Best Kids Backpacks

How to choose a kids backpack

First of all, it’s important to remember you don’t need to buy a new backpack for school unless your kid has outgrown their old one or it’s falling apart. If your kids love getting new backpacks and it’s in the budget, then go for it! I may be practical, but I am also pro fun — and anything that helps kids feel excited and ready for a new school year is a win.

When you’re ready to shop for kids backpacks, here’s what to look for:

• Buy the right size backpack for your kid. Preschoolers need a much smaller bag than your middle schooler will! Many websites will list the height range, backpack dimensions, and overall capacity.

• Ali Pro Tip: Your kids backpack should have space to fit the items they need to bring to and from school, but it should not be so large that they can't carry their backpack. My older kids have binders, books, and folders along with their lunch and snack bags, so their backpacks are huge!

• Look at features. A must for my kids is an external water bottle pocket. You might also want one with a padded back and straps for extra support..

• Check out all the pockets. The older you kids get, the more stuff they need to bring to and from school. Do you kids need a laptop or tablet for school? Do they have homework binders or folders? I found that backpacks that contain several compartments work best once I started answering yes to those questions.  

• Consider the color. If your kids walk to school or to the bus stop, you may want to choose a brightly colored backpack — or one with reflective details — for better visibility.  

• Think about long-term use. Character backpacks are fun, but kids might outgrow them faster compared to backpacks that are a solid color. 

• Check out the materials. Backpacks made from nylon will be more expensive, but they’ll also last longer, which may be more practical than buying a new backpack every year.

• Pick a quality brand. Your kids will be rough with this bag, so your best bet is to go with a tried-and-true brand. You want a durable backpack where the zippers won't break off or seams rip open by fall. 

• Let your kids help. Your kid will be wearing this backpack for most of the year, so it’s important for them to have a say! As long as it meets your key criteria, you can let them choose the style they like.

What to do next 

I highly recommend that your kids try out certain school supplies, like lunch boxes and backpacks, before they go to school. This will help you figure out if your kids backpacks are right for them — and get them familiar with how to use their backpacks for school. 

Here are a few key things to test out when it comes to backpacks for kids:

• Try them on. Have your kids try on their backpacks and see if the straps need to be adjusted. Backpacks should sit high and be close to their bodies. 

• Load it up. Fill your kids backpack with the supplies they will need for school. Make sure it fits everything and is comfortable for them.

• Practice using them. Have your kids test out all the zippers, open the compartments, and figure out how their school backpacks will be organized.
  

I like to order a few backpacks for school so they arrive by early August. This way, my kids have plenty of time to try them out and choose the one they like best. It also gives you time for any exchanges or returns and helps you avoid the last-minute stress of back to school shopping.

My favorite backpacks for kids

All of these backpacks for kids come from high-quality name brands and are built to last. Most of them also feature similar details that matched the criteria I was looking for. This includes being made from durable materials, providing a comfortable fit to take any stress off their shoulders or backs, and having an exterior side pocket for a water bottle. 

My kids have tested out many backpacks for school over the years, so I’m only recommending the ones we liked best — and the ones they currently use. Just go to the grade level you need, and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!

Backpacks for preschool & kindergarten 

Pottery Barn Kids Mini Backpack: Fits kids who are 36-42” tall. Each of my kids started with this mini backpack in preschool and graduated to the large size once they were in elementary school. 

Land’s End ClassMate Small Backpack: Designed for little ones (between 42-48”), this backpack is lightweight, machine washable, and can be personalized with initials, a word, or an embroidered design. 

LL Bean Jr. Original Backpack: Forever a classic! This backpack is great for younger kids (ages 4 and up) who don’t need a ton of different compartments. It also comes in fun prints.

Pottery Barn Kids Small Backpack: Made for young learners (43-49” tall), this backpack easily fits their lunch box, a folder or notebook, and small accessories or toys. Some prints I like are: Aqua Rainbow Bright Tie-Dye, Unicorn Parade, Blue-Gray Camo, and Baseball 3-D.

State Bags Kane Backpack: Recommended for kindergarten to third grade, the Kane backpack has a spacious main compartment with multiple organization pockets and a front pocket for smaller items. They also donate to local children and families in need for every bag sold!

