The 13 best kids backpacks for back-to-school 2025
Of all the school supplies, a back-to-school backpack may be the most essential.
Sure, new jeans and a pair of spunky new shoes are important too, but what will you store your laptop, books and lunchbox in?
Will you opt for a pretty floral print backpack or a skater-boy checkered vibe? Whichever you go with, it’s going to celebrate who you are and what you’re about — so make it count!
We listed the best back-to-school backpacks below to help you or the student in your life find the perfect pick. The best backpack brands range from The North Face and Patagonia to Vans and Disney. Pair it with a cute lunchbox for the full ensemble.
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Best Backpacks for Kids
Best Backpack for School: adidas Classic 3S 4 Backpack
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Made with wipeable material for easier spot cleaning
- Can store a 16-inch laptop
- Side pocket for a water bottle
Cons:
- Some customers on Amazon complain about the zipper’s durability
Both sporty and studious — this classic backpack features plenty of outer pockets, padded straps, and a top handle. The lightweight fabric is made with eco-friendly, recycled materials and wipes clean with water. And let’s not forget about the adorable colorways!
Color options: 13 | Size: 8 x 11.3 x 20 inches
Best Budget-friendly Kids Backpack: Jansport Half Pint Mini Backpack
Pros:
- Surprisingly roomy for a smaller backpack
- Webbing grab handle
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons:
- The straps could be thicker for a more comfortable carrying experience
There are plenty of sturdy and reliable backpacks on the market — but it’s rare to score one for under $25. Reviewers love this budget-friendly find from Jansport for its spacious compartments and range of styles.
Color options: 19 | Size: 11.2 x 9.8 x 4.1 inches
Best Backpack for Little Kids: L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Pros:
- Bestselling backpack
- Made with waterproof nylon
- Waist belt for a better fit
Cons:
- Some reviewers on L.L. Bean report the zipper getting stuck
Make sure your young one has the best backpack on the block. Featuring clean lines and organizational features, this backpack will come in handy time and time again. Don’t let the size of this small backpack fool you; it can carry a lot. The front pocket has an organizer panel, a key clip, as well as another spot for things like erasers or change. The main compartment is deep enough for books, lunch, and even a spare shirt. Available in 10 bright colors.
Color options: 10 | Size: 17 x 13 x 9.5 inches
Best Kids Backpack with Lunch Box: Trailmaker Backpack with Lunch Bag
Pros:
- The backpack comes with a lunchbox and a water bottle
- A front zipper pocket that’s ideal for a photo, wallet, and house keys
Cons:
- This backpack is strong enough for notebooks, pens, and other lightweight items. However, we wouldn’t recommend this for a child who has hardcover books to carry
What better way to make your child excited for school than with a shiny and bright backpack with all the accessories? It includes a pencil case, a reusable water bottle, an ID tag, and of course, an insulated lunchbox. The interior has a slot for a notebook, worksheets, and maybe a toy or two. Pick from three different sizes. Available in two magical prints.
Color options: 5 | Size: 16 x 12 x 5.3 inches
Best Backpacks for High School
Best Laptop Backpack: lululemon Everywhere Backpack
Pros:
- Made with water-resistant material
- Interior padded pocket to fit a 16-inch laptop
- Side pocket for water bottle storage
From school to batting practice to home again, this backpack with lots of pockets will carry all you need. Made for those on the go, the functional but stylish bag has a large front zipper pocket, a 16-inch interior padded pocket for a laptop, and side pockets for drinks or smaller items. Available in black, as well as the color trench.
Color options: 6 | Size: 11.4 x 5.9 x 16.9 inches
Best Vintage Backpack: Vans Old Skool H20 Check Backpack
Pros:
- Adjustable padded straps
- Retro-design
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a padded interior sleeve for a laptop or tablet
Keep things simple with this classic Vans Old Skool Check Backpack. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but there’s still a front zippered pocket for pens and a phone, as well as a large interior compartment. Reviewers love the edgy, vintage look that makes this bag cool enough for study sessions or the skate park.
