5 back-to-school bags we love for fall 2025

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Whether you are dreading or rejoicing at the thought of back to school, the fact of the matter is, it’s just around the corner.

Among all the assorted gadgets, gizmos and gear that are required for the return-to-school time, a reliable bag is pretty near the top of the list. To help you grab a good one, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite back-to-school bags (most sourced from Canadian brands!), from simple backpacks to chic leather finds.

Roots Junior Backpack

A colourful backpack like this Roots Junior style can put some fun into back-to-school. Made from recycled fibres, the bag is lightweight yet durable. It features two zippered compartments for storage and organization and it can fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop. Bonus points for the fact that this Canadian-designed backpack also features a “rain flap” to help keep school goods dry, you know, for when the weather inevitably turns grey.

$40 | Roots.com

Lambert Lunch box and pencil case bundle

Don’t let the name of this back-to-school bundle from the Montreal-based brand Lambert fool you into thinking this minimalist tote is only good for holding lunch. The zipper-top Hollie style is roomy enough to carry far more than just that soggy sandwich. Plus, we love the added organization of the Brooke pencil case to keep all your writing tools (or chargers?) in one easy place. The two practical pieces are made from a recycled polyester blend for a sustainable spin.

$85 | Designlambert.com

Coach Maggie Tote and Snap Wallet

Billed as a “College Starter Pack” by the brand, this school-ready bundle from Coach is sure to send your university-bound student off in style. After all, few things feel as grown up as a chic wallet that matches your handbag (if you know, you know). Available in a variety of colours, including a classic black, white and dark brown, the set includes a Maggie Tote Bag, which can be worn in hand or on the shoulder, as well as a Snap Wallet. Both pieces are crafted from a sturdy pebbled leather, so they will last.

$378 | Coach

Herschel Classic Backpack Clear

This limited-edition backpack from the Vancouver-headquartered brand Herschel Supply Co. nixes the need to ever ask, “Did you remember your …?” again. The transparent backpack style allows you to check (and recheck) that your favourite student has all their daily essentials on board. True to the company’s functional design approach, the see-through multi-compartment bag even comes with a water bottle pocket.

$69 | Herschel.ca

Monos Expandable Carry On

While a suitcase might not immediately come to mind when thinking about back-to-school bags, there are sure to be some students whose return to school requires the packing of more than just the day-to-day needs. Enter this roller suitcase from the Vancouver-based brand Monos. The Expandable Carry-On suits several travel needs in one. It can be left unexpanded for carry-on allowance during a quick weekend away, or it can be expanded, adding more than an inch and a half to its capacity, for longer trips home.

$365 | Monos.com