The 13 Best Backpacks For Kids Of All Ages To Carry To School This Year (2024)

Kate Antoniades

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Weight: 1.3 pounds | Washable: Yes| Water bottle holder: 2 | Ages: 10 and up | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 9.5 inches

This version of L.L. Bean’s popular backpack for kids comes with extra room for everything kids have to carry these days, along with some new perks. It has dual main compartments with an organizer panel for easy access, as well as a separate laptop compartment to carry a computer up to 15-inches and a fleece-lined interior tech pocket with a built-in cord port for charging on the go. There are two deep water bottle pockets to ensure your kid never goes thirsty. Adjustable and padded, ergonomically curved straps and a padded back panel with lumbar support provide all-day comfort for carrying all the things. Parents will love the fact that it’s machine washable and lightweight thanks to the nylon material.

Besides, the brand’s backpacks literally last forever, standing up to the daily abuse of kiddos who stuff them to the brim and immediately throw them on the floor as soon as they walk through the front door. The Deluxe, as L.L.Bean puts it, is practically indestructible, and wins our top pick thanks to its weatherproof fabric, extra-strong stitching, reinforced bottom and loads of thoughtfully-designed storage space to hold all their stuff.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable
• Lightweight
• Lots of storage pockets and compartments
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Only available in solid colors

Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack

Weight: 0.4 pounds | Washable: Hand wash or spot clean| Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: Kids 43-49 inches tall | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: No | Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 12 inches

How adorable are these backpacks? If you have and love one of Skip Hop’s popular diaper bags, you can move right along to its backpacks as your kids move on to day care and preschool. In addition to the cute bee and butterfly shown above, your child can choose among 10 other designs ranging from a lavender narwhal to a floppy-eared dog. Matching water bottles and lunch bags are available, too.

The Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack is sized for kids ranging from 43 to 49 inches tall and features padded straps as well a large main compartment, insulated snack pocket at the front and side mesh pocket for a water bottle. The interior features an easy-clean lining and a name tag.

Pros:

• Padded straps
• Insulated pocket
• Water bottle pocket

Cons:

• Not machine washable
• Too small for some

Weight: Under 1 pound | Washable: Yes | Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: For kids measuring 3-foot-6 to 4 feet and up | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Interior folder-size pocket | Dimensions: 16 x 11.5 x 6 inches

This latest version of the Lands' End ClassMate Small Backpack provides a few improvements: an adjustable chest strap (which the company had previously removed), two sizable mesh water bottle pockets, improved zippers from YKK and a reinforced top handle. As always, this model includes comfy foam padding on the back and breathable padding on the straps, a place on the front for attaching a lunch box, reflective trim for safety, a folder pocket and an outside front pocket with a zip closure. In addition to this fun galaxy print, it comes in nine other vibrant colors and prints, from a dinosaur design to an iridescent blue/green shade—and matching lunch bags are available, as well.

Most parents note in their reviews that they bought the backpack for their kindergarteners, but some mention its suitability for pre-K. The bag is designed for kids under 4 feet tall, but you can always select a larger size as your child grows. This bag is machine washable, an appreciated feature.

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Available in several sizes
• Strong zippers

Cons:

• Not available in solid colors

Weight: 1 pound | Washable: Yes | Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: 6 and up (for original size) | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop sleeve: Not in this size | Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 7.25 inches

Many parents of school-age kids likely carried one of these around when they were in school. This classic backpack—or as the company refers to it, “the pack that started it all back in 1982”—is durable and yet made of lightweight nylon, which can be folded or rolled for travel. It features padded straps and back panel, plus lots of pockets and compartments to neatly store everything necessary for school. Those sections include a water bottle pocket and several small pockets inside a larger front one. The L.L.Bean Original Book Pack is sized for kids age 6 and up; other options from L.L.Bean are the Junior Original Book Pack (age 4 and up), Deluxe Book Pack (10 and up) and the Super Deluxe Book Pack (13 and up).

One of the best things about this bag is the fact that it’s washable; in fact, it’s machine washable, unlike most backpacks. (L.L.Bean recommends placing it in a mesh laundry bag to do so.) It’s made from weatherproof fabric and features the brand’s distinctive reflective stripe for safety. Keep in mind that this size of the L.L. Book Pack has one main compartment, which may work for younger kids, but by upper elementary, they’ll need a little more organization in their bag, like a padded tech compartment.

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Super durable nylon
• Lightweight and packable

Cons:

• Only one water bottle pocket
• Only one main compartment without a laptop/tech sleeve

Weight: 1 pound | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: 2 | Ages: Varies, fits kids 36 inches to over 48 inches high | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: Variety of sizes (mini, small, large, rolling)

Some cute or “novelty” backpacks for kids are all style and no substance, prone to rips and holes—but this one, which has not only rainbow straps and unicorns, but rainbow unicorns—is both adorable and well-made. The Pottery Barn Mackenzie Backpack is made from durable 600-denier polyester that’s water resistant and made from recycled plastic bottles.