Shop a few of my favorite girls backpacks here. 

Backpacks for elementary school & older

Land’s End ClassMate Medium Backpack: Designed for younger elementary kids (4 ft. or taller), this backpack is machine washable and can be personalized with a monogram and/or embroidered design.

State Bags Kane Backpack: Designed for kids up to third grade, the Kane backpack fits a binder, folders, lunch box, and more. Every bag sold also helps local children and families in need!

Pottery Barn Kids Large Backpack: Perfect for kids who are 48” or taller.

LL Bean Deluxe Backpack: A step up from the Jr. size, this backpack is great for kids (10 and up) who need more compartments to organize a variety of school supplies.

Backpacks for middle school & older

Land’s End ClassMate Extra Large Backpack: Designed for middle schoolers and older (4’6” or taller), this backpack has three main compartments, an interior folder pocket, and a front pocket.  

The North Face Borealis Backpack: I bought this kids backpack for my tween for middle school. It fits a lot of books, homework, and school supplies inside, plus it looks good!

The North Face Jester Backpack: A similar design to the Borealis backpack, but slightly slimmer and lighter. 

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack: A sleek, lightweight option that works great for older kids and tweens who want function with a sporty vibe.

Shop a few of my favorite boys backpacks here. 

Backpacks for high school and college

LL Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Backpack: Designed for ages 13 and up, this mid-sized backpack is super comfy with ergonomic features like extra foam padding in the back and breathable mesh straps.

The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack: Designed for ages 13 and up, this lightweight backpack provides great shoulder and back support, a spacious main compartment with organized pockets, and reflective details.

Carhartt Backpack: The Carhartt Backpack is a rugged, no-fuss option that’s built to last through school, sports, and everything in between. With durable fabric and a roomy design, it’s perfect for kids who need a tough backpack that keeps up with their busy days.

FAQ for Kids Backpacks

Do I need to buy new backpacks for school every year?

Nope! There’s always the pressure to buy new things for a new school year, but your kids don’t really need a new backpack until they’ve outgrown their current one or if it’s worn down or damaged.

When is the best time to buy school backpacks?

I prefer to start shopping for school supplies in July when the back-to-school sales begin and there’s a bigger selection to choose from. If the need for a new kids backpack isn’t urgent, you could also wait for sales during Black Friday.

Any tips for ordering school backpacks online?

If you’re ordering kids backpacks online, make sure they’ll arrive at least a couple weeks before school so your kids can test them out. You’ll also want to make sure they are easy to return or exchange.

What do you look for in a kids backpack?

The most important thing is to make sure it’s right for their size and their grade level. For example, preschool backpacks are smaller and lighter, whereas older kids backpacks for school are bigger and have more pockets. 

Are there any other important features in a kids backpack?

Ordering online makes it easy to compare features that are important to you, like whether a backpack is weather-resistant or weatherproof, machine washable or spot clean only, and if the capacity will hold the supplies your kids need for school.

Should I let my kids choose their own backpacks?

My kids are very opinionated. But I appreciate that they are very clear about what they like and don't like. To make life easier, I always select 3-4 backpacks that I think will work and let them choose from there. 

Ready for school?

I hope my list of school backpacks and tips for choosing a kids backpack help you (and your kids) feel more prepared for school! If you need more support with getting ready for a new school year, make sure to check out my post on our favorite school supplies, back-to-school books, and tips for tear-free mornings.

Also, if you’re feeling the pressure to buy everything new, remember that it’s ok to not buy your kid a brand-new backpack every year if the one they’re using still works well! That’s one of the reasons why I say to go with a trusted name brand that makes backpacks you know are going to hold up over time. This is especially important as your kids get older and won’t age out of them as quickly.

At the end of the day, when it comes to buying backpacks for kids, the three most important things are: 

• It’s right for their size and grade level

• It holds what they need while still being comfy

• It’s something they’re excited about and will actually wear 

If you buy one of these kids backpacks, let me know what you (or your kids) think! Or feel free to share your favorite backpacks for kids in the comments below.