Guide to choosing the best backpacks for kids, balancing fun designs with functionality.

Choosing the right backpack for your little one can be a fun and exciting experience! From preschool to elementary school, a backpack is an essential tool for carrying books, snacks, and other necessities. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one.

This guide will help you navigate the world of kids’ backpacks and discover the 14 best options that combine cuteness with functionality. We’ve considered factors like durability, comfort, and age-appropriateness to make sure your child has a backpack that’s both practical and stylish.

Whether your child is a dinosaur enthusiast, a princess dreamer, or simply loves vibrant colors, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore backpacks with fun designs, spacious compartments, and adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit for growing kids.

So, buckle up and get ready to discover the best backpacks for kids that will make your little ones excited to head back to school!

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
JanSport Big Student Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Skip Hop Zoo Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
L.L.Bean Kids’ Book Pack			N/A	Jump to Review
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Nike Brasilia Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
The North Face Borealis Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
adidas Originals National Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Disney Princess Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
LEGO Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Crayola Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Carhartt Legacy Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Under Armour Hustle Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
Eastpak Padded Pak’r Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Backpack			N/A	Jump to Review

Table of Contents

JanSport Big Student Backpack

Check this blog on 16 Best Backpacks for Teenagers in 2024

A classic backpack that's perfect for elementary school students. It's durable, spacious, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 7"
Capacity: 25 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.5 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Durable and long-lasting
Spacious enough for books, lunch, and other essentials
Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Can be a bit bulky for smaller kids
Not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a durable and affordable backpack that will last.
Your child needs a backpack that can carry a lot of stuff.
You want a backpack that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a backpack that is very stylish.
Your child is very small and needs a smaller backpack.

Bottom Line:

The JanSport Big Student Backpack is a great option for kids who need a durable and spacious backpack. It's affordable and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a good choice for kids of all ages. However, it can be a bit bulky for smaller kids and it's not the most stylish backpack on the market.

Skip Hop Zoo Backpack

A fun and adorable backpack that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It features a cute animal design and has a small size that's easy for little ones to carry.

Check this blog on 15 Best Backpacks for Kids in 2024

Specifications :

Dimensions: 11.5" x 10" x 5"
Capacity: 7 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 0.8 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Cute and colorful design that kids will love
Small size that's easy for little ones to carry
Durable and easy to clean
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Not as spacious as some other backpacks
Not as durable as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a cute and fun backpack for your toddler or preschooler.
You need a backpack that's easy for little ones to carry.
You want a backpack that's durable and easy to clean.

Don't buy it if:

You need a backpack that's very spacious.
You're looking for a backpack that's very durable.

Bottom Line:

The Skip Hop Zoo Backpack is a great option for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to carry their own backpacks. It's cute and colorful, making it a fun choice for little ones. It's also small and lightweight, making it easy for them to carry. However, it's not as spacious or durable as some other backpacks on the market.

L.L.Bean Kids' Book Pack

A classic and durable backpack that's perfect for elementary school students. It's made from high-quality materials and has a simple design that will last for years.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 5"
Capacity: 15 liters
Material: Cordura nylon
Weight: 1.2 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Durable and long-lasting
Water-resistant
Comfortable to wear
Comes in a variety of colors

Reasons to avoid :

Not as spacious as some other backpacks
Can be a bit pricey

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a durable and long-lasting backpack that will stand up to years of use.
You need a backpack that's water-resistant.
You want a backpack that's comfortable to wear.

Don't buy it if:

You need a backpack that's very spacious.
You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The L.L.Bean Kids' Book Pack is a great option for kids who need a durable and long-lasting backpack. It's made from high-quality materials and has a simple design that will last for years. It's also water-resistant and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for kids who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors. However, it's not as spacious as some other backpacks on the market and it can be a bit pricey.

Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack

A stylish and functional backpack that's perfect for older elementary school students and middle schoolers. It features a classic design with a modern twist and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 16.5" x 12.5" x 6"
Capacity: 20 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.3 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Stylish and modern design
Durable and long-lasting
Spacious enough for books, lunch, and other essentials
Comes in a variety of colors and patterns

Reasons to avoid :

Can be a bit pricey
Not as durable as some other backpacks on the market

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a stylish and functional backpack for your older elementary school student or middle schooler.
You need a backpack that's durable and long-lasting.
You want a backpack that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You need a backpack that's very durable.

Bottom Line:

The Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack is a great option for older elementary school students and middle schoolers who are looking for a stylish and functional backpack. It's durable and long-lasting, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a good choice for kids who want a backpack that reflects their personal style. However, it can be a bit pricey and it's not as durable as some other backpacks on the market.

Nike Brasilia Backpack

A sporty and functional backpack that's perfect for kids who are active and on the go. It features a durable design with a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 7"
Capacity: 25 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.4 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Sporty and stylish design
Durable and long-lasting
Spacious enough for books, clothes, and other essentials
Comes in a variety of colors

Reasons to avoid :

Not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market
Not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a sporty and functional backpack for your active child.
You need a backpack that's durable and long-lasting.
You want a backpack that comes in a variety of colors.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a backpack that's very stylish.
You need a backpack that's very comfortable to wear.

