Carla Challis
The best school backpacks for teenage girls and teenage boys. From big backpacks to bags for the tech-obsessed, here's our edit of the best school bags 2021
A decent school bag is high on the agenda for teens at secondary school – and durability, comfort, size and style are all factors to consider when hunting online.
Your teen's bag also needs 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.
MORE: School lunchboxes that parents will love too
Best school bags for teenage girls
Eastpak padded leopard print backpack, £45, ASOS
Eastpak's leopard backpack is padded, helping to keep their belongings super safe and protected.
Santa Cruz black backpack, £35, Urban Outfitters
This simple design will please even the fussiest of teens - plus, it's wipe clean too.
Hype Holographic 14L backpack, £25, Argos
Hype backpacks are beloved by teens the nation over because they're just cool. They're also a good size, well made and reasonably priced (not that teens care so much about those points) Argos have a good selection in various different colours and designs to suit all tastes: See the full range here.
GUIVITU Girls backpack, £34,99, Amazon
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A cute school bag with plenty of pockets to store all your books and stationery - and we're loving the decor pompoms!
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Skechers school bag, £19.99, Amazon
We love this funky black rucksack from Skechers with on-trend tie-dye pattern. The bag has padded adjustable straps, zipper pocket inside for valuables and is large enough for A4 folders.
Best school bags for teenage boys
S-ZONE Starry Lightning backpack, £25.99, Amazon
We love this cool lightning-effect bag which comes with several pockets and laptop compartment. Plus, it's water-resistant so good for days out, not just school use.
FNTSIC Camouflage bag, £21.99, Amazon
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A practical and cool waterproof bag for teenager boys - and also girls who will love the pattern too!
Best school bags that will fit a LOT in
Herschel backpack, £100, John Lewis
Herschel's backpacks are known for being roomy and having plenty of longevity. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so if your darling child does happen to ruin it, you're covered!
Extra large laptop backpack, £27.99, Amazon
A great choice if your teenager needs a spacious bag. This backpack has a 17inch laptop section, over 10 multi-functional pockets and a USB port.
Bali Backpack, £74.99, Gandys London
This black number has everything your teen will need; pockets, a laptop sleeve and even a hidden back pocket for valuables. Genius.
Best school bags for the tech-obsessed
DJ Marshmellow Backpack, £18.46, Amazon
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...
Ikueen, £21.99, Amazon
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This simple blue backpack has a USB port so you can charge your phone as you walk and is made from strong fabric.
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