As one of the world’s premier athletic brands, Adidas is a leading maker of workout gear, sneakers, and of course, backpacks. Adidas backpacks are the perfect mix of sporty and efficient. While designed for carrying sports gear, you’ll have no trouble taking these backpacks from the classroom to the locker room.

Before you decide on a backpack, there are factors to consider. Will you be carrying around a laptop? Do you need room for a sports ball? How heavy will your daily load be? You should also think about design, color, size, and compartments. A compartment for a water bottle, for example, is handy for athletes.

Regardless of your needs, Adidas offers an adequate range of backpacks to choose from. At BestReviews, we’re pleased to help you narrow your choices. To learn more about all that Adidas backpacks have to offer, read our shopping guide. When you’re ready to purchase one, take a look at our recommendations.

One of the first considerations is size. This is especially important for those juggling sports with a full course load. Backpacks on the smaller side typically have an 11- to 20-liter capacity. It’s enough space to hold a pencil case and a few notebooks or a small laptop. It’s also a decent size for younger students/athletes (think 12 and under).

However, if you’re going from the classroom to the locker room, you want a backpack with a minimum 20- to 30-liter capacity, or even 30 to 40 liters. Bags of this size can hold all your school materials with extra space for athletic gear or even a sports ball.

The classic two-strap backpack is always in style, particularly a zippered one. This is the backpack style you’re probably used to; zippered bags open on either side where the zipper rests. Fortunately, for those wanting something less conventional, Adidas offers an array of top-loading bags, too.

Top-loading bags consist of a large main storage compartment that’s only accessible through a top opening. The closure can be a zipper, but plastic buckles are common as well. Some top-loading backpacks even include two handles at the top, converting the bag to a tote. These bags are convenient for bicyclists but note that top-loading bags usually have fewer compartments than zippered ones.

Compartments can be another make or break feature. Students may want a bag with a laptop sleeve in addition to a front pocket. Side pockets are handy for holding water bottles or other miscellaneous items. If you like to carry a lot of small items, consider an Adidas backpack with several interior compartments.

Some Adidas backpacks include a lower front pocket that’s big enough to hold a sports ball. Another common sports bag feature is a ventilated compartment for athletic shoes.

Like many other athletic brands, the majority of Adidas backpacks are made from polyester or a polyester blend. This is lightweight, breathable, and durable material. It’s also more waterproof than canvas. Just make sure you don’t put it in the dryer, as polyester can melt under very high temperatures. 

Unlike some major sports brands, Adidas does have some range in design choices. They have plenty of minimalist black and white backpacks to choose from. Those who want some color can also find backpacks in bright colors and patterns than pop. One design that’s always visible is the Adidas logo, either the classic three stripes or the newer trefoil.

Water bottle: Simple Modern Ascent Water Bottle
Whether you’re out on the field or in class, hydration throughout the day is a must. If you want a water bottle that’s slim enough to fit into a side pocket, search no further than Simple Modern’s Ascent Water Bottle, which keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. With dozens of colors to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a color to match your Adidas bag.

Pencil case: KUUQA Dark Gray Felt Pencil Case Set
A pencil case is essential for any student — it contains all your pens, pencils, highlighters, and paper clips so they don’t float in a backpack pocket. KUUQA’s set has a luxe feel at a reasonable price point. The dark gray complements any Adidas backpack style. It comes with two different cases, so you can use one for pencils and the other for other items.

Zipper pull: DYZD Durable Zipper Pulls
Zippers break all the time, but that doesn’t mean you need a new backpack. Zipper pulls can be attached to the slider to replace a broken metal pull, or attached to the metal pull itself for extension. DYZD pulls come in a set of 10, with a durable cord and plastic ridges for a strong grip.

Adidas backpacks are affordable for nearly any price range, from $25 to $180. Variation in price largely depends on backpack size, material, design, and additional compartments.

Inexpensive: If you’re not looking for anything fancy, $25 to $50 is more than enough for a decent Adidas backpack. You can find both child and adult backpacks in this range. Most of them are zippered as opposed to top-loading, typically with a front compartment. Be warned — some backpacks in this price range don’t include side pockets.

Mid-range: $50 to $100 is where top-loading backpacks are sold. Bags have bigger capacity and more compartments. This is where to go if you need a sports bag that includes a ventilated shoe pocket and space for a soccer ball. Some backpacks may have imitation suede fabric rather than polyester.

Expensive: There aren’t too many bags in $100+ range, except ones that are top-loading with large capacity — think 30 liters or more. They also have less-common fabrics, like woven nylon.

• While thick straps provide extra support, make sure the straps don’t exceed your shoulder length.
• The fact that a backpack can hold a lot doesn’t mean you should load it to capacity every day. This can expedite the wear process, shortening the bag’s life.
• Avoid wearing your backpack on one shoulder or having it sag below the waist. Both put excess pressure on the neck, shoulders, and back. The majority of backpacks include adjustable straps.

Though we’re always confident in the quality of products we recommend, we also know it’s nice to have options. We recommend Adidas Original Unisex Trefoil Backpack. The bold trefoil logo is eye-catching and the bag is a great size for elementary school students. There are several colors to choose from, from classic black to bright yellow. This bag has two front pockets along with a laptop pouch and an attachment for keeping keys on the inside. The trefoil bag is rather lightweight; it’s suitable for small loads and casual use but probably won’t hold up for older students with heavy textbooks.   

The Adidas Originals National Backpack doesn’t disappoint, either. There’s ample padding along the shoulder straps and back for maximum comfort. It’s big enough to hold binders, a textbook, multiple notebooks, and a laptop. Note that packing the backpack to capacity every day will wear on the stitching more easily. The heather gray fabric is a subdued departure from plain black. It’s water-resistant too, so it can hold up to the worst weather. The only thing missing from this Adidas backpack is side pockets for a water bottle.

Q. How long will an Adidas backpack last? Is there a warranty?
A. Adidas backpacks have a five-year warranty, so they’re built to last for a few years. With diligent care, they can last even longer.

Q. How do I clean an Adidas backpack?
A. You can hand wash a backpack with warm water and mild detergent or put it in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. Check the label for specific washing instructions.

Q. Are Adidas backpacks waterproof?
A. It depends on the material. Most polyester and polyurethane bags are to some degree, but a bag with a mesh design on the exterior may not be.