The 9 Best Rolling Backpack for School

Introduction

Finding the best rolling backpack for students is challenging. There are so many choices out there, and it’s not always easy to know which one will be the right fit for you.

It can be frustrating to find a rolling bookbag that meets all of your needs as a student. You want something that fits everything you need in an organized way but looks excellent; and, at the same time, functional enough for everyday use. 

An excellent rolling backpack for college will fit the following items:

College umbrella

Textbooks

Extra clothing

Binders

Laptop

IPad

Stethoscope (for the nursing, med, and vet students)

Snacks

Water bottle

And so much more.

There are so many brands and styles of backpacks out there that it can be challenging to figure out which one you should buy. Many people just end up buying the same old boring bag they’ve had since middle school, but if you want something better like a rolling backpack, then you have to do some research! 

We’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect backpack that suits all of your requirements as a student! Here we’ll cover how to choose between different types of rolling backpacks, what features matter most when picking out a bag, what size pack you should get depending on how much stuff you have to carry around every day, and other helpful tips along the way.

#1 Best Rolling Bag for College Books:

Jansport Rolling Backpack

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Jansport Rolling Backpack is an excellent choice for college students! It’s durable, lightweight, and packable. Not only that; it will save you from back pain! I love how this bag can convert from a backpack to a pushcart, making it easy to carry my books around campus. The padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps, mesh pocket, and media pocket are all very helpful when I need to get some studying done on the go.

I can fit every one of my textbooks in my JanSport Rolling Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve. There is plenty of room for clothes and supplies as well! The tuck-away shoulder straps make carrying heavy items much easier than having them fall off of your shoulders.

If you’re looking for a reliable backpack that will carry all of your college essentials, then this JanSport Rolling Backpack is a perfect choice! It even has a lifetime guarantee, so if anything happens to your bag, they’ll replace it!

Be aware that when there are heavy items in the rolling backpack, they may tip forward. It is best to lean it back against your chair when you are in class. If you just have an average amount of items in it, it will stand upright just fine.

Manufacturers Specs

• Lifetime warranty
• It comes with both wheels and shoulder straps
• Waterproof: not 100% (at the seams) but the fabric will repel water
• 21″ x 14″ x 10″
• 2 Wheels
• The padded sleeve fits a 15″ laptop
• Inside it has a flat bottom

What We Like

• It can handle heavy textbooks, even books that are 14lbs.
• The wheels easily screw off to clean them.
• The wheels glide smoothly.
• All of the storage pockets have a double zipper – so you can lock them if necessary.
• There is a protective rubber/padded layer on the bottom 1/3 of the rolling backpack. (important if you use it in bad weather conditions)

What We Don’t Like

• The handle doesn’t have a middle position; it is either up or down.
• The wheels make noise when you roll the backpack.
• The zippers may get caught.
• Wheels do not swivel (this can be a pro or a con).

Tied For The #1 Best Rolling Backpack for Students

High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack, Black, One Size

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The High Sierra is one of the best bookbags on wheels for college. Rolling bags for college are a must when you have heavy books.

Purchase this rolling backpack for college on those days when you have a full class schedule. The amount of space it has inside is perfect for all of your books, laptops, and snacks. The fact that it fits the books and laptop is terrific. The wheels make it easier to get around campus, and they will go up and downstairs too.

College students will love this rolling backpack. It is a dream come true. It still looks new despite being tossed around on the bus, left outside in the rain, and generally used hard. Don’t worry about it breaking under all your heavy textbooks; it feels very well made. If you frequently carry ten books, then consider a rolling bag for college books.

It can hold enough books for an entire semester, plus a laptop, snacks, water bottle, even a thin jacket if you need to carry all that. The thick cushioned straps are incredibly comfortable even when you have the bag packed to bursting. It has a pocket on the front where you can keep your bus pass, driver’s license, school ID, or vaccine card. The keyring on the outside is also extremely helpful, so you don’t have to rummage through the whole bag just to find your keys.

If you are in college (veterinary students, nursing students, medical students, or undergrad) and have a long walk home from the bus stop to your house, this is the perfect solution. The High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack is wider at the base than most backpacks which means it stays upright when you set it down. It’s also well padded in the shoulders and the back, which allows you to carry it for a long distance without discomfort.

The padded shoulder straps are comfortable on your back and chest when the weight gets heavy.

