Well, as much as I hate to admit it, it’s that time of year again! Back to school! One thing that is nice about back to school means a new wardrobe and a new teacher backpack or new teacher bag! Today, I’m giving a run down of the 13 best backpacks for teachers! Of course, these backpacks don’t aren’t just the best teacher backpacks. I would consider these to be the best work backpacks, in general, no matter the type of job. Most of us haul things around and need a reliable, roomy and comfortable bag, despite the profession. I’m also choosing teacher bags that can double as the best carry on backpacks for planes, too!
Listen. I don’t mean to brag or anything, but if there is anyone that knows about hauling some crap around a school, it’s this gal. Read on below and you will see what I mean.
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Yet Another Tired Story of a Another Tired Educator
I’m not sure if I’ve ever really gotten deep on here about what I do in my educator position these days. Once upon a time, I was a general classroom teacher with six classes a day of foreign language – six classes of Exploratory Spanish and one class of English as a Second Language (all for grades 6th-8th and that position included being the building designee/facilitator for ESL except with very little time to actually do so). We actually no longer call it ESL in my state. It is now called ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) in my state.
About four years ago, I took a new position as my building’s ESOL instructional facilitator. The change was a wonderful opportunity to actually be able to help build up our ESOL program with actual time built into the day to do so. I LOVE this position. I love my English language learners, and the position allows me to be a person of support to both the students and the teachers.
One down side? Running. Always running. I have been co-teaching ESOL sheltered classes with five different content teachers, running from one class to the next every time the bell rang just like the students do. And for the last three years, I have traveled between two campuses daily and physically moved my body and my car four times a day between leaving home at 7:10 and arriving back home at 4:00ish in the afternoon. And I can think of very few times where I was in those school halls without a big load of stuff – both in my backpack and in my hands. The physical grind is exhausting.
Be Selective of the Teacher Backpack You Buy This School Year
Why do I share this story of yet another frazzled educator’s daily grind?
Because over the last four years, I have been reminded daily just how important it is to have the best teacher backpack as part of a daily teacher routine! It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s also about the utility when it comes to backpacks for teachers.
I’ve tried so many teacher bags over the last several years. I’ve had cute faux leather ones from Target. I had trendy vegan leather style work backpacks from TJ Maxx. I’ve ordered some backpacks for teachers on the fly from Amazon without really considering the measurements or the features.
What I discovered with nearly every teacher backpack I bought in these spur-of-the-moment situations is though they were all cute, none of them worked for me to their full potential. In many cases, the backpacks have a narrow mouth near the top – meaning a tight squeeze for my Macbook Air to slide in and out. In other cases, there isn’t a deep enough pocket to accommodate my bottled drink or water bottle. The side pockets are often too tight or too short to fit much of anything. Taller bottles or umbrellas flip out or are simply too large in circumference to fit.
With some of my teacher backpacks, the back straps are too narrow and they are not the best backpacks for heavy loads or the best backpacks for back pain. And I have a lot of back problems so this is a problem, no? Also, I am five-foot tall and some of these bags are not the best backpacks for petite women – either because the straps don’t adjust nearly enough or because the bags are too long, dragging down past my backside.
I’ve learned to put in more time when choosing a quality teacher backpack. And because I have invested this time in finding the best teacher backpacks for myself this school year, it is only fitting I share this knowledge with the rest of the frazzled educators out there!
And like I said, although I am calling these bags backpacks for teachers, you don’t have to be a teacher to enjoy these backpacks. I think the backpacks I am including on this list are the best work backpacks for most any profession. If these are the best bags for teachers, they are likely the best bags for nurses, the best bags for receptionists, etc.
Teacher Bags Can Be the Best Backpacks for Women Traveling
When I do have a really good teacher bag, I usually use it as my carry on bag (personal) item when I fly for trips. After all, the same features you need going to and from work will often be the same features you need for traveling. Therefore, teacher bags make the best backpacks for women traveling by plane, car, etc.
Best Backpacks for Teachers and Other Professions
Here are the things you should consider when selecting a new teacher backpack:
- Large open mouth for easily sliding laptops and iPads in and out
- Measurements to ensure your devices will actually fit lengthwise and by width
- Outside pocket for medium to large drink
- Outside pocket for small umbrella
- Outside pocket for phone and keys
- Inside pockets for devices to each have a “home”
- Inside pockets for pens, chapsticks, etc.
- USB charging pocket/flap
- Wide thick straps to help with back support
- Strap adjustment evaluation to ensure the straps adjust enough to suit your needs
- Back strap on backpack to slide over suitcase/luggage handle
- Extra hook straps on the backpack to hook and hang other things from the backpack when on the go
- Colors/patterns you won’t tire of one month into the school year
- Ability to hide dirt well after it gets slung around from classroom to classroom or office to office
- Is the bag washable or easy to wipe clean? (because…you know…school germs)
- Enough “open space” within the bag to house additional things you might haul around the school each day – cardigan, lunch bag, books, clipboard, charging brick, and all the other teacher-y stuff
- Is a convertible style bag important to you? (A convertible bag is a bag that can change from one style to another – backpack style, over the arm style, crossbody style, etc.)