Color options: 1 | Size: 12 x 12 x 8 inches
Best Sports Backpack: Nike Sportswear Essentials 20L Backpack
Pros:
- Large laptop sleeve
- Made with water-resistant
- Rain flap over zippers
Cons:
- It can feel bulky, especially when stuffed to the zipper
Heading to practice after school? Nike offered us a sportier version of the classic all-around bag. Available in a deep army green, this lightweight, slim backpack is truly a do-it-all find. Featuring a large laptop sleeve, a phone holder, and a roomy compartment, you’ll have all of your storage needs met.
Color options: 1 | Size: 6 x 12 x 20 inches
Best Trendy Backpack: Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight but durable
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
- Straps are on the thinner side, so we still don’t recommend overloading this backpack with heavy items
With back-to-school right around the corner, there is one exceptionally popular backpack brand that is on every student’s mind — it’s never gone out of style. Fjallraven makes just about every single colored backpack under the rainbow — and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Want one in deep yellow? It’s yours. What about pastel pink? You can snag that one, too.
Color options: 41 | Size: 11 x 14 x 5 inches
Best Backpack Brand: Herschel Supply Co. Little America Pro Backpack
Pros:
- Zippered front pockets with key clip
- Contoured shoulder pads and air mesh back
- Laptop compartment
College classes come with loads of textbooks, which means a big backpack might be a requirement. This wide and sturdy backpack works great for both ladies and gents, and can fit electronics, clothes, and whatever you can’t leave at home.
Color options: 12 | Size: 15 x 11.3 x 19.3 inches
Best Backpacks for College
Best Backpack for College: lululemon Triple-Zip Backpack
Pros:
- Water-repellant fabric
- Padded shoulder straps
- Reflective details
- The back panel provides lumbar support
Cons:
- The luggage strap is on the thin side
You already know lululemon makes some of the best athletic wear out there, but did you know the brand makes amazing backpacks too? This Triple-Zip style is one of our favorites because of all the storage it gives. There is an interior pocket for essentials, side pockets for items you need to grab quickly, plus a padded laptop pocket. Another thing we love? The bag has load-lifter straps that are adjustable and padded. Anything that’s functional, comfortable, and stylish gets our vote!
Color options: 3 | Size: 14 x 8.3 x 19.5 inches
Best Travel Backpack: The North Face Borealis Backpack
Pros:
- Two external pockets for water bottles
- Padded sleeve for a tablet
Studying abroad? Made with easy-access pockets, an overhauled suspension system, and super cute color options, this The North Face option is a must-have for traveling college students. It also makes for the perfect hiking backpack for day trips and longer.
Color options: 43 | Size: 11 x 5.8 x 18.8 inches
Best Luxury Backpack: Michael Kors Backpack Handbag
Pros:
- Flat bottom to prevent the backpack from falling over when placed on the floor
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons:
- Can only be washed by hand
Looking for something a little more luxurious? Maybe the apple of your eye is the Michael Kors Backpack Handbag. This handbag-like backpack features two exterior zip pockets, five interior slip pockets, two exterior slip pockets, and an interior zip pocket. This bag is a dream as far as storage is concerned. The different shades make it a tad more interesting, too.
Color options: 6 | Size: 10 x 5.1 x 12 inches
Best Backpack for Commuters: Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
Pros:
- Tech sleeve can be removed to become a protective laptop case
- Mesh straps and back for better breathability
- Water-repellant fabric
Cons:
- No zippered front pocket for easy access to smaller items
If you’re looking for a compact option, then this sturdy, water-repellent Patagonia option will more than do the trick. The mesh straps and back panels provide some breathability, so you won’t have to worry about sweaty shoulders between classes. Plus, we can’t get enough of the color blocking (it comes in a few other styles, too).
Color options: 3 | Size: 16 x 12 x 5 inches
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
