family
By Emma Singer
•
Published Sep 20, 2022
Additional reporting by
Dana Dickey
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Backpacks are at the top of everyone's back-to-school list, but shopping for one among the thousands of options can be overwhelming. (Should I go big or small? Clear? Pockets or zippers? Does this need to last for more than one year?) So we’ve rounded up some of the best backpacks for kids, based on rave reviews from parents and kids alike. All of them have been put to put to the test, vetted for comfort, measured for durability...and are cute to boot.
So whether you'reshopping for a kindergartener or a high schooler,here are 21 backpacks sure to deliver.
The Best Backpacks for Kids at a Glance
- Best Overall: The North Face 'Jester' Backpack
- Best Variety: Mackenzie Backpack
- Best for Kindergarteners: Bluey Backpack
- Best for Elementary Schoolers: State Kane Backpack
- Best for Middle Schoolers: Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
- Best for High Schoolers: JanSport Big Student Backpack
- Best for College Students: Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
- Most Durable Backpack: The North Face Youth Recon Squash Backpack
- Most Splurge-Worthy Option:Wayb Ready to Roam Backpack
- Best Set: Fuel Backpack & Lunch Bag Bundle
- Best for Athletes: DeMarini Voodoo OG Backpack
- Most Classic: L.L.Bean Original Backpack
- Most Glam: Le Vasty Sequin Backpack
- Best Clear Backpack: Vorspack Clear Backpack
- Best Backpack with Wheels: Rockland Rolling Backpack
- Sleekest Design: Champion Youthquake Backpack
- Cutest Design: Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack
- Best Back Support: MountainTop Backpack
- Best for Travel: JetKids by Stokke Crew Backpack
- Best for the Outdoors:OspreyDaylite Kids'Backpack
- Best Value: Everest Classic Backpack
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1. The North Face 'Jester' Backpack
Best Overall
Accordingto more than 4,000reviews, this roomy polyester backpack lives up to the hype. Buyers can't stop talking about how much their middle schoolers and high schoolers love it. Probably because it's incredibly functional, thanks to its mesh side pocket and interior sleeves to help keep them organized.Plus, the molded straps are supposedly comfy enough for them to carry all day.
Pros
- Expandable interior
- Adjustable straps, removable sternum strap and hip belt
- Fits 15-inch laptops
Cons
- Too big for toddlers
- Limited colors
2. Mackenzie Backpack
Best Variety
This backpack has it all. Coming in three different sizes with adjustable straps, as well as a rolling option, you’ll easily find the best fit. And with multiple pockets and ample storage, they’re going to have plenty of room for their stuff, no matter how much they squash in there. Plus, the water-resistant fabric comes in over 30 patterns, so your kiddo can head off with their favorite pattern in tow.
Pros
- Different sizes
- Personalization available
- Durable
- Many patterns
Cons
- Sizes intended for kids in elementary school and below
3. Bluey Backpack
Best for Kindergarteners
This energetic TV star is the name we keep hearing from the five-year-old set, and this cute version of her as a backpack is going to elicit squeals of delight.
Pros
- Front-zip pocket
- Stand-up plush ears
- Padded straps
Cons
- Only suitable for children aged three and up
4. State Kane Backpack
Best for Elementary Schoolers
The color-block pattern of this bag is so cute, we kind of want one for ourselves. It features a main compartment with organizational zip pockets and slots, as well as a smaller zippered front pocket to hold their pens, pencils and erasers. And it’s so well made that your kid can get at least three school years' of wear out of it. You can even have it personalized with their name, initials or a fun symbol for no additional charge.
Pros
- Stylish colorways
- Free personalization
Cons
- Not all options are easy to clean
5. Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
Best for Middle Schoolers
This bag boasts a simple and practical design that is still stylish enough for your pre-teen to feel like a cool kid. Its main compartment has more than enough room for all of their notebooks and binders, and its foam insert can be taken out and used as a portable seat so they don’t have to sit on hot concrete during P.E. Coming in dozens of bright, fun colors, they’re guaranteed to find one that will fit with whatever phase they’re going through.
