The 7 Best Backpacks for Kids, Vetted and Reviewed by Parents

Name: Béis Kids Backpack
Brand: Béis
Price: 68 USD

Author image: rachel bowie christine han photography 100

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Published May 30, 2024

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Crate&Kids/Herschel/STATE

A kid’s backpack needs to check a lot of boxes. Is it durable? Does it have enough room to fit all the items on a teacher’s back-to-school list? (For example, last year, my child’s teacher demanded a bag that fit a lunch tote with a strap and handle.) Also—and this is a biggie—is it backbreaking? (Meaning, are the straps easy to adjust in order to properly balance weight and keep posture intact?)

And then there’s the whole matter of what kids want: Style! Designs! Something that’s on trend but also stands out a little. In other words, whether they’re into Paw Patrol or a more retro vibe, the overall look of a backpack often tops their checklist, which means it has to factor into yours.

With all this in mind, I set to work—polling parents, testing samples and putting the top picks of 2024 to the test. After all, back to school will be here before we know it.

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The Best Backpacks for Kids at a Glance

Best Overall

Crate & Kids Kids Backpack

$49 at Crate & Kids

Best Style

STATE Kane Kids Double Pocket

$115 at STATE

Best Classic

LL. Bean Original Book Pack

$35 at L.L. Bean

Most Comfortable

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack

$65 at Pottery Barn Kids

Most Sustainable

Fjällraven Kanken Backpack

$90 at FjÄllRÄven

How I Chose the Best Backpacks for Kids

In order to select the best backpacks, I polled over 50 parents as well as a handful of teachers and school administrators, who actually gave me a lot of great insight. (For example, they have strong feelings about what fits best in a cubby and one even told me that a strap that buckles across the sternum or chest makes for better balance, per the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

I then cross-referenced this list with available reviews, and called the winners in so the PureWow team could have their kids test them, wearing each one for the school run as well as relying on them for weekend trips and airport jaunts, assessing them based on a variety of key features:

• Durability: How well do these backpacks hold up to daily use? Do they wipe clean? What do they look like after being washed? Are the zippers smooth and the compartments easy to open and close?

• Comfort: Does the backpack come with padded straps? What about a padded back? Can the straps be adjusted? What other features (say, a chest strap) are included to help offset the weight and provide greater back support?

• Sizing: Is the size of the backpack properly proportioned to your child’s body? How much does it fit inside it? (Older kids may want room for more stuff while younger kids may find that makes the bag too heavy.)

• Special Features: What’s the range of pockets? Is there a water bottle holder? How about a laptop sleeve? Is the fabric waterproof? What bells and whistles make this backpack a stand-out?

• Style: Kids care about their backpack’s aesthetic. What range of options (designs, patterns, colors) is offered from a particular brand?

• Value: How does the price measure up to the quality?

The 7 Best Backpacks for Kids, According to Parents

Crate & Kids

Best Overall

1. Crate & Kids Kids Backpack

What I Like:

Durability
Kid-friendly designs
Range of pockets
Affordable price
Sustainably made from recycled polyester

What I Don’t Like:

No chest strap

Crate & Kids

Crate & Kids’ recent foray into the backpack space really impressed our parent testers, myself included. I’ve tried quite a few backpacks over the years, but my 6-year-old son carried the medium-sized style for the entire school year—and it still looks brand-new. We had a front pocket spill at one point, but I was able to clean it with a paper towel and soap and water. I love the kid-friendly designs (especially some of the new options like the sharks and these ice cream cones), but I also am A-OK with one of their simpler canvases. (In fact, we personalized this colorblock style with iron-on patches and it was a total kid-pleaser.) Other details worth calling out: I could fit a water bottle in the side pockets and bonus after school snacks up front. The straps are also easily adjustable and, for his elementary school needs, the backpack never felt maxed out or weighted down. My only complaint is that a chest strap in the front would be a nice add. Regardless, I’ll be buying this one again.

Fast Facts

Size Range: Small (ages 3 to 5); Medium (ages 5 to 7); Large (ages 7+)
Spot clean only
Water resistant
Personalization available for an extra $12

$49 at Crate & Kids

STATE

Best Style

2. STATE Kane Kids Double Pocket

What I Like:

Extra-long life span and durability
Easy-to-clean exterior
Colorful and textured designs
Plenty of space

What I Don’t Like:

No chest strap
Light-colored interior stains easily
Pricey

STATE

STATE is an anecdotal favorite amongst the New York City set, and our parent testers agree, with one mentioning how much she loves the durability: “My son is going on his third year with the same backpack, which is unheard of—the canvas is in good shape, none of the zippers have broken and because we purchased a style in a darker color, it looks as good as the day he got it.” She adds that she was pretty concerned when her daughter chose a white backpack from STATE for this school year, but the wax-like coating means it remains almost impervious to stains. Other parents backed this up, touting the extra-long life span, especially when you consider the daily wear and tear. STATE is also a stand-out for its color-rich designs (the hearts! the strawberries!) which often include texture, too. Again, there’s no chest strap, and some users complained that the white interior was tough to clean after juice spills and the like.

