The Best Cheap School Book Bags

High durability, cheap and elegant school book bags are hard to come by. As college rapidly approaches once more, I've gone out and done some homework regarding the purchase of a new bag I desperately need. Rather than just throw out my search, I've decided to publish a brief concise list of the bags (save one -- but I had to add it anyway!) I found to be the most promising.

Without wasting anymore of your time -- let's get cracking!

My first pick is the JanSport Classic. A stylish, utilitarian approach that is perfect for those who are looking for an enduring bag that is elegant, comfortable and tough-as-nails. This particular model has been tailored for school use, including handy integrated features such as an organizer and a compartments built to house books and sketch-books.

Construction: 600 denier polyester, one main large compartment that can store up to 3 large textbooks comfortably, front pocket with organizer and comfortable straight-cut leather shoulder straps.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 1,551.2 cubic inches / 25.42 liters
• Dimensions: 13 by 16.7 by 8.5 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 12 ounces

The Bottomline: The classical ever-green model is popular because of how durable and cheap it is. Despite the fact that it is offered in a plethora of different colors and motifs, it may not be striking enough for those that wish to make a fashion statement.

The only problem that I can see with this model is that is has no laptop sleeve, which may be a problem for some. For those that prefer using their own sleeve, or who don't have a laptop, this obviously isn't much of an issue.

Although I prefer traditional twin should strap models (I find them more comfortable) no review would be complete without a school messenger bag.

This olive drab messenger bag is a triumph of utilitarian minimalism. The main reason I added this bag is because of the amazing reviews it has recieved going above and beyond expectations.

What you expect:

• High degree of durability
• Spaciousness
• Comfort (snug adjustable strap)

What you didn't expect but got anyway:

• Just how spacious this thing is! Reviews point out that the front pockets can contain 32 oz. Gatorade bottles each. The main compartment can also hold anything from a laptop to an umbrella!
• Cunning workmanship with the bonus of an interior zipped compartment (for smaller objects such as pencils.
• Very long adjustable strap.
• All for the incredible price of less than $40!

The Bottomline: On a total of 222 reviews this model received 142 5 star reviews and 53 4 stars (6 1 star reviews). There really seems to be little to moan about. Some reviews complain that the side pockets are a little restrictive, but thats about all I could find!

Alright -- I'm not a girl -- but I adore this bag and had to include it. I simply had to. The Dakine is Amazon's highest rate school bag for a reason. And here's why:

Features: This model comes in various colors. The picture to the right is my favorite, but there are darker models -- and when I say various -- I mean an army of choices. To the bottom of this capsule I have added a few more variants, so take a peek at some of these cool designs! (click on the picture to enlarge it!).

Amazon lists its integrated features as follows:

• Deployable water bottle pocket
• Fleece lined sunglass pocket
• Insulated cooler pocket
• Organizer pocket
• Padded laptop sleeve

But what it omits is even cooler, and what superficially sound like bland and "pretty nice" features are in fact the best in its range. This bag is extremely spacious and is littered with pockets and pouches. On top of all this, unlike the JanSport, this model is laptop ready.

The design is also pretty neat. Reviewers unanimously agree that they have received quite a few compliments on how cool it looks. Makes me want to be a girl -- well -- almost :)