing Mesh-Trimmed Colour-Block Ripstop Backpack

$200

Brain Dead

Buy at Mr. Porter

Part of Brain Dead's outdoor-focused equipment line, this backpack might be designed for climbers but the practical pockets and hard-wearing fabrics make it equally adept to days on campus.

Acne Studios Ripstop Nylon Backpack

Ripstop Nylon Backpack

$380

Acne Studios

Buy at Highsnobiety

There are almost too many functional little details on this backpack to mention. A name-tag slot, water bottle holder, key ring attachment, durable ripstop nylon... this bag has everything you need from an everyday bag and more.

Maison Margiela Padded Backpack

Glam Slam Logo-Appliquéd Padded Leather-Trimmed CORDURA® Backpack

$1350

Maison Margiela

Buy at Mr. Porter

There are two types of students: ones that carry multiple books, an extensive selection of stationery, and a ready-made lunch with them every day and those who show up with a pen and a piece of paper at the most. This small square-shaped bag's made for the latter type of student and comes with Maison Margiela's signature quilting technique.

The North Face Flyweight Daypack

Flyweight Daypack

$90

The North Face

Buy at Highsnobiety

For those who subscribe to the gorpcore way of life, this compact backpack from The North Face should be tactical enough for you. It has carry handles for trekking poles and webbing loops for outdoor exploration along with a 15-inch laptop sleeve to keep work essentials organised.

visvim Canvas Backpack

Canvas Backpack

$350

visvim

Buy at Mr. Porter

While it's disguised as being a typical backpack, this design from visvim is far from it. The bag is made from military-grade CORDURA® fabric, making it more than robust enough for carrying class essentials, making it a must-have in any respectable back to school backpacks options.

Moncler x Salehe Bembury Canvas Backpack

Canvas Backpack

$1575

Moncler x Salehe Bembury

Buy at Highsnobiety

Moncler and Salehe Bembury's collaborative drop was focused on making luxury outdoor wear.  This co-branded backpack from the collection has everything you could need for a day on a hiking trail or bouncing between classes.

1017 ALYX 9SM Buckle Soft Backpack

Buckle Soft Backpack

$286

1017 ALYX 9SM

Buy at ssense

Thanks to 1017 ALYX 9SM's signature rollercoaster buckle hardware at shoulder straps, you can swiftly unstrap yourself from this backpack as you please.

Thom Browne Super 120's School Backpack

Super 120's School Backpack

$1690

Thom Browne

Buy at ssense

A Thom Browne backpack is up there as one of the most luxurious (and expensive) backpacks for back to school season. This one riffs off classic schoolbag styles you would expect to see in exclusive private institutions.

Stone Island Zaino

Zaino

$485

Stone Island

Buy at Highsnobiety

Military wear is highly functional by nature and this backpack from Stone Island borrows its practical details from classic military styles. It features the brand's distinctive dye treatment and has the all-important Stoney badge front and center.

Diesel 1DR-Pod Backpack

1DR-Pod Backpack

$458

Diesel

Buy at Highsnobiety

Diesel's selection of 1DR bags, injected with creative director Glenn Marten's trademark Y2K style, have proven to be highly popular. Usually found in the crossbody format, this one is a hard-bodied backpack crafted from supple cow leather.

AURALEE x AETA Small Backpack Set

Small Backpack Set

$640

AURALEE x AETA

Buy at ssense

This isn't just a backpack, it's a whole collection of bags that can be joined together to provide more carrying space than you'll ever need day to day.

KENZO Jungle Backpack

Jungle Backpack

$301

KENZO

Buy at Highsnobiety

Inspired by highly-functional military backpacks, House of Kenzo badges allow you to customize this bag and give it a more playful look.

Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Pleated Arc Backpack

Pleated Arc Backpack

$649

Homme Plissé Issey Miyake

Buy at END.

I'm convinced that everything looks better when crafted from Issey Miyake's signature pleated fabric, and that includes backpacks. This bag takes inspiration from the arc seen in tents and tarps for a minimal final finish.

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