Top School Backpacks Under $30
JanSport Humboldt Sling Backpack: $29.90
There are many advantages to the sling bag, including the way it evenly distributes weight on your back. Jansport’s top budget model is the Humboldt sling. Featuring an aircore shoulder strap and one large main compartment, this sling backpack is among the best of the best in fashion and functionality. The front gear pocket and V-Loft pocket are major space savers. Three color options are available (black, white/silver/teal, baby blue/silver), making it a great choice for guys or girls. This bag is lightweight and constructed with a nylon mesh fabric, with a capacity of 28 liters.
Olympia Scholar Backpack: $25.95
The winner for cool features and options is Olympia’s Scholar backpack. Constructed of poly rip-stop fabric, this bag has an expanding feature (yes, just like some luggage), that gives you the option of having 20 percent more room to pack your books. A CD/mp3 player compartment has headphone port access, so you can listen to tunes on the go. This is also the perfect bag for athletes, with mesh water bottle compartments on both sides. For added back support and optimal comfort, an air-flow padded back and high-end interior lining are built in.
JanSport Philly Messenger Bag: $29.90
For those who like to carry the weight of their schoolbooks at their side rather than on their back, a messenger bag like this one from Jansport can do the trick-and help you stay within your budget. The strap is thickly padded so it won’t cut into your shoulder like some messenger bads. One large main compartment and two corner pockets for storage will help you keep your school stuff separate from your personal life (cell phone, iPod, etc.). This bag also features a buckle-front drawbridge compartment with a deluxe organizer for pens and other school supplies. It boats a capacity of 20.5 liters, and is constructed of a nylon mesh material in browntones, or black with green or silver accents for a versatile, neutral look.
Ogio Half Dome Duffel Bag: $26.00
If you prefer a duffel bag to haul your gear, Ogio’s Half Dome model has a lot to offer for a great price. A front sleeve pocket can keep your wallet or important paperwork, while a huge 30 liter capacity inner compartment holds a change of clothing, shoes, books, and the rest of your life. An audio pocket with headphone port makes this a logical choice for toting around your mp3 player. And best of all, this dobby nylon bag has reinforced stitching (with a triple-needle thread) to make sure it lasts and lasts and lasts. Choose your favorite color, because this bag comes in Pink, blue, red, green, and all black varieties.
Dickies Corduroy Backslide Backpack: $25.95
This bag doesn’t have all the bells and whistles-just a front zippered pocket for extras. But for students who like to carry a classic backpack that’s a little more understated, this may be the way to go. Dickies corduroy backslide backpack is simple and light, and comes in black, blue, red, pink, brown, tan, and a storm grey. This bag holds more than you’d think-for instance a 14 inch laptop fits just fine with a bevy of school books. And at this price, you could get two colors to coordinate with different outfits. The top handle doubles as a locker loop for extra hanging or carrying options. This bag also features a lifetime warrantee against defects in materials and workmanship.
