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Out of all of the
school supplies you purchase at the start of the school year, your kid's backpack is probably the one item put through the wringer the most. From lugging heavy textbooks to and from school to enduring leaky lunchboxes, your little student's backpack has to be durable if it's going to last until the end of the school year.
From pre-K to high school teen backpacks and beyond, our kids' backpacks selections are full of personality and designed to take on all of the rough-and-tumble fun along the way. I had both my children and children close to me test the majority of the backpacks for kids on our list, making many options both child- and parent-approved — while others were recommended by teachers and designers for their quality and "cool factor" (for teens, duh).
Read on after the bags to find out more about picking out the best backpack for your kids!
Pros
Comes in a ton of colors and sizes- Lots of pockets for organization
- Super-thick cushions on straps
- Available detachable chest strap
Cons
- Not all of the weaves are as water-resistant as others
Organization is where State thrives. The inside is divided into separate filing areas, plus a laptop sleeve. The filing area in the front section has multiple pockets for everything from pens to electronics to phones and IDs.
The shell is durable and made from post-consumer material, which is such an important note. After speaking with the founder of the company, I am heartened to hear about how committed State is to giving back to communities in need, reducing their carbon footprint, and ensuring that the employees that make these bags are treated well.
My daughter is currently testing a different (upcoming) new colorway of this State bag right now, and while normally she is anxious to return to her normal bag, this time? Not so much. Aside from its looks, she loves this backpack because it helps keep all the *things* organized — and she's not alone. One parent of a user of this backpack told me that she's never seen her kid so organized before, and I second that.
More: Tiny Backpacks That Are Just as Cute as Your Pre-K Tot
Key Specs
| Age | For the large, 9 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | For the large, 17 x 13 x 7.5 inches |
| Materials | Polyester |
2
Best Value
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
2
Best Value
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Pros
- Classic style
- Teacher-recommended
Cons
- Kids might find the design a bit dull
JanSport backpacks are the ultimate classic kids' backpacks — and for good reason. It's an incredible value for the price and quality, and its Goldilocks size interior and exterior are water-resistant. Plus, the zippers and seams are reinforced.
This bag was recommended to me by multiple elementary school teachers, both general education and special education. Aside from its durability and affordable price point, they particularly love how the straps drape perfectly over the back of the students' chairs, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but when it's holding a laptop or their lunch, it's a very big deal.
Key Specs
| Age | 13 and up for large size, 7 and up for medium |
|---|---|
| Size | 18.99 x 13.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Materials | 600 Denier |
3
Best for Travelers
Beis The Kids Backpack
3
Best for Travelers
Beis The Kids Backpack
Pros
- Cute design
- Detachable fanny pack
- Ready for travel
Cons
- Few interior pockets
Where to begin with this bag: it's designed for more than just school trips. It has ample storage for that, of course, but it also has a trolley handle and a detachable fanny pack on the front.
The poly blend is durable and water-resistant, and I can't get over just how bright the points of reflection on the bag are. Plus, the two water bottle pouches are deep, and the elastic fits snugly. It's distinctive and fun, but more than that, it's useful.
Key Specs
| Age | 4 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 14.75 x 10.25 x 6 inches |
| Materials | Nylon and Poly |
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4
So Good You Could Sing About It
Posh Peanut Disney's The Little Mermaid Ariel Ruffled Backpack
4
So Good You Could Sing About It
Posh Peanut Disney's The Little Mermaid Ariel Ruffled Backpack
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Has enough space for a blanket or plush
- Lots of cute little design touches
Cons
- Could use more interior pockets
The Little Mermaid merch is going to be huge this year, so of course, school supplies are going to have Ariel all over them. Don't worry about quality, though, because this backpack doesn't disappoint.
It is made with surprisingly smooth, durable material that water beads right off of, perfect for rainy days or trips to the beach. The interior is spacious, as is the front pocket. What our tester loved is the two frilly straps on the front of the bag that serves to hold a towel or a blanket, or in their case — a nap mat and lovey.
The water bottle pocket holds a regular-sized water bottle or a sippy cup, and the leatherette bottom keeps the bag in good shape even with heavy use.
Key Specs
| Age | 2 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 11 x 15 x 5.5 inches |
| Materials | Poly |
5
Best for Teens
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Pros
- Durable, classic design
- A popular brand for tweens and teens
Cons
- Leather can get grimey over time
Yes, this Herschel backpack is a basic bag, but where it thrives is that you can't kill it. Sure, you can try, but no matter how hard you throw it, or how much you use it, it's just too well-made.
