The best backpacks for elementary school will make a bold statement, but it’s also important to remember how your kid feels about the backpack and whether it’s made with materials to last throughout the year. Your kid will wear this thing every single day. Investing in one that will last is critical. When you find your kid’s dream elementary backpack, make sure to adjust your kid’s backpack straps correctly before he or she runs on the first day of school.
Many of the school materials are available for disposal. Before the first term ends, notebooks, pens, and pencils would have served their purpose. However, a backpack is an investment. You want something that’s robust, reliable, and age-appropriate, something that can last for a semester. Yet also do not forget to have a bit of fun. A backpack is an ideal way for your child to display their unique personality. Their backpack for kindergarten might have already torn up.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 8 hrs of research
AmazonBasics Classic Elementary School Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Main compartment is pretty spacious
- Inside the front flap has two small pockets and two pen/pencil pockets
- Back inside part has a section to keep an ipad
- Lightweight but still has the feel of quality construction
Wildkin Kids Elementary School Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- The pattern is cute and brightly colored
- The bag can be used by boys or girls
- There’s a smaller front pocket for smaller items
- Side pocket for storing drinks
Best Backpacks for Elementary School – Overview
If you’re shopping for back-to-school accessories such as backpacks and lunch bags, purchasing quality ones is the easiest way to get the bang for your buck. And if your kids just need one thing, it’s a durable bag that can carry all their stuff and won’t fall apart in a few months. Ideally, if possible, you want these bags to last a long time probably until middle school, and if you’re lucky, even through high school. From the latest styles to traditional style, we’ve found 10 best backpacks for elementary school that can trustfully send your children back to the classroom.
Backpacks for Elementary School Reviews
1. AmazonBasics Classic Elementary School Backpack – Best Value
Carry books, homework, and other everyday essentials with the AmazonBasics Classic Elementary School Backpack. Lightweight and comfortable, the useful pack makes it easy to transport necessary school supplies from home or dorm room to class and back again. It can also be used as a handy carry-on bag when traveling or as a daypack for field trips and other excursions.
Ample and flexible storage space in this conveniently portable pack makes getting out the door in the morning that much easier. The classic backpack’s large interior provides plenty of space for a laptop, a couple of textbooks, a large binder, a few spiral notebooks, and even a brown-bag lunch. In addition to the three zippered sections, the AmazonBasics classic backpack provides two exterior side pockets. The AmazonBasics classic backpack features a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps for cushioned comfort, even during extended use or under extra-heavy loads.
Key Features:
- Main compartment with laptop pocket
- Front pocket for stashing smaller items
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Secure zipper closures
- Water-bottle side pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 12.2″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 0.86 lbs
- Main compartment is pretty spacious
- Inside the front flap has two small pockets and two pen/pencil pockets
- Back inside part has a section to keep an ipad
- Lightweight but still has the feel of quality construction
- Lacks that second large zippered off area most backpacks have
2. Girl’s 6 in 1 Backpack Set With Lunch Bag
The Girl’s 6 in 1 Backpack Set With Lunch Bag includes a full-size backpack, insulated lunch bag, pencil case, water bottle, key chain, and carabiner clip – perfect for organizing and hanging your child’s matching accessories, ID tag, and so forth. This is a fun backpack for kids of all ages! Featuring characters, patterns, sports icons, animals, and smiley faces, it also comes with adjustable padded back straps.
Trail maker, the company who made this backpack, specializes in all things kids. A family company in business for over 50 years, they know what families need, from daycare to elementary and primary school. Whether the child in your life is little or growing up fast, they have a backpack for your student.
Key Features:
- Accessory zip pocket
- Includes a reusable water bottle
- Large main compartment
- Two mesh side pockets
- Padded adjustable straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Trail maker
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ W x 5.25″ D
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Useful big clip to hold the lunch bag to the top of the backpack
- Pencil case is an added bonus
- Very cute and nice set
- The water bottle holders are deep
- The lunch box is a bit on the small side
3. Trail Maker Multi-Color Backpack
Trail Maker Multi-Color Backpack is tailor-made for adults and kids of all ages. This bag is built for weekend warriors, travelers, crafters, hikers, tour guides, and students to ensure everyone can easily carry water bottles, trail markers, textbooks, gum, gym clothes, sneakers, uniforms, lunches, erasers, crayons, homework, knitting needles, yarn, cleats, & more to and fro everywhere they need to go, be it campus or campsites.
Padded, adjustable back straps make carrying it all comfortable and easy, while double zipper main compartments make organizing and storing everything you need a delight. This bag’s color contrast makes each one as fun and unique as they are enjoyable to use.
