Back-to-school shopping has officially begun and the best item to buy early is a reliable backpack. If you need a roomy laptop bag, a lightweight commuter backpack or a timeless designer style that you’ll carry long after the semester ends, discounts are up to 71% off at Nordstrom Rack, Amazon, Target, Urban Outfitters and other stores.
As an editorial operations associate for NBC Selected, I frequently cover seasonal sales and I know how to spot a deal actually worth shopping. I also have a sister in high school and a brother in college, and as their designated back-to-school shopping companion, I’ve become a pro at getting the best goods for the lowest prices.
Keep reading for the best backpack deals from top brands like The North Face, Coach, Nike and more, and why these deals are worth grabbing before they’re gone.
Best backpack deals
Recently featured in NBC Selected’s Calpack brand guide, the Terra Laptop Backpack is designed for people whose days feature variety. It protects a 14-inch laptop and can attach to all rolling luggage, and even has a hydration reservoir for hiking and other outdoor adventures. This version is a bit smaller than the popular Terra Laptop Duffel for the purpose of being lightweight and versatile with organization being the priority.
This backpack offers roomy, organized storage for big hauls. It features a zippered main compartment, internal laptop sleeve, ventilated front pocket, and water-bottle side pockets. Durable, densely woven polyester and adjustable padded straps make it ideal for school, the gym or travel.
This is the ultimate bag for someone who goes straight from the gym to work or school (or vice versa) or the student athlete who has practice right after class. It has enough room for your laptop and/or books and small essentials, plus a compartment for your sneakers, a space for your clothes and a pocket for your water bottle. The water-resistant fabric means you don’t have to worry about unexpected rain, and if you use it for travel it’ll fit underneath most airline seats.
As a little girl, all I ever wanted was something from Kate Spade and today, nothing has changed. This bag’s floral design sets it apart from the standard bookbag while having more than enough room for most laptops (15-inch average). With multiple interior and exterior pockets and a leather trim that elevates the look, this backpack is polished enough for the office and more than practical enough for school.
The straps on this bag are easily adjustable and the denim design goes with every outfit. The two front zip pockets make it easy to keep smaller items safe and organized and the roomy main pocket holds laptops, tablets, pouches and of course, books.
Reviewers call this the ultimate bag for daily use because it has a spacious design without being bulky. It is also very comfortable, with adjustable straps and easy-access side entry. It also includes a padded fleece-lined sleeve that fits most laptops up to 16 inches , expandable water pockets and a classic design that customers love.
More backpacks on sale
- 71% off Vera Bradley Ultralight Essential Large Backpack
- 61% off Herschel Youth Heritage Backpack
- 50% off Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack
- 50% off Coach League Flap Backpack
- 50% off Paude Laptop Bookbag
- 40% off Adidas Excel 6 Backpack
- 40% off Puma Unisex Contender Backpack
- 40% off Ganni Dots Re-Tech Backpack
- 39% off Bagswan Laptop Bookbag with USB Charger
- 30% off The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack
- 30% off Jansport SuperBreak Plus Bookbag
- 29% off Baboon to the Moon Packable Backpack
- 25% off Under Armour Essential Backpack
- 24% off Nike Unisex Gameday Training Backpack
- 22% off Miycoo Ultralight Packable Waterproof Daypack
- 20% off Lovevook Laptop Backpack
- 20% off Manhattan Portage Midnight Hunters Backpack
Why these deals are worth it
- Up to 71% off (hundreds of dollars in savings), including picks under $100
- Great for travel and activities beyond school
- Options for students, travelers, teachers and anyone who needs a bag that lets them be hands free
- Some of the lowest prices we’ve seen on designer backpacks in recent years
Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m the editorial operations associate for NBC Selected, where I test hundreds of products each year and help readers find the best deals. I’ve covered major shopping events like back-to-school season, Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday since 2023, contributing to numerous deals roundups as well as beauty, skin care, travel and wellness stories.
Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
















