We researched the best backpacks for kids on the market, considering factors like durability, size, and value. Our top pick, the JanSport Superbreak Backpack, is water-resistant, spacious, and has padded shoulder straps for even weight distribution. Here are the best kids’ backpacks. The JanSport’s Superbreak backpack is a solid choice if you’re looking for a classic style. It’s durable, spacious, and lightweight enough that it won’t weigh your little one down. (It’s important to note that overloading a backpack can cause neck, shoulder, and back pain, so be sure that the load of the pack is no more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight.) The Superbreak’s streamlined design includes a large main compartment for textbooks and folders, a front utility pocket for organizing small items, and a side water bottle pocket. The partially-padded back and fully padded straps make for a comfortable carry, and the 15-inch drop provides an easy, over-the-shoulder fit. Tens of thousands of positive customer reviews confirm that the Superbreak is high-quality and the perfect size for elementary or middle schoolers. It’s available in a wide variety of colors and has a lifetime warranty, so your kid can use it for years before passing it down to a younger sibling. Price at time of publish: $50 What’s also nice? The bag is designed to be moisture-resistant, and since it’s available in 27 different colors, it shouldn’t be hard for your little one to find an option they love. Price at time of publish: $14 On the interior you’ll find one large main compartment fit for holding textbooks and folders, and on the exterior you’ll find two small pockets that are great for pencils and notecards. You’ll also find mesh pockets lining the sides of the backpack, which are great for holding umbrellas on rainy days—and for holding water bottles on any day. Price at time of publish: $80 The backpack boasts a large main compartment, two smaller front pockets, and two side mesh panels—giving your little one plenty of space to store and organize their essentials. Even better: It comes lined with reflective details that should keep your little one visible, even in low-light conditions. Price at time of publish: $40 Put a couple of items in your side mesh panels and then run around with the backpack on. “Did your water bottle fall out?” she says. “If it did, then the backpack was probably not designed with a nice tight material to hold your bottle in.” The backpack boasts one large main compartment, one smaller front pocket, and two side mesh panels. It’s available in seven cute dinosaur prints, so your little one is sure to find an option they’ll love. Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $25 The back is padded for comfort, and the shoulder straps are adjustable for easy customization. The bag also boasts a spacious main compartment, two smaller front pockets, and two mesh side panels, so they’ll have plenty of room to store all their stuff. Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $90 “Kids are hard on their backpacks, and I’ve seen my kids pull their bags like a tired dog on a leash,” she says. “Make sure the boot (bottom) of the bag is made of a sturdier material than the body of the bag.” Stick with durable materials (polyester is one great option), and make sure the zipper is of good quality as well.
Size
Kids grow a lot—and fast—so finding a backpack that comfortably fits your little one can be tough. When in doubt, Delucca Johnson recommends buying a bag that your kid can grow into a little bit. That way, you shouldn’t have to buy a brand new bag every year. Younger kids can get away with a smaller size, but as they grow up, you’ll want to be sure their backpack can fit iPads and laptops, as well as books and supplies.
Pockets
Your little one should be able to use their bag to store and organize their stuff. Delucca Johnson recommends looking for “some internal pocketing and organization to keep small items, like toys, secure.” Larger mesh panels can also be useful for keeping items like umbrellas and water bottles separate, and front pockets can be great for keeping track of chargers and accessories.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. To write this list, she consulted experts and selected backpacks based on durability, features, and customization.
