No matter where you are in your education, the fact of the matter is that going to school means carrying a lot of things. Whether you have a slew of outdated textbooks or a tablet loaded with ebooks, you still need a place to stash your stuff. A sleek and modern minimalist school backpack can be just the thing you need to take you right to the top of the class.
How is a person meant to choose though when there are so many options and so many features? To make it easy for you, I have scoured the Internet to bring you the 10 top minimalist school backpacks that marry simple design with usability.
Let’s get started.
11 Top Minimalist School Backpack Reviews
KOPACK Slim Laptop Backpack
If theft is a big concern, this slim laptop backpack by Kopack could be the bag for you. This state of the art backpack features an exterior that is resistant to scratching and puncturing, a double layer zipper, a lock, and a hidden 15.6 inch laptop compartment that keeps your most precious cargo away from sticky fingers.
In addition to some serious anti-theft power, this backpack packs a punch on features for such a minimalist design. With multiple pockets, a decent-sized middle compartment, and even a sunglasses band, this bag will keep you organized even during finals week. Need to charge your devices on the run? An external USB charging port allows you to easily charge a phone or tablet using your own portable charger.
If plain gray isn’t your thing, the slim laptop backpack is also available in black, purple, and even magenta.
Get the look: KOPACK Slim Laptop Backpack
Oscaurt Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Next up on the list is another backpack with some hefty anti-theft features. This ultramodern anti-theft backpack by Oscaurt includes a secret compartment and a hidden main zipper inaccessible to opportunist thieves while you have the backpack on. If you’re a commuter student or go to a campus in a more urban environment, this futuristic backpack also features a reflective safety stripe that will make you more visible to motorists at night.
If you’re the type who loves to organize, this bag could be just right for you. It is fitted with multiple pouches and pockets for pens, devices, and a 15.6 inch laptop.
This backpack is travel triendly as well, with a luggage strap and an external USB port. Side pockets can easily hold your umbrella and a water bottle.
Get the look: Oscaurt Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Laptop Backback by Outjoy
If you need a very simple minimalist backpack suitable for all your needs, this laptop backpack by Outjoy could be the choice for you. This sleek and modern design has very little in the way of exterior pockets, making it look both clean and sophisticated. In fact, the only exterior pockets this bag has are hidden credit card pockets on the straps, a nearly-hidden front anti-theft pocket, and a small zip pocket tucked away with the folds of the back foam.
Speaking of the back foam, this backpack features a triple layer of breathable foam to keep your back cool even during the warmer months. The straps and back design also work together to form an ergonomic system that allows for comfort during long walks to class no matter how many heavy textbooks you have stuffed inside.
If you’re a student who travels a lot, you can also make use of this backpack’s built-in luggage strap designed to fit over the handles of most standard rolling suitcases. Move stress-free through big crowds knowing that the backpacks various hidden zippers make it less vulnerable to thieves looking for opportunity.
Get the look: Laptop Backback by Outjoy
Bagsmart School Backpack
This laptop backpack by Bagsmart is a beautiful minimalist design. In a stylish gray with a very sleek and modern zig-zag exterior, this bag has so many excellent features for someone needing a no-frills school bag. While the bag is a roll-top and can be opened from above when needed, it also has a hidden anti-theft back zipper allowing you easier access to the contents in the main compartment.
In that main compartment, there is a laptop pouch for a 15.6-inch laptop as well as an iPad pouch. The main compartment is also plenty roomy for school books, notebooks, and folders. A simple, open outer pocket sits hidden in the bag’s stylish design for items that you need to access quickly. A side pocket can accommodate a compact umbrella or water bottle.
If you’re worried about rain or spills in the cafeteria, you can rest easy with this laptop backpack. The exterior is resistant to both water and damage from scratches.
Get the look: Bagsmart School Backpack
Friendly Swede Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
If the water-resistant backpacks on this list don’t offer you quite enough rain protection where you live (hello students of Seattle!), then this waterproof dry bag backpack by The Friendly Swede might be exactly what you need. Constructed of completely waterproof eco-friendly PVC tarpaulin, this backpack is impervious to rain, snow, and those half-empty energy drinks your roommate keeps leaving around. Simple rolltop closure with welded seams adds an extra layer of water protection to the main compartment.
Exterior zippers are also splash-resistant for storing items during lighter wet weather, though you might not want to put anything important in there during heavy rain.
Moving past its waterproof features, this bag is gorgeously made. The contrasting black and white exterior gives this backpack a sleek and ultramodern appearance and also ensures that you’ll be more visible in low light. Smaller design elements like zipper pull and the bag’s logo add to its state of the art aesthetic.
Storage-wise, this backpack has an internal laptop pocket for a 13-inch laptop, three external pockets, and one small interior pocket. A large open interior space means plenty of room for textbooks, notebooks, and binders.
If all that isn’t enough, a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty means that you’ll get several years of use out of this backpack before you need to replace it.
Get the look: Friendly Swede Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
Anti-theft laptop backpack by Markryden
If you’re looking for an ultramodern minimalist school backpack with an impeccably cool design, this anti-theft laptop backpack by Markryden might be perfect for you. Featuring a sleek contrasting color exterior, this backpack looks almost futuristic in its simplicity.
Still, it doesn’t sacrifice features for minimalism. If you like to stay organized, this bag can help you do it. It has several built-in pockets for a 15.6 laptop, a 9.7-inch tablet, pens, and more. A built-in compartment for a power bank connects to an external USB charging port for charging your devices on the run.
Worried about your high tech items or your English essay getting wet? This bag has a water-resistant exterior with a hidden anti-theft zipper so that your belongings stay dry and safe from opportunist thieves. A luggage strap designed to fit on the handle of a rolling suitcase also means that it’s ideal for travel.