Key Features:
- Double zippers
- Roomy main compartment
- Easy wipe-clean interior
- Super lightweight
Specifications:
- Brand: Trail maker
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 5.5″ D
- Weight: 0.65 lbs
- Useful organization pockets
- Sturdy and durable
- Double zipper on the front pockets
- Very comfortable to wear
- The fabric is a thin polyester, and the shoulder straps are thin
4. Wildkin Kids Elementary School Backpack – Premium Pick
Your child will be the talk of the playground with the Wildkin Kids Elementary School Backpack. It has a just-right size that’s perfect for packing all the essentials, plus some snacks! With backpacks, it’s all about the features, and Wildkin’s Backpack is full of features that put the “fun” in “functionality”. Two padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back provide a comfortable wear, while the durable top handle is perfect for hanging in a locker before heading to class.
Its two zippered compartments and interior utility pockets and pencil holder make organization a breeze, so your child can find what they need in a snap. Made from super durable 600-denier polyester fabric with an interior moisture-resistant nylon lining, the 15 Inch Backpack is capable of handling anything you throw at it – both inside and out. As always, all of Wildkin’s 15 Inch Backpacks feature vibrant, playful patterns, so your child will love this fun new addition to their school and travel gear.
Key Features:
- Two padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- Durable top handle
- Two exterior zippered compartments
- Interior moisture-resistant nylon lining
Specifications:
- Brand: Wildkin
- Dimensions: 15″ H x 11″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
- The pattern is cute and brightly colored
- The bag can be used by boys or girls
- There’s a smaller front pocket for smaller items
- Side pocket for storing drinks
- Not suitable if carrying a lot of books
5. Leaper Canvas Elementary School Backpack
For more than 15 years, Leaper has specialized in creating unique backpacks to satisfy every need. The Leaper Canvas Elementary School Backpack is no exception. The main inner compartment of the backpack can put notebooks or other school supplies, 2 side pockets can carry a water bottle and an umbrella, 1 front pocket with buckle closure perfect for a wallet or a snack, 2 mini open pockets in the main compartment to store a cellphone or small electronics.
The backpack has padded adjustable straps and padded back that make it comfortable to carry. It is a lightweight backpack and perfect for everyday school and casual day trips. Large capacity design, most of your school necessities can be loaded freely.
Key Features:
- Smooth zippers
- Padded adjustable straps
- Padded back for comfort
- 2 side pockets for water
Specifications:
- Brand: Leaper
- Dimensions: 17.1″ H x 5.4″ W x 14″ D
- Weight: 1.43 lbs
- Very roomy and well sewn together
- Sturdy, it has two side pockets
- The straps are easily adjustable
- Has a padded laptop sleeve
- A bit heavy on its own
6. BLUEFAIRY Backpack for Elementary School
The BLUEFAIRY Backpack for Elementary School with camouflage print is perfect for elementary-aged kids’ daily use. This day pack has 4 different size compartments: one main compartment, one medium-sized middle compartment, and two small front zipped pockets. Inside the main compartment, there is a laptop compartment and a small zippered pouch for small things.
There are 2 mesh side pockets used as water bottle holders. Those different compartments and pockets will help keep children organized. The high-quality zippers can keep daily gear safe. On the back, the 2 adjustable S-shape shoulder straps are nicely padded, very comfortable and convenient to carry. On the top, there is a handle on the top and a strap to hang up the schoolbag in the classroom.
Key Features:
- Made of polyester and nylon
- 4 separate different size pockets
- Adjustable S-shape shoulder straps
- Soft padded handle on the top
Specifications:
- Brand: BLUEFAIRY
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 1.37 lbs
- The material of the backpack is waterproof
- Zippered pocket on the upper front for small random items
- The straps, that are attached to each buckle, make adjusting the flap a breeze
- The contoured shoulder straps also come with easy to adjust straps
- None
7. Meisohua Middle School Backpack
The Meisohua Middle School Backpack is made of durable water-resistant polyester fiber, with a casual and special mermaid scale glitter design. Zippers with extra puller are easy for small hands to open and close. The school backpack for girls has 2 large compartments and a lot of pockets. All of the school supplies and books can be put in organized.
The adjustable padded shoulder straps offer support and comfort while the adjustable chest strap stabilizes the load throughout the day’s activities. Recommended for children from 3 to 15 years old. This elementary school backpack set is a perfect gift for your lovely children. The reflective strips make it much safer for children to walk in the evening.
Key Features:
- Durable soft handle
- Chest strap and reflective strip
- Breathable mesh back and shoulder strap
- Insulated lunch tote bag
Specifications:
- Brand: Meisohua
- Dimensions: 15″ H x 5.1″ W x 11.5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The chest clip is handy
- The lunch bag is a good size
- This bag has stronger fabric and more reinforcement in the side pockets
- Easy to wipe clean
- Zippers are not the smoothest
8. VASCHY Backpack for Elementary School
Classic and Convenience come together in the VASCHY Backpack for Elementary School. This polyester backpack is decorated with a synthetic leather diamond-shaped, a VASCHY label, and without lining for a lightweight look. You can put the small items for quick access in the front zippered pocket that also features a handy key clip.
