The 9 Best Kids Backpacks, According To A Former Teacher And Mom
The best kids backpacks are ergonomic, well-sized and easy to organize. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
'I always emphasize that the right backpack can make a big difference in a child's posture, comfort and overall musculoskeletal health—especially during the school year when they're wearing it daily,' says pediatric physical therapist Dr. Brittany Nardone. The right blend between a stylish backpack your kid loves and an ergonomic option can help them get excited for the school year ahead. Check out our top picks for the best kids backpacks. Our Top Recommendations Best Kids Backpack Overall: L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Best Value Backpack For Kids: Bentgo Kids 2-in-1 Backpack
Most Durable Kids Backpack: JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Best Kids Backpack For Elementary School: State Kane Double Pocket Backpack
Best Kids Backpack For Middle School: Calpak Kids Large Backpack
Best Kids Backpack For Preschool: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack
Most Stylish Backpack For Kids: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack
Best Simple Backpack For Kids: Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
Weight: 1.3 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
The L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack has been a go-to for many families for decades. It's simple, durable and does everything a good backpack should. It has padded straps and a waist clip to help support your child's posture, and a plethora of compartments to keep their belongings organized, including two water bottle pockets, multiple interior zipper pockets and pencil pockets. There's also a laptop compartment, which is handy for older kids who may be taking a device to and from school each day.
For kids waiting outside at the bus stop or walking to school, it's a great option due to the weatherproof fabric and reflective material. The reinforced bottom and extra strong stitching help with longevity as your kid inevitably throws it on various surfaces.
Interventional spine and sports medicine expert, Dr. Yash Mehta recommends L.L. Bean Backpacks. This option provides the strap and lumbar spine padding that he recommends in backpacks for kids. Just note it's on the larger side and recommended for kids ages 10 and up, so be careful not to overload it—especially if your child is younger or smaller. In addition to the traditional solid colors, your child can also choose various fun prints .
Amazon Bentgo Kids 2-in-1 Backpack
Weight: 1.4 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 1 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
The Bentgo Kids 2-In-1 Backpack features an insulated compartment built into the bottom, meaning you won't need to purchase a separate lunch box. It's durable too, meaning you won't have to buy a new one halfway through the year—something I've seen all too many times in my classroom with less sturdy backpacks. Mehta recommends backpacks with padded shoulder straps as well as a chest buckle, both of which are included on the Bentgo backpack. It has a side water bottle pocket as well as various interior organization pockets, and is available in fun prints like Fairies and Trucks.
My only caution with this backpack is that it could get too heavy since the lunch box is integrated into the backpack. If your child buys lunch at school or if you want to use a separate lunch box, I really like the Bentgo Kids Backpack . My daughter used this version throughout kindergarten, and it held up really well and garnered plenty of compliments from friends.
Amazon JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Weight: .8 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Hand wash | Water bottle pockets: 1 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: No
If you've ever had a JanSport backpack, chances are you still have it, that's how durable they are. The brand remains popular with kids today and is ubiquitous in classrooms. The large JanSport Superbreak One Backpack is a larger backpack that's ideal for middle- or high school-aged kids. It has a large main compartment, smaller front compartment and water bottle pocket. This backpack stands out for its simplicity, giving kids the room to pack what they need without having too many pockets to add unnecessary items. At under a pound, it's also super lightweight. It comes in over 30 colors and prints to fit every taste.
This backpack has a lifetime limited warranty, and the company still stands by that. This model doesn't have a laptop sleeve, but if that's a feature you want, check out the JanSport Superbreak Plus .
Weight: 1.4 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
The State Kane Double Pocket Backpack is designed for kids ages 7 and up, making it just the right size for the elementary crowd. A large main compartment with smaller organizational pockets is the right spot for their binders and books, and a smaller front pocket is ideal for pencils and small extras. It also has a laptop pocket that could also be to hold a folder or small binder. With beautiful styles like 3D hearts sports, it's clearly designed with kids in mind. The styles are design-forward, appealing to both kids and adults.
'All three of my kids have used the State Kane backpack for years, They're durable, comfortable, roomy and have tons of organization pockets that they love,' says baby and kids gear editor Esther Carlstone. 'While I see friends replacing their kids backpacks year after year, mine have just used the same one over and over.' As an added bonus, the brand gives a percentage of the proceeds to helping American families in need, and 45% of the bag is made from recycled materials.
