8 Best Drawstring Bags for School in 2025

The Hoedia Sports Drawstring Backpack isn’t just another gym sack—it’s a thoughtfully engineered solution for active lifestyles where organization and protection matter. With its dual dry/wet separation system, including an independent shoe compartment and sealed wet pocket, this bag excels where most drawstring packs fail: keeping damp swim gear or sweaty shoes from contaminating your clean clothes. The 210D water-resistant oxford fabric stands up to poolside splashes and sudden downpours, while the wider, padded drawstrings distribute weight evenly, making it surprisingly comfortable even when stuffed with gym essentials and footwear.

In real-world testing, the Hoedia backpack handled everything from swim sessions to weekend trips with ease. Its spacious 18L interior easily swallowed a towel, swimsuit, flip-flops, change of clothes, and even a basketball—without strain. The separate shoe compartment is a game-changer, preventing dirty soles from touching clean fabric, and the internal wet pocket effectively isolated a damp towel for over two hours without leakage. However, while the wet pocket is water-resistant, it’s not fully sealed, so soaking-wet items may still transfer moisture over time. The lack of side mesh pockets is a minor omission, especially when compared to models with bottle storage.

Positioned as the best overall drawstring bag for school and gym use, the Hoedia outshines simpler designs like the adidas Alliance Sackpack with superior organization and moisture control. While it’s slightly bulkier than minimalist options, the trade-off is unmatched functionality for students, swimmers, and athletes who need separation, capacity, and durability in one package. It delivers more features than the WANDF or Kuhome models without sacrificing comfort or quality—making it the most balanced performer across categories.

If you’re tired of digging through a cluttered gym bag, the BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack is a game-changing organizer that brings structure to chaos. Its X-large 15.5×20-inch frame offers exceptional capacity, while the dedicated front shoe compartment comfortably fits two pairs—perfect for athletes juggling cleats and trainers. What really sets it apart is the multi-pocket intelligence: a front zipper pocket for tablets or towels, dual side mesh pockets for bottles, and an internal zippered valuables pocket that keeps your phone and wallet secure. For students or gym-goers who carry tech and gear, this level of categorized storage is rare in drawstring designs.

During daily use, the BeeGreen proved exceptionally durable, thanks to double-stitched seams, reinforced webbing, and metal eyelets—features usually reserved for pricier backpacks. The vertical reflective strips added a welcome safety touch for early morning commutes, and the thick, knotted drawstrings resisted fraying even under heavy loads. It handled wet towels without issue, though it lacks a dedicated wet pocket, meaning damp items must be wrapped or bagged. While it’s one of the largest in the lineup, it can feel overstuffed in tight lockers, and the front shoe pocket opens wide, risking spills if tipped sideways.

Compared to the WANDF or adidas models, the BeeGreen offers far superior organization and toughness, making it the best choice for gym-focused users who also need shoe storage. It’s not as specialized for swim gear as the Hoedia, but it’s more versatile for team sports, dance, or school use where multiple shoes and accessories are involved. With premium construction at a mid-range price, it strikes a rare balance between durability, utility, and value—outclassing basic nylon sacks in every practical way.

The BAVELOE Drawstring Backpack is a lifestyle-first design that blends smart storage and sleek aesthetics for students and active commuters who refuse to sacrifice style for function. Its built-in wet pocket is a standout—perfect for post-swim towels, damp clothes, or toiletries—and actually prevents moisture from seeping into the main compartment, a rare win in this category. The 16.5 x 12 x 6.5-inch frame offers ample space for books, a laptop, gym wear, and shoes, while the hidden back pocket adds a layer of theft-resistant security for phones or wallets—ideal for crowded school hallways or public transit.

In real-world testing, the wide, padded shoulder straps delivered noticeably less shoulder pressure than thinner-stringed competitors, making it a top pick for all-day wear. The interior mesh pockets and front zippered section kept small items organized, and the dual side pockets held water bottles securely. However, the main compartment lacks internal dividers, so loose items can shift during transit. While the water-resistant fabric handled light rain well, it’s not fully waterproof, so prolonged exposure may lead to dampness. It’s also not the largest in the lineup, so overpacking risks stretching the drawstring closure.

When compared to the adidas Alliance or WANDF models, the BAVELOE stands out with better moisture management and theft protection, making it ideal for swimmers, dancers, or students who carry wet gear regularly. It doesn’t have a shoe compartment like the BeeGreen, but its wet pocket and hidden security pocket offer more targeted protection. For those who value organization, safety, and modern design, it delivers more thoughtful features than budget options while staying lightweight and stylish—perfect for school, yoga, or weekend outings.

The adidas Alliance Sackpack is the gold standard of minimalist design—a lean, no-frills drawstring bag that delivers trusted brand quality in a compact form. Built with durable polyester and signature adidas branding, it’s the kind of bag that looks sharp whether you’re heading to PE class or a weekend tournament. Its zippered front pocket keeps keys, cards, or headphones secure, while the dual mesh side pockets are perfect for water bottles—ensuring hydration stays within reach. The cinch-top design allows rapid access, making it ideal for quick changes or short trips where you just need the basics.

In daily use, the lightweight 12L build shines for students or athletes who carry minimal gear. It fits a hoodie, gym shorts, sneakers, and a phone with room to spare, but overloading stretches the fabric and strains the drawstrings. The lack of internal pockets or shoe storage means organization is limited, and there’s no wet compartment—so damp towels will soak through. It handles light rain decently, but it’s not water-resistant by modern standards. Still, the reinforced stitching and robust cording show adidas’ attention to longevity, outlasting flimsier budget models.