- Is the backpack sized right for your body frame?
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! – This is the new teacher backpack I chose for this year. I have also already used it as my carry on backpack for a recent flight (as my “personal item” with my rolling carry on luggage), and it is fabulous! I chose the 17 inch which is large. Despite its size, it still makes the best under seat backpack – it fits under the seat area of a plane and only extends a little bit (with no problems) but allows you to have all your things organized and within reach. I might order a second one of this same style in the 15 inch as we get into the school year. This backpack has inside sleeves, tons of pockets, a charging port, a luggage strap, thick straps, expandable side pockets for my Diet Cokes, and various color choices! It is a winner!
I packed all of this travel stuff inside plus my laptop and laptop case and some snacks.
More Structured Backpacks for Teachers
These convertible backpacks will allow for some flexibility which should help with the burn out some of us get after carrying the same bag for a while. You can use these teacher bags as backpacks, over the shoulder, slingback bags, etc.
- Convertible Tote and Backpack
- Pros: The wide mouth is perfect for laptops and the padded wide back straps are perfect for back support. This nylon fabric is water resistant and should be somewhat easy to maintain. This backpack for teachers offers multiple front pockets and two side pockets. The inside compartment is room to accommodate notebooks and planners and a laptop. The USB charging port is handy for setting up your own charging brick for quick charging (Note: the charging brick does not come with any bag listed in this post. You must purchase your own portable charging block separately.)
- Cons: It concerns me the nylon fabric may carry an overly casual vibe for a professional although it could also be considered versatile on that same note. There are no zipper pockets inside and the tote straps are not padded. It is possible larger laptops might not fit the measurements of this bag, and this bag seems a bit floppier than the other structured ones listed in this post.
- Large Convertible Style Backpack
- Pros: The wide mouth is perfect for slipping laptops in and out. This is a large size backpack for packing many things with wide padded back straps. There are multiple front pockets – some with zipper closure and others with magnetic closure and slots for passports, ID, etc. The two large side pockets are big enough to hold larger drinks while the inside is large enough for books, notebooks, devices and more. There are lots of innner pockets. This teacher bag also includes a USB charging port included for easy charging of devices from the bag. If you wish to also use this bag for travel, there is a luggage strap for attaching to luggage. This work bag comes in several solid seasonal colors, and it can be used as a tote or backpack
- Cons: This is a pretty bulky bag which you might take into consideration if you need to carry it constantly throughout the day. The nylon may not be as professional as some would prefer in a work bag.
- Large Sleek Backpack
- Pros: wide mouth for laptops; large size backpack for packing many things; wide padded back straps; two large front pockets with zippers; two large side pockets big enough to hold larger drinks; inside is large for books, notebooks, devices and more; lots of inside pockets; USB charging port included for easy charging of devices from the bag; zipper closure of main compartment; luggage strap for attaching to luggage; comes in several solid colors and a few floral patterns; can be used as tote or backpack; it is very well structured and can stand on its own
- Cons: although there are multiple colors offered, there could stand to be a few brighter solid color offerings
- Large Zip Up Backpack
- Pros: There is a wide mouth for laptops, and this large size backpack will hold many things. The wide padded back straps and one large front pocket with zipper to secure items are favorable features. Additionally, there are two large side pockets big enough to hold medium sized bottle drinks. The inside is spacious enough for books, notebooks, devices and more with lots of inside pockets. A USB charging port is included for easy charging of devices from the bag. For convenience, there is a vertical zipper on the back of backpack to enter main compartment in two different places. The bag is offered in many different colors and in two sizes.
- Cons: There is no luggage strap, and the side pockets could be less tight.
- Floral Backpack
- Pros: I am not much of a florals girl, but I have to say…bam!…these floral patterns are beautiful! Every one of them is appealing. This bag also packs a punch with plenty of pockets, a charging port, and a convertible format that goes from backpack to tote. The wide mouth of this structured bag should allow for things to be entered and removed easily. These make beautiful and functional backpacks for teachers.
- Cons: There does not appear to be a luggage strap, and some people might prefer solid color choices.
Best Slim Teacher Backpacks
Some people prefer a slender backpack that incorporates pockets and good use of space but doesn’t jut out too far.
- Vintage Style Slim Backpack
- Pros: I love the color choices for this work bag! There is a wide mouth for laptops and wide padded back straps that are adjustable. There are two outer front pockets with zippers to keep things secure as well as two side pockets. The inside is large enough for notebooks/binders and up to 17 inch laptop that tucks into a padded slotted pocket with velcro. The price is mid-range. One feature is a USB charging port included for easy charging of devices from the bag. The nylon fabric can be wiped down for quick cleaning
- Cons: My personal thought is some high school students might also like this style of backpack so it is possible to have a teacher-student matchy-matchy situation going on. Also, the side pockets seem small for large drink bottles or umbrellas. This bag is not convertible style so there is no flexibility with carrying it, and there is no luggage strap.
