With all the school items you’re purchasing at the beginning of the school year, your kid’s backpack is undoubtedly the one thing that’s most placed through the wringer. Between lugging heavy textbooks to and from school to being covered in sticky liquids, the backpack of your little kid needs to be robust if it can last until the end of the school year. It is important to have sturdy backpacks that can reduce the weight and ease the burden of heavy loads since flimsy book bags packed to the brim can cause problems with the neck and shoulder over time.
Here, we check for the best backpacks for kids with their reliability characteristics such as tear strength, strap strength, and abrasion resistance as well as comfort factors such as the amount of padding and weight when it is empty. We also look at the overall architecture and components of the company to make sure the material is water-resistant. Finally, we have regular packing loads for various age groups to make sure it carries everything they need. You might not even need to purchase a Disney world backpack separately if you can find one here.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 8 hrs of research
BLUEFAIRY School Backpacks For Kids – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The straps adjust very well, big range to be able to size appropriately
- Lots of pockets/zipper pouches to separate items
- 2 handles at the top
- It’s easy to wipe clean
High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- The materials seem pretty nice and look attractive
- The medium pocket is still large enough to hold small clothing and the mini pocket can hold a lot of personal items
- The side water bottle area can fit a large bottle
- The backpack’s rounded shape means that it tends to rest between your shoulder blades
Best Backpacks for Kids – Overview
Whether it’s for school or travel, there’s one thing your kids desperately need, it’s a durable backpack that’s going to carry all their stuff and not fall apart in six months. Pair that up with some matching lunch bag and box as well. Some of the backpacks here might even be better than roller bags. We’ve found 10 best backpacks for kids from the latest trends to the classic style that will bring your children back to the classroom or wherever with confidence.
Backpacks for Kids Reviews
1. Yvechus School Backpack for Kids
Yvechus is the brand for the quality and service. Durable and convenient come together in the Yvechus School Backpack for Kids. This camouflage backpack is lightweight, water repellent and large capacity, and with a fashion look. Your kid can put all you daily in it easily. The sponge pad on the back makes Yvechus backpack more comfortable to wear, and an adjustable buckle allows you to adjust the length of the shoulder strap at will.
The Yvechus School backpacks are made of polyester. So in little rain, the books in a backpack will got get wet. Do not try heavy rain. The polyester material and its minimalist design make Yvechus backpack very lightweight. The ergonomically designed shoulder strap can effectively protect the spine and reduces stress on the back. It is definitely suitable for your child and is the best choice for school and outdoor.
Key Features:
- High quality tear-resistant durable nylon fabric
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable padded reinforced straps
- Available in multiple colors
Specifications:
- Brand: Yvechus
- Dimensions: 18.11″ H x 5.9″ W x 11.8″ D
- Weight: 1.41 lbs
- The zipper seems to work well
- Doesn’t get dirty easily
- It has 3 zipper pockets
- Good amount of padding
- Not the smoothest zippers
2. BLUEFAIRY School Backpacks For Kids – Best Value
This BLUEFAIRY School Backpacks For Kids with hearts and glasses is ideal for daily use by kids of all ages. This day pack has 4 compartments of various sizes: one main compartment, two medium-sized middle compartments, and one small front compartment. There is a laptop pocket inside the main room, as well as a small zippered bag for small items. This offer expansive storage space. Many everyday needs of children can be loaded, e.g. tablet, folders, water bottles, notebooks, lunch boxes, spare clothing, etc. Plus, 2 mesh side pockets are used as holders of water bottles.
The high-quality zippers help keep the gear be secure every day. The 2 adjustable S-shape shoulder straps are beautifully padded on the back, very comfortable and easy to wear. On top of that, there is a handle on top and a loop in the to hang the school bag up.
Key Features:
- Polyester and nylon lining
- Water Resistant and easy to clean
- 4 separate different size compartments
- Adjustable S-shape shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: BLUEFAIRY
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The straps adjust very well, big range to be able to size appropriately
- Lots of pockets/zipper pouches to separate items
- 2 handles at the top
- It’s easy to wipe clean
- The zippers are subpar
3. High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack – Premium Pick
The High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack is a fantastic all-around bag providing you with the right amount of storage and features to get through your day. A wide front-load main compartment is ideal for all of your larger gear and the front load organizer compartment helps you to protect and organize all of your gear. The interior of the organizer includes a zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets, lidded media pocket, and key fob hook-ideal to keep all your smaller items secure.
The padded shoulder straps are designed for ease of carriage and comfort. They are adjustable to match your height and easy to remove when not needed. Contoured non-slip shoulder pads attached to the harness disburse weight on your shoulder more uniformly when you are traveling. A swivel clip at the end of the harness will help prevent twisting. The back padded panel offers comfort when transporting your kid’s gear. The heavy-duty webbing grab handle enables you to pick up your stuff easily while in a hurry.
