Do People Use Backpacks in High School? Here’s What Students Really Carry Today

Walk through any high school hallway at 7:45 a.m. and you’ll see them-backpacks slung over shoulders, dragging behind kids rushing to class. But are they still the go-to? Or have things changed with laptops, rolling bags, and digital planners? The short answer: yes, students still use backpacks. But not the way their parents did.

Backpacks Are Still the Norm-But They’ve Changed

According to a 2024 survey of over 12,000 U.S. high school students, 92% carry a backpack daily. That’s up from 85% in 2019. The reason? Schools haven’t gone fully digital. Textbooks still exist. Labs need supplies. Art classes require sketchbooks. Even with Chromebooks and tablets, students still lug around physical materials.

But today’s backpacks look different. They’re lighter. They have padded laptop sleeves. Some even have built-in USB ports and power banks. The classic canvas duffel? Rare. The modern favorite? A structured, ergonomic design with hip belts and breathable mesh. Brands like Herschel, JanSport, and Deuter dominate the market-not because they’re trendy, but because they actually work.

One 10th grader in Denver told me: "I used to hate my backpack until I got one with a lumbar support pad. Now I don’t feel like I’m carrying a fridge on my back after third period."

What’s Inside the Backpack? A Real Inventory

Forget the cartoon image of a backpack bursting with textbooks. Real student gear is more practical-and surprisingly varied.

• Textbooks: 3-5 per day, depending on schedule. Heavy ones like biology or physics can weigh 4-6 pounds each.
• Laptop or tablet: 90% carry one. Most schools require it for note-taking and assignments.
• Binders and notebooks: 2-4 binders with dividers, plus 3-5 spiral notebooks. Some switch to digital, but paper still wins for math and science.
• Water bottle: Nearly universal. Schools ban sugary drinks, so hydration is mandatory.
• Snacks: Granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. Lunch periods are short. Hunger doesn’t wait.
• Headphones: 78% use them to block noise between classes or during study halls.
• Emergency kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, tissues. A lot of students carry these after getting sick in class.

That’s an average load of 12-18 pounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids should carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight. For a 130-pound teen, that’s 13-20 pounds. So most are right on the edge.

Why Not Rolling Bags?

You’d think rolling bags would win. They’re easier on the back. But schools aren’t built for them.

Stairs. Narrow hallways. Crowded lockers. Cafeteria lines. Most high schools were built before 2000. Rolling bags get stuck. They trip people. Teachers often ban them during fire drills.

A 2023 study by the National Association of School Nurses found that 68% of schools have policies against rolling bags due to safety concerns. Even in newer buildings, lockers are too shallow for large wheels. And don’t forget-students often carry their bags up and down stairs multiple times a day. Rolling bags don’t help there.

Plus, there’s the social factor. Rolling bags look like they belong in an airport. Backpacks? They’re part of the uniform.

What Makes a Good High School Backpack?

Not all backpacks are created equal. The best ones balance comfort, durability, and smart design.

Key features students actually care about:

• Padded shoulder straps: Non-negotiable. Thin straps dig in after 20 minutes.
• Waist or chest strap: Helps distribute weight. Many students don’t realize how much this helps until they try it.
• Laptop compartment: Must fit a 15-inch device. Most schools use 15-inch Chromebooks.
• Water-resistant material: Rain, snow, spilled drinks-it happens. A $30 backpack soaked through after one storm isn’t worth it.
• Multiple compartments: One for books, one for tech, one for snacks. Organization saves time.
• Lightweight frame: A backpack that weighs 2 pounds empty is better than one that weighs 4.

Brands like JanSport is a durable, affordable backpack brand popular among U.S. high school students since the 1980s still lead because they’ve kept it simple. Herschel is a stylish, well-padded backpack brand favored by teens for its modern design and comfort features wins for looks and comfort. Deuter is a German brand known for ergonomic backpacks with excellent weight distribution, used by students who carry heavy loads daily is the pick for athletes and students in STEM programs who lug lab gear.

What Students Wish They Knew Before Buying

Here’s what real students say they regret:

• Buying a backpack with no back padding. "I thought it looked cool. My shoulders hurt all year."
• Getting one with a zipper that breaks after two months. "I spent $80 on a "premium" one. It fell apart in October."
• Ignoring size. "I got a huge one thinking I’d fit everything. Turns out I just carried junk."
• Not checking school rules. Some schools ban backpacks in classrooms. Others require specific colors.

Pro tip: Buy in late July. Prices drop 30-50% after summer rush. Look for sales at Target, Walmart, or REI. Avoid impulse buys at the mall in August.

Are Backpacks Really Necessary?

Some schools are moving toward digital-only systems. A few districts in California and New York have started giving students tablets with all textbooks loaded. But even there, students still bring physical notebooks, chargers, and headphones.

And here’s the thing: backpacks aren’t just for books. They’re for identity. For safety. For survival.

They hold your spare clothes if you get caught in the rain. They carry your meds if you have asthma or allergies. They hold your phone when you can’t keep it in your pocket. They’re the only thing that fits your lunch, your gym shoes, your sketchbook, and your emotional baggage.

So yes-people still use backpacks in high school. Not because they’re stuck in the past. But because they still work.

Next Steps: Choosing Your Backpack

Here’s how to pick one that lasts:

1. Measure your current load. Weigh your bag with everything inside. If it’s over 15% of your body weight, cut down.
2. Try it on. Walk around with it loaded. Check if straps dig in or if it pulls you backward.
3. Check the zippers. Pull them hard. If they snag, skip it.
4. Look for a lifetime warranty. JanSport and Deuter offer them. It’s worth it.
5. Buy early. Late July sales are your best bet. Avoid August rush prices.

Backpacks aren’t going away. They’re evolving. And if you pick the right one, it won’t just carry your stuff-it’ll help you get through the day without pain, stress, or frustration.