Every year when mid-August rolls around, a resounding groan of denial is heard from kids around the country–school is about to start.

But sometimes all that’s needed to get back into the school mindset and away from carefree summer days is to get your hands on some new gear.

So we’ve assembled a list of our favorite new bags and backpacks that will help ease the pain and lighten the load.

HEX’s grey denim Academy collection
Designed more for the college student, the Academy collection’s bags have plenty of compartments for your gadgets and electronics. The Academy Duffel fits most 15″ laptops, and the super slim Convertible Sleeve/Backpack fits a 17″ MacBook Pro and features a special pocket for iPads. Prices range from $49.95 to $99.95. For more info, check out their website here.

Burton Distortion Pack
With 15 colors to choose from, this all-in-one backpack can be taken to school, the skate park, the mountains, and back again. In addition to the backpack’s multiple compartment for shoes, books, and more, it features straps for carrying a deck, adjustable sternum and hideaway backpack straps, a fleece-lined sunglasses/sound pocket with a cable port, and a padded laptop slot. The Distortion Pack will run you about $64.95 and can be seen here in all the colors and designs offered.

The Roxy Long Time Backpack
The Roxy Long Time Backpack is strictly for the ladies and is designed with a trendy bohemian vibe. It features a durable faux suede bottom, loads of pockets, and space to store all your gear. The Long Time backpack is just that–something you’ll want to hang on to for a long time. Graphics choices include red floral and black Southwest, and the bags cost about $52.00 apiece. Choose yours here.

The Oakley Arsenal Pack
The Oakley Arsenal Pack literally has a pocket for everything, including a HydroFuse pocket to keep electronics dry or food fresh, space for a media player and port for earphones, a sunglasses holder, holding clips for keys, and a slot panel that fits most 17″ laptops. Colors range from solids to various plaids, and the bags run about $80.00. They can be found here.

Optimus Messenger Bag by Quiksilver
This wouldn’t be a legit list if we didn’t include a messenger bag. The Optimus Messenger Bag by Quiksilver can be worn as both a messenger bag and a backpack and includes a clip-on, removable shoulder strap to make the switch simple. Other features include a padded laptop sleeve with compartment and three exterior compartments to keep everything organized. The two-in-one bag goes for around $75.00 and can be found here.