This backpack provides comfort for your child with its padded back panel and contoured, padded straps, and convenience thanks to side water bottle pockets and straps that hold a lunch bag on the outside. The bag can be personalized with initials or a name, and Pottery Barn sells all the extra cute matching accessories you might want, including a water bottle, pencil case and lunch box. The Pottery Barn Mackenzie backpack series comes in a number of patterns from Elsa to monster trucks, as well as various sizes, mini, small, large and a rolling bag option, making this style of backpack a good fit for any kid, starting at 43 inches to over 48 inches. Many other backpacks only come in one size, so it’s a nice feature. The one drawback of this backpack is that it isn’t machine washable, so it may become quite dingy over just one year of use.

Pros:

• Multiple sizes available
• Two water bottle holders
• Made from recycled materials

Cons:

• Not machine washable

Weight: 1.54 pounds | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: 2 | Ages: Fourth grade and up | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 7.5 inches

Treat your stylish kids to one of the lovely State backpacks, available in fun, low-key prints, solids and metallics. These backpacks are beautifully made and filled with all our favorite features, including adjustable padded straps, multiple zippered compartments and two water bottle holders. While the Kane Kids backpacks come in a variety of sizes, starting with a mini for toddlers and preschoolers, the purchase is a bit of a splurge and is listed as spot clean only, so this might be a better purchase for your big kids. The large size is ideal for kids in the fourth grade and up. The designs also give off cool kid vibes vs. the more babyish look of the bag they carried in kindergarten. This size offers a padded laptop sleeve, as well as a main compartment and a luggage slip to loop it onto a roller during travel.

Pros:

• Great design
• Comfortable carry
• Plenty of pockets

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not machine washable

Weight: 1.94 pounds | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: Middle school and up | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.25 x 6.5 inches

As a middle school educator, Kopach has learned that a backpack is really a fashion accessory for the majority of students. Herschel solves the whole fashion over function issue with the Pop Quiz Backpack, which is cool without trying too hard and loaded with convenient pockets inside and out to keep kids organized. It’s also made of 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles for the eco-conscious family.

There’s a dedicated, expandable pocket to stash water bottles of various sizes, a padded sleeve to fit a 15- or 16-inch laptop and protect it when your kid haphazardly tosses their backpack down, plus adjustable, EVA-padded shoulder straps so they’re still comfy even when their bag is bursting with books. The backpack comes in 11 subdued solids and two cool prints, so your child has plenty of options.

Pros:

• Cool, minimal design
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Made from recycled post-consumer water bottles

Cons:

• Not machine washable

JanSport Cool Student Backpack

Weight: 1.3 pounds | Washable: Hand wash | Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: Middle school and up, depending on height | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches

Just as with our top pick from L.L.Bean, many kids today are becoming the second generation to carry the ever-popular JanSport backpacks to school. High schoolers typically have to carry a lot of stuff around, and it’s essential that they have a sturdy and roomy backpack to rely on. The JanSport Cool Student Backpack fits the bill with its 600 Denier polyester and 34 liter capacity. To ensure your kid’s comfort when they’re lugging their stuff around the halls, it has S-shaped shoulder straps and padded back panel.

The backpack includes all the storage a high schooler needs, from a side water bottle pocket to a 15-inch laptop sleeve. (If your teen doesn’t need a laptop sleeve, check out JanSport’s very similar Big Student backpack.) This bag isn’t machine washable, but when it needs sprucing up you can wipe both the interior and exterior with a soft damp cloth (just avoid the synthetic leather on the bottom). It’s available in both solid colors and a few pretty florals.

Pros:

• Laptop sleeve
• Ergonomic straps
• Durable

Cons:

• Not machine washable

Weight: Lightweight, though no exact weight given | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: 2 | Ages: Upper elementary through college | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 11.4 x 5.9 x 6.9 inches

Lululemon may be your go-to for workout attire, but they’re also a hugely popular choice amongst tweens and teens looking for a minimalist, water-repellent backpack that can take them from the classroom to the locker room in style. While the Everywhere isn’t equipped with tons of compartments, it covers the basics beautifully. There’s a spacious front pocket, an interior padded pocket that can fit a 16” laptop and side pockets for water bottles so kids can hydrate on the go. Many reviewers report how incredibly roomy it is so you don’t have to worry about it fitting all their stuff.