If you are thinking about buying this best rolling backpack for college, I recommend you do! You will not be disappointed!

Manufacturers Specs

• Limited life warranty
• Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9-Inch
• DImensions including the handle and wheels: 20.75 x 14.25 x 10.5 inches
• It will fit a 500 ml water bottle in the side pocket.
• It comes with both wheels and shoulder straps
• Inside it has a flat bottom
• Waterproof: not 100% (at the seams) but the fabric will repel water

What We Like

• This rolling bag for college is multipurpose; you can use it for traveling as well. Be aware that it will not fit under all airplane seats.
• It has flaps that cover the wheels, so you don’t get your clothes dirty if you want to carry them on your back.
• The rolling bookbag for college has a fabric handle for lifting the bag. (So you don’t have to lift it by the telescoping handle)
• The telescoping handle has two heights. 

What We Don’t Like

• With extreme heavy use, the wheels may eventually stop spinning.
• The laptop sleeve is not removable.

Best Cheap Rolling Backpack For College:

J World New York Sunny Rolling Backpack

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I must say, this is the best cheap rolling book bag that I have ever come across. Use it for college textbooks or travel. If you shop around, you will find that all backpacks are either too expensive or not as sturdy as this one. This backpack is so helpful for carrying books back and forth to school every day. The wheeled design makes it so easy to push through any bumpy paths on campus any time of year. It also includes a pocket at the front where you can easily store your lunch, bus card, or ID. The J World New York Sunny Rolling Backpack is excellent quality and definitely worth the price.

The dimensions listed are accurate, so it’ll fit under the seat on an airplane in front of you just fine. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be carrying it in your hands if you have a ton of stuff to move back and forth. The straps are thin, but they look like they’ll hold up for at least the school year, it doesn’t have all of the unique features of the Jansport or High Sierra, but if you are looking for an excellent cheap rolling bookbag, this will do the trick.

Since this is a cheap backpack with wheels, don’t expect it to last for years. Expect to get six months to a year of use out of this cheap rolling book bag.

Manufacturers Specs

• Dimensions of the 17” one: 17 x 12 x 8.5 inches
• Two mesh side pockets

• It comes with both wheels and shoulder straps
• Inside it has a hard plastic bottom
• Not Waterproof
• The rolling backpack will fit a 15-inch laptop and one book.

What We Like

• Price
• You can tuck the straps into a pouch, so they don’t drag on the ground.
• This cheap rolling backpack will fit under an airplane seat.
• It has a fabric strap to lift it, so you don’t put too much wear on the telescoping handle.

What We Don’t Like

• The handle is too short for taller people.
• If you leave it outside in the sun, the fabric may fade.
• The handle will malfunction after everyday use.
• It has no flap on the back to protect your clothing from the wheels.

Best Travel Laptop Bag With Wheels

KROSER Rolling Laptop Bag Premium Wheeled Briefcase Water-Proof

It keeps your laptop protected and allows you to transport all the supplies you need for work. There are numerous compartments to store and organize your wallet, clothes, water bottle, and umbrella.

The numerous little pockets are ideal for keeping items like pens or earbuds safe. It can also lock it with a padlock so that no one can tamper with your belongings. The handle is sturdy enough for you to use it like a briefcase without any problems.

This travel computer bag on wheels is well-padded and rolls smoothly over a variety of surfaces. The zippers are all high quality, especially the one on the central opening. It has several compartments to store essential items.

The front pocket is big enough to hold a water bottle. It can lock as well, so you will feel very safe putting anything in there.

Although hard shell bags are more common, they may also be used as a carry-on or checked bag for air travel. Most airlines limit the size of carry-ons and restrict how many you can bring (not to mention fees for checking bags these days). However, a traveling computer bag on wheels will work best for those who plan to take items on the plane.

Using the best travel laptop bag with wheels is a great way to get around if you need a bag with lots of storage room and can also be carried around like a briefcase. The handle folds down so that it does not get in your way if you choose to carry your bag like a briefcase. Just because the handle is folding does not mean that this bag is small, however. It still has lots of room for items such as clothes or a 17-inch computer. Having a lot of extra space makes it ideal for those who are constantly traveling for work.

Manufacturers Specs

• Waterproof travel laptop bag with wheels
• Dimensions: 18.1”x 14.2” x 8.7”
• Maximum handle length 27 inches
• The telescoping handle has three length settings for tall or short people.