Ergonomic, dual padded, reinforced, adjustable shoulder straps. This provides optimum comfort for your shoulders. Adjustable shoulder straps are perfect for choosing the appropriate length of the straps that enable it to fit snugly on your shoulders.
Key Features:
- 2 zip pockets
- Side with double mesh elastic pockets
- Adjustable cozy air mesh contoured shoulder straps
- Bartack stitching in force points of backpack
Specifications:
- Brand: VASCHY
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 16.9″ H x 5.5″ W x 12.9″ D
- Weight: 0.79 lbs
- Nice simple design
- Great stitching/zipper quality
- Good amount of room
- Great material
- It tends to open a lot if you zip it up & leave the zippers at top of backpack
9. Abshoo Cool Boys School Backpacks For Elementary
The Abshoo Cool Boys School Backpacks For Elementary offers roomy zip main compartment to store textbooks, notebooks, folders or other belongings for school days. The front features 2 zip pockets to quick access stationery or other daily necessities. The upper one is able to keep notebooks, papers or other essentials while the lower one is designed to hold some last minutes items, pencil case or sticky notes.
The side with double mesh elastic pockets is ideal to reach umbrella, beverage or water bottle more convenient. The adjustable cozy air mesh contoured shoulder straps and thicken back system maximize carrying comfort. Lastly, bartack stitching in force points of backpack prevents tears and rips and extends its life.
Key Features:
- Two water bottle pockets
- Padded back and shoulder strap
- Soft and lightweight material
- Water-resistant
Specifications:
- Brand: abshoo
- Dimensions: 15.7″ H x 5.1″ W x 12.1″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Exceptionally durable
- The straps are also super nice and padded
- There’s lots of storage compartments
- Simple graphic design
- Its a very narrow bag
10. VBIGER Elementary School Backpack
This VBIGER Elementary School Backpack is made of nylon fabric which is waterproof, tear-resistant, scratch-resistant and durable, capable of protecting your kid’s belongings against raindrops in rainy days. This boy’s bookbag has 2 mesh padded shoulder straps, back panel, perfectly fit the spine curve and keep the proper gap with your kid’s back, help to relieve shoulder pressure and timely radiate heat to ensure breathable and comfortable carrying experience.
This boys school backpack has a stylish appearance, ideal for various occasions such as school and travel. The large compartment with double ultra-smooth zippers and multi-purpose pockets, enough room to hold and well organize your kid’s folding umbrella, water bottle, notebooks, and stationery.
Key Features:
- 2 mesh padded shoulder straps
- Double ultra-smooth zippers
- Scratch-resistant and durable
- Made of nylon fabric
Specifications:
- Brand: VBIGER
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 5.1″ W x 11.4″ D
- Weight: 1.18 lbs
- The bag is waterproof, but it feels no different to touch
- The zippers are heavy class, and has really cute hanging decorations
- Plenty of room, and a lot of compartments
- Room for 2 water bottles
- The inner layer is a bit thin
Buying Guide
Padded Straps
Books and notebooks weigh a ton of their own, so if your kid carry all of that and equipment, you might be risking your child’s health if you don’t have an ergonomically working school backpack. Look for sturdy, padded straps; an S-shape or a weighted pattern to help your kid maintain their balance while maintaining their posture even though the load is high.
Compartments
Elementary school students require lots of school supplies and facilities. There are calculators, notes, pens, phones and other important personal things that can quickly get lost in a backpack without appropriate compartments. This is why students should use bags that have at least two or three compartments. Bonus features include front zipper compartments and side water bottle pockets.
Size
School bags come in all sorts of styles to fit for students of all ages. Younger students will need a smaller backpack, while teenagers and adults in college will require generous-capacity packs. Test the size of the bag by reading on its measurements or liter-indicated capacity. This will tell you everything you may bring, and if it will have extra space for other essentials.
Comfort
The backpack will be an important part of the day for your child in elementary school; it will carry their load and go along with them. The backpack should also be incredibly easy to use, ergonomically built and well-padded to support both the back and shoulders.
Style
It will be a part of their personality, as long as they take it to classes. A mix of a strong color match with the right materials is all that’s needed to make trendy in the most simple of backpacks. So, when you buy your bag for your child, what you need is to pick your favorite color for example.
Frequently Ask Questions
What size backpack does a first grader need?
A size of about 15-20l should be enough for first graders. It will be enough to hold notebooks, folders, and some pens without them feeling tired after school.
What are the best backpacks for kids?
For kids, those in elementary, will most likely like character backpacks resembling that of their favorite show. Check out our guide on the best backpack for kids for some options.
Should I put my child’s name on her backpack?
No, studies show kids would respond more when called by their first name. A stranger they meet while walking home will try to take advantage of this by reading the name on their backpack.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for elementary school as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for elementary school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.