- Sleek Vegan Leather Backpack
- Pros: This is one sleek teacher bag! I will admit I am not a huge fan of vegan leather products. However, I think this backpack is worth a shot. There are multiple beautiful color schemes in a two-tone pattern.
- Cons: The side pockets on this bag may not have as much give as you would hope for in a backpack for teachers. If you hope to haul around your water bottle and your Starbucks, you might be disappointed! Also, the back straps seem narrow and not padded. It reminds me of a teacher backpack I used last year that dug into my shoulders. But I used it anyway because I was all about “fashion over function.” This backpack is on the pricey side. For traveling, be aware there is no luggage strap.
- Posh Leather Backpack
- Pros: No one will doubt your “professional” status when you swoop through those school hallways with this accordion style work bag. Made of real animal tanned leather imported from Italy, it is gorgeous! There are five basic color choices. Although the straps are more narrow than I care for, they are padded and adjustable.
- Cons: This is the priciest option in this post for backpacks for teachers (of course, since it is made of leather). There isn’t as much overall space in this backpack as in some of the other choices above so some teachers would have trouble making this one work for their load of stuff. It would also be difficult for some to use this slender bag as their travel bag. Speaking of travel, there does not appear to be a luggage strap. Also, there are no outside pockets for drinks.
Teacher Backpacks for Men (or Gender Neutral Backpacks for Teachers)
I never want the men teacher folk to be forgotten when I write posts like this, because they face the same challenge we female teachers do – trying to not look too much like the kids. We might need backpacks and lunch boxes, but none of us want to look like we are carrying a sixth-grade girl or boy’s backpack around school!
- Convertible Backpack/Messenger Bag
- Pros: This men’s backpack is sharp! It definitely screams grown man rather than sixth-grade boy. The versatility of it is great as it can change from a backpack for teachers to a messenger bag to an over-the-shoulder bag. It can be attached to luggage when used as a travel backpack. It can accommodate a 17 inch laptop. It boasts 12 pockets, including ink pen slots.
- Cons: This bag, though super sleek, is not super roomy. Depending on how many daily items one needs to pack into the bag, this bag may run tight on space.
- Slim Travel Backpack
- Pros: This slim men’s backpack comes in a variety of solid colors and patterns. This men’s work backpack has the USB port, the luggage strap, padded adjustable shoulder straps, and plenty of pockets like many of the others on this list. However, it also has a hanging clasp to hang a key fob or other items which is a feature I have been keeping an eye out for and haven’t seen much. This bag is also listed as a women’s backpack so it is gender-neutral.
- Cons: Because of its slim nature, this backpack may hold fewer items than one might fit with some of the other bags.
- Urban Style Canvas Backpack for Teachers
- Pros: This stylish backpack for men offers a water resistant canvas fabric, outside and inside pockets, and padded shoulder straps for comfort. I truly like the look of this backpack for teachers. It has a modern urban style and comes in a variety of colors including a bold yellow! Somehow, it is casual yet posh enough to be professional all at once.
- Cons: It is hard to gauge how useful those outside pockets are. It seems they might be a rather tight fit.
- Backpack with Built In Insulated Lunchbox
- Pros: What teacher doesn’t wind up dragging a gazillion bags around the halls at school? This two-in-one backpack seems to help alleviate the age-old issue of too many work bags. As for the backpack part, it offers many of the same features as we’ve seen in the other bags above – the USB port, the outside pockets for drinks, and the luggage strap. Maybe this cool lunchbox backpack would have you thinking out some healthy lunchbox lunch ideas for this year.
- Cons: The lunchbox does not appear to be removable as I’ve seen in other backpack duos. I would think there might be occasions where it might be helpful to remove the lunchbox – like to move it to a kitchen fridge or to clean it. There are two neutral colors and one floral pattern. I would like to see more colors.
If You Like this Best Backpacks for Teachers Post, Check Out My Other Teacher-Inspired Posts
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Dirty Santa Ideas for the Classroom
Fun Group Game for Teacher Trainings
Tips for Back to School Shopping for Teachers and Parents
Teacher Must Haves from Amazon
Christmas Party Ideas at School
Sharing Good Things with Students
Valentine’s Day Treats for the Classroom
Christmas Treats for the Classroom
Decorative Hat Wall for the Classroom
Spanish Teacher Bulletin Boards
Back to School Outfits for Teachers
Teacher Appreciation Gifts Under $15
I hope you enjoyed perusing my choices of the best backpacks for teachers this school year! I’m excited about my choices, and I hope you find the perfect teacher backpack, too! Did I forget any important features when it comes to best backpacks for teachers?
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