Pros
- Durable vinylon material that’s easy to clean and water-resistant
- Sleek design in playful colors
Cons
- Limited storage compartments
6. JanSport Big Student Backpack
Best for High Schoolers
Equipped with loads of compartments, this pack can be filled to the brim with everything from pencils and paper to your teen’s laptop. Plus, it’s designed to withstand loads of wear and tear so they’ll be able to tag it along with them year after year, to after school practices or SAT study sessions. Plus, its simple, less-is-more colors make it the ideal camouflage for your high schooler who just wants to blend in. But if they want to stand out, there are bright options too.
Pros
- Decent amount of storage pockets
- Separate compartment that fits up to a 15-inch laptop
- Easy to clean and super durable
- Has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can get too bulky
7. Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
Best for College Students
You’ve probably seen thisbackpack onthe back of every hipster and cool kid in town. It's great for comfort thanks to its padded backpanels, thedrawstring closure makes finding the one pencil at the bottom supersimple andthe cushion laptop compartment keeps electronics safe.
Pros
- Padded back panels
- Protective 15-inch laptop compartment
- Sophisticated and sleek design
Cons
- Tricky to clean
8. The North Face Youth Recon Squash Backpack
Most Durable Backpack
The North Face designs hiking gear, so you know even their kids’ backpacks are built to withstand wear and tear. This 17-liter pack is about half the size of the brand's popular adult Recon backpack, making it ideal for elementary school-aged kids. Beyond the standard main pocket, it has two mesh water bottle pockets and a handy sternum strap if they tend to have trouble keeping their backpack on.
Pros
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back panel
- Identification label
- Mesh water bottle side pockets
Cons
- Only one color option
9. Wayb Ready to Roam Backpack
Most Splurge-Worthy Option
This style is ideal for your older teen. It couples functional elements with sleek aesthetics for a bag that might make them actually excited to go to classes. (No promises though!) Our favorite part is the vertical zippered side section that works great for easily stashing away your phone and pencil bag without having to unbuckle the bag's top.
Pros
- Cool, modern style
- Cushion interior storage for supplies
Cons
- Not as kid-friendly
- A higher price tag
10. Fuel Backpack & Lunch Bag Bundle
Best Set
Both bags have convenient top handles that make them easy to carry, plus plenty of compartments to store all of the necessities. The cherry on top is its water-resistant fabric. “I can't describe well enough how much I love this backpack!” one mom writes. “I wanted something water resistant because my daughter often came home with wet papers from setting her backpack on the playground (in puddles?) after school! She liked the design and I liked the price. She has now been using this for two full years!” We’re sold.
Pros
- Water-resistant and really durable
- Loads of different colors and patterns
- Matching lunchbox
Cons
- Not small enough for younger kids
11. DeMarini Voodoo OG Backpack
Best for Athletes
Got a lot of extracurricular sports lined up? This is the backpack for your little athlete. “My daughter is a softball pitcher and loves her bag,” says one five-star reviewer. “It has been everywhere with no problems and it fits what she needs to carry: helmet, glove, cleats, balls, bat and batting gloves with room to spare.” More impressively, the padded shoulder straps and back panels offer an answer to your kid’s question, “How on earth am I supposed to carry all this equipment?”
Pros
- XL main compartment to fit all their gear
- Has neoprene sleeves to help carry bats (if baseball is their sport)
- Special compartment for phone storage
- Vented shoe storage
Cons
- Can get too bulky
12. L.L.Bean Original Backpack
Most Classic
L.L. Bean’s Original bookbag has been around since 1982 for a reason. Each one is constructed from weatherproof nylon material and extra-strong stitching and tough zippers to withstand years of use. According to the brand, it’s best for ages 6 and up. Choose their color, and add a monogram for $8 if you want to give their bag a more personalized touch.
Pros
- Simple designs with a good amount of storage space
- Bold colors
- Personalization available
- Waterproof
Cons
- Only one sizing option
13. Le Vasty Sequin Backpack
Most Glam
It doesn’t getjazzierthan this glitter backpack that boasts reversible sequins, but this bag offers way more than just sparkles. Parents and kids alike love it for its large dimensions, spacious, pocket-filled interior and easy-to-wipe material. (Because who hasn’t endured a yogurt explosion?)
