From my first year to graduation, these are the three backpacks I would rely on for carrying a laptop.

      Most individuals don’t invest much time contemplating which laptop bag to purchase for school. They typically opt for the least expensive option available and hope it will be durable. A few weeks into the semester, however, they find their laptop has mysteriously suffered a dent, the strap seams are beginning to fray, the main zipper won’t close, and the side pocket has already lost its shape and fails to keep a water bottle secure.

      An item you use daily deserves more thought than a mere afterthought, but you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on a durable backpack. The back-to-school season brings well-constructed bags that will easily last until graduation at reasonable prices. To simplify your search, I’ve selected three options at varying price points that will meet your needs.

      **JanSport Big Student**

      For many students, a backpack needs to carry everything they require for the day and endure the transitions between classes. The JanSport Big Student does this effectively for just $62.

      With a 34-liter main compartment, it accommodates a 15-inch laptop, textbooks, a lunch bag, and gym clothes with extra space available. A mesh side pocket is designed to hold a standard water bottle. The two main compartments help distribute heavier items, preventing anything from being crushed at the bottom. Additionally, a front utility pocket with an organizer and two smaller stash pockets keep the smaller items organized. Pens, chargers, IDs, and keys all have designated spaces instead of getting lost.

      Crafted from 600D recycled polyester, the bag withstands years of daily use, while the S-curve shoulder straps and padded back panel make carrying heavier loads more comfortable. JanSport backs this bag with a lifetime warranty, providing a solid safety net for this price.

      One area where JanSport compromised is the laptop sleeve. While it accommodates a 15-inch laptop, the padding is minimal, so investing in a separate cushioned sleeve might be advisable for added protection.

      The backpack comes in a variety of colors, and although the listed price is $62, it frequently drops to around $40 during back-to-school sales. For students looking to spend under $50 and not worry about their bag, this is an excellent option.

      **Herschel Heritage 24L**

      The Herschel Heritage 24L is an ideal choice for students who want a backpack they will continue using after graduation. Featuring the signature diamond patch on the front, a striped fabric liner, and a sleek design, this bag is stylish enough for both a coffee shop and a weekend getaway as well as a lecture hall.

      Herschel bags justify their price through true long-lasting durability. I have owned a Herschel Little America for over eight years, and it still shows minimal signs of wear, leading me to believe the Heritage will perform just as well.

      With a capacity of 24 liters, the bag can accommodate up to a 16-inch laptop, a few notebooks, and daily necessities, although it may struggle to fit an entire semester’s worth of textbooks and gym gear.

      Its single main compartment features a padded floating sleeve that keeps the laptop elevated, along with an expandable side pocket for a water bottle, a side sleeve for quickly accessible items, and a zippered front pocket that includes an organizer and a key clip. The EVA-padded shoulder straps provide comfort during carry, and Herschel offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects.

      The Heritage retails at $90 but often reduces to around $50. Choose this bag if you want something that will outlast your student ID while retaining its appeal.

      **Fjallraven Raven 28**

      The Fjallraven Raven 28 has a higher price point than the other two selections for a reason. It’s constructed like an outdoor backpack, not just a school bag. The G-1000 Heavy Duty Eco fabric, made from recycled polyester and organic cotton, is designed for years of daily use and occasional hiking without showing signs of wear. You can even treat it with Greenland Wax for enhanced water resistance, a feature not offered by the other two options.

      I’ve owned a thrifted Fjallraven Kanken backpack for six years, and despite its age, it has no tears or holes, and the zippers function perfectly. My three-year-old Kanken Hip Pack has fared just as well. The material quality of Fjallraven is exceptional, and there’s no reason to believe the Raven 28 won’t perform similarly.

      With a capacity of 28 liters, the Raven offers ample space for a full course load without becoming overly bulky. It features a separate compartment for a 15-inch laptop to ensure it doesn’t come into contact with items that could scratch or damage it.

      The organization is where the Raven excels. A large main compartment includes an interior zippered security pocket, a zippered front pocket with mesh organizers for smaller items, a fleece-lined top pocket for sunglasses and a phone, and two open side pockets for water bottles.

      The Raven 28 is