6 Best Herschel Bags for School in 2025

This sleek, eco-conscious powerhouse packs a surprising punch for school life, blending minimalist charm with serious functionality. With its 10L capacity, drawcord closure with magnetic strap, and internal sleeve that fits up to a 16” laptop, the Retreat Vintage Backpack is built for students who want style without sacrificing protection. The 600D recycled EcoSystem fabric resists scuffs and spills, while the U-pull drawcord makes opening and closing effortless—perfect for rushing between classes. It’s the kind of bag that turns heads not for being flashy, but for looking thoughtfully put together.

In real-world use, this backpack shines during daily commutes and campus treks. Measuring 11”H x 8.75”W x 5”D, it’s compact enough to slide under desks or into crowded lockers, yet smartly designed to carry textbooks, a laptop, water bottle (thanks to the side mesh pocket), and even a light jacket. The padded shoulder straps stay comfortable even when loaded, and the front stash pocket keeps phones or IDs within instant reach. That said, the lack of a dedicated tablet sleeve or external zippered compartments can slow down access when you’re in a hurry. While it handles rain admirably thanks to its durable fabric, the drawcord isn’t fully waterproof—so heavy downpours require an extra layer of protection.

Compared to bulkier school bags, the Retreat Vintage stands out by prioritizing minimalism and sustainability without becoming a liability. It’s more structured and secure than the foldable Portland Tote, yet slimmer and more refined than the high-capacity Novel Duffle. Ideal for high schoolers or college students with a streamlined load, it balances form and function better than most in its class. When stacked against the Heritage Shoulder Bag, it offers similar laptop protection but in a lighter, more balanced backpack form that distributes weight far more evenly across the back.

The Classic Tote is a masterclass in understated utility, delivering a no-frills, eco-smart carry that’s perfect for students who value simplicity and sustainability. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles, this tote feels surprisingly sturdy despite its lightweight build, offering a clean silhouette that transitions seamlessly from lecture hall to library. Its smooth webbing handles are reinforced for durability and sit comfortably on the shoulder, even when packed with a few textbooks and a notebook. For budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on ethics or aesthetics, this bag answers the call.

During daily use, the Classic Tote proves reliable for light to moderate loads—think binders, a laptop in a sleeve, and a water bottle. While it lacks external pockets or closures, the open-top design allows for fast loading and unloading, and the internal sleeve helps secure a phone or tablet. However, the absence of a zipper or flap means items can shift or fall out if the bag is tipped, making it less ideal for crowded transit or rainy commutes. At standard tote dimensions, it offers decent volume but doesn’t compress, so it takes up space even when empty—unlike packable alternatives in the Herschel lineup.

When compared to the Retreat Sling or Heritage Shoulder Bag, the Classic Tote trades organization for affordability and ease. It’s not as secure or feature-rich, but it wins on pure simplicity and value. Students who carry minimal gear and prefer a grab-and-go style will appreciate its low-maintenance vibe. While the Portland Packable Tote offers more versatility with its foldable design, the Classic Tote feels more robust and polished—making it a smart, sustainable step up from basic canvas totes without stretching the budget.

The Retreat Sling Bag is a game-changer for minimalists, redefining what a lightweight school bag can be—compact, secure, and effortlessly cool. With a 5L capacity, it’s designed for students who carry only the essentials: phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a notebook. The drawcord closure with magnetic strap and metal pin buckle delivers a satisfying, secure seal while adding a touch of rugged style. Inside, the internal storage sleeve keeps small items organized, and the side-entry zipper allows quick access without fully opening the bag—ideal when you’re dashing to class. It’s the ultimate hands-free sidekick for short days or hybrid commutes.

On campus, the sling excels in agility. The adjustable webbing strap lets you customize the fit across your chest or hip, distributing weight comfortably even when worn for hours. Made from 600D recycled polyester, it shrugs off abrasions and weather with ease, and the tonal stripe liner adds a subtle branded flair. However, its small size means it can’t handle textbooks or a laptop—this isn’t a primary school bag, but a secondary carry for essentials. The single compartment also means you’ll need to rely on pouches for organization, which isn’t ideal for clutter-prone users.

Against the Heritage Shoulder Bag, the Retreat Sling is significantly lighter and more agile, though it sacrifices storage and structure. It’s perfect for younger students, art school commuters, or anyone pairing it with a larger bag. Compared to the Classic Tote, it offers far better security and on-the-move access. While it doesn’t replace a full backpack, it outperforms most slings in durability and design, making it the top-tier choice for low-load, high-style school days.

