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.
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 travel and not for law school)
- Not from a well-known/established brand
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!