Best Backpacks for College 

When it comes to finding the best backpacks for college, Energy Bags stands out as the top choice for students who want a perfect mix of style, space, and strength.

A worthy college backpack would be able to hold your laptop safely, have a range of handy pockets and pockets to keep your textbooks and notes in order, and stay comfortable on your shoulders as you go around campus on long commutes.

Energy Bags is one brand that has set the standard high in the Indian college backpacking market, with students fast adopting it over others due to its novel design and functionality combination.

Energy Bags is a Chennai-based start-up run by an enthusiastic husband-and-wife duo, and their company is expressly designed around the needs of modern Indian students. The brand focuses on creating “bags that suit modern lifestyles, [and] stand the test of time,”  exactly what college students need from their everyday backpack. 

With sturdy materials, smart organization, and campus-ready looks, Energy Bags has tapped into what students want. Whether you’re hauling a laptop and lunch boxes to class or packing gym clothes for an after-lecture workout, these backpacks promise to match your energy and needs. 

Energy Bags’ commitment to quality, style, and affordability has made it a go-to recommendation for the best college backpack choice in India.

Top 5 Best Backpacks for College in 2025

Below, we rank the top five best backpacks for college students in 2025. We list three of the Energy Bags flagship designs, and two old and trusted Indian brands that continue to be a hit amongst campuses. 

Backpack reviews discuss their style, utility features (laptop compartments and pockets), and the student lifestyle to which it is most suited. 

To put their overall performance into greater context, we will also compare them with some of the globally renowned options, such as The North Face Borealis backpack, so you can be assured of having what the world considers the best.

1. Weekender Pro (Energy Bags) – The Versatile Weekender

The Weekender Pro is placed amongst the best college backpacks because it can help the student move effortlessly between weekdays and the weekends in college. It has a large main compartment to carry textbooks and extra clothing. 

It has a padded laptop sleeve that is used to store a laptop during your journey, and it has numerous zippered pockets that can be used to store smaller items (chargers, pens, and keys). 

Although it is so big, Weekender Pro is not cumbersome to carry, and the padded shoulder straps ensure weight is distributed comfortably around campus.

2. Infinity Pack (Energy Bags) – The All-Day Workhorse

If you’re a college student who carries a bit of everything every day, the Infinity Pack might be the perfect backpack for you. This laptop backpack is all about “endless space” and “limitless style”. 

The Infinity Pack has a vast amount of space in its main compartment, which can fit several books, notebooks, and your lunch box and a light jacket, together with a padded full-width laptop sleeve that can fit a maximum of a 15.6-inch laptop. 

It has various pockets, compartments, and includes an organizer and bottle holder to help keep your gear organised. Having padded shoulder straps makes it comfortable to carry around all day on campus. The Infinity Pack’s modern, unisex design fits in anywhere from lecture halls to weekend getaways.

3. Blaze Gear (Energy Bags) – Rugged Style for the Daily Grind

For students who live an active lifestyle or face rough commutes, Blaze Gear is a standout choice. This backpack is “bold, tough, ready” by design, a sleek laptop backpack made of water-resistant materials to shrug off light rain and everyday wear. 

With around 50 L of storage, Blaze Gear comes equipped with smart compartments: a padded laptop compartment for your tech, a large main compartment for books and binders, and several smaller pockets (including a quick-access front pocket). 

What makes Blaze Gear stand out is its comfort features: the padded shoulder straps are thick and cushioned, so a heavy load of textbooks will fall more easily on your shoulders. Blaze gear has a sturdy and urban look that will fit in both college life as well as outdoor adventures. 

It is a perfect backpack for the student who rides a bike to commute to college or who has to take crowded trains, basically, a nearly waterproof backpack capable of carrying through bumps, rain, and long days.

4. Wildcraft Venture 25L – Outdoor-Inspired Campus Gear

No list of top Indian backpacks is complete without Wildcraft, a brand practically synonymous with durability. The Wildcraft Venture 25L is a 25-liter daypack. Wildcraft has been able to attain the status of a trusted and reliable backpack company that produces high-quality products aimed at trekkers and travelers. 

The bag is made out of strong, weatherproof material and well-stitched canvas to accommodate heavy textbooks and backpacking gear at the same time. It comes with a padded laptop compartment for your device and often a rain cover for monsoons. 

