Health

Back-to-school backpack deals reach 71% off at Target, Amazon and more

NBC Selected highlights backpack discounts from Calpak, The North Face, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs and more as school shopping starts.

Priya Raghavan

By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter

3 min read

Back-to-school backpack deals reach 71% off at Target, Amazon and more
Photo: NBC News

Back to school backpack deals are running as high as 71% off at retailers including Nordstrom Rack, Amazon, Target and Urban Outfitters, according to NBC Selected. The discounts arrive as families and students begin shopping for a bag that can carry laptops, books and daily essentials without waiting until the semester is underway.

NBC Selected said the current markdowns cover everyday school bags, travel-friendly packs, gym-to-class options and designer styles from brands including Calpak, The North Face, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Herschel, Coach and Vera Bradley. NBC Selected also notes that it may earn a commission when readers buy through its links.

What are the best back to school backpack deals?

NBC Selected highlighted the Calpak Terra Laptop Backpack at $106.50, down from $142, a 25% discount. According to NBC Selected, the bag fits a 14-inch laptop, attaches to rolling luggage and includes a hydration reservoir, making it useful for school days as well as outdoor trips.

The Bagsmart Travel and Gym Backpack is listed at Amazon for $28.02, down from $35.99, according to NBC Selected. The publication said the backpack includes space for a laptop or books, a shoe compartment, room for clothes, a water bottle pocket and water-resistant fabric.

For a more traditional campus option, NBC Selected pointed to The North Face Jester Backpack at Urban Outfitters for $63, reduced from $90. The bag has a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, two water bottle pockets, a padded back panel and a water-repellent exterior, according to NBC Selected.

NBC Selected also featured the Kate Spade Large Tilly Quilted Backpack at Nordstrom Rack for $149.97, down from $348, a 57% markdown. The publication said the backpack has a floral pattern, multiple pockets, leather trim and room for most laptops around 15 inches.

Marc Jacobs’ The Biker Denim Medium Backpack is priced at $175, down from $250, according to NBC Selected. The bag has adjustable straps, two front zip pockets and a main compartment designed to hold laptops, tablets, pouches and books, the publication said.

Herschel’s Little America Backpack is listed at $90.99, down from $130.99, according to NBC Selected. The publication cited reviewer praise for its roomy design and said it includes adjustable straps, side access, expandable water pockets and a padded fleece-lined sleeve for most laptops up to 16 inches.

Which other backpacks are on sale?

NBC Selected listed several additional markdowns, led by 71% off the Vera Bradley Ultralight Essential Large Backpack at Target. Other discounts include 50% off the Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack, Coach League Flap Backpack and Paude Laptop Bookbag, according to NBC Selected.

  • 40% off the Puma Unisex Contender Backpack and Ganni Dots Re-Tech Backpack, according to NBC Selected.
  • 39% off the Bagswan Laptop Bookbag with USB Charger, according to NBC Selected.
  • 30% off the Jansport SuperBreak Plus Bookbag and 29% off the Baboon to the Moon Packable Backpack, according to NBC Selected.
  • 25% off the Under Armour Essential Backpack and 24% off the Nike Unisex Gameday Training Backpack, according to NBC Selected.

NBC Selected said the deals include some bags under $100 and some of the lowest designer-backpack prices it has seen in recent years. It also reported that some offers are limited-time and that inventory has started to shrink.

This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.