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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Giving your child their first backpack signifies that they are old enough to be responsible for their own stuff.
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.
Best Overall
JanSport Superbreak Backpack
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Lightweight but spacious
Water-repellant, durable fabric
Padded, comfortable straps
Available in various colors
Zippers may be tough to use
No bottom lining
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
Size: 16.7 x 13 x 8.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 26 L
Best Budget
Everest Basic Backpack
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Lightweight
Moisture-resistant fabric
Very budget-friendly
Available in various colors
Zippers may be tough to use
Not as durable as others
Not much padding
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.
Price at time of publish: $14
Size: 11 x 5 x 15 inches | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 13.9 L
Best Rolling
Rockland 17" Rolling Backpack
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Courtesy of Target
Spacious
Boasts five different pockets
Works as a classic or roller backpack
Available in various colors
May be difficult to handle
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.
Price at time of publish: $80
Size: 13 x 10 x 17 inches | Material: Polyester, mesh | Capacity: Not listed
Best for Hiking
REI Co-op Tarn 12 Pack - Kids'
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Water-repellant
Lined with reflective details
Lots of pockets
Only available in two colors
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.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 14 x 10 x 5 inches | Material: Nylon | Capacity: 12 L
Best Toddler
Orezi Dinosaur Toddler Backpack
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Water-resistant, durable fabric
Machine-washable
4 different compartments
Available in various patterns
Mesh panels won't fit all sippy cups
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.
Price at time of publish: $22
Size: 10 x 4 x 12 inches | Material: Twill cloth | Capacity: Not listed
Best for Preschool
HawLander Little Kids Backpack
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Lightweight but spacious
Water-resistant fabric
4 different pockets
Available in various colors
Fabric isn't very thick or durable
May be big on smaller children
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.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: 11 x 5 x 15 inches | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 16 L
Best for Grade School
L.L. Bean Original Book Pack
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Courtesy of LL Bean
Lightweight but spacious
Weatherproof, durable fabric
Padded, comfortable back and straps
Available in various patterns
No subtle patterns; very vibrant
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.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 13 x 7.75 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 24 L
Best Diaper Bag
Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack
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Amazon
Compact and lightweight
Available in various colors
16 pockets
Waterproof
Not machine-washable
One of the more important purchases you'll make when you have a baby is a good quality, reliable diaper bag, and this one found on Amazon checks all the boxes. It's compact and surprisingly stylish, yet has 16 pockets and two compartments to fit everything, from diapers and bottles to your wallet and keys, and even your laptop. Not only that, but it's made of a waterproof polyester material and comes in seven stylish colors so you won't feel like you're lugging around diapers.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: 11.8 x 7.8 x 16.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Capacity: Not listed
Overall, our top pick is the JanSport Superbreak (view at Amazon). Its spacious interior makes it easy to keep things organized, and it can handle all the wear and tear your little one might throw at it. However, if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you can't go wrong with the Everest Basic Backpack (view at Amazon). It's lightweight, moisture-resistant, and comes in a variety of colors.
What to Look for in a Kids' Backpack
Durability
Kids' backpacks tend to get subjected to a lot of wear and tear, so you’ll want to invest in something that’s built to last. Liana Delucca Johnson, co-founder and head of equipment at Agency Aspect, recommends shopping with the “drag test” in mind.
“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.