What We Like

• The travel laptop bag with wheels has a long telescoping handle, which is excellent for tall people.
• It has a luggage strap so you can secure this bag to your suitcase handle, which allows you to wheel both of them together as one unit.
• It has a separate laptop area.
• Material is sturdy
• Great for everyday use

What We Don’t Like

• The front pocket does not expand very well.
• Difficult to keep clean if you wheel it through dirt and rain.
• The handle is not high quality and may break down after intense use.
• On some airplanes, the aisles are narrow; this bag won’t fit to roll down some airplane aisles, so you will have to pick it up and carry it.
• No shoulder strap.

Best Rolling Backpack for Kids

Rockland Kids Rolling Backpack

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The reason why we picked this rolling backpack for kids is mainly because of the low price point. Kids are rough on things, and many times buying them an expensive bag just means that you will have to replace it eventually. So with that in mind, get a cheaper one, so if they spill something on or get it very dirty, it won’t be the end of the world if they need a new one.

This kid’s backpack with rollers will make your child’s life easier! 

The Rockland Kids Rolling Backpack is perfect for any student who has many heavy things to carry. This backpack features two zippered pockets on the front of the bag, with one having a built-in organizer. The pack also has a top handle which makes it easy to carry, and a telescoping pull handle.

Furthermore, the backpacks come in attractive designs but have fewer compartments than other backpacks. It’s best not to put anything heavier in the side pockets because the mesh material can’t hold much weight. The biggest annoyance is that the two front legs on the bottom of the bag are shorter than the back wheels, which causes a leaning forward so much that the bottom front part of a fully stuffed bag is touching the floor.

It’s also affordable for any family whose budget is probably tight.

Using this kid’s rolling bookbag makes it easy for any child to get around now with heavy books and folders.

We love that the kids can roll it themselves; moving their bags gives a child a sense of responsibility. The fabric is durable, and the zippers seem to be sturdy on this best rolling backpack for kids.

Manufacturers Specs

• Dimensions: 13 inch x 10 inch x 17 inch 
• Waterproof: semi – I would not leave any essential items in here during a rainstorm unless you seal them in ziplock bags.
• The maximum handle length is 37 inches
• Four wheels (2 on each side)

What We Like

• Kids love the wide range of colors and patterns.
• The low price point makes this one of the best rolling backpacks for kids.
• It will hold up through an entire school year if you don’t mistreat it.

What We Don’t Like

• The metal rods that hold the handle tend to break.
• You may have to use hot glue to secure the two wheels to each other.
• The wheels are noisy.

The Best Rolling Backpack for Graduate Students

High Sierra Rev Rolling Backpack, Black

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The High Sierra Rev Rolling Backpack is one of the best rolling backpacks you will ever own. We love this for the best rolling backpack for graduate students.  

It has plenty of room to keep your laptop safe from damage. The backpack feature is fantastic! It’s so easy to switch between carrying, rolling, and backpacking. 

This High Sierra rolling backpack comes with many great features like the six zipper compartments with plenty of room to keep you organized. I would recommend this rolling computer bag/backpack for graduate students, medical students, law students, veterinary students, college students, or professionals at work.

The High Sierra rolling backpack is a sturdy, smooth-rolling backpack. You can carry it either by hand or by the shoulder, and it comes with an integrated shoulder strap, making it a versatile option for people who travel frequently. Despite being lightweight, it is incredibly durable. As you would expect of High Sierra, this is of excellent quality! Any graduate student, as well as professionals who need a durable product, should consider this backpack.

No matter which High Sierra rolling backpack you decide to buy, you better believe it’s going to be one of the best you ever own.

Manufacturers Specs

• A fully-padded laptop sleeve fits most 17 inch laptops
• It does have a flap to cover the wheels when you want to wear it as a backpack.
• Is it waterproof? Yes. Even though its lining is waterproof, don’t leave it in the rain.
• Fit under an airline seat? Yes, if you don’t pack it to the max.
• The handle fully extended is about 36 inches.

What We Like

• Rolls smoothly
• Large capacity
• Super easy to switch between backpack, carry, and roll modes.
• It comes with six zippered compartments, which are great for organizing.
• The bag opens fully like a suitcase, making it easy to find things.