Bottom Line:

The Nike Brasilia Backpack is a great option for kids who are active and on the go. It's durable and long-lasting, and has a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage. It's also sporty and stylish, making it a good choice for kids who want a backpack that reflects their active lifestyle. However, it's not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market and it's not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks.

The North Face Borealis Backpack

A durable and functional backpack that's perfect for kids who need a backpack that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. It features a classic design with a modern twist and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8"
Capacity: 28 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.6 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Durable and long-lasting
Water-resistant
Spacious enough for books, clothes, and other essentials
Comes in a variety of colors and patterns

Reasons to avoid :

Can be a bit pricey
Not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a durable and functional backpack that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
You need a backpack that's water-resistant.
You want a backpack that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You're looking for a backpack that's very stylish.

Bottom Line:

The North Face Borealis Backpack is a great option for kids who need a durable and functional backpack that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. It's water-resistant and spacious enough for books, clothes, and other essentials. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a good choice for kids who want a backpack that reflects their personal style. However, it can be a bit pricey and it's not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market.

adidas Originals National Backpack

A stylish and functional backpack that's perfect for kids who love the classic adidas look. It features a simple design with a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 17" x 12" x 6"
Capacity: 20 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.2 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Stylish and classic adidas design
Durable and long-lasting
Spacious enough for books, clothes, and other essentials
Comes in a variety of colors

Reasons to avoid :

Not as durable as some other backpacks on the market
Not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a stylish and functional backpack that features the classic adidas look.
You need a backpack that's durable and long-lasting.
You want a backpack that comes in a variety of colors.

Don't buy it if:

You need a backpack that's very durable.
You need a backpack that's very comfortable to wear.

Bottom Line:

The adidas Originals National Backpack is a great option for kids who love the classic adidas look. It's stylish and functional, with a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage. It's also durable and long-lasting, making it a good choice for kids who want a backpack that will stand up to everyday use. However, it's not as durable as some other backpacks on the market and it's not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks.

Disney Princess Backpack

A magical and enchanting backpack that's perfect for little princesses. It features a beautiful Disney Princess design and has a small size that's easy for little ones to carry.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 12" x 9" x 5"
Capacity: 8 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 0.9 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Beautiful Disney Princess design that kids will love
Small size that's easy for little ones to carry
Durable and easy to clean
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Not as spacious as some other backpacks
Not as durable as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a magical and enchanting backpack for your little princess.
You need a backpack that's easy for little ones to carry.
You want a backpack that's durable and easy to clean.

Don't buy it if:

You need a backpack that's very spacious.
You're looking for a backpack that's very durable.

Bottom Line:

The Disney Princess Backpack is a great option for little princesses who are just starting to carry their own backpacks. It's beautiful and enchanting, making it a fun choice for little ones. It's also small and lightweight, making it easy for them to carry. However, it's not as spacious or durable as some other backpacks on the market.

LEGO Backpack

Learn more about 16 Best Backpacks for Elementary School Students in 2024

A fun and creative backpack that's perfect for kids who love LEGOs. It features a cool LEGO design and has a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6"
Capacity: 18 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1.1 pounds

Reasons to buy :

Cool LEGO design that kids will love
Large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage
Durable and long-lasting
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market
Not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a fun and creative backpack for your child who loves LEGOs.
You need a backpack that's durable and long-lasting.
You want a backpack that has a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a backpack that's very stylish.
You need a backpack that's very comfortable to wear.

Bottom Line:

The LEGO Backpack is a great option for kids who love LEGOs. It's fun and creative, with a cool LEGO design that kids will love. It's also durable and long-lasting, with a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage. However, it's not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market and it's not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks.

Crayola Backpack

A colorful and fun backpack that's perfect for kids who love to color and create. It features a bright and cheerful Crayola design and has a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Specifications :

Dimensions: 15" x 11" x 5"
Capacity: 15 liters
Material: Polyester
Weight: 1 pound

Reasons to buy :

Bright and cheerful Crayola design that kids will love
Large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage
Durable and long-lasting
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market
Not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a colorful and fun backpack for your child who loves to color and create.
You need a backpack that's durable and long-lasting.
You want a backpack that has a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a backpack that's very stylish.
You need a backpack that's very comfortable to wear.

Bottom Line:

The Crayola Backpack is a great option for kids who love to color and create. It's colorful and fun, with a bright and cheerful Crayola design that kids will love. It's also durable and long-lasting, with a large main compartment and plenty of pockets for storage. However, it's not as stylish as some other backpacks on the market and it's not as comfortable to wear as some other backpacks.

Carhartt Legacy Backpack

A durable and stylish backpack perfect for everyday use.

