These Are the Best Kids' Backpacks for All Ages

Best Overall: JanSport Superbreak Backpack

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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.

Best Budget: Everest Basic Backpack

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A classic backpack available at a ridiculously reasonable price point, Everest’s Basic Backpack is basically a dream come true. The backpack boasts a simple design: There's a main compartment for larger essentials and a smaller front pocket for littler must-haves. And though the 11-ounce backpack should be pretty lightweight, it promises to be spacious enough to store all your little one’s stuff.

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.

Best Rolling: Rockland 17" Rolling Backpack

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Rolling backpacks are a classic option for kids who don’t want their textbooks weighing them down, and Rockland’s Double Handle Rolling Backpack is a solid option that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The backpack is crafted from soft polyester, and its simple design makes it easy for kids to store and organize their stuff.

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.

Best for Hiking: REI Co-op Tarn 12 Pack - Kids'

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Hiking backpacks aren’t just for adults—and REI Co-op’s Tarn 12 Pack proves it. The compact day pack was crafted with kids in mind—it’s specifically designed to suit kids between the ages of 5 to 8, but there are other sizes available for older kids. And since it’s crafted from durable, water-repellent nylon, it should make a solid companion on all your outdoor adventures.

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.

Best Toddler: Orezi Dinosaur Toddler Backpack

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Orezi’s Dinosaur Toddler Backpack is cute, compact, and durable. And since it’s sized to fit both toddlers and preschoolers, your little one can keep it with them, even after a couple of growth spurts. The backpack is crafted from durable, water-resistant polyester, so it promises to hold up to the wear and tear of childhood. And since it’s machine-washable, it shouldn’t be too tough to clean.

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.

Best for Preschool: HawLander Little Kids Backpack

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HawLander’s Little Kids Backpack is cute, durable, and lightweight. And even better: It’s the perfect size for kids between the ages of 3 to 6. The bag is crafted from durable, water-resistant polyester, and it promises to be easy to clean. And though the bag is incredibly lightweight—it weighs a mere 10.5 ounces—it should be big enough to hold all your little one’s necessities. There's a spacious main compartment, a smaller front pocket, and two side mesh panels that are perfect for water bottles, sippy cups, and more. Also great? The bag is available in seven versatile color palettes.

Best for Grade School: L.L. Bean Original Book Pack

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L.L. Bean’s Original Book Pack is a classic grade school backpack, and since it comes in 11 vibrant patterns, your little one can pick an option that’s as eye-catching as they want it to be. The backpack is crafted from durable, weatherproof polyester, and its extra-strong stitching and ultra-tough zippers promise to hold up to the wear and tear of grade school.

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.