What We Don’t Like

• Telescoping handles may not hold up over time.
• The zipper loops are made from cloth, making it easy for someone to cut your lock off.
• Sometimes the telescoping handle does not go back down into the bag, so it sits above the pack an inch.

Best Targus Compact Rolling Backpack

Targus CitySmart Compact Rolling Backpack

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Technically this is not a rolling backpack because it does not have straps. On the other hand, it is the most compact rolling bag that will work as the best compact rolling backpack. Since it is a square design and does not expand, it is very compact.

In addition to being well organized, this wheeled laptop case can accommodate 1-2 days’ worth of clothes, is attractive, lightweight fits beneath airline seats, and is easily maneuverable.

The organizational capabilities for the size are far superior to anything else I’ve been able to find. It does not have straps like an actual rolling backpack, but it is still very convenient because it has a single bar handle that you can easily carry inside or outside.

The organizational capabilities for the size are far superior to anything else I’ve been able to find.

It has smooth, quiet wheels for easy maneuvering.

It will fit all of your college textbooks as well as a laptop.

Manufacturers Specs

• Dimensions ‎19.5 x 8 x 14 inches
• Waterproof? No
• Water-resistant? Yes
• It will fit laptops from 12” to 15. 6.”

What We Like

• The square design allows it to remain compact even when you stuff it.
• It stands upright on its own

What We Don’t Like

• No straps, so you can’t carry them on your back.

Best Waterproof Rolling Backpack

AMBOR Waterproof Backpack with Wheels

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The AMBOR Wheeled Rolling backpack has a durable and waterproof polyester with a special water-resistant coating. College students can keep their laptops/tablets safe in the large main compartment.

With reinforced edges, this lightweight material has exceptional tear resistance.

The rolling backpack makes traveling with a full load a breeze. Designed with two reliable inline-style rubber wheels and a telescoping handle, it allows you to move smoothly from place to place.

With its breathable straps and zipper pocket at the back, this wheeled backpack can be worn as a bag or rolled up as a backpack. Its two-in-one wheels feature comfort and casual style, perfect for travel trips or busy college students carrying heavy loads.

This backpack features adjustable straps that make it comfy to carry along. The fully lined interior, two large compartments, and a front pocket provide organized clothes, notebooks, and other supplies. There is a pouch on each side of the backpack as well.

If you attend college where it tends to rain a lot, like one of the Caribbean vet schools, having a waterproof rolling backpack is a must. It will keep your clothes and books dry.

This wheeled backpack will fit a 15.6″ laptop in addition to other items that you need to carry with you daily.

This waterproof wheeled backpack is also an excellent choice for college students who have difficulties carrying heavy items or taking heavy books.

Manufacturer Specs

• Main Material: Waterproof Nylon
• Waterproof: Yes
• Holds a laptop that is 15.6 inches
• External dimensions: 19.8 x 13.5 x 7.8 in
• Protective corner guards and rub rails

• It has a wheel cover, so you don’t dirty your clothing when carrying it on your back.

What We Like

• The wheel covers are great; you won’t get your clothes dirty if you quickly have to throw them onto your back.
• Most backpacks with wheels are water-resistant. The Ambor is a genuine waterproof rolling backpack.
• Excellent customer service!
• 12-month warranty
• The straps are in an encasement, so they don’t get dirty when you wheel the bag.

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have problems with the zipper.
• The Wheels make a squeaking noise.
• The wheels will get stuck if you go over rocks and pebbles.

Best Rolling Backpack With USB Charging Port

Yorepek Rolling Backpack With USB Charging Port

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We love this rolling backpack! 

This Yorepek Rolling Backpack With USB Charge Port ended up being the perfect item for me. It has many different compartments to help me keep my things organized, including a padded laptop compartment for computers up to 17 inches. It is very spacious to carry all of my items. 

The Yorepek is made from durable, dirt-resistant, water-resistant polyester fabric. Additionally, it has an external USB port with a built-in charging cable. Another great feature is the easily adjustable metal hooks on the back. 

The thickly padded back panel adds lumbar support while using as a carry-on backpack. The bag has adjustable shoulder straps with rotatable strap buckle on the back, ergonomic and breathable; two-way zippers design make this rolling backpack with USB charging port your perfect school bag. When you are in a class all day and sometimes studying outdoors, having a way to charge your laptop is crucial. Having a USB charging port is a great feature to have on a backpack. 