Get the look: Anti-theft laptop backpack by Markryden
Classic Backpack
If you’re looking for a backpack that marries the minimalist aesthetic with more classic design elements, this classic backpack by Bellroy might be your best bet.
This 20 liter backpack is a super minimalist bag. It does not have a bunch of small pockets inside which means you are able to use that 20 liters to its full potential.
This unique and sleek bag is made from a recycled material that is water-resistant. This means this bag will definitely hold up well in the rain, just don’t go for a swim with it.
Like all of Bellroy’s backpacks, this backpack features ykk zippers that are super smooth and easy to zip up without feeling overly flimsy. The backpack also has a bunch of leather accents that help give it that premium feel. There’s the debossed Bellroy logo upfront as well as a leather accent on the handle.
The top handle is super comfortable to carry which is great for when you’re lugging the backpack around. The shoulder straps are made of a nice padded material that is comfortable.
Another great feature that we like is a small air channel in the back which can be useful for hot and humid environments.
There is a small mesh-lined pocket on the top which is great for sunglasses or your phone. On the front of the bag, there is a long vertical pocket that leads into the front compartment.
Inside, there’s a ton of space inside of the main compartment that you can store all your textbooks or a toiletries bag. One negative thing about this bag is that there is now water bottle pocket anywhere.
There’s a small mesh pocket which is great for cables and adapters. It helps keep all that stuff separate from the rest of your gear. There are another two compartments inside: the large one for laptops (up to 15 inches) and another for a notebook or a tablet.
Get the look: Bellroy Classic Backpack
Compass Backpack With Flight Nylon
If you know the quality of Incase backpacks you know they’re really well built but they tend to be on the more expensive side. The icon line comes in at around $200 but this one is more affordable – about $80.
Compass Backpack from Incase is an awesome-looking backpack with 2-tone look.
In the front pocket, there is a couple of dividers on the inside, little pockets that you can stick things in. At the back, it’s very nicely cushioned and also well ventilated so you’re not going be all hot and sweaty. There is a tiny slot at the top for some sunglasses or things you need quick access to.
On the inside of the main compartment, there are a couple of pouches where you can store power banks or phones. On the backside, there is a slot for your tablet along with a slot for a notebook or up to 16 inch MacBook Pro. It even got some pen holders built into the side.
Get the look: Incase Compass Backpack With Flight Nylon
Two-Way Convertible Brief
Are you a student who needs more versatility in your minimalist school backpack? Perhaps you need something that can easily go from school to an internship. Maybe you want a backpack with a unique, but still professional, design feature. If any of that sounds like you, this minimalist two-way backpack by Incase could be the right call.
With the ability to convert from a backpack to a briefcase, this backpack is ideal for anyone who needs something that can move seamlessly from the classroom to the board room. The exterior also features an embroidered heartbeat logo to add a little flair.
The minimalist city backpack has a laptop compartment for up to a 16-inch Macbook pro, is loaded with pockets and pouches for organizing your school and work life, and even includes a passport pocket for that spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas. It also includes padded back straps with an ergonomic design to keep you comfortable no matter how many textbooks you weigh it down with.
Get the look: Incase Two-Way Convertible Brief
Classic Backpack Plus
If you’re someone who needs a little bit more space for your laptop, this laptop backpack by Mancro might be your perfect fit. With a spacious 22-liter capacity (the largest of any of the backpacks on this list), this simple and sophisticated bag packs a lot of excellent features and even meets airline carry-on requirements.
Made from sturdy, recycled nylon fabric, this backpack is water-resistant, which means your textbooks and essays are safe from light rain (or a late-night coffee spill).
With various compartments, this bag is an ideal partner for you if you’re the kind of person who likes a lot of organization. It has a laptop compartment on the back for a laptop or tablet up to 16 inches. The laptop compartment has an internal organization pocket that you can store your laptop charger. The main compartment has an organization pocket that is deeper than the one the laptop pocket. There is also a small water bottle inside.
The roomy interior also means plenty of room for everything you need for class. Adjustable side straps have nice rigid padding inside and give you the option to downsize the backpack when you don’t need quite as much space.
Not a fan of the black and white? This backpack comes in a whole slew of colors including Lunar, Limestone and Marine Blue, and even Red Earth!
Get the look: Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
Incase Commuter Backpack w/BIONIC®
The last is this clean minimal college backpack by Incase. As far as minimalist looks go, it’s hard to overlook this sleek exterior and simple design.
Inside, you will find a fair amount of pockets including a laptop pocket for up to a 16-inch laptop, spaces for pens and pencils, and a small compartment for stashing cash or a student ID. A side pocket can accommodate a compact umbrella or water bottle.
One nice thing about the water bottle pocket is that it has a magnetic closure so if it’s not in use you can stick that magnet and it will keep it flat to the bag. This will keep the backpack low profile when it’s not in use.
On top, you have a classic hand carry handle. It is wide and dense padded, making it easy to hang up and carry. The backpack is also durable, with a water-resistant exterior made to withstand damage from scratches or ripped seams.
Beyond the classroom, this minimalist backpack can go with you on your travels, whether you’re going home for breaks or just heading out on a spring break vacation with family or friends. Small enough to fit under an airplane seat, a built-in luggage strap means that you can attach this to most rolling suitcases to make your airport experiences easier.
Get the look: Incase Commuter Backpack w/BIONIC®
In Closing
School can be a stressful time for many of us. Whether you’re in high school, college, or continuing education classes, the right minimalist backpack can make all the difference in your experience. Hopefully, this list has helped you find the right bag for your personal and educational needs.