The Best Kids Backpacks for Back to School — Tested by a Mom of Three

How to Choose a Kids Backpack

You don’t need to buy a new backpack for school unless your kid has outgrown their old one or it’s falling apart. But 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 your kids get, the more stuff they need to bring to and from school. Do your kids need a laptop or tablet for school? Do they have homework binders or folders? If the answer is yes, you need backpacks with several compartments.

• 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.

• See if it's machine washable. This is especially true for younger kids. Backpacks get gross fast, and being able to throw it in the wash instead of scrubbing it by hand is one of those things you don't know you need until you desperately need it.

• 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. I always order a few backpacks so they arrive by early August.

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. It also gives you time for exchanges or returns (we all want to avoid that last-minute back-to-school stress!). 

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' backpacks with everything they'll need for school — including their snack! Make sure it fits comfortably once it's fully loaded. (Need snack ideas? I've got you: easy after-school snacks kids actually want to eat. 🫠)

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

Ali Pro Tip: Once you've got the backpack all loaded up and organized, tuck a little note into the front pocket for the first day of school. It's such a small thing, but I promise it lands big. If you need ideas, I have an entire guide to lunch box notes your kids will actually look forward to. 💗

My Favorite Backpacks for Kids

All of these backpacks for kids come from high-quality name brands, are built to last, and have the features I look for.  They’re made from durable materials, provide a comfortable fit to take any stress off their shoulders or backs, and have 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.

Backpacks for Preschool & Kindergarten 

Each of my girls started with a mini backpack in preschool, and it was the cutest thing. At this age, they don’t need much, just enough room for a snack, a water bottle, whatever they “treasure,” and maybe a folder for all that art they generate. The most important thing at this stage: it fits their little body, is easy to open, and they are obsessed with it. And if your little one is nervous about their first day, I've got you covered there too — here are nine tips for handling school drop-off tears that actually work. 💗

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 a lunch box, folder or notebook, and small accessories or toys. Some prints I like are: Aqua Rainbow Bright Tie-Dye, Unicorn Parade, Blue-Gray Camo, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. 

State Bags Kane Backpack: Recommended for kindergarten to third grade, this kid’s 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 all my favorite kids backpacks  👆

Backpacks for Elementary School & Older

Backpacks need to work for your kid at this age. Between the lunch box, folders, binders, library books, and snack bags, what they bring to and from school adds up fast. My kids were rough with their bags at this stage, so make sure the backpack is machine washable. And if you're navigating the whole "my kid now has a device in their backpack" thing, I have some thoughts on that too. Here are the screen time rules that actually work for our family.

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. My girls each got this backpack when they started Elementary School!

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.

Shop all my favorite kids backpacks  👆

Backpacks for Middle School & Older

Middle School backpacks are basically suitcases. 🤣 My 8th grader lugs her binders, iPad, lunch, water bottle, and snacks to and from school daily (in addition to her sports gear). So her bag needs to hold a ton but still look stylish. These options are functional AND look good.

And if you're navigating the whole "my kid now has a device in their backpack" thing, I have some thoughts on that too. Here are the screen time rules that actually work for our family.

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 all my favorite kids backpacks  👆

Backpacks for High School and College

At this stage, finding a backpack is less about “cute” and more about “will this survive four years?” A laptop or tablet compartment, padded straps, and durability are non-negotiable.

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: Made with heavy duty materials, this is a rugged, no-fuss option that’s built to last through school, sports, and everything in between. It’s also roomy enough for a laptop, tablet, power bank, and books.

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 out or damaged. A high-quality backpack from a trusted brand should last at least two years, minimum.

My kids' backpacks from Kindergarten lasted a good three to four years. But the older they got, the rougher my kids got with their bags, and the more stuff they carried. This has meant that we get three years max out of backpacks.

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 a sale. Check back in September to see if the backpacks you like go on clearance or if there’s a sale during Black Friday. If you’ve added a backpack to an Amazon list or Pinterest board, those apps can also notify you if the price drops.

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. Remember to check the size and capacity of the backpack, how durable (and comfy) it is, and if it has the major features you’re looking for. Buyer reviews can also help!

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. You want to make sure it’s comfy on their backs and shoulders and isn’t too heavy for them once it’s loaded with school supplies. 

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. You might also want to consider how easy it is for kids to open and if the bottom of the backpack is reinforced.

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. Allowing them a choice gives them a sense of control and helps build independence, confidence, and responsibility. Plus it will make them more excited for the school year! 

Do I need a separate travel backpack for kids?

Probably not. We use the same backpacks my girls carry to school all year long when we travel. We know they love them, they're already broken in, and they are the right size. A good quality school backpack does double duty just fine. The North Face Borealis and the LL Bean styles especially work great as carry-ons or day packs. Save your money. 💗

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, advice for middle school girls, 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.