The bag is spot clean only so it’s definitely better suited for upper-elementary age kids all the way through high school. And when they aren’t using it, you’ll want to steal it for quick errands, work or the gym too.

Pros:

• Simple, sleek and versatile design
• Water-repellent fabric
• Two water bottle pockets

Cons:

• Not machine washable
• Smaller size and fewer compartments than competitors

Bentgo Kids 2-In-1 Backpack And Lunch Bag

Weight: 1 pound | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: 1 | Ages: Preschool and kindergarten | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 6.5 x 11 x 7.5 inches

The Bentgo Kids 2-in-1 Backpack and Lunch Bag can be a great bag for school, with its multiple pockets and padded laptop/tablet sleeve, it’s also an excellent general-purpose backpack for anything from sports to family hikes to summer camp. The key difference between this Bentgo bag and our other backpack picks is its insulated lunch box compartment at the bottom, which is perfect for situations when carrying one fewer bag is helpful (and when is it not?). Of course, a bento-style Bentgo lunch box fits perfectly inside, as does a Bentgo ice pack, but your kids can carry other brands’ items too if they prefer.

The bag is water-resistant, as well as resistant to staining and odor retention. It is not machine washable, but you can wipe it with a damp cloth when it gets dirty (which naturally, it will). It features comfort details like padded adjustable straps and a padded back panel, and it offers a chest strap for extra support. Bentgo offers fun, bright prints like trucks, dinosaur fossils and more.

Pros:

• Built-in insulated lunch box compartment
• Water-resistant
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Not machine washable
• Too small for big kid binders

Weight: 0.52 pounds | Washable: Yes | Water bottle holder: 2 | Ages: K-6th grade suggested | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 17 x 13 inches

They’ll never lose their backpack again with these Little Chicken bags. “Name labels are especially important for young children,” notes Jess Davis, owner of Montessori Minds Consulting. “Unique designs and colors are also helpful to make sure your child is grabbing the right pack in the chaos of school dismissal.” This cool, customizable camo backpack from Little Chicken is hard to miss, making it all the more easy for little ones to spot. And they’ll love personalizing it with their initials in white/black chenille varsity letters, as opposed to their full name for safety purposes.

It comes with a cool Godzilla and lightning bolt patch carefully pressed and stitched on. Made of a durable poly canvas, this bold backpack features adjustable padded shoulder straps, water bottle pockets, a bright color pop lining and a front zip pouch for extra storage. If they’re not into camo, there are more fun options to choose from too.

Pros:

• Machine washable but air dry
• Customizable
• Bold colors and patches kids love

Cons:

• Not a ton of compartments
• May be too small, lack organization for older kids

Weight: 0.52 pounds | Washable: Spot clean | Water bottle holder: Two | Ages: Varies, but best for younger kids | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 10.75 x 4 x 14.75 inches

Béis is one of those viral brands that’s totally worth the hype. Its Kids Backpack scores major points for style, practicality, comfort and all the adorable little extras, like a removable fanny pack for light travel days. The whistle on the strap is meant as a safety device; we’ll let you decide whether you dare to let them keep it or not. But it could come in handy in an emergency if you have a kid you trust to not blow on it at random.

Other things to love are the spacious, elastic water bottle holders on either side, trolley sleeve for easy lugging, padded laptop compartment (for laptops or tablets up to 13 inches) and a large compartment for them to bring all their toys, stuffies, crayons and more on the plane, train or in the car. The straps are padded and adjustable, and there’s also an adjustable chest strap for added support.

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Bonus removable fanny pack
• Trolley and laptop sleeves

Cons:

• Only two color options
• Spot clean only

Under Armour Clear Backpack

Weight: Lightweight, though exact weight unavailable | Washable: Hand wash/wipe clean | Water bottle holder: No | Ages: Middle school and up | Adjustable straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes | Dimensions: 11.8 x 5 x 17.7 inches

According to Davis, a small subset of schools have begun to require clear backpacks—and certainly concerts and some sporting events do too. “While choices can be limited, you can always add clear zippered pouches inside the large compartment of the backpack to create more space and organization,” she says. Under Armour’s sleek and lightweight transparent backpack gets the job done in style with one main zip compartment featuring an internal organization pocket, a built-in laptop sleeve and a large zippered compartment at the front for containing pencils, a cell phone and more small school essentials. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps offer added comfort as well.

One reviewer raved about the bags durability. “This clear backpack was exactly what my son needed for his first year of middle school. It has held up very well while being tossed around a lot and filled with heavy books.” And bonus: It’s so easy to wipe down and water-resistant too. Just like the brand, this is the clear choice for teens.

Pros:

• Laptop sleeve
• Extra durable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• No side pockets for water bottles
• Only a couple compartments