Best Kids Backpacks for Back-to-School (2025 Guide)
🎒 The Right Backpack = Confidence + Comfort
Back-to-school shopping isn’t complete without the perfect backpack. Whether your child is heading into kindergarten or middle school, a good backpack needs to be durable, comfortable, and fun enough to actually wear. It should fit school supplies, lunch, a water bottle—and maybe even a jacket.
We’ve rounded up 12 of the best kids’ backpacks that hit the sweet spot of form, function, and kid-approved style. These picks cover all the bases: ergonomic straps, water resistance, age-appropriate sizing, and adorable designs. Plus, most of them are under $50.
🧒 12 Best Kids Backpacks for Back-to-School 2025
1. LLBean Original Book Pack
- Price: $39.95
- Best for: Elementary kids who need a reliable, no-frills backpack
- Why we love it: This LLBean classic is known for durability. Water-resistant fabric, padded straps, and a reinforced bottom make it ideal for daily use. Comes in fun prints and solids.
- Bonus: Monogramming available for a personal touch.
2. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
- Price: ~$40
- Best for: Kids who love bright patterns and long-lasting gear
- Why we love it: A cult classic with a roomy main compartment and straight-cut padded shoulder straps. Over 30 prints available from pastel tie-dye to galaxy-themed.
3. Columbia Zigzag 22L Backpack
- Price: ~$60
- Best for: Rough-and-tumble kids or longer school days
- Why we love it: Slightly more rugged, this backpack has a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket, and chest strap. Ideal for tweens or kids in sports.
4. State Bags Kane Kids Backpack
- Price: ~$90
- Best for: Stylish kids and socially-conscious parents
- Why we love it: The coolest patterns (think dinosaurs, space, rainbows), plus every purchase helps fund charitable programs. Lightweight and fits kids ages 4–9.
5. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack
- Price: ~$25
- Best for: Preschoolers and early elementary
- Why we love it: Whimsical animal designs like unicorns, owls, and sharks make these irresistible. Has a side bottle pocket and adjustable padded straps.
6. Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack
- Price: ~$49–$59
- Best for: Customizing and matching lunch gear
- Why we love it: Water-resistant and made to last. Choose from over 50 prints and personalize with your child’s name or initials.
7. Nike Kids’ Elemental Backpack
- Price: ~$35–$45
- Best for: Sporty kids who want an athletic vibe
- Why we love it: Sleek and functional with logo branding, two main compartments, and comfy shoulder padding. Great for gym days and daily use.
8. Herschel Heritage Kids Backpack
- Price: ~$40–$45
- Best for: Minimalist design lovers
- Why we love it: Scaled-down classic with durable construction, name label, and signature striped lining. Works well for ages 5–9.
9. Lands’ End ClassMate Small Backpack
- Price: ~$34.95
- Best for: Ergonomic support and water resistance
- Why we love it: Made from tough 600-denier polyester with a padded back panel and chest strap. Great for kids who walk or bike to school.
10. Mountainsmith Frostbyte Kids Backpack
- Price: ~$50
- Best for: Adventurous kids who hike or camp
- Why we love it: Built for both school and weekend adventures. Multiple compartments, hydration-compatible, and super durable.
11. Adidas Classic 3-Stripes Kids’ Backpack
- Price: ~$35
- Best for: Sporty tweens and older kids
- Why we love it: Trendy, practical, and just the right size for bigger school loads. Comes in bold colors and stripes with a front zip pocket.
12. Mackenzie Glow-in-the-Dark Backpacks by Pottery Barn
- Price: ~$59
- Best for: Kids who walk to school early or late
- Why we love it: Glow-in-the-dark details offer visibility. Comes with reflective piping, sturdy zippers, and fun prints that shine after sunset.
📊 Kids’ Backpack Comparison Table
| Backpack | Age Range | Price | Key Feature | Personalization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLBean Book Pack | 6–12 | $40 | Reinforced bottom | Yes |
| JanSport SuperBreak One | 8+ | $40 | Iconic design + fun prints | No |
| Columbia Zigzag 22L | 10+ | $60 | Rugged build + laptop sleeve | No |
| State Bags Kane Kids | 4–9 | $90 | Stylish + supports a cause | No |
| Skip Hop Zoo Backpack | 3–6 | $25 | Adorable animal faces | No |
| Pottery Barn Mackenzie | 4–10 | $49–59 | Water-resistant + matching lunch | Yes |
| Nike Elemental | 8+ | $40 | Sporty look + dual compartments | No |
| Herschel Heritage Kids | 5–9 | $40 | Classic style + name label | No |
| Lands’ End ClassMate | 6–12 | $35 | Ergonomic and reflective | Yes |
| Mountainsmith Frostbyte | 7–12 | $50 | Hike-ready + hydration compatible | No |
| Adidas 3-Stripes | 9+ | $35 | Bold athletic look | No |
| Mackenzie Glow-in-the-Dark PBK | 5–10 | $59 | Reflective safety elements | Yes |
🙋‍♀️ FAQ: Choosing the Right Kids Backpack
What size backpack should I get for my child?
For preschoolers, look for bags under 12 inches tall. Elementary kids need 15–17 inches to hold folders and lunchboxes.
Are chest straps important?
Yes—especially for younger kids. Chest straps keep the bag centered and reduce strain.
What’s the ideal weight for a kids’ backpack?
A full backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of your child’s body weight.
Should I let my child pick their backpack?
Absolutely! Involving your child builds excitement and ensures they’ll actually carry it.
Are personalized backpacks worth it?
Yes for easy identification and style—but avoid putting full names for safety. Initials are a good compromise.
How to Choose the Right Kids’ Backpack
Here’s what to keep in mind when picking a backpack for school:
Let Them Choose:
When kids pick their favorite color or print, they’re more likely to use it—and take care of it.
Size Matters:
For preschoolers, choose under 12″. Elementary kids need 15–17″. The bag should sit just below the shoulders—not sag to the hips.
Comfort Counts:
Look for padded straps, a cushioned back, and chest clips (especially for younger kids).
Smart Storage:
Multiple compartments, a water bottle pocket, and a padded laptop sleeve (for older kids) help keep things organized.
Built to Last:
Durable fabric, reinforced bottoms, and weather resistance go a long way.
✏️ Final Thoughts: Backpacks Built for Big Days
A backpack is more than just storage—it’s your child’s daily companion. The right one helps them stay organized, feel confident, and even express their personality. Whether you go with a classic like LLBean or a fun zoo pack from Skip Hop, each of these backpacks is built for back-to-school success.
🛒 Ready to shop? Bookmark this list or share it with other parents looking for backpack options that truly hold up—on the playground and in the classroom.