The aluminum T-shaped concealed telescopic handle, which can adjust the length freely according to the needs. The adjustable shoulder straps are comfortable enough to wear while I am walking for a while, which is essential if there are multiple buildings on campus and you have to carry your things between them a lot.

Manufacturer Specs

• Water-resistant: yes
• Dimension: 20 x 14.5 x 8
• Holds a laptop that is 17 inches
• Hidden Backpack Straps: Yes

What We Like

• The rolling backpack with a USB charging port has many pockets to store all of your school supplies.
• You can fit a MacBook and tablet in the computer sleeve.
• The large size.
• You can detach the wheels from the bag. Allowing you to use it as a standard USB backpack.

What We Don’t Like

• When it’s complete, it may tip over. (the manufacture is aware of this design flaw and mentions it on the company website as well)
• The flap that covers the wheels will shift around a little bit. (when wearing it like a backpack)

What Is A Rolling Backpack And Why You Need One

A rolling backpack is a type of backpack that has wheels on the bottom and straps to carry it. Rolling backpacks are great for people who have hectic schedules and need to be mobile at all times but still want to bring their belongings with them. It’s also perfect for people who love traveling because you can roll your books instead of carrying them on your shoulders or in your hands.

Rolling backpacks are ideal for college students because they take the weight off their shoulders to focus more on schoolwork and less on pain from their heavy books. Rolling backpacks are beneficial for professionals, too, since they give you the freedom to move around without having to set everything down every time you stop to rest from carrying it.

With a rolling backpack, you can move around more quickly than with a duffel bag. Rolling backpacks offer so many features that they quickly become one of the most popular backpacks for college students.

Why Rolling Bookbags for College Are Better Than Traditional Backpacks

There are several reasons why rolling backpacks are better than traditional backpacks, but we will cover some of the main ones here: 

The shoulder straps on rolling backpacks are padded and adjustable. The majority of the time, you don’t have to carry it on your back. There may be short bursts of time when you need to carry your rolling backpack, like going up and downstairs. 

Traditional backpacks have no wheels on them, and they tend to be very heavy when they are fully loaded. When you have a heavy pack, your shoulders and lower back are under pressure. After wearing and carrying it around for a while, you may start to develop pain in those areas. A study talks about how 60% of students experience backpack-related pain.

Rolling backpacks give relief to your shoulders and offer more support than regular ones because of the mesh padding on the shoulder straps.

Manufacturers have been trying to make rolling backpacks as attractive as regular backpacks, so they look good on everyone. While most rolling backpacks aren’t made explicitly for a specific gender or age group, their style and design generally appeal to college students. The best rolling backpacks for college students are the Jansport and High Sierra.

The Different Types of Rolling Backpacks

• Rolling Laptop Bags

• Duffel Bags

• Travel Backpacks with wheels

• Rolling College Backpacks

• Luggage Totes

• Rolling Hybrid Bags

• Kids rolling backpack

• Rolling backpack with USB port

 5 Benefits Of Using A Rolling Bookbag for College

– Can usually carry more stuff than regular backpacks

– They are lightweight since the wheels do most of the work

– You can easily maneuver around with them because they have wheels on them

– Reduces the pressure on your shoulders and back

– Gives relief to those who do not want a heavy backpack

5 Things To Look For In The Best Rolling Backpack

Size – How big of a rolling backpack do you want? If you have a lot of heavy large college books, binders, + laptops, then getting a large rolling backpack is important

Weight – How much weight do you want it to be able to carry?

Color – Do you want a solid color or a pattern?

Material – Make sure you choose the best rolling backpack that is easy to clean with durable material. A rolling backpack tends to get dirtier than a regular backpack due to it rolling on the concrete.

Handle Height – Some rolling backpacks are not suitable for tall people. Make sure you measure how tall it is when the handle is in the full-up position.

Conclusion

Rolling backpacks are an excellent option for students who carry heavy books and equipment to school every day. They take the weight off of your shoulders, giving you more freedom to move around without having to set everything down when you stop to rest from carrying it. The best rolling backpacks for college students should be wide enough to fit all their supplies comfortably while still being lightweight, so they don’t strain your body or cause pain later on in life.

It is essential to consider what size you need and how much weight it will hold before purchasing one!