Compared to the Kuhome or WANDF, the adidas sackpack trades capacity for brand reliability and clean aesthetics. It’s not the most functional for heavy-duty use, but it’s perfect for students who want a trusted, low-maintenance bag for school or gym class. While it lacks the advanced features of the Hoedia or BeeGreen, it wins on brand trust and simplicity—making it the go-to choice for those who prioritize style, durability, and ease of use over bells and whistles.

The WANDF Drawstring Backpack is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its price point with smart organization and solid build. At just 15″ x 17″, it offers surprising capacity—easily holding a basketball, textbooks, gym clothes, and an iPad—making it ideal for high school or college students who need a versatile, no-nonsense bag. The zippered inner and front pockets provide secure storage for wallets, IDs, and phones, while the thickened drawstrings prevent that dreaded shoulder dig, even when fully loaded. Its water-resistant polyester fabric shrugs off light rain and spills, keeping contents dry in most conditions.

Real-world testing revealed it’s perfect for daily school use, handling books, snacks, and gym gear without issue. The side mesh pockets fit standard water bottles and umbrellas, and the drawstring closure is quick and reliable. However, the lack of a shoe or wet compartment means you’ll need to double-bag footwear or damp items. While the material is durable, it’s not as rugged as BeeGreen or Hoedia, and long-term wear may show fraying at stress points. It also lacks reflective details or hidden pockets, limiting safety and security features.

Priced as the best budget-friendly option, the WANDF undercuts premium models while offering more structure than basic sacks like the Kuhome. It doesn’t match the organization of the BAVELOE or shoe storage of the BeeGreen, but for students needing a reliable, large-capacity bag at a low cost, it’s hard to beat. It delivers essential features without fluff, making it the smartest value for casual users who want functionality on a tight budget.

The LOKAPEGY Drawstring Backpack stands out with its true waterproof construction—a rare and valuable feature in a category where most bags only claim water resistance. Made with fully waterproof materials, it keeps contents dry even in heavy rain or accidental submersion, making it ideal for outdoor sports, soccer practice, or rainy commutes. The front zippered pocket adds quick access for keys or snacks, while the dual side pockets securely hold a water bottle and umbrella. With adjustable wide shoulder straps, it offers customized comfort for users of all sizes, reducing pressure during extended wear.

In practical use, the LOKAPEGY proved exceptionally reliable in wet conditions—a soaked towel placed inside left the outer fabric dry after 30 minutes. However, the main compartment lacks internal pockets, so organization relies entirely on external storage. The overall size is compact, so it’s not ideal for students carrying books or laptops. While the waterproofing is top-tier, the design is utilitarian, lacking the style or extra features of pricier models. It also doesn’t have a shoe or wet compartment, limiting its versatility for gym or swim use.

Compared to the Risefit or Hoedia, the LOKAPEGY wins on water protection but falls short in organization and capacity. It’s not as feature-rich as the BeeGreen, but for athletes or students in rain-prone climates, its superior moisture defense makes it a specialized standout. If your top priority is keeping gear dry at all costs, this is the most reliable choice—even if it sacrifices some convenience for pure protection.

The Kuhome 6Pcs Drawstring Backpacks aren’t built for heavy-duty use—they’re designed for bulk convenience and versatility, making them the best value pack for groups, events, or families. Each bag measures 16.4 x 13.5 inches, offering decent space for gym clothes, books, or party favors, and the reinforced triangle PU leather corners with metal grommets add surprising durability for a budget sack. The lightweight, foldable design means they’re easy to stash in a larger bag and pull out when needed—perfect for last-minute errands, school trips, or as reusable shopping totes.

In real-world use, these bags shine as disposable alternatives with reusable quality. They handled laundry, camping gear, and team sports kits without tearing, and the six vibrant colors made it easy for families or teams to color-code gear. The blank design invites DIY customization, making them ideal for school projects or personalized gifts. However, they lack pockets, padding, or moisture protection, so they’re not suitable for daily school commutes with electronics or wet items. The drawstrings are thin, leading to shoulder discomfort under heavy loads.

Compared to single premium bags like the adidas or Hoedia, the Kuhome set trades individual performance for sheer quantity and flexibility. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated school backpack, but as a multi-use, multi-pack solution, it offers unmatched utility per dollar. For parents, coaches, or event planners needing affordable, colorful, reusable bags in bulk, this pack is the ultimate practical investment—delivering functionality through volume.

The Risefit Waterproof Drawstring Bag is a rugged, no-compromise performer built with double-layer nylon that laughs at rain, mud, and daily abuse. Unlike most drawstring bags that merely claim water resistance, this one delivers true waterproof protection, keeping contents bone-dry even in downpours—thanks to its thick, sealed nylon build. The large main compartment swallows gym clothes, shoes, towels, and a 15-inch laptop with ease, while the front zipper pocket and internal organizers keep small items like keys, makeup, and cards neatly sorted.

In real-world testing, the super-wide, adjustable shoulder straps eliminated pressure points, making it one of the most comfortable in the lineup for heavy loads. It handled beach trips, gym sessions, and weekend getaways with confidence, and the sleek, modern design looked at home in both school and urban settings. However, the lack of a dedicated shoe compartment means footwear must share space, risking cleanliness. While it’s highly durable, the bulkier nylon fabric makes it less packable than lighter polyester options.

Compared to the LOKAPEGY, the Risefit offers similar waterproofing but better comfort and style, while outperforming the WANDF and Kuhome in build quality and organization. It doesn’t have the wet/dry separation of the Hoedia, but its overall toughness and sleek look make it ideal for students, travelers, and athletes who want a durable, stylish, all-weather bag. With premium nylon construction and smart layout, it’s the best choice for those who demand longevity and performance without sacrificing looks.