Key Features:
- Core organizer compartment with multiple pockets
- Front zippered media pocket with USB port
- Mesh beverage pocket
- S-shaped padded shoulder straps with media pocket
- Primary padded back panel
- Heavy-duty webbing grab handle
Specifications:
- Brand: High Sierra
- Capacity: 29.5L
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 1.06 lbs
- The materials seem pretty nice and look attractive
- The medium pocket is still large enough to hold small clothing and the mini pocket can hold a lot of personal items
- The side water bottle area can fit a large bottle
- The backpack’s rounded shape means that it tends to rest between your shoulder blades
- If you have a lot of textbooks, you’ll need something a bit bigger
4. Mommore Kids Backpack
The Mommore Kids Backpack features a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps for cushioned comfort, even during extended use or under extra-heavy loads. Two sized backpacks are suitable for children of different ages and height. Compact shape perfect for necessary school supplies and travel outing items.
It has an ample main storage pocket provides plenty of space for a couple of textbooks, pens, toys and other study supplies. Front zippered pocket keeps smaller items neatly organized and quickly accessible. The side pockets offer Velcro closures and work well water bottles, or storing other items within easy reach.
Key Features:
- Main compartment with double-zipper closure
- Front zippered pocket
- Side pockets offer Velcro closures
- Adjustable buckle on the straps
- Wide, padded shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Mommore
- Dimensions: 15″ H x 5.3″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- It is big enough to easily fit papers and folders
- It has outer elasticized compartments on both sides for a waterbottle
- The front zip pocket is helpful for setting apart other items if need be
- The inside also has a dividing pocket
- Its not as padded as the shoulder strap
5. JanSport Superbreak Backpack
The JanSport Superbreak Backpack sports the iconic silhouette and is ultralight for everyday use. This lightweight pack is always ready for daytime use. Just get in gear, catch, and go. It’s water-repellent fabrics, inside coated and zippers keep your contents warm and dry.
These bags are 3x industry standard for abrasion and water repellence with coated durable 600 denier fabric. This bag will always have your back. Not too large and not too small, with one spacious compartment and a convenient pocket at the front. The backpack comes in more than 30 different colors and prints, ideal for any self-expression theme.
Key Features:
- 2/3 padded back panel
- Front utility pocket with organizer
- One large main compartment
- Web haul handle
Specifications:
- Brand: JanSport
- Capacity: 25L
- Dimensions: 16.7″ H x 13″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
- The color and quality is fantastic
- The bag feels sturdy and well made
- It is not too big so it won’t engulf a petite person, but spacious enough to fit a reasonable amount of things
- Very simple design
- No side nets
6. Skip Hop Toddler Backpack
Whimsical details and durable materials make the Skip Hop Toddler Backpack perfect pack for on-the-go! Easily holds all the supplies your preschooler might need for a busy day of ‘work’ and play, and the mesh side pocket adjusts to fit a juice box, sippy cup or water bottle. Offering easy access, the insulated zippered front pouch is the ideal place to stash snacks.
The front pouch is ideal for snacks and includes extra pockets for pencils and other travel necessities. Comfy padded straps go easy on little shoulders! A mesh side pocket adjusts to fit most juice boxes, sippy cups or water bottles. Try a matching Skip Hop Straw Bottle for a completely coordinated look.
Key Features:
- Roomy main compartment
- Insulated pouch for snacks
- Adjustable mesh bottle pocket
- Padded, adjustable comfy straps
- Write-on nametag inside
- Easy-to-clean lining
Specifications:
- Brand: Skip Hop
- Dimensions: 12″ H x 5″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Very cute design
- The straps are cushioned so it’s comfortable to throw over your (or your kid’s!) shoulder
- They seem to hold up well to all the abuse that comes with daily use by little kids
- Very durable
- A little small on the side
7. Wildkin Kids Backpack for Boys and Girls
Your child will be the talk of the playground with the Wildkin Kids Backpack for Boys and Girls! This pack has a just-right size ideal for packing all the basics, plus a few snacks! Made from super durable 600-denier polyester fabric with an internal moisture-resistant nylon lining, the kid’s backpack is able to handle everything you throw at it – both inside and outside. Your child is going to love the fun new addition to their school and travel equipment.
Two padded, flexible straps for the shoulder and a padded back allow for easy wear. Great for hanging in a locker before going to college is the sturdy top handle. Two zippered external compartments, the side water bottle pocket, and the inside storage pockets and pencil holder make organizing a breeze. Moisture-resistant nylon lining on the inside can keep your child safe if spills or messes occur.
