As an engineering student, you need a sturdy backpack that will protect your laptop or tablet from bad weather, keep your books, stationery, and other college items organized, and have some extra space for your cell phone, lunch box, or headphone.
But the best backpack for engineering students is more than a functional bag. It is durable, hence cost-effective, has a lightweight construction with all the bells and whistles for comfort.
Plus, the backpack’s design should make you stand out amongst your peers. You know, that extra detail here and there that gives the bag the wow factor.
In this quick guide, we share ten of the best backpacks for engineering students. We handpicked the bags after conducting a well-researched buying guide and comparing customer ratings and reviews.
Best Backpacks for Engineering Students
Thule TCBP-417 Crossover 32 L Backpack
The 32L Thule TCBP-417 Crossover backpack consists of water-resistant materials and reinforced zippers to create a thin protective bag for your school supplies.
In particular, opt for this backpack when searching for secure storage solutions for your fragile items like your drawing kit, scales, drafting tools, or building blocks. It also has a Crushproof SafeZone section that will keep the delicate gear intact.
Its 15-inch padded laptop compartment and a tablet sleeve will accommodate your devices and bulky books. Plus, its multiple grab-and-go handle system complements your active lifestyle.
What we liked about this backpack is its sturdy construction, additional storage pockets, the EVA shoulder straps and the breathable mesh on the back for comfort.
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
Do you need a larger backpack for your increasing books and tools? The 17-inch eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack provides you the space you need. It is a premium laptop backpack with a laptop compartment and a lined tablet sleeve. You can use this backpack when attending engineering conferences.
The top carry handles and the pass-through sleeves make it convenient to carry your presentation equipment. When carrying heavy luggage, adjust the sternum strap to achieve your custom fit. Also, there is a unique compartment at the bottom for your adaptors and bulky stuff.
What sets this backpack apart from the rest is its four innovative slim designs that gives it a professional finish. The backpack also features 840D & 900D twisted dobby fabric, convenient zipped water bottle side pockets and detachable middle compartment to create more space.
Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack Carhartt
The Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack is made of heavy-duty 1200D polyester fabric that incorporates the patented Rain Defender technology for repelling water.
It is a resilient fabric with a Duravax abrasion-resistant base, allowing the student to put the backpack on rough surfaces without worrying about getting any tearing or scratches.
The main compartment has a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve and an additional spot that fits a tablet. There are dual mesh pockets on each side for your water bottles and quick access items.
And, to keep your books, stationery, and tools organized, arrange these items in the organization panel. There are also slash pockets for smaller items.
The padded straps fit perfectly on your shoulders and the air mesh panels offer additional comfort.
CLC Custom Leathertcraft 1134 Carpenter’s Tool Backpack
The CLC Custom Leathercraft tool backpack is quite popular with engineering students specializing in HVAC, networking, lighting, and wind turbines. Likewise, any practicing engineer will find the backpack’s adjustable compression pockets handy when carrying bulky items.
The bag has 44 pockets of varying sizes and shapes, accommodate your small, large, and odd-shaped tools alike. The backpack also Allow for a hands-free movement since all the essential tools are tucked in the backpack. Its two heavy-duty zippered compartments can fit a battery and a cordless drill.
Plus, there are padded back support, chest straps, and shoulder straps to stabilize and distribute the weight on your back and achieve a custom fit. Yet, if you have lighter items, you can switch to the convenient dual handles. The convenient feet will keep the bag dry when on wet surfaces.
Victorinox Vx Sport Cadet 19-inch Laptop Backpack
For your school holiday trips, the Victorinox Vx Sport Cadet 19-inch Laptop Backpack provides you all the space and organizing features for convenient travel. Think of the standard backpack features like a 16″ laptop compartment and 10″ eReader sleeve, front pockets for smaller school supplies, and a pass-through pocket for easy access to the interior.
Yet, what stands out is the super spacious stash pocket at the front with a signature Victorinox print on the side. This backpack uses ergonomic shoulder straps and a breathable mesh at the back panel for a comfortable experience.
This outdoor backpack features lots of small pockets for an organized luggage, a handle system that is compatible with other bags. Its dual zip closure ensures your belongings are safe when in crowded places.
Toolmax Backpack
The Toolmax Backpack is a practical bag for the engineering student. Constructed with 1000D polyester material this backpack is waterproof and will protect your tools from the elements.
It is also quite durable, so it will last throughout the four years of college, then after graduation you convert it to your work backpack.
Its functional features include a, a 24L tablet compartment, tape holders, reflective stripes, and organizers. Use the multiple carrying handles that have D strings for convenient travel.
Or, tuck in the adjustable shoulder straps when carrying lighter items. The reflective stripe enhances safety when traveling in low visibility.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Fashion Travel Backpack
Now, most backpacks for engineering students tend to have a virile look, hence appealing to the male student. But, if you are a female engineering student looking for a bag to complement the fashion statement, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron Backpack is the best pick.
This backpack has a 15-inch padded laptop compartment and a tablet sleeve for your tablet or any other electronics. Its two front pockets create quick access for your phone, keys, or any other smaller items.
If you use the bag for traveling, its adjustable rear trolley sleeve will come in handy when floating down the plane aisle on those campus trips. The backpack’s gold plated zippers contrast with the black polyester exterior for an aesthetic finish.
JanSport Right Pack Backpack
Are you a first or second year engineering student looking for a reliable backpack that is classy yet, at a reasonable price tag? Consider getting the rugged-looking JanSport Right Pack. It is a standard backpack with a timeless appeal.