It provides several compartments and convenient pockets (including a padded laptop pocket and a water bottle holder) to store and keep everything in place. And of course, Wildcraft makes it comfortable with padded straps and a ventilated back so one can easily carry a heavy load on even a hot day.

This pack is durable and, therefore, the best pack to be used by students who are very rough on their equipment or even travel extensively.

5. Skybags “Dayton” Flip – Fashion-Forward and Functional

If you are looking for a fashion-forward backpack option for college, Skybags brings out popular options such as the “Dayton Flip.” Skybags is synonymous with a stylish and trendy look at an affordable price. 

The Dayton Flip (around 30 L capacity) exemplifies Skybags’ blend of fashion and function. Its modern, sharp silhouette and strong colors or print graphics are appealing to the student. 

However, it also has more to offer: this backpack features two spacious compartments plus a padded sleeve that will accommodate a laptop of any size. It also has various pockets to carry accessories, valuables, and a water bottle. 

Although it pays much attention to the look, Skybags does not compromise comfort: shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, and the back is made of cushioned material to provide good support. 

Skybags packs are also lightweight; even when full, the Dayton Flip won’t weigh you down. Being an affordable brand, it’s wallet-friendly for students on a budget.

Why Energy Bags Shine for Indian Students

The Energy Bags have gained a lot of popularity among Indian students since they provide:

• Sustainable and Lightweight: The strong, water-resistant materials (such as 1000D fabric) of Unit Travel Bags are durable and lightweight, without being heavy. You end up with a robust bag that does not add more weight to your day.
  
  

• Laptop-Compartment or Sleeve: All Energy Bags include a padded laptop compartment or sleeve to hold your laptop safely. They are genuinely laptop backpacks and they can support your computer, charger, and gadgets comfortably on a college day.
  
  

• Smart Organization: It includes various compartments and spots (books, pens, Water bottle, etc.). There is a place for everything and no digging around, which is a practical thought of design.
  
  

• Easy to Carry: Padded shoulder straps and padded back panels are what this pack is all about, as you are likely to wear this pack all day long. The fact that they are easy to carry, even when carrying lots on them, is a big improvement compared to the simplicity of a school bag.
  
  

• Reasonable pricing: Energy Bags are very affordable (most leading models range between ₹1200- 1300). There is much value for the price, and this makes it an affordable luxury for the students.

In brief, energy bags got the formula of Indian colleges: stylish, strong, tech-compatible, comfortable, and cheap.

Why Indian Brands Like Wildcraft & Skybags Remain Staples

• Wildcraft: Long known for durable, endurant outdoor equipment since 1998, in weather-proof construction designed to endure heavy use. A trustworthy, lifetime dependable backpack brand that students choose.
  
  

• Skybags and Safari: These companies date back to the 1990s, offering stylish designs and the highest quality, lightweight, affordable backpacks.
  
  These brands are fashionable but not compromising on functionality, and are accessible through the entire India. Perfect to be used daily on your campus and on a budget.

How to Choose the Best College Backpack

Some considerations in selecting the right backpack in college are as follows:

• Capacity & Laptop Fit: Make sure it can carry your daily accessories. If you are always toting a laptop and books, or perhaps gym gear, choose a larger bag (25–50 L) with a padded laptop sleeve that holds your device.

• Comfort: Pay attention to padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel in order to be able to wear it for hours at a time. Adjustable straps (and chest/waist belts on larger bags) help to balance the weight and prevent strains.
  
  

• Organization & Pockets: Multiple compartments and pockets really come in useful. Look for features such as a front organizer pocket for pens and keys, side water bottle pockets, and possibly a hidden zippered pocket for your valuables. Thus, you keep organized items.
  
  

• Material & Durability: A waterproof, sturdy material (silk, polyester, or nylon) will help make your backpack durable. Zippers and stitching should also be good. The packs also have some that have a rain cover (which is common in Wildcraft bags), especially in deep rainy seasons.
  
  Rare but worth getting is a waterproof backpack; most quality packs can withstand a light drizzle.
  
  

• Style & Budget: Lastly, it is imperative to choose one style that you like and can afford. There is an option of a sleek professional one or a colorful remodelling as well. Skybags has fashionable designs, Energy Bags allows fashion and practicality to go hand in hand, and Wildcraft sports the sporty look. Determine a budget in advance
  
  

Choose a backpack that checks these boxes and suits your lifestyle – that’s what truly makes it the best college backpack for you.

