Carla Challis
The best school backpacks for teenage girls and teenage boys. From big backpacks to bags for the tech-obsessed, here's our high street edit of the best school bags 2020
One of the best things about going back to school, apart from seeing friends, has to be choosing a new school bag. And with a new school term, you and your teenager are probably doing some back-to-school shopping. One thing will be different this year, though – your teen's bag will need to be coronavirus-friendly; that means plenty of pockets for storing face masks for teens, hand gel and a washable bag or one that can be wiped down the minute they step through the door. Whether they want a school bag that's got plenty of room, a school bag that will charge their phone too or a cool classic, get ready to impress your teen with our edit of the best school bags for teenagers going back to school.
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Best school bags for teenage girls
Big enough for schoolwork and sportswear, we love the lush pink of this Nike backpack and who doesn't adore a matching pencil case, too?
Nike Elemental Backpack, £24.99, La Redoute
Simple and stylish, we love the khaki shade of this Topshop backpack. It's nylon too, so can be wiped down with ease.
Nylon Backpack, £20, Topshop
For the eco-conscious teen, this Lefrik backpack will tick all the boxes – it used to be a plastic bottle!
Lefrik Backpack, £50, Urban Outfitters
Holographic backpacks are big news for autumn; we love them for being wipe-clean and reflective come winter.
Luminous Backpack, £23.93, Etsy
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Best school bags for teenage boys
Break up the black with this grey backpack, perfect for school essentials and PE kits too.
Nike Elemental Backpack, £24.95, ASOS
If your teen was into tie-dye during lockdown, this unisex Eastpak backpack should keep them happy come term time, too.
Eastpak Nylon Backpack, £45, Selfridges
You can't beat a classic camo print. It's wipe-clean (tick) and roomy enough for all of his stuff with plenty of pockets to keep things separate.
Camo Backpack, £19.57, Adidas
Best school bags that will fit a LOT in
This black number has everything your teen will need; pockets, a laptop sleeve and even a hidden back pocket for valuables. Genius.
Bali Backpack, £64.99, Gandys London
Looking for something on the larger size? M&S' jumbo school bag should be big enough; it also has a side pocket for a water bottle, is water-resistant and comes in plain black if your teens' school has a strict dress code.
Jumbo School Bag, £30, Marks & Spencer
For the teen who needs a BIG school bag, this one has serious space plus compartments for dividing all their school stuff.
Multifunctional backpack, £19.99, Mango
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Best school bags for the tech-obsessed
Along with a USB charging port, this backpack boasts anti-theft features - just what your teen needs if they're carrying about their tech equipment. With one big pocket containing multiple sleeves, they can stay organised while safe too. Will fit a 15inch laptop or tablet.
CoolBELL Anti-theft Backpack, £42.37, Amazon
Not only is this a cute design, it has a clever USB charging port for charging phones and tablets plus a pouch for any smaller essentials.
Canvas Bag, £21.99, Amazon
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Along with the all-important USB charging ports, this backpack is a tech-lover's dream - there are sleeves and pockets galore to store tablets, laptops, keyboards, gaming gear, headphones...
DJ Marshmellow Backpack, £13.99, Amazon
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