Weight: 1.5 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
Finding the right backpack for a middle schooler can be tricky. They're in a major state of transition as they begin to grow up yet still want to hold onto parts of their childhood. The Calpak Kids Large Backpack meets them where they're at, offering a simple and sophisticated design they can customize with bag charms . 'It's nicely padded to make it comfortable and has an elevated design aesthetic that makes it stand out from all the other kid backpacks,' says Carlstone, whose 6th-grader loves the charms. Kids can also personalize the bag with their initials.
The backpack has reflective webbing and a built-in Air Tag holder, both nice safety features. The water-resistant fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester. Two water bottle holders, interior organization pockets and a smaller front pocket give them plenty of room to haul everything they need. Though this is a great pick for middle school, it's designed for ages 8 to 12. Depending on how many supplies they're bringing to and from school, you might want to size up to a bigger backpack as they near high school.
Amazon The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack
Weight: 1.6 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
High schoolers often want a simpler backpack with a more subdued design. At this age, it's also worth looking for something they can continue to use once they graduate. They'll definitely be able to use the versatile North Face Jester Laptop Backpack backpack for travel and outdoor adventures, too. It has a breathable lumbar panel, padded back panel and padded straps. All of these features are helpful as kids get older and come home with increasingly heavy backpacks or use their backpacks as a multipurpose bag for school and practice.
Organization features include two main pockets, internal mesh and zipper pockets and two water bottle pockets. There's also a padded device sleeve, which is essential for many high schoolers. The bungee system on the front can store additional items while reflective material helps keep kids safe if they're walking to and from school. A unique feature is the stand up design, allowing kids to pack and unpack their backpack without it falling over. It's available in dozens of fun and understated colors to suit every aesthetic.
Weight: 1.6 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
A popular backpack among the preschool and early elementary crowd, the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack is cute, customizable and perfectly sized. Nardone recommends backpacks with multiple compartments to organize items, explaining that being able to keep heavier objects closer to the spine can help kids balance while wearing their backpacks. Preschoolers and young kids who are learning to wear a backpack for the first time can certainly keep their items organized in this backpack that has a large main compartment, small front compartment, two water bottle pockets and front straps they can use to clip on their lunch box or other accessories. An interior pocket within the main compartment helps them keep their items organized. It also has a chest clip to help with ergonomics.
The small size is ideal for kids ages 4 to 6 while the large size is designed for kids ages 6 to 7. Perhaps most important to preschoolers is the design, and they have plenty to choose from. Patterns include Rainbow Ombre Sparkle Glitter, Classic Camo and more. The material is durable and water-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the stress a preschooler might put it through.
Weight: Unknown | Cleaning instructions: Spot clean | Water bottle pockets: 2 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
Kids that feel too cool for a traditional backpack might be won over by the Lululemon Everywhere Backpack. It has a minimalist design, and the water-repellent fabric is made of recycled water bottles. The backpack is available in a variety of solid colors, from muted and subdued options to brighter hues that make a statement. Kids who are looking for something that looks a bit more professional or that will transition well once they graduate will like the look of this backpack.
There's a large main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve that'll fit up to a 16-inch device, a front pocket and two side water bottle pockets. Though this style is more popular with older kids, parents should know it's a bit smaller than many of the backpacks we recommend for high school, but many reviewers note that it's still roomy. If your child doesn't have too much to bring to and from school, this is a great pick, and it may even help keep them from packing so much that their backpack gets too heavy.
Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
Weight: 1.9 pounds | Cleaning instructions: Hand wash | Water bottle pockets: 1 | Padded straps: Yes | Laptop pocket: Yes
Sometimes, simpler is better, and adding too many pockets and extras to backpacks can encourage kids to pack more than they need. The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack has a large main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a small front pocket, two water bottle pockets and a small top pocket. It has an understated style, too, with classic colors free from any cutesy prints.
It's a large bag, ideal for high schoolers or kids nearing high school. The padded straps help ensure they'll be comfortable and the body is made of recycled polyester. . The company offers a limited lifetime warranty, which you won't find with many other backpacks.
At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team thoroughly researches and tests products we recommend, often using them with our own kids before we recommend them to our readers. We recommend products that support you as you raise your kids, like the best parenting books and the best lunch boxes . The author of this article, Alicia Betz , is a former teacher with two degrees in education and a mom to three. She's seen hundreds of backpacks as a teacher and has tested nearly a dozen kids backpacks with her own kids. She's an experienced parenting journalist and product reviewer.