My teenage daughter has this bag in a Star Wars print, and it's her exclusive bag for all the cons she goes to. That means that the bag has seen some stuff. Makeup, pointy things poking it from the inside, eleventy thousand pounds worth of comics, and has more pins in it than your average teenager's walls — and if that's not a testament to its durability, I don't know what is.
Key Specs
| Age | 10 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.75 x 11.75 x 5 inches |
| Materials | Poly and leather |
6
Best for Young Kids
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Glow-in-the-Dark Backpack
6
Best for Young Kids
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Glow-in-the-Dark Backpack
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Tons of storage areas
- Monogrammable
- Fun prints
Cons
- A bit small
With backpack sizes available for pre-K all the way up to incoming high schoolers, you can choose the version of the Mackenzie bag that best fits your kid's workload.
Constructed of 600-denier, water-resistant polyester, the bag includes ample storage options, plus external straps for attaching their lunch box to it. Your kid will be delightfully surprised when they turn off the lights and see that their solar system backpack is glow-in-the-dark and looks like an illuminated night sky.
I have now tested multiple Pottery Barn Kids bags, and they've all performed really well. In fact, my son's bag from fifth grade still looks great, and he still uses it for travel, and he's in high school now.
Key Specs
| Age | 5 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 x 13.5 x 4.75 inches |
| Materials | Recycled poly |
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7
Best Backpack Bundle
Bentgo 2-in-1 Backpack & Insulated Lunch Bag
7
Best Backpack Bundle
Bentgo 2-in-1 Backpack & Insulated Lunch Bag
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Handy cooler area keeps lunches fresh
Cons
- Prints can be a tad immature as kids grow
I'm a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes, so I was thrilled when I found out they started making backpacks. The same durable quality that the insulated lunch bags have is seen in their sturdy, cute backpacks. This really is the best backpack bundle because it happens to come with the lunch bag as well, making it a stellar deal for under $35.
I love that the bottom of the bag unzips for your bento box. I was worried it would be too jostled, but having used it several times and our tester really put it through its paces, I can tell you, it's a fantastic innovation.
Key Specs
| Age | 5 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 16.5 x 11 x 7.5 inches |
| Materials | Polyester |
8
Best Monogrammable Backpack
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
8
Best Monogrammable Backpack
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Pros
- Looks great monogrammed
- Well-loved brand
- Great customer service
Cons
- Some say the patterns are a bit dated
Between nightly homework, school projects, and those super heavy textbooks, your kid needs a durable backpack that will take them through the entire school year and into the next one. Kids frequently use one L.L. Bean bag the whole way through elementary school. I know that I did.
This L.L.Bean Deluxe pick is a crowd favorite because it has room to fit every school supply on that endless list (Trapper Keeper, we see you), and it's made of premium materials to ensure that it won't fall apart.
Plus, these backpacks are super fun to monogram with your kids' initials.
Key Specs
| Age | 5 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 x 13 x 9.5 inches |
| Materials | 420-Denier Nylon |
9
Best for Middle Schoolers
Carhartt Classic Backpack
9
Best for Middle Schoolers
Carhartt Classic Backpack
Carhartt is known for their tough workman clothes, jackets, and vests. People know that when they see Carhartt, the person wearing it means business. Their backpacks are no exception. The Carhartt Classic is water-resistant with an abrasion-resistant base. There's plenty of space and a laptop sleeve to protect the gadgets so many of our kids take to school since the pandemic.
If your older kids are ready to saddle up with a no-games backpack that will actually last, this is the one.
Key Specs
| Age | 9 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.5 x 12 x 6 inches |
| Materials | 600-Denier Nylon |
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10
Best for College
Fjallraven Kånken Navy One Size
10
Best for College
Fjallraven Kånken Navy One Size
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Super durable
- Compact when folded up
Cons
- Straps aren't the most comfortable
If your teen is social media-obsessed, they are likely fiending for this backpack. The TikTok-viral book bag is super on-trend, but it's also a practical option that your high schooler will actually want to carry. The innovative material, vinylon F, is resistant to dirt, water, and your teen's rough handling.
It's a great transitional bag that will take them from high school all the way to college and beyond. My tester took it backpacking through Kenya and then Ethiopia, and then Europe and it's still going strong.
Key Specs
| Age | 13 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 14.5 x 10.75 x 4 inches |
| Materials | Vinylon F |
11
Best for High School
L.L.Bean Explorer Backpack
11
Best for High School
L.L.Bean Explorer Backpack
Pros
- Durable enough for hiking
- Folds up compact
Cons
- Easy to clean
Somewhere between a hiking pack and an everyday school bag, this backpack will be able to rough it with your kiddo all school year long. With a pocket, pouch, and slot to accommodate and organize all of your little one's needs, searching high and low for a writing utensil will be a thing of the past.