The Heritage Shoulder Bag is a sophisticated workhorse built for students who need secure, organized carry with a touch of vintage flair. Its standout feature is the zippered main compartment with side-entry access, allowing you to grab your phone or wallet without fully unzipping—perfect during transit or between classes. The 600D recycled fabric ensures toughness, while the diamond-detail front and tonal stripe liner give it a timeless look that feels more premium than typical school bags. With an internal sleeve, front pocket, and key clip, it’s one of the most organized single-compartment bags in Herschel’s lineup.

In daily testing, the Heritage shines as a laptop-first bag, safely housing devices up to 15” in its padded interior. The adjustable webbing strap can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder, offering flexibility and stability—especially helpful when navigating crowded hallways. The top-carry handle also makes it easy to grab and go. However, the single internal sleeve limits multi-device storage, and the front pocket is shallow, making it easy to overstuff. While it handles rain well thanks to its zippers, the fabric isn’t fully waterproof, so prolonged exposure requires caution.

Compared to the Retreat Vintage Backpack, the Heritage offers better quick access and a more secure closure, but lacks balanced weight distribution—shoulder fatigue can set in with heavier loads. It’s a clear step up from the Classic Tote in security and storage, though not as comfortable for all-day wear. Ideal for college students or commuters with a single laptop and minimal extras, it delivers premium organization in a compact, stylish shell—making it the best Herschel option when laptop safety and easy access are top priorities.

The Portland Packable Tote is a brilliant fusion of portability and purpose, designed for students who need a disposable-day-bag that doesn’t look disposable. Made from EcoSystem 70D ripstop fabric—a featherlight yet resilient material derived from recycled water bottles—this tote can be folded into its own internal pocket for compact storage in a locker or larger bag. When unfolded, it offers generous space with a zippered top closure, rear luggage strap, and snap-down loop for hanging, making it ideal for impromptu library trips, art supplies, or carrying laundry across campus.

In real-world use, the Portland impresses with its transformative design. The internal hanging pocket keeps small items secure and doubles as the self-storage pouch—genius for saving space. The top handles are comfortable for short carries, and the luggage trolley strap is a rare bonus for student travelers. However, the ultra-light fabric, while packable, feels less durable than the 600D options and can tear if overloaded. It’s also not ideal for daily primary use—better suited as a secondary, emergency-ready bag. Without padded straps or laptop protection, it doesn’t replace a backpack but complements one beautifully.

Against the Classic Tote, the Portland offers far greater versatility thanks to its foldability and luggage pass-through. It’s not as rugged, but it wins on innovation and space-saving smarts. Compared to the Retreat Sling, it carries more but lacks on-the-go access. Perfect for eco-minded students who travel or need a backup, it redefines what a tote can do—offering maximum utility in a minimalist footprint, making it the smartest foldable school companion Herschel makes.

The Novel Duffle is a weekend warrior built for students with big plans and bigger gear, offering a massive 43L capacity in a sleek, sustainable shell. Ideal for overnight trips, gym runs, or hauling art supplies, this duffle combines rugged functionality with Herschel’s signature style. The waterproof zippered closure keeps contents dry, while the removable, EVA-padded shoulder strap ensures comfort even when fully loaded. Crafted from 600D EcoSystem fabric and lined with 100% recycled tonal stripe material, it’s as eco-conscious as it is durable—perfect for students who care about impact and longevity.

In practice, the Novel Duffle excels when you need to carry more than textbooks. It easily fits several days’ worth of clothes, a laptop, toiletries, and more, making it a go-to for weekenders or off-campus students. The low-profile vegan leather handles feel premium, and the removable strap lets you switch between hand-carry and shoulder carry. However, as a duffle, it lacks internal compartments—organization relies entirely on packing cubes or separate pouches. And while the strap is padded, long walks with a full load can still strain the shoulder. It’s not a daily school bag, but a strategic supplement for heavier hauls.

Compared to the Heritage or Retreat backpacks, the Novel Duffle trades daily convenience for maximum volume and trip-ready durability. It’s heavier when empty and less agile, but there’s no beating its capacity. Against the Portland Tote, it’s in a completely different league—built for transport, not quick access. For students who frequently travel, attend residencies, or need a gym-to-class solution, it delivers unmatched utility in a sustainable package, making it the best Herschel option when space and sturdiness trump portability.