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 robot pattern is cute and brightly colored
- The bag can be used by boys or girls
- Straps are padded and bottom reinforced
- Backpack has plenty of storage space for a child in preschool or elementary school
- There’s double zippers for each and when closed they clank together
8. AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack
Carry books, homework, and other important daily items with this AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack. Lightweight and convenient, the versatile pack makes it easy for school supplies to be transported from home or dormitory to class and back again. This can also be used while commuting as a comfortable carry-on bag or as a daypack for field trips and other excursions.
The AmazonBasics classic backpack offers two external side pockets in addition to the three zippered parts. The side pockets give Velcro closures and work well when wearing the pack to clip the pens, carry water bottles or store other things within easy reach. For cushioned comfort, the AmazonBasics classic backpack features a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps, even during extended use or under extra-heavy load.
Key Features:
- Main compartment with laptop pocket and zippered pocket on the inner backside
- 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
- The material is sturdy
- Lightweight, but still has the feel of quality construction
- Extra sleeves inside main compartment for separation
- Small pockets for a phone or keys so you don’t have to dig to find them
- The straps will dig into your shoulders if you pack it too heavy
9. SIWA MARY Reversible Sequins School Backpack
The SIWA MARY Reversible Sequins School Backpack is super glittering and magic. You could write and draw your own design with the swipe of your hand, it’s really relaxing and fun to DIY your own special pattern. Firm top handle, thickened padded shoulder straps could relieve the stress of shoulder. Reversible sequins & 800D oxford fabric feels more soft and skin-friendly, is durable for daily use.
High quality adjustable straps,you can adjust the length of straps depend on your needs. Selected metal dual-layer zipper, make zipper more durable & strong, Even carry tons of things will not make zipper break. Relaxing and entertaining by yourself or with your friends. it’s not only the eye-catching sparkled appearance, but also relaxing and fun to play with.
Key Features:
- Front pocket
- Side zipper pocket
- Main compartment
- Laptop pocket
- Firm top handle
Specifications:
- Brand: SIWA MARY
- Dimensions: 16.9″ H x 12.5″ W x 4.7″ D
- Weight: 1.21 lbs
- Very cute
- The two side pockets are very useful to hold water bottle and small items
- Vibrant color
- Great durability at a fantastic price
- The sequins rub against your neck/shoulders
10. VASCHY Lightweight Backpack for School
Classic and convenience come together in this VASCHY Lightweight Backpack for 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. Fully-padded back panels. Vaschy basic backpack delivers optimum comfort for your back with the full padding feature. Premium quality SBS brand zipper featuring extra long zipper puller.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic, dual padded, reinforced, adjustable shoulder straps
- Premium quality SBS brand zipper
- Made of polyester
- Fully-padded back panels
- Pockets for water bottles on both sides
Specifications:
- Brand: Vaschy
- Dimensions: 16.9″ H x 12.9″ W x 5.5″ D
- Weight: 0.79 lbs
- Nice simple design
- Great stiching/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
Buying Guide
Style
Children usually enjoy a backpack with characters from a movie they’ve watched or a cartoon. As usual, companies come up with lots of choices for backpacks from which to pick. The style can vary from pattern to color and is quick to persuade a child to get a perfectly made backpack. We do have separate guides for cool backpacks for boys and cool backpacks for girls though.
Zippers
Children usually have difficulties opening zips. Many closing options, in that case, are worth considering. Most baby bags come with velcro straps to access the central door. It is useful to allow the children flexibility in reaching out without any support inside their pack.
Straps
Hunting for a bag with adjustable straps is essential so that your child can tailor the fit of the bag to his/her liking. Health practitioners recommend that a child carries in a backpack just 15 percent of their weight and not more than that.
Materials
A wide variety of fabrics have been used for making backpacks from cotton canvas to nylon, polyester, and leather; there are also backpacks made from environmentally sustainable fabrics such as hemp. The material you pick for your backpack will be lightweight, but robust, weather-proof, and easy to carry.
Size
Size matters especially when purchasing children’s backpacks; the bag should be easy for them to carry without being too large or too small and should be compact enough to fit their school clothes.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the best backpack for kindergarten?
The Wildkin Kids Backpack for Kindergarten is our top pick for the best backpack for kindergarten. With an eye-catching style and a functional design merged together to make this backpack a fun addition to your child’s school and travel essentials. You can read more on our guide on the best backpacks for kindergarten.
Which brand is the best for school brands?
JanSport and Herschel are some of the top brands for school bags. Along with a couple of brands on Amazon like Wildkin and Skip Hop.
Should I put my child’s name on her backpack?
No, you should not put your child’s name on her backpack. This is mainly because of security reasons. A stranger your child passes by while walking will try to use their name to pretend to be a relative or someone else.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for kids as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for kids. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.