Back To School College Essentials

Back to school college essentials are all about starting the semester off right—whether you’re heading across campus or settling into a new dorm. From reliable clothing and sturdy footwear to outdoor gear that stands up to every adventure, you’ll find everything needed for comfort, convenience, and lasting value. Get ready to embrace the year ahead with timeless styles and durable picks designed to help you make the most of every moment on campus.

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Men's Explorer Ripstop Pants, Fixed Waist, Standard Fit, Tapered Leg

A rugged, moisture-wicking polyester cotton blend pant with a fixed waist and tapered leg in woodsmoke.
Junior Original Book Pack, 17L, Print

A weatherproof, multi-color printed polyester backpack with reflective details, organizer pockets, and a water bottle holder.

Pros: Perfect size for young children Attractive and cute designs Comfortable and easy to use Durable and well made Spacious with good organization
L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack, 20L

An ultra-light, black day pack with recycled polyester, featuring multiple pockets and a compact stowaway design.

Pros: Functional design Plenty of space Good quality Lightweight Durable
Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 30L

An orange 30L nylon backpack with padded laptop sleeve, reflective trim, and multiple storage pockets.

Pros: Attractive appearance Durable and sturdy Comfortable to carry Lightweight design Roomy and spacious
Comfort Carry Women's Laptop Pack, 30L

A versatile 30L backpack in classic navy with a women's-specific fit and durable nylon polyester construction.
Mountain Classic Cordura Pack, 22L

A super-durable, black 22L pack made of abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon with a padded laptop compartment.

Pros: Attractive color Thoughtful design Durable material Fits laptop and notebook
Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 42L
Price was from: $109 now: $89.99

A rugged black 420-denier ripstop nylon pack with side-access laptop storage and multiple organizer pockets.
Super Deluxe Bookpack, 38L
Price was from: $69.95 now: $49.99

A spacious blue backpack made from weatherproof nylon-polyester with dedicated laptop storage and ergonomic support.
Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 24L

A sleek black 24L backpack with padded laptop sleeve, ideal for daily adventures and school.
Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 36L

A versatile 36L kids' school backpack in classic navy nylon with padded laptop sleeve and multiple pockets.
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack, Color Block

A durable, recycled nylon rucksack with hydration/laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pocket, and padded shoulder straps.
Waxed Canvas Travel Backpack

A durable black waxed-canvas backpack with leather trim, featuring multiple pockets and ergonomic straps.
Bean's Explorer Backpack, 25L, Print

A versatile 25L backpack made from weatherproof recycled polyester with fun multi tie dye print.
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack

A black nylon rucksack featuring a hydration/laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pocket, and reinforced 600-denier bottom.
Bean's Explorer Backpack, 25L

A rugged, multi-color backpack made from weatherproof recycled polyester with dual water-bottle pockets and laptop compartment.
Bean's Explorer Backpack, 32L

A weatherproof blue backpack made from recycled polyester/nylon with multiple pockets and reflective safety piping.
Discovery Top Loader Pack, 27L
Price was from: $54.95 now: $34.99

A weatherproof, multi-color backpack made from recycled polyester/nylon with rucksack features and reflective trim.
Women's Mountainside Slim-Leg Ankle Pants
Price was from: $89.95 now: $74.99

A tan, slim-leg ankle pant made from a soft, water-resistant recycled polyester blend with UPF 50+ protection.
Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Medium

A medium-sized, water-resistant nylon toiletry bag with multiple compartments and a built-in hanging hook.

Pros: Well-made and durable Plenty of space and compartments Perfect size for traveling Smooth and working zippers Attractive and versatile design
Everyday Lightweight Tote

A versatile, lightweight nylon tote with reinforced handles, zip-top closure, and multiple pockets, available in granite and black.

Pros: Lightweight Durable Stylish Versatile Easy to clean
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack®, 37L

A nearly indestructible 37L kids' backpack made of weatherproof black nylon with heavy-duty zippers and padded straps.

Pros: Sturdy Great color Roomy Durable Comfortable
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack®, 37L, Print

A durable 37L kids' backpack in fresh mint prism print with weatherproof polyester/nylon and ergonomic straps.

Pros: Spacious design Multiple compartments and pockets Attractive print and colors Durable construction Comfortable fit
L.L.Bean Original Book Pack®, 24L, Print

A rugged green polyester kids' backpack with reflective details, water bottle pocket, and multiple organizer compartments.

Pros: High quality materials and zippers Fun and attractive prints and colors Durable and sturdy construction Comfortable to wear with supportive straps Spacious with multiple organizer compartments
Lunch Box, Print

An insulated ocean blue camo lunch box made from durable polyester, perfect for keeping snacks cool.

Pros: Perfect size Spacious Durable Nice design Easy to clean

Back To School College Essentials

Heading off to college is an exciting step, and preparing for the journey means gathering the right essentials to help make campus life comfortable, organized, and enjoyable. As summer winds down and the anticipation of a new semester builds, students—whether first-years getting ready for their first taste of independence or upperclassmen returning for another year—start thinking about what they’ll need for both academic success and daily living. The right supplies can make a world of difference, from sturdy notebooks and planners that keep assignments on track to dependable pens, highlighters, and index cards that make studying more productive. A thoughtfully chosen backpack becomes a constant companion, carrying everything from laptops and textbooks to snacks and headphones for those long days on campus. For STEM majors, a reliable calculator is a must, while everyone benefits from the convenience of a USB drive or portable charger, ensuring that important files are always accessible and devices stay powered up. These items aren’t just about getting through the semester—they’re about making the transition to college life smoother and more manageable.

Beyond the classroom, outfitting a dorm room with the right gear helps turn a small, shared space into a welcoming home away from home. Comfortable bedding—soft sheets, warm blankets, and supportive pillows—makes all the difference after a busy day of classes and activities. Storage containers, laundry hampers, and basic cleaning supplies help keep things tidy and organized, even in the tightest quarters. A desk lamp offers focused light for late-night study sessions, while a fan can be a lifesaver during those unexpectedly warm August nights. Safety and well-being matter, too, so packing a first aid kit, personal care essentials, and a small tool kit for quick fixes is always a smart move. These practical touches aren’t just for students; parents and family members often find that these types of items make thoughtful, useful gifts that ease the transition and show support from afar. For those looking to round out their list with dorm-specific recommendations, the Back To School Dorm Essentials page offers a helpful overview of items designed to make dorm living more comfortable and convenient.

As the start of the school year approaches, it’s natural to picture move-in day: the car packed to the brim, boxes and bins stacked high, and the excitement of setting up a new space. Each item chosen plays a role in shaping daily routines and creating a sense of belonging on campus. From practical supplies like extension cords and power strips to personal touches like towels, water bottles, and a favorite set of headphones, these essentials are part of the college experience. They’re not just tools for study or storage—they’re the building blocks of new friendships, late-night conversations, and memories that last long after the semester ends. With the right gear in hand, students can focus more on what matters: learning, growing, and making the most of every moment.