As a young legal scholar, you have a lot to carry in your backpack. For example, your textbooks, water bottle, and laptop or tablet. If you don’t have a locker on campus or live nearby, then you’ll often have an entire day’s worth of supplies with you. This could be three classes worth of supplies depending on your class schedule. That is why we’ve reviewed the best backpacks. After testing dozens of backpacks, our best backpack for law school is the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack.
Most importantly, we recommend having a sturdy backpack, bag, or large purse to carry your belongings. If you have a good one from undergraduate, it might still work. But, perhaps it is time for an upgrade. Legal textbooks are probably much heavier than your undergraduate textbooks.
Here are our favorites:
Best Backpacks For Law School
1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is an affordable backpack that will last you three years of school and more. It includes an internal slip pocket to hold your laptop and tablet so it won’t be cushioned from your textbooks and other supplies. This laptop can hold 2 legal textbooks and 2 notebooks in addition to your laptop.
We love the waterproof feature because your stuff will be safe as you run from your car or apartment to class. The side pockets in this law school backpack are mesh pockets and allow you to carry a water bottle on both sides. It also features a usb port on the side.The usb port allows you to sync up to your laptop without removing it from your the main compartment.
Discount Code Alert
Because this Matein Laptop Backpack is our favorite laptop bag, and one of the best backpacks for law school, we secured a discount code for you. Use ‘LawSchoolSupplies‘ when checking out for a discount!
2. Vaschy Outdoor Waterproof Bookbag
This is the backpack for law school students who want to have a backpack and look like an adult but not an undergraduate student. This sleek look comes in multiple colors. It includes holders for water bottles on the side. Its waterproof and comfortable to wear around. It has a laptop compartment with more than enough space to fit any sized portable computer.
The best part is that it has the same look and style as the much more expensive Herschel Little America Backpack, but for less than half the price. Even at a reduced price, the shoulder straps are incredibly comfortable. Moreover, the external pockets in front are great for carrying smaller accessories.
3. Vintage Leather Messenger Bag
The vintage leather messenger bag is a great option for a school bag and an internship or career bag. This is the carrying case of the profession. You’ll likely buy a laptop bag when you graduate so it is not too early to start using it as a student. This will easily fit your laptop, notes, and textbooks. It is waterproof and easy to handle.
The only downsides to a messenger bag are that there is less of a spacious main compartment. Additionally, the shoulder straps can be less comfortable than a traditional backpack. Sometimes the messenger bags lack sophisticated dividers as an internal organizer. However, don’t be scared away, they usually include an additional sleeve for electronics.
4. Professional Laptop Handbag
This laptop handbag looks like a purse, but it holds everything you can possibly need. We love this laptop bag because it was truly created with every possible feature. It can hold laptops, books, notes, and more.
The handbag is waterproof and lightweight with removable shoulder straps. This is an awesome bag that you’ll be able to use at your internships and as an everyday carry for class.
Water Holder Warning
One thing to note, you may want to carry your water bottle separate if you choose this option. Although it does have zippered additional sleeves for tablets, it might not be worth the risk of a spill.
5. Tan Work Tote for Laptop
This tote is for those who want a more casual look in their handbags. It has plenty of room to fit your laptop or tablet and textbooks. The shoulder straps feel a little more natural with this bag than other large purses we’ve seen. It is waterproof and has a polyester liner to protect all your valuables inside. The outside looks great like full grain leather so will fit in professional settings too.
Water Holder Warning
A disadvantage if you are looking for two water bottle pockets, this bag won’t accommodate you. It does have a laptop compartment that can be separated though!
6. Day Owl The Backpack
We love the Day Owl The Backpack because of the minimalist look on the outside. This backpack is a great professional upgrade to your typical college backpack. It features a sleek design and comes in 16 different colors.
Don’t let this bag fool you though. It can hold laptops up to 16 inches in the padded laptop sleeve and has a spill-resistant bottle pocket. So, your drink won’t drip on your valuable electronics of law textbooks.
Capacity Advisory
The only downside is that this backpack comes in a slimmer version but not a larger version. This limits the carrying capacity to only a few textbooks and a smaller main compartment. Overall, this is a solid backpack with a nice tablet sleeve.
7. JanSport with Suede Bottom
This is a classic and stylish backpack. You will recognize this JanSport backpack with the signature zip pocket from your undergraduate days. Many students for decades have rocked a JanSport backpack. And for good reason! These things are reliable, sturdy, and long-lasting. The JanSport features a roomy main compartment with exterior pockets, comfortable shoulder straps, and comes in many colors.
We like the option with suede on the bottom as it makes the look more classy. This is the perfect backpack if you don’t want to go with something reliable and classy without standing out too much.
8. North Face Women’s Laptop Backpack
We love this backpack for the sporty student. You can easily swap out the textbooks for camping gear on the weekend and take it on a hike. This North Face backpack comes in dozens of cute color combinations so be sure to browse all the options. It features a padded sleeve for you laptop.
The only downside of this backpack is the internal size. You probably won’t be able to fit multiple textbooks inside. However, if you have e-textbooks or only one and your notebooks, you should be fine.
9. Herschel Little America
The Herschel Little America backpack is iconic. This isn’t a backpack for everyone because it is definitely on the more expensive size. However, if you have it in your budget, you won’t find a more well-made backpack on this list.
This is a premium backpack that comes in dozens of colors and 25L of space. That means this has a large amount of space for carrying law school textbooks. Additionally, it features a separate padded and fleece-lined laptop section. You cannot go wrong with this backpack. It is also one of the best backpacks for lawyers beginning their career because it is so sleek.
H2O Storage Warning
However, one minor drawback is the lack of places to store your water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Law School Backpacks
No, it is not required. But, you do need something that is large enough to carry around legal textbooks, a laptop, and some notebooks. This can be a messenger bag or a large purse. However, we don’t recommend trying to carry everything with only your hands. You will look silly and probably drop something valuable, like your laptop. Aim for something with a laptop sleeve and water bottle pockets.
Our recommendation is the Matein Travel Laptop Bag. We think this is the best backpack based on a totality of factors. It is durable, affordable, and modern-looking with a laptop sleeve included. This means that you will blend in well with your law school classmates without spending a fortune. Nobody wants to be remembered as the guy or gal that rocks the brightly colored bag.
Of course! For students that go with a tote or purse laptop bag, we highly recommend having two different colors. Therefore, you’ll have two options for matching your outfit. We recommend going with two different neutral tone bags. A brown and black option pretty much covers an entire wardrobe. You could even find a grey bag as well. Just skip the rolling briefcase, that is a little too nerdy class.
Conclusion – Best Laptop Bag and Backpacks
These five bags are the best you can get. Whichever bag or backpack you choose for depends on your personal style and what you are most comfortable carrying around. The number one choice is the Matein Travel Laptop Bag because of its combination of durability and affordability. You will love this laptop bag and it will last well into your early legal career.
Be sure to check out our rating guide for a detailed description of how the LSS Team rates products! We strive to bring you the most up to date reviews and guides for all your school supply needs.