If you’re starting your law school journey soon, I’m sure you’re super excited to buy a new backpack! The problem is…which one do you buy?? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’ve done a ton of research to find the best backpacks for law school so you don’t have to. Already a lawyer? Check out this article on the Best Backpack for Lawyers instead!
Of course, I can’t decide for you which EXACT backpack you should buy. Only you can do that. But what I have done is narrow down the list of backpacks for law school to help you find THE ONE. I narrowed the list down quite a bit based on these things that I believe a law student’s everyday companion needs to have:
- Large capacity
- Durability
- Laptop sleeve
- Lots of compartments
- Style
Without further ado, here are the backpacks that I recommend for law school that I think you fellow 0L’s (or other L’s) might want to check out!
NOTE: When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
SwissGear 5358 ScanSmart Backpack
Dimensions: 18″ x 11.5″ x 7″
Weight: 2.95 lbs.
Bag Volume: 31.4 L
Under $150
This backpack is super popular. It has a 4.7/5 score on Amazon and is almost always sold out on the Swissgear website! I know friends and family who use Swissgear backpacks and based on their positive feedback, I’d say you can’t go wrong with this one!
PROS:
- Large storage capacity
- Durable
- Separate padded laptop and tablet compartment that folds 180°
- Lots of compartments and pockets (for power bank storage, shoes, small tech accessories, etc.) for organization
- USB charge port
- Chest strap
CONS:
- More on the expensive side
- Not the most stylish backpack
JanSport Cool Student Backpack
Dimensions: 17.5″ x 13″ x 10″
Weight: 1.31 lbs.
Bag Volume: 34 L
Under $100
This was my backpack for four years of undergrad and it was amazing! Extremely durable and SPACIOUS (no seriously the amount of stuff I was able to fit in this was impressive). I highly recommend this backpack for students who are into something simple but functional!
PROS:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Large storage capacity
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Reasonably priced
- Decent number of compartments for organization
CONS:
- Laptop sleeve is not padded (and not much padding on the inside overall)
- Not fit for a 17″ laptop (does fit a 16″ Mac but tight when in a laptop sleeve)
Herschel Little America Backpack
Dimensions: 19.25″ x 11.25″ x 7″
Weight: 2.29 lbs.
Bag Volume: 25 L
Under $100
Definitely on the stylish end of backpacks, the Herschel Little America is a great choice for law school. I owned a Herschel backpack myself back in high school and even knew a friend who had this specific one. We both can vouch for the high-end quality of Herschel backpacks!
PROS:
- Stylish
- Padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve
- Durable
- Internal media pocket and headphone port
CONS:
- A little pricey
- Not a lot of compartments for organization
- Small storage capacity compared to other backpacks (in terms of bag volume)
- No dedicated water bottle pocket
The North Face Surge Commuter Backpack
Dimensions: 20″ X 13.25″ X 10.5″
Weight: 3.18 lbs.
Bag Volume: 31 L
Under $150
The North Face is known for making backpacks made for travel and outdoor activities so they are functional, well-built and roomy. Everything you need in a law school backpack!
PROS:
- Separate padded laptop compartment
- Large storage capacity
- Durable
- Lots of compartments for organization
- Chest strap
- Two water bottle pockets
CONS:
- Expensive
- Heavy (even without any items inside)
Adidas Unisex Prime 6 Backpack
Dimensions: 20.25″ X 12.5″ X 11″
Weight: 1.70 lbs.
Bag Volume: 37 L
Under $100
Here is yet another backpack with tons of amazing reviews! Known for having a spacious main compartment and being incredibly lightweight, the Adidas Unisex Prime 6 Backpack would be an excellent choice for law school!
PROS:
- Separate padded laptop compartment
- Large storage capacity
- Lots of compartments for organization
- Padded shoulder straps
- Lightweight
- Two water bottle pockets
CONS:
- Mixed reviews on durability
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
Dimensions: 18″ X 12″ X 7.8″
Weight: 1.56 lbs.
Bag Volume: 28 L
Under $50
Ah yes- a backpack that law students (mostly me) can actually afford! I found this backpack on Amazon and based on the whopping 86,574 ratings and 4.7/5 score, it seems like a pretty solid choice. It’s well-made, functional, and meets almost all the requirements for a law school backpack at a $40 price point!
PROS:
- Affordable
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Separate padded laptop and tablet compartment that folds (close to) 180°
- USB charge port
- Lots of compartments and pockets (including an anti-theft pocket) for organization
CONS:
- May not be too spacious (according to reviews, it has a large storage capacity but likely for daily use and not for law school)
- Not from a well-known/established brand
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Large Backpack
Dimensions: 17.5″ X 12″ X 8″
Weight: 2.10 lbs.
Bag Volume: 28 L
Under $100
This backpack is made for travel. But anything made for travel is also perfect for law school. It’s durable, stylish, and roomy with lots of organizational compartments. Plus, you can never go wrong with Samsonite. This is the Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Large Backpack, but you can choose from two other sizes: small and medium depending on what you need!
PROS:
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Separate padded laptop that folds 180°
- Tablet sleeve
- Lots of compartments for organization
- Mesh back panel to prevent sweat
CONS:
- Bulky
- Expensive
- May not fit laptops above 15″
With most universities offering in-person classes again, a good law school backpack is what you’ll need! And I hope this helps you find the right one.
Decided on a backpack already? Check out my blog on School Supplies for Law School (with printable checklist) to find out what must-have items you should include in your backpack!