Pros
- Glam design in vibrant colors
- Separate laptop compartment
- Heavy duty stitching to prevent rips and tears
Cons
- Interior fabric isn’t the most durable
14. Vorspack Clear Backpack
Best Clear Backpack
Thanks to this bag, she’ll never have to rifle through papers and folders to find her missing homework assignment again. Instead, she can see its entire contents through the clear PVC. And the 5x12-inch dimensions make it big enough to fit a textbook and a laptop without issue. Plus, if she’s hoping for a clear bag that still has a pop of color, this backpack comes in different options like orange and purple.
Pros
- Easy to clean up messes and spills
- The PVC won’t crack during cold weather months
- Multiple color options available
Cons
- Some reviewers report the straps being uneven
15. Rockland Rolling Backpack
Best Backpack with Wheels
Have them spin into school with style. (Get it?) This water-resistant bag has raked in over 3,000 five-star reviews with parents loving the retractable handle and lightweight frame. They especially appreciate its durable wheels for when their student would rather roll it down the hall instead of hoisting it onto their back.
Pros
- One zippered compartment acts as a built-in organizer
- Mesh water bottle holders
- Sturdy inline wheels
Cons
- The fabric rips easier than other options
16. Champion Youthquake Backpack
Sleekest Design
Champion’s classic sleek design will make him look street style-ready, even if he’s really on his way to the playground. This backpack is full-size, but it isn't so bulky that it'll cause elementary schoolers to topple over when they tote it (plus, it has cozy straps that won't dig into their shoulders). Best of all, strong zippers and high-quality construction ensure that this favorite will last no matter how much wear and tear it goes through on the playground.
Pros
- Stylish yet sporty vibe
- Polyester fabric that’s not tough to clean
Con
- Not roomy enough for hauling several textbooks
17. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack
Cutest Design
With different animal designs including a monkey, narwhal, puppy and a shark, Skip Hop’s backpacks are by far the cutest. But their 11x12x5-inch dimensions are pretty small, so they’re best for little ones heading into their first official year of school. Parents rave about the canvas material, which is ultra durable and doesn’t tear or scuff, as well as the easy-to-clean lining.
Pros
- Cute as a button designs
- Not difficult to clean
- Comes with a side pocket for extra storage
Cons
- Only comes in one size
18. MountainTop Backpack
Best Back Support
Besides being equipped with cushioned back panels that mold to their back, the thick, padded straps won’t cut into their shoulders and neck. Not to mention, the attached sternum strap provides extra support, which is great if you've got a kid toting lots back and forth—say a towel, suit and change of clothes for after school activities.
Pros
- Uber comfortable
- Bright and bold colors
- Plenty of storage compartments
Cons
- No chest strap
19. JetKids by Stokke Crew Backpack
Best for Travel
If you’re in the market for a kid’s carry-on bag, your search ends here. Specifically designed with travel in mind, this pack has elements that will make your trip so much easier: a spacious main compartment, suitcase over-the-handle strap and a back cushion that can be removed to use as a seat or pillow for those extra long layovers. It has a zippered expandable panel that can be easily adjusted in size, so you won’t have to worry about your adventure buddy growing out of it.
Pros
- Cushioned interior pockets keeps everything organized
- Can adjust its size as kids grow
Cons
- Its small size only works for younger ages
- One color to choose from
20. Osprey Daylite Kids' Backpack
Best for the Outdoors
Whether your future adventurer drops her backpack into puddles or leaves it in the dust after kickball, this workhorse can handle it all. Rip-free fabric that’swater-resistantkeeps their homework nice and dry, side mesh pockets fit snacks, water bottles andtoys andcushioned panels and straps providepeak comfortno matter the occasion.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable shoulder and chest straps
- Water repellent and super sturdy
Cons
- Limited colors to choose from
21. Everest Classic Backpack
Best Value
If your child is known to be a little messy or her style is constantly changing, it’s really not worth spending big bucks on a backpack you know won’t last long. Luckily, there’s this $14 alternative. The mid-size pack has a roomy main compartment and a front zippered pocket, so she can easily grab pens, pencils or her cell. It's simple, sure, but honestly, that’s all she really needs. Plus, it comes in 20 colors, so you’re bound to settle on one you both like.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Easy to clean
- Lots of different colors
Cons
- Minimal storage space
- Not the most durable option
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Emma Singer
Freelance PureWow Editor
Emma Singer is a freelance contributing editor and writer at PureWow who has over 7 years of professional proofreading, copyediting and writing experience. At PureWow, she covers...
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Dana Dickey
Senior Editor
Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space...
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