Specifications:

Made of 100% polyester
Dimensions: 17.5" x 12.5" x 6.5"
Features a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets
Available in a variety of colors

Reasons to Buy:

Durable construction that can withstand daily wear and tear
Stylish design that is suitable for both school and casual use
Multiple pockets provide ample storage space

Reasons to Avoid:

Can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded
May not be suitable for smaller kids

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You need a durable and spacious backpack that can handle the rigors of everyday use.
You want a stylish backpack that can be used for school, work, or casual outings.

Don't buy it if:

You need a lightweight backpack that won't weigh you down.
You prefer a backpack with a more minimalist design.

Bottom Line:

The Carhartt Legacy Backpack is a solid choice for kids who need a durable and spacious backpack. It's a great option for everyday use, whether it's for school, work, or just carrying your essentials around town. However, it can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded, so it might not be the best choice for smaller kids or those who prefer a lighter backpack.

Under Armour Hustle Backpack

A versatile and functional backpack that is perfect for athletes and students alike.

Specifications:

Made of 100% polyester
Dimensions: 18.5" x 12.5" x 7.5"
Features a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets
Includes a padded laptop sleeve
Available in a variety of colors and patterns

Reasons to Buy:

Durable construction that can withstand daily wear and tear
Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organization
Padded laptop sleeve keeps your electronics safe and secure
Stylish design that is suitable for both school and athletic activities

Reasons to Avoid:

Can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded
May not be suitable for smaller kids

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You need a durable and functional backpack that can handle the rigors of daily use.
You want a backpack that is suitable for both school and athletic activities.
You need a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve to protect your electronics.

Don't buy it if:

You need a lightweight backpack that won't weigh you down.
You prefer a backpack with a more minimalist design.

Bottom Line:

The Under Armour Hustle Backpack is a great option for kids who need a versatile and functional backpack. It's durable, spacious, and has a padded laptop sleeve, making it perfect for athletes and students alike. However, it can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded, so it might not be the best choice for smaller kids or those who prefer a lighter backpack.

Eastpak Padded Pak'r Backpack

A classic and stylish backpack that is perfect for everyday use.

Specifications:

Made of 100% polyester
Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 5"
Features a large main compartment and a front pocket
Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns

Reasons to Buy:

Durable construction that can withstand daily wear and tear
Stylish design that is perfect for both school and casual use
Lightweight and comfortable to carry
Affordable price point

Reasons to Avoid:

Limited storage space compared to other backpacks
No laptop sleeve

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You need a stylish and durable backpack that is perfect for everyday use.
You want a lightweight and comfortable backpack that won't weigh you down.
You are on a budget and looking for an affordable backpack.

Don't buy it if:

You need a backpack with ample storage space.
You need a backpack with a laptop sleeve.

Bottom Line:

The Eastpak Padded Pak'r Backpack is a classic and stylish backpack that is perfect for everyday use. It's durable, lightweight, and comfortable to carry, making it a great choice for students and anyone who wants a simple and stylish backpack. However, it has limited storage space and no laptop sleeve, so it might not be the best choice for those who need a backpack with ample storage or protection for their electronics.

You can find more information on 22 Best Backpack for Middle School Students

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Backpack

A travel-friendly backpack that is perfect for air travel.

Specifications:

Made of 100% polyester
Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 8"
Features a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets
Includes a padded laptop sleeve
Scansmart technology allows the backpack to lay flat for easy airport security screening

Reasons to Buy:

Durable construction that can withstand daily wear and tear
Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organization
Padded laptop sleeve keeps your electronics safe and secure
Scansmart technology makes airport security screening a breeze
Stylish design that is suitable for both school and travel

Reasons to Avoid:

Can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded
May not be suitable for smaller kids

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You need a durable and functional backpack that is perfect for travel.
You want a backpack with Scansmart technology to make airport security screening easier.
You need a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve to protect your electronics.

Don't buy it if:

You need a lightweight backpack that won't weigh you down.
You prefer a backpack with a more minimalist design.

Bottom Line:

The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Backpack is a great option for kids who travel frequently. It's durable, spacious, has a padded laptop sleeve, and features Scansmart technology to make airport security screening easier. However, it can be bulky and heavy when fully loaded, so it might not be the best choice for smaller kids or those who prefer a lighter backpack.

Choosing the right backpack for your child is a crucial step in ensuring their comfort and safety. With so many options available, finding the perfect blend of cuteness and functionality can feel overwhelming. We hope this list of 14 best backpacks for kids has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your search. Remember to consider your child's age, size, and specific needs when making your final decision.

A good backpack should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also offer ample storage space, comfortable straps, and durable construction. By investing in a quality backpack, you can equip your child with the tools they need to navigate their daily adventures with confidence and ease. Whether they are heading to school, daycare, or a weekend outing, a well-chosen backpack can make all the difference.

Encourage your child to participate in the selection process, allowing them to choose a backpack that they love and feel proud to carry. Remember, a happy and comfortable child is a confident child, ready to embrace all the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Ultimately, the best backpack for your child is the one that meets their unique needs and preferences. With a little bit of research and thoughtful consideration, you can find the perfect backpack to accompany your child on their journey of growth and discovery.