, is a former teacher with two degrees in education and a mom to three. She's seen hundreds of backpacks as a teacher and has tested nearly a dozen kids backpacks with her own kids. She's an experienced parenting journalist and product reviewer. The editor of this article, Esther Carlstone , is a longtime parenting editor and journalist and a mom to three. She has experience using many of the backpacks on our list.
, is a longtime parenting editor and journalist and a mom to three. She has experience using many of the backpacks on our list. To learn more about what types of backpacks are best for kids, I interviewed pediatric physical therapist Dr. Brittany Nardone and interventional spine and sports medicine expert, Dr. Yash Mehta .
Our selection process to find the best kids backpacks included product research, personal experience and interviews with experts. We carefully evaluated the best backpacks on the market as well as well-known favorites. We compared specs and features, including pockets, ergonomics, weight and available patterns.
I considered my experience as a teacher seeing hundreds of backpacks, which helped me understand what features make a good, durable option.
Nardone and Mehta provided insight on what makes a good backpack for kids, which helped us narrow down our top picks.
I spoke to parents in my network about what backpacks their kids like, and I scoured online reviews from parents and kids. All of my top picks have at least four out of five stars on Amazon and other retailers.
I aimed to include a variety of types of backpacks, including those geared toward younger kids and older kids.
Across the board, experts recommend backpacks with two straps. 'Using both shoulder straps promotes symmetrical alignment and prevents compensatory movement patterns that can lead to aches and pains,' says Nardone. Mehta further explains that kids should tighten the straps so the bag is snug on their back and the weight is distributed evenly. 'Ideally we want the backpack to rest about 2 inches above the waist. Having the straps completely loosened and letting the backpack hang low is a big no-no,' he says. Lightweight Materials
'A lightweight yet sturdy material is key—starting with a heavy backpacks just adds to the load,' says Nardone. Because backpacks tend to get heavy, you want to start with something as lightweight as possible. Most backpacks are around 1.5 pounds, but some ultra-light options are under one pound. Size
'Parents should be mindful of the size of the backpack in relation to their child's body,' says Nardone. 'Ideally, it should not extend past the child's back or be wider than their torso. The bottom of the bag should rest near the top of the buttocks—too low and it pulls the child's posture forward, too high and it can cause shoulder strain.'
Be wary of what your child loads in their backpack, too. Ideally, they shouldn't carry more than 10% to 15% of their weight. If their backpack is too big, it leaves them more room to add unnecessary items.
Even though younger kids typically need smaller backpacks, make sure the one you choose is large enough to fit a folder. Even preschoolers and kindergarteners often bring home folders and papers, and you don't want the backpack to bend their papers. Ease Of Cleaning
Spills happen, and the easier a backpack is to clean, the better. Most backpacks are hand-wash or spot-clean only. If your child is prone to spills and messes, finding an option that's machine-washable is ideal. Available Prints
Choosing a backpack is really exciting for kids, especially if they're starting school for the first time. Look for one with a variety of colors or prints your child can choose from. For kids who are reluctant to go to school, this might help them feel a bit more excited. Comfort
Look for backpacks with padded straps, back and lumbar support. A chest clip can help a child comfortably carry their backpack, too. Organization
Consider what your child will need to bring to school and evaluate whether the backpack meets their needs. Most kids bring a water bottle to school, so an adequately sized water bottle pocket is important. If they need to bring a laptop or other device, look for a padded laptop pocket. Other organization pockets can help them find a space for all the extras like folders, pencils, calculators and more.
What Is The Best Backpack Brand For Kids?
The best backpack brand for kids is L.L. Bean because their backpacks are stylish, durable and comfortable for kids. They're also large enough for kids to pack everything they need for their day.
Are JanSport Backpacks Good For Kids?
JanSport backpacks are an excellent option. They're popular among tweens and teens, are available in a variety of colors and prints and the brand offers a limited lifetime warranty. Like many other parents, I've had JanSport backpacks last for years, if not decades.
What Size Backpack Should A 10-Year-Old have?
'A good rule of thumb is for the backpack not to exceed 10% to 15% of the child's weight. When you exceed that threshold, kids can start to experience stiff necks, sore shoulders and aching backs,' says Mehta. For most 10-year-olds, a 20-liter capacity backpack is the perfect size.
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