Still, its padded construction comprising of the 915 D Cordura fabric with a signature suede leather bottom will protect your 15-inch laptop from rain, dust, and scratches. The backpack’s front organizer pouch is ideal for your college ID, key, and other smaller stationery.
And, you can have your phone and scientific calculator in the front stash pocket. The JanSport Right Pack retails with a lifetime warranty, a definite assurance for its durability.
This backpack is a favorite among most college students due to its simplistic lightweight design plus it retails in versatile color schemes.
YOREPEK 17-inch Laptop Backpack
The YOREPEK 17-inch Laptop Backpack is a large capacity college backpack made of sturdy polyester material and heavy density nylon lining. This exterior protects the 45L capacity 17-inch laptop compartment, 20 organizer pockets, a padded sleeve for a Macbook or laptop, zippered side mesh pockets, and a single keyring from wear and tear.
All these sections are fuse such that you access each section without opening the nearby compartments.
Its compression straps can adjust to your size, allow for a custom fit. Hence, it is an excellent backpack for class activities as well as outdoor events such as hiking, trekking, or mountaineering in the backcountry. The backpack comes with a built-in USB charging port for your convenience.
HFSX Vintage Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Do you commute using the subway or train to class? Safeguard your expensive sketches, tools, and maps by carrying them in the HFSX Vintage Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack.
This classic backpack with a feminine appeal uses hidden metal shackles and metal zippers that are tough to break. Its water-resistant polyester exterior covers a 15.6-inch laptop compartment ideal for your Macbook or laptop.
An additional front compartment fits smaller devices, pens, and accessories. The padding on the shoulder straps, back and grab handle makes it easy to haul any load and barely feel the weight. Use this backpack for daily college commutes or as your carry-on travel bag.
A Buyer’s Guide to Backpacks for Engineering Students
Capacity
The backpack’s storage capacity is a deciding factor when picking out a bag to fit your engineering college supplies. For, you want to keep all your bulky books, tools, stationery, electronics, toiletries in one bag.
An ideal backpack should have at least a 20L capacity. Plus, it should accommodate a tablet or a mini-laptop. Still, if you opt for a larger daypack, look for a compressible one, allowing you to fold it to a smaller size when you have lesser items.
Sturdy Design
Engineering students spend at least four years in college before they graduate. Most of the students rely on their college allowances to buy personal items. Hence, a durable backpack will be cost-effective, lasting the entire course duration.
Pick your ideal bag from household brands like Thule, Carhartt, and JanSport. These brands are renowned for their superior quality backpacks. Then, insist on daypacks that use such fabrics as Cordura, Cotton Canvas Fabric, Nylon Rip-Stop, Nylon, Polyester Pack Cloth, or PVC materials.
Such fabrics are waterproof or water-resistant, can withstand wear and tear, and are resistant to UV-degradation.
Comfort and Convenience
A comfortable backpack has a weight distribution mechanism that ensures your back is safe despite carrying bulky items for extended periods. Here, you want a back with padded shoulder straps, chest, and waist belts, cushioned back panel, breathable fabric, carry handles, and an allowance at the shoulders to achieve a custom fit.
For convenience, first, determine what you need to take and where you want to go. For example, if you travel for conferences or field visits, a waterproof backpack will protect your costly gear from damage.
And having a daypack that meets the travel requirements will facilitate your check-in process at major airports.
Extra Features
A backpack with lots of pockets makes it easier to organize your school items for easy access. Next, having a USB port and built-in charger, headphone connection, anti-theft features, reflectors, and buckles that are compatible with other bags is a plus. Then, pick stylish designs that complement your fashion statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do engineering students carry in their specialized backpacks?
Most engineering students need a backpack that will fit their heavy reference books, measuring instruments, and laptops, or tablets.
They also have sketch papers, a scientific calculator, cell phone, water bottle, college ID cards, lunch box, other stationery, and a headphone. A regular college backpack may not fit all these items.
Are all the best backpacks for engineering students waterproof?
No. If you are studying in areas prone to extreme weather conditions or carrying tools or items that must remain completely dry, opt for a waterproof backpack that has passed the water submersion test.
Here, the dry bag uses a specialist design to connect all its water-resistant materials for a complete seal. Hence, it allows no water sipping into the inner compartments when fully submerged in water.
Which materials have superior quality for a backpack for engineering students?
Nylon is lightweight, long-lasting, and waterproof. But Cordura fabric is a robust material, far much superior to nylon. The rip-stop nylon material will resist tearing, making it an affordable and durable option.
Cotton canvas has a waterproof coating that makes them splash-proof. These materials retail at a varying price tag. Hence, decide on the ideal fabric that is within your budget.
Which are the reputable brands that make the best backpacks for engineering students?
Any company that has stood the test of time will offer your reliable products for your daily use. For example, a brand like JanSport produces smart, functional designs that are comfy and retail at a budget-friendly price.
And, the century-old Carhartt brand makes rugged work backpacks using trendy styles and designs. Still, other notable brands like Under Armour may have reliable college bags only that they do not focus on the needs of engineering students.
Does the type of zipper matter for my choice backpack?
Yes. A backpack with full zippers is accessible from either side. But, if you opt for dual zippers, you can access the books or items you want without opening the entire backpack. Also, reinforced zippers assist in creating a completely waterproof seal for your dry bag.
As an engineering student, your backpack choice will determine how you stay organized, save cash during your four years in college, or protect your back from carrying heavy school supplies quite often.
Opt for a sturdy, safe, and comfortable backpack that is appropriate for the local weather patterns, and has a personal fit. Then, use the ten suggestions above to give you a head start in searching for the appropriate backpack for you.
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