Best Backpacks for Kids – 2025 Reviews

Where do I even start? The water-resistant material is a game-changer for those inevitable juice box explosions. I poured water on it during testing and it just beaded right off. The padded straps are soft but substantial enough to distribute weight properly, and my testers loved the easy-grip zipper pulls—little hands could open and close them without help.

Organization is where this pack really shines. The main compartment swallows folders and books whole, while the front pockets are perfect for separating snacks from school supplies. That lunch bag loop might seem small, but it eliminates the ‘I forgot my lunch’ drama that plagues so many families.

The only minor drawback is that the side pockets could be a touch deeper for taller water bottles, but they still held standard kids’ bottles securely during our testing.

This is the backpack I’d buy for my own child without hesitation—it’s thoughtfully designed, durable, and makes school mornings significantly easier.

The value here is incredible—this backpack costs less than many toys but is built to last. After testing, I was impressed by how the YKK zippers glided smoothly even when stuffed, and the material held up against crayons, dirt, and general kid abuse.

What really won me over was the thoughtful sizing—it’s substantial enough to be useful but won’t overwhelm a 3-year-old. The chest buckle adds stability for running toddlers, and the ventilation on the back panel actually works to reduce sweat.

The front pocket is a bit shallow for larger items, but it’s perfect for crayon boxes and small toys.

If you’re looking for quality that won’t break the bank, this is hands-down your best bet for the preschool crowd.

The pure joy factor with this backpack is off the charts. During testing, children who normally resisted carrying bags were begging to bring their ‘dinosaur friend’ everywhere. The removable stuffed animal is soft and well-made, not some cheap accessory that falls apart.

I was pleasantly surprised by the actual functionality—the main compartment holds several books and toys, and the straps adjust easily for growing kids. The zipper is sturdy enough for little hands to operate independently, which builds confidence.

The dinosaur toy attachment means less space in the main compartment, but most kids prefer carrying the toy anyway.

This backpack turns everyday errands into adventures while being genuinely well-made enough to last through multiple children.

The attention to detail in this backpack impressed me—the padded straps have just the right amount of cushion, and the back panel actually breathes during warm weather. The abundant pockets mean everything has its place, from pencils in the front clear pockets to water bottles in the elastic sides.

What stood out during testing was how the durable fabric resisted scuffs and stains, maintaining its vibrant color even after weeks of use. The laptop sleeve fits most school Chromebooks perfectly, making it great for older elementary students.

The keychain pendant is adorable but might get caught on things occasionally—easily removable if it becomes an issue.

This backpack perfectly balances cute aesthetics with practical functionality that grows with your child through the school years.

The build quality here is what you’d expect from The North Face—reinforced stitching at stress points, durable zippers that glide smoothly, and materials that look new after rough treatment. During testing, the sternum strap made a noticeable difference in comfort when the bag was heavy.

I appreciated the thoughtful organization—the divider sleeve keeps books from sliding around, and the bungee system on front is perfect for stuffing a jacket or hat. The water bottle pockets are generously sized and actually keep bottles secure.

It lacks smaller organizational pockets for pens and pencils, but that’s easily solved with a pencil case.

This is the workhorse backpack that will last through multiple school years while keeping your tween comfortable and organized.

The sheer storage space in this backpack is impressive—it managed to hold a binder, notebooks, lunch, and a change of clothes with room to spare during our testing. The multiple compartments mean your child can actually stay organized rather than having everything mixed together.

I was pleased with how the reinforced stitching held up to overstuffing, and the adjustable straps have enough padding for comfort. The expandable mesh side pockets accommodated different bottle sizes without stretching out.

The size might be overwhelming for smaller children, but it’s perfect for older elementary students with heavier loads.

If your child carries a heavy load between school and activities, this backpack provides the space and organization to handle it all comfortably.

The attention to comfort in this small backpack is remarkable—the die-cut foam with mesh actually keeps little backs cool and dry, something most kids’ packs completely ignore. During hiking tests, the hydration sleeve worked perfectly with kid-sized hydration bladders.

I appreciated the thoughtful details like the internal name tag and the large handle that makes hanging it in cubbies effortless. The organization pockets are just right for treasured toys and snacks without being overwhelming.

The capacity is limited compared to larger school backpacks, but that’s the trade-off for the comfortable, compact design.

This is the ideal backpack for younger children or as a specialized pack for activities where comfort and ventilation matter most.

The personalization aspect is brilliant—children can make the backpack truly theirs, which during testing made them more responsible about keeping track of it. The neoprene material wipes clean effortlessly and resisted tears from rough handling.

I was impressed by the comfortable carry—the straps have just the right amount of padding and adjust easily. The stretchable bottle pockets actually work without ripping, and the name tag inside is a simple but effective way to prevent loss.

The patch system requires separate purchase of patches, but the creativity it enables is worth the extra investment.

This backpack grows with your child’s interests while providing durable, comfortable performance that stands up to daily use.

The value proposition for groups is undeniable—having multiple identical-quality backpacks saves time and money for schools, charities, or large families. During our testing, the color variety meant every child could have their preferred color without arguments.

I found the basic functionality reliable—the main zipper compartment handles folders and books, and the front pocket works for smaller items. The adjustable straps accommodate different sizes, making them suitable for various age groups.

They’re not as durable as premium individual backpacks, but for the price and use case, they perform admirably.

When you need reliable backpacks in quantity without breaking the bank, this bulk pack delivers consistent performance across all units.

The rolling functionality works surprisingly well—the wheels glide smoothly on flat surfaces and the telescoping handle extends to appropriate heights for children. During testing, the waterproof fabric kept contents dry when we deliberately exposed it to water.

I appreciated the versatility of being able to convert between rolling and backpack modes, and the colored wheels add fun visual appeal that kids enjoyed. The main compartment offers substantial space for books and gear.

The rolling mechanism adds weight and bulk, and stairs can be challenging without assistance.

This backpack solves the heavy load problem for students who need to transport substantial weight between classes or locations.