5 Best Backpacks For Kids, Ranked By Experts

1. L.L. Bean Original Book Pack

When it comes to kids’ backpacks, L.L. Bean’s Original Book Pack stands out as a top contender. Wirecutter has consistently ranked it as their top pick for eight years running, praising its durability, comfort, and appropriate sizing for young children. The backpack’s 16-liter Junior Original and 24-liter Original versions offer ample space for school gear without becoming cumbersome.

Good Housekeeping‘s tests confirm the backpack’s impressive performance. They highlight its durability, functionality, and kid-friendly design, noting the variety of fun prints and solid colors available. The fabric has proven resistant to abrasion and water, suggesting it will withstand years of use. While the standard size is designed for children six and up, a smaller “Junior” size is available for younger kids, starting from age four.

You can’t beat a classic. Reviewed points out the timeless appeal of the L.L. Bean Original. Virtually unchanged since its 1982 debut, the backpack’s longevity is a testament to its well-executed design. They describe it as a sturdy, simple, and well-priced option. An additional benefit is L.L. Bean’s generous one-year warranty, providing extra assurance for parents investing in their child’s school gear.

2. Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack

Pottery Barn Kids offers a wide variety of stylish and functional backpacks that many kids might find “cool.” The online store offers name personalization, solid fabrics, and even character prints like Spider-Man for web-heads. Reviewed points out several thoughtful details that make this backpack stand out. There’s a front daisy chain for attaching charms or hand sanitizer, a conveniently sized top pocket for a smartphone, well-designed pouches for school supplies, and an interior label to help locate misplaced bags. They also highlight the two sturdy pockets that can accommodate various sizes of drink bottles.

Pottery Barn’s personalized backpacks for kids have garnered significant attention, according to Hip 2 Save. These backpacks offer a wide range of designs featuring popular franchises like Disney, Marvel, and LEGO, along with other whimsical prints. A key selling point is the option to add matching accessories, including lunch boxes, water bottles, and food canisters, allowing for a coordinated school gear set.

Why do many families consider Pottery Barn Kids’ Mackenzie line the ultimate choice for children’s backpacks? Mommy Poppins says these durable bags feature exclusive collaborations and prints to suit various tastes, with some even offering glow-in-the-dark capabilities. The extensive personalization options are a major draw. Available in four sizes (mini, small, large, and rolling), the Mackenzie line is complemented by a wide range of matching accessories, all of which can be personalized. These bags consistently receive positive feedback from parents.

3. Skip Hop Spark Style Big Kid Backpack Rocket

Younger students often have backpacks that feature brightly colored designs with famous characters like Baby Yoda [Grogu] or the gang from “My Little Pony.” Sadly, these fun backpacks often only last for one school year before ripping or otherwise breaking down. As an alternative to this, Skip Hop has whimsical bags that will last.

When it comes to affordable yet well-made backpacks for kids, the Skip Hop Spark stands out as a top contender. This compact bag is perfect for younger children, easily fitting preschool essentials like nap time blankets, extra clothes, and seasonal gear. Verywell Family notes that while it’s designed for smaller kids, there’s still room to accommodate a lunch box alongside other necessities, making it a versatile choice as your child grows.

Eye-catching designs are a major selling point for the Skip Hop Spark. Available in five appealing patterns, including a rocket ship theme and soccer motif, this backpack is sure to excite young children about their school day. The Spruce likes its user-friendly features, such as zippers that are easy for small hands to manage and a comfortable weight even when full. While it may not top the charts for water resistance, its ability to enthuse kids about school each morning is a significant plus.

Durability and practicality further enhance the appeal of the Skip Hop Spark. Travel + Leisure praises its robust material, which can be easily cleaned with a quick spot treatment. The spacious main compartment, accessed through a wide opening, makes packing and retrieving items a breeze. Whether for school or travel, this backpack proves to be a fun and functional choice for toddlers and young children, striking a balance between style and practicality that both kids and parents can appreciate.

4. JanSport Super Break Backpack

Jansport was first established in 1967 by company owner Jan Lewis and her family. These bags have been part of the student landscape for over 50 years. Jansport backpacks have maintained their popularity for generations, and for good reason. These bags are renowned for their durability, easily handling the daily wear and tear from books, sports gear, and more. As Country Living points out, their ability to stand the test of time makes them a reliable choice for students of all ages.

The JanSport SuperBreak, in particular, offers a combination of spaciousness and organization that meets the needs of most students. Its large main compartment can accommodate books, tablets, and a lunch box, while a front zippered pocket keeps smaller items like writing utensils and headphones easily accessible. NBC Select likes how the backpack’s comfort features, including a padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as the convenience of a water bottle pocket. With over a dozen colors and patterns available, students can easily find a style that suits their personality.

When it comes to quality, the JanSport SuperBreak doesn’t disappoint. Reviewed praises its robust construction, noting the super strong zippers protected by storm flaps and the well-padded internal laptop sleeve that withstood rigorous testing. The backpack’s exceptional durability is backed by a lifetime warranty, though as the review suggests, the superior craftsmanship means you may never need to use it. This combination of style, functionality, and long-lasting quality makes the JanSport SuperBreak a solid investment for students.

5. Lands’ End ClassMate Backpack

Lands’ End was first established in 1963 based out of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Since that time they have become a global brand and leader in home décor and clothing. Choosing a backpack that supports a child’s back is crucial, given the weight of textbooks, folders, and school supplies they carry daily. The Lands’ End ClassMate rises to this challenge with its thoughtful design. Verywell Family appreciates its adjustable chest strap, which evenly distributes the backpack’s weight and keeps it securely positioned at the right height. The padded, adjustable shoulder straps add to the comfort, accommodating various clothing thicknesses from t-shirts to puffy winter coats.

Style meets functionality with this pack. Travel + Leisure notes the brand’s reputation for unique patterns, evident in this backpack’s eye-catching designs. The reviewer was particularly impressed by a sparkly green, purple, and blue paint stripe pattern, though numerous other colorful options are available. Beyond aesthetics, the lightweight polyester material earned praise for its comfort, even during extended wear.

Despite its lightweight construction, the Lands’ End ClassMate doesn’t compromise on capacity. Good Housekeeping found it capable of holding their entire test load for 7- to 12-year-olds with room to spare, all while being one of the lightest bags in their tests. This combination of lightweight design, ample storage, and customization options makes the Lands’ End ClassMate a standout choice for students seeking both comfort and style in their school gear.