Best Middle School Backpacks for Girls & Boys

Pottery Barn Teen has some adorable options for middle schoolers this year like this Northfield Red Floral Backpack. Stylish and smartly designed, this exclusive backpack features sturdy zippers, a roomy interior and a padded back. The backpack has plenty of space for essentials with an interior padded laptop sleeve, three interior pockets and three exterior pockets. Plus, it’s made of durable recycled canvas and finished with vegan leather trim for sustainable style that pops. As fashionable as it is practical, this backpack is perfect for toting around campus or on any adventure! Choose from several other patterns in this design of backpack.

Your middle schooler will love the cool factor of this Nike Elemental Premium Backpack. It is sleek, modern and made from durable polyester, the Nike Elemental Backpack is a storage staple. Its large zippered compartment comfortably fits shoes or gym clothes along with your books and laptop for school. Two exterior pockets help keep your small essentials organized and accessible, plus two water bottle pockets on this sides. Choose from a few great colors.

There are so many options for colors and prints for middle school girls and guys with this Jansport Right Pack Backpack. The Right Pack backpack is a long-time favorite, and for good reason. Featuring a suede leather bottom for extra durability, a side water bottle pocket, and an internal laptop sleeve. It has a roomy main compartment with space for all your stuff. The side bottle pocket blends perfectly with your bag. Interior padded 15-inch laptop sleeve helps protect from bumps and drops. It is made of a premium Cordura fabric with a suede bottom. The front pocket has built in organizer and a zipper hood to keep splashes from getting in. Plus it has an adjustable straight cut and padded shoulder straps that provide comfort for large loads. This backpack also includes suede zipper pulls and a webbing grab handle on top. Your middle schoolers will love the fully padded back panel for long wear comfort and a hand key clip to keep valuables securely attached. Choose from tons of great colors. You can find more Jansport Right Pack Backpacks on Amazon.

The North Face Vault Backpack is one of the more affordable backpacks from The North Face and it has a sleek, modern aesthetic, a water-repellent finish and the ability to stand unsupported. It also has a sought-after endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association. The FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded and flexible shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for comfortable, ventilated support. A front compartment simplifies organization while maintaining essential features for storage with zip pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key clip. On the outside, it has two water bottle pockets and a daisy chain for added lash points. A huge main compartment holds all your books for a day at work and contains a padded 15" laptop sleeve to protect your computer from bumps and falls. Plus it has top handles allow for easy grabbing, and a sternum strap provides extra support. Choose from tons of great color combos! You can also find The North Face Vault Backpack at Tilly's.

Fjallraven Kankens are popular among teens and preteens for their style and functionality. This backpack is big enough to hold everything middle schoolers need and is a classic style. This cool backpack is made of hard-wearing Vinylon fabric with a zip that opens the entire main compartment.  The comfortable foam back panel doubles as a seat cushion, and this backpack has a simple-but-effective carry system that can be used as a tote or worn on the shoulders. This backpack isdurable, quick-drying and made of water-resistant fabric. Choose from tons of different colorways. See more Kanken Backpack colorways at Zappos.

This super cool Sprayground Core Backpack is a nice faux-leather backpack with ferocious-looking teeth is perfect for school days and weekend trips alike. It is water resistant, has multiple pockets, a handy laptop pocket, so that all the essentials stay organized.

Your middle schoolers can level up with this cool Under Armour Hustle 6.0 Backpack. This sporty backpack is made with durable polyester, adjustable straps, and dual compartments for seamless organization. The zippered closure ensures security on-the-go. Choose from solids and fun prints.

This sleek Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack has plenty of space for all of the books middle schoolers need to carry as well as a fleece-lined laptop sleeve to protect any gadgets. It comes in a wide variety of colors for middle schoolers to choose from. You can also find the Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack on Amazon.

If your middle schooler loves that boho style, this Billabong backpack comes in gorgeous prints they will love. This adorable backpack is made with sturdy cotton canvas, features plenty of pockets inside and out (including two spots for water bottles), plus it includes a padded laptop sleeve and adjustable straps that let you travel in comfort. Choose from several different patterns and matching lunchbags.

The North Face Recon Backpack has a protective laptop compartment, a large main compartment perfect for all of the binders and books middle schoolers carry. Both the women's and men's Recon backpacks have a suspension system that is certified by the American Chiropractic Association, which is great for middle schoolers bringing heavy books from home to school.

This Vans Old School Backpack is both cool and functional. It has a laptop sleeve, a large main compartment, water bottle pockets and a small front pocket for any smaller items middle schoolers bring with them to school. You can also find Vans backpacks in lots of colors, cute florals or fun corduroy.

This gorgeous Athleta Girl Limitless Backpack makes a great backpack for middle schoolers. It is made of water-resistant and snag resistant recycled fabric and includes a larger main pocket with room for a laptop, plus a front pocket for organization. Choose from several great colors.

L.L. Bean backpacks are built to last! This Comfort Carry Laptop Backpack will hold books, a laptop and more. Your middle schooler will comfortably carry everyday loads, using the same ergonomic features as our outdoor hiking packs - like a rigid back panel with extra foam padding and comfortable, breathable mesh straps to create optimum air flow. Built with rugged materials and a smart, purposeful design, it offers all-day organization and unparalleled functionality, whether you're on campus or on the road. Choose from a few great classic colors.