The Best Cheap Backpack Deals for August 2020

It’s back to school time, whether classes will be in person, remote, or some combination of the two. Starting each school year with a new backpack is a tradition in many families, and the search for backpack deals has already begun. Fortunately, back-to-school Sales are another tradition, so if you’re looking for a cheap backpack, you’ll find many choices. The backpack universe includes packs for hiking, biking, commuting, and more, but for this overview of the current best cheap backpack deals, we focused mainly on backpacks appropriate to take to school.

Today’s Best Cheap Backpack Deals

Targus Ascend Professional Business Laptop Backpack — $24, was $33
Adidas Youth Classic 3S III Backpack — $27, was $35
Nike Sportswear Elemental Backpack — $30, was $40
KJARAKÄR Backpack — $37, was $40
Targus Newport Backpack — $50, was $100
Wenger Synergy Backpack for 16-inch Laptop — $65, was $80
Samsonite Modern Utility Laptop Backpack — $66, was $90
SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack — $75, was $100
Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Cotton Campus Backpack — $88, was $108

How To Choose A Backpack

Size

Backpack capacity is best determined by the size of the person who will be wearing it, but there are variation based on personal preference and habits. A middle school student who likes to carry their all books to and from school every day will need a larger backpack than a student who rarely brings books home. Student athletes may want a gigantic bag to carry sports clothing and gear, though in that case a second bag is often an option. One factor regarding size is specific to electronics, considered separately just below.

Laptop And Electronics Readiness

Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, and other electronics are expensive. Even though most devices can take moderately rough handling, the best solution when choosing a backpack is to pick one with a padded protected area that fits the device. Most laptops will fit in a sleeve designed for the most common 15.6-inch display size, but a few are larger, so be sure to account for screen size (measured diagonally). Because some students carry more than one device, there are also backpacks with multiple protected sections. Two additional handy electronics-focused features to look for are an opening for a USB charging port and an easily-accessed zippered compartment for adapters, cables, mice, and other small accessories.

Material

Backpacks are constructed of a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton fabric, leather, and more. If you’re choosing a backpack for a student, keep in mind the material will need to withstand rough treatment and often be put or stored in areas where they will pick up dirt.

Comfort

Backpacks often have a variety of handles and extra straps, but padded shoulder straps that don’t dig in when the backpack is loaded with books can add a lot to its comfort.

Water Resistance

None of the cheap backpacks below are waterproof, but some are constructed of water-resistant material. If anyone will be wearing or carrying the pack in the rain, at least minimal water resistance is a good thing.

Style

Style is another personal preference consideration, but try not to sacrifice function and comfort just because a student wants a backpack with a particular figure, logo, or stylistic feature.