Key Specs
| Age | 6 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 16.5 x 12.25 x 8 inches |
| Materials | 420-Denier Nylon |
12
Best for Kids Under 12
Deuter Kikki Backpack
Pros
- Best for rugged kids
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not everyone will love the cute shape
Your little one could hike through the Adirondacks or just over to soccer practice with this adorable green backpack with its puppy-faced flap.
Made with eco-friendly fabrics and designed with internal and external pockets for maximum moisture protection, this backpack can take a lot of damage from your kid and keep on holding on. And the safety of your little one is paramount with this setup.
Not only are the eyes of the dog reflective, but the straps are ergonomically designed to keep your child's posture upright and comfortable, even when it is loaded down with books and equipment. My nephew loves his Kikki, naming it "Dunster" (your guess is as good as mine), and he goes everywhere with him, including a trip to Puerto Rico, where Dunster was his suitcase.
Key Specs
| Age | 6 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 14.17 x 7.87 x 6.3 inches |
| Materials | Recycled PET Nylon |
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13
Best Shell
Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack for Boys & Girls
13
Best Shell
Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack for Boys & Girls
Now 38% Off
Pros
- Great for small shoulders
- Comfortable padded straps
Cons
- Could use more organization features
The Wildkin brand is all about long-lasting durability and irresistible cuteness. With this friendly sea creature-inspired backpack, your little monster will feel right at home.
The outer fabric shell of the backpack is designed to last through a whole lot of wear. You can also say, “So long!” to cleaning up a ruined, liquid-stained backpack, thanks to Wildkin’s moisture-resistant nylon inner lining.
Our tester has been using this backpack for three years straight, and it still looks almost as good as when they started wearing it. That's saying a lot for an 8-year-old.
Key Specs
| Age | 5 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 15 x 11 x 7 inches |
| Materials | 600-Denier polyester |
14
Best for Rainy Days
Mountaintop Kids Backpack for School
14
Best for Rainy Days
Mountaintop Kids Backpack for School
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Style might be too basic for some
Getting stuck in a sudden rain shower won't ruin your kid's homework, thanks to this backpack's water-resistant material. The adjustable bungee straps on the front of the backpack give your kiddo a spot to hold their lightweight jacket or lunchbox.
The colors are bright and fun but not too bright that older kids won't appreciate the contrast.
Key Specs
| Age | 6 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.9 x 11.4 x 15 inches |
| Materials | Nylon |
15
Best for Sports
adidas Young Creator Backpack
Pros
- Holds a ton of equipment
- Stylish
Cons
- Zipper isn't the greatest
This bag is a standout choice for your younger kids who are just reaching the age when they actually have stuff to cart back and forth to school every day. It comes in 10 colorways, has a sturdy lining, multiple pockets, and easy mesh sides that are meant to hold water bottles.
Popular among younger soccer fans, you'll surely see this bag on the sides of the pitch every weekend.
Key Specs
| Age | 10 and up |
|---|---|
| Size | 19 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Materials | Recycled polyester |
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What to Consider
Backpacks are an essential tool for your kids, but they can be uncomfortable and can even cause extreme discomfort. Since no child should experience pain, I spoke with an expert about what should be considered when buying kids' backpacks. I contacted Samantha Ewing, PT, DPT, SC of the Warren Center in Texas. She tells Best Products that, first off, "A lot of people out there will say the goal of backpack weight is to keep it under 15% of body weight — and while I think that's a great goal to aim for, I know it’s not always realistic."
To mitigate any issues that may come from a heavier pack, Ewing says that you need to evaluate the backpack size for kids, noting that "we want to make sure their backpack is proportional to their body size. The backpack shouldn’t be wider than your child and can go just a little past the belly button but shouldn’t go below their hips." Also, if possible, your child should use the chest or waist straps that come with the backpack to help distribute weight evenly.
Worried your kid is struggling with their backpack? Ewing says that there are a few signs that you can look for to weigh in on that (see what we did there?). If your child's backpack is always falling off, if they're constantly leaning forward to prop the bag up, if the pack is hitting their legs, or if they're complaining about it, their backpack is just not cutting it. Thankfully, Ewing says, "Our bodies are very adaptable and are able to be strengthened to bear the load of a heavy backpack, so there's no reason to be concerned about the lasting damage a heavy backpack can cause."