Style + Function: Matching Your Backpack to Student Life

Let’s match some common student life scenarios with the right backpack styles:

Lecture Days: 

If you’re moving between classes carrying a laptop, a few textbooks, and lunch, you’ll want a slim but spacious laptop backpack. 

Options like the Skybags Dayton Flip or Energy Bags Infinity Pack work well; they have a dedicated laptop sleeve, a couple of main compartments for books, and aren’t too bulky on public transport. Comfortable padded shoulder straps are a must, since you’re wearing them for hours.

Library Marathons: 

When you camp out in the library with extra books, a laptop charger, snacks, and maybe a sweater for the AC, a backpack with a large main compartment and organizer pockets is your friend. 

The Energy Bags Weekender Pro shines here; it can fit a laptop, heavy books, plus your sweatshirt and lunch with room to spare in its front pocket. Ensure that you have front pockets that are easy to open and close, and a side water bottle pocket to hold your coffee jug.

Weekend Adventurer (Travel & Activities): 

For students who hit the gym after class or take off on weekend adventures, consider a backpack that’s versatile for both campus and off-campus use. The Blaze Gear from Energy Bags or a Wildcraft rucksack would be ideal. 

Blaze Gear’s rugged build holds your textbooks by day and your workout gear by evening; its water-resistant exterior can handle being tossed around. 

The Wildcraft outdoor-tested features (compression straps, sternum straps, etc.) make it a good choice as a hiking pack used on a short trip or as an overnight pack. You can have clothes, a towel, and/or your laptop in a single bag rather than carrying a separate gym bag.

Energy Bags suit a trend-conscious student, Skybags the fashion-forward student and Wildcraft the avid outdoorsy student.

The Best Backpacks for College are the ones that work for you

To wrap up, the best backpacks for college are ultimately the ones that best fit your needs and lifestyle. We’ve seen that you can’t go wrong with trusted names like Wildcraft and Skybags or with newcomers like Energy Bags. 

In particular, Energy Bags has proven to be a versatile choice tailored to Indian college life, seamlessly blending style, comfort, and durability. For students seeking style, comfort, and durability, all made in India, Energy Bags stands out as your ideal college companion.

FAQs: Best Backpacks for College

Q1. What are the best backpacks for college students?
The best backpacks for college combine style, comfort, and durability. Energy Bags, Wildcraft, and Skybags offer laptop compartments, padded shoulder straps, and multiple pockets, making them perfect backpacks for modern college life.

Q2. Why choose Energy Bags as a college backpack?
Energy Bags are designed for Indian college students with padded laptop sleeves, spacious main compartments, and stylish looks. They offer affordable durability, making them the best college backpacks for everyday campus use.

Q3. What makes a laptop backpack essential for college students?
A laptop backpack with a padded laptop compartment keeps devices safe while offering multiple compartments for books, notes, and a water bottle pocket, ideal for students balancing technology and heavy textbooks in college life.

Q4. Are padded shoulder straps important in a college backpack?
Yes. Padded shoulder straps ensure comfort while carrying a large backpack filled with books, lunch boxes, and laptops. They reduce strain, making them a must-have for every durable college backpack.

Q5. Which backpack brands are most popular among college students in India?
Energy Bags lead with functional, stylish designs. Wildcraft is known for durability, while Skybags offer trendy, affordable backpacks. Together, they make up the top choices for Indian college students in 2025.

Q6. How many compartments should a perfect backpack for college have?
A good college backpack should have a large main compartment, a padded laptop sleeve, multiple pockets, and at least one zippered pocket for essentials, ensuring students stay organized on campus.

Q7. What is the difference between school backpacks and college backpacks?
School backpacks are basic and smaller, while a college backpack includes laptop sleeves, multiple compartments, and comfortable straps, built for heavier loads and longer campus days.

Q8. Are waterproof backpacks necessary for college life?
Yes, a waterproof backpack protects laptops, notes, and books during sudden rain. Energy Bags and Wildcraft offer water-resistant materials, ensuring durability and safety for every college student’s essentials.

Q9. Can one backpack work for both college and gym clothes?
Absolutely. A large backpack with multiple compartments and a spacious main compartment can fit laptops, books, and gym clothes, making it the right backpack for all-day college life.

Q10. Why is Energy Bags considered the best college backpack brand?
Energy Bags combine affordability, comfort, laptop compartments, and stylish designs. With multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps, and durable material, they stand out as the best backpacks for college students in India.