What to Pack in Your Pack: Everyday Back-to-School Backpack Essentials

So you’ve picked your perfect pack, but what’s inside your school bag? Here’s a list of the top 10 things to keep in your backpack aside from those pencils, calculators and binders for back-to-school activities and after-class happenings. Hibbett | City Gear’s backpack essentials list will take you through the school year and into weekend activities.

Lightweight Jacket

Sure, you should probably keep an umbrella handy, but we also think waterproof outerwear is the way to go. Find a rain jacket or anorak that easily folds into one of your backpack’s outer pockets.

Pens and Paper

You’ll definitely have your college-ruled looseleaf and composition notebooks for school. But even if you’re venturing out during off-hours, it’s always a good idea to have a pen and small notebook on hand. You never know when you may need to jot down a note or a reminder, particularly in areas where your phone’s signal is iffy, or you need another way to pass along your digits.

Chargers

Laptops, mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches all rely on some type of power. Be sure to pack the right cables and chargers for your day. If you’re heading out on a hike, a mobile power bank or solar charger is a must-have. Leaving for the library to catch up on homework? Be sure to grab your laptop charger so you can finish that paper.

Water Bottle

Quench your thirst by keeping a filled water bottle stashed in your backpack’s side pocket. If you’re out hiking, make sure you have more than enough water to power through your trip. 

Tissues

Sure they’re great for a cold, flu and COVID, but tissues also come in handy for basically everything. Blot makeup or dab at a stain. Use a tissue as a napkin or even tp in a pinch. And even if you never use them, it’s a pretty safe bet that someone around you will need one.

First Aid Kit

You don’t have to lug a bulky first aid kit in your backpack, but a small pouch with Band-Aids, Advil, bug bite cream and allergy medications can be useful. If the bag is going with your kid to school, check the school handbook to make sure you’re not violating any medical policies.

Hat

They’re the perfect sun, sweat and glare blockers whether you’re on the athletic fields, in the stands or by the pool. Keep a hat in your backpack for a bit of shade anywhere you go. 

Socks

If you’re a seasoned hiker, you know that having a spare pair or two of socks is non-negotiable. But even if you’re just walking from class to the cafeteria, carrying extra socks at the bottom of your school bag is always a good idea. Post-P.E. sweatiness and rainy days trekking across campus through puddles are two pretty compelling reasons to change those socks more regularly. 

Small Snacks

Just say “No” to hangry by keeping a small, healthy snack or two in your backpack. Power up with long-lasting food options, like nuts, protein bars, freeze-dried fruits or applesauce pouches.

A Change of Clothes

If you have room in your backpack, keep a change of pants or shorts, a fresh tee and some underwear around. Books and binders take up too much space in your bag? Stash a sack pack or tote in your locker with that change of clothing.

Back to school is the ideal occasion to take stock of what’s in your school bag. Shop Hibbett | City Gear for all your back-to-school essentials, including sneakers, apparel and accessories.