Every August, the school corridors fill with kids lugging around backpacks that look like they’re carrying a small fridge. Some are sleek and minimalist. Others look like they’ve survived a tornado in a luggage store. But if you ask any high schooler what they’re hauling, it’s not just books-it’s identity, comfort, and survival.
What Teens Actually Carry in 2026
High school backpacks today aren’t just about holding textbooks. They’ve got to fit laptops, tablets, chargers, water bottles, gym clothes, lunch containers, and at least three pairs of headphones. The average student carries 15 to 20 pounds daily. That’s heavier than a newborn baby. And no one wants to be the kid with shoulder pain by October.
So what’s working? The top three backpacks dominating high school hallways in 2026 aren’t the flashiest, but they’re the ones that last, fit right, and don’t make you look like you raided a camping store.
The Top 3 Backpacks Students Are Wearing Right Now
JanSport SuperBreak is still the quiet king. It’s been around since the ’90s, and somehow, it hasn’t aged. The simple design, reinforced stitching, and lifetime warranty mean it survives locker slams, rainstorms, and being dropped off the bus. It’s not fancy, but 62% of students surveyed in Melbourne high schools said they still use one-or their sibling’s old one. The price? Under $50. That’s why it’s everywhere.
North Face Borealis is the upgrade pick. It’s got a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16-inch MacBook, a front pocket for quick-access snacks or a phone, and a hip belt that actually helps with weight distribution. It’s not cheap-around $100-but parents who’ve bought it once say they never had to replace it. One mom in Carlton told me her daughter used hers from Year 8 to Year 12. That’s six years of daily abuse.
Herschel Settlement is the style favorite. It’s the one with the woven drawstrings and the subtle logo that doesn’t scream "I’m 14 and trying too hard." It’s got a clean look, decent padding, and enough space for everything without looking bulky. It’s not the most ergonomic, but teens don’t care about ergonomics-they care about Instagram. And yeah, it shows up in a lot of photos.
What’s Not Working Anymore
Remember those tiny, square backpacks from 2018? The ones that looked like they were made for carrying a single notebook? Those are gone. So are the ones with glitter, neon trim, or cartoon characters. High schoolers want to look like they’ve got it together-not like they’re still in primary school.
Also gone: the ones with no back padding. You’d think a backpack without cushioning would be lighter, but it’s not. It’s just painful. And the ones with those flimsy plastic buckles that snap off after two weeks? Those are relics. Kids don’t trust them anymore.
Features That Actually Matter
Here’s what teens look for before they buy:
- Weight distribution - A hip belt or padded shoulder straps aren’t optional. They’re mandatory.
- Water resistance - Melbourne weather doesn’t wait for you to pack an umbrella. A water-repellent coating or a rain cover built in? Huge plus.
- USB charging port - Yes, this is real now. Some backpacks have a hidden pocket for a power bank with a port on the outside. Students plug in their earbuds and charge on the go.
- Compartments - At least one dedicated laptop sleeve, one for pens, one for water bottles. Too many pockets? Annoying. Too few? Chaos.
- Size - Not too big, not too small. A 17L to 22L capacity hits the sweet spot. Anything bigger looks like you’re moving out.
Price Range: What’s Worth It?
Most parents spend between $40 and $120. Here’s the breakdown:
- Under $40 - You get what you pay for. Zippers break. Straps stretch. These last one semester.
- $40-$70 - The sweet spot. JanSport, Amazon Basics, and some Korean brands like MYSKIN offer solid builds. Good for Year 8-10.
- $80-$120 - North Face, Herschel, and Fjällräven. These are the ones you buy once and forget about. Worth it if your kid’s going to be in high school for four years.
- Over $120 - You’re paying for branding, not function. Unless it’s a custom design or a rare color, skip it.
What About Sustainability?
More students are asking: "Is this backpack made from recycled plastic?" Brands like Fjällräven and Everlane are gaining ground with recycled polyester and fair-trade production. Fjällräven’s Kånken isn’t the most practical for heavy loads, but it’s the one kids wear when they’re not carrying books-on the train, to the café, to the park. It’s become a lifestyle item.
And if you’re worried about waste? Buy secondhand. Facebook Marketplace and Depop are full of barely-used backpacks from graduating seniors. One dad in Footscray bought a nearly new North Face for $25. His daughter used it for two years and sold it for $30. That’s a win.
Final Tip: Let Them Choose
Here’s the truth: teens will wear what they want. No amount of logic about weight distribution will make them pick a backpack they think looks "uncool." The best thing you can do? Take them shopping. Let them try on five options. Watch how they move with each one. Ask them what they hate about their current one. Then let them decide.
Because in the end, it’s not about the brand. It’s about the kid walking into school without wincing.
What’s the best backpack for heavy books?
The North Face Borealis is the top pick for heavy loads. It has padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a structured frame that spreads weight evenly. If you’re carrying more than 18 pounds daily, avoid backpacks without a hip belt-they’ll ruin your posture fast.
Are laptop sleeves necessary?
Yes, if your student uses a laptop for class. A padded sleeve protects against bumps and drops. Look for one that fits up to 16 inches-even if they have a 13-inch now. They’ll upgrade eventually. Skip backpacks without any laptop compartment; they’re not built for modern school life.
How often should I replace a high school backpack?
A good backpack lasts the whole high school run-four to five years. If it’s falling apart after one year, you bought a cheap one. JanSport and North Face come with lifetime warranties, so if a strap breaks, send it in for a free replacement. Don’t just throw it out.
Do color and style really matter?
Absolutely. Teens use backpacks to express themselves. Dark colors like black, navy, or charcoal are safest-they hide dirt and look mature. Bright colors or logos can attract unwanted attention. But don’t force a style they hate. A backpack they love will get used, not abandoned.
Is a backpack with a USB port worth it?
Only if your kid carries a power bank. The USB port itself doesn’t charge anything-it’s just a pass-through. But if they plug their power bank into the backpack and charge their earbuds or phone while walking to class? That’s a game-changer. Just make sure the pocket is secure and the cord doesn’t dangle.