Fast Facts

Size Range: Kane Kids Mini (ages 2 to 4); Kane Kids (ages 4 to 8); Kane Kids Double Pocket (ages 7+); Kane Kids Large (ages 9+)
Machine washable (on cold), then line dry
Personalization available for an extra $20

$115 at STATE

L.L. Bean

Best Classic

3. L.L. Bean Original Book Pack

What I Like:

Retro appeal
Reflective safety strip
Interior organization
Affordable

What I Don’t Like:

No chest strap
Fewer design options

L.L. Bean

The Original Book Pack from L.L. Bean was a staple of my millennial childhood, and its staying power is almost as impressive as its comfort, durability and style. Made from nylon, it comes with an elasticized water bottle pocket, sturdy zippers and a reflective strip for added safety. The shoulder straps are padded, but there’s no chest strap. There is, however, a more robust range of designs than we experienced in the 1980s (dinosaurs, anyone?). Our parent testers raved about the organization options within the pockets—beyond the main compartment (which is spacious), the front pocket is outfitted with a mesh pouch big enough to hold cash, keys or a school ID and there are pencil and pen slots galore. L.L. Bean is also one of the only backpack brands to offer a one-year satisfaction guarantee, which comes with a full refund.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 17 Liter (for ages 4 and up); 24 Liter (for ages 6 and up)
Spot clean
Personalization available for an extra $8

$35 at L.L. Bean

Pottery Barn Kids

Most Comfortable

4. Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack

What I Like:

Chest strap
Padded back and contoured straps
Kid-friendly designs
Range of pockets
Durability

What I Don’t Like:

Kids sometimes outgrow designs faster than the backpack

Pottery Barn Kids

We love that this guy is built with kids’ backs and shoulders in mind, thanks to a chest strap with center buckle and a padded back and contoured shoulder straps—which also happen to be easy to adjust. In other words, kids can wear it to school, to afterschool and all the way home without ever feeling weighted down. One mom we spoke with also championed the sizing: Her three-year-old uses the large (typically for kids over 48 inches tall), but she said it easily fits all the items he needs for daycare and is still secure. Parents of elementary-aged kids rave about the Mackenzie as well, thanks to both its comfort and thoughtful functionality: There are two spacious water bottle compartments on each side, a laptop or tablet slot and a clip to attach a lunchbox. It also holds up well against wear and tear. “I haven’t needed to wash it yet,” one parent remarked. “The color hasn’t faded all year and there aren’t any holes or hanging strings after being thrown about.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: Mini (for kids 36” to 42” tall); Small (for kids 43” to 49” tall); Large (for kids over 48” tall)
Spot clean
Personalization available for an extra $15

$65 at Pottery Barn Kids

Fjällraven

Most Sustainable

5. Fjällraven Kanken Backpack

What I Like:

Tote-like quality
Range of color choices
Removeable seat pad
Made without harmful chemical PFCs

What I Don’t Like:

Space can be tight
Fabric doesn’t have a ton of give

Fjällraven

The Kanken—which comes in two different sizes, one for the preschool set and one that’s suited for elementary kids and above—was first introduced in Sweden in 1978 in an effort to help prevent back problems for school children; The shape was specially designed to distribute the weight evenly. The backpack’s staying power has lasted well over 30 years. Our parent testers especially love the minimalist design and pack-like nature. (It’s just as easy to wear on your back as it is to carry using the top handle, almost like a tote.) For bigger kids, the regular Kanken is likely your best bet, but the smaller Fjallraven also fits quite a bit. More than anything, our parent testers said they invest in Fjallraven for its environmental impact; it is produced without PFCs and comes with a warranty that covers many repairs with the idea that the backpack gets literal years of use. And about that back protection—the Kanken comes with a removeable seat cushion and offers weight distribution to prevent aching shoulders.

Fast Facts

Size Range: Kanken Mini (10 x 8 inches with a depth of 5 inches); Kanken (14 x 10 inches with a depth of 5 inches)
To clean, use a soft brush with warm water
Water resistant, quick drying
Color customization available

$90 at FjÄllRÄven

Herschel

Best for Pre-Teens

6. Herschel Heritage Backpack

What I Like:

Durability
Included laptop sleeve
Chest strap
“Pig snout” can be used for attaching headphones or chargers

What I Don’t Like:

Not a ton of internal organization

Herschel

Herschel turns 15 this year, but has kept up with the times by offering a minimalist aesthetic and cool—but never too cutesy—designs. Among the parents we polled, Herschel stood out as a favorite for pre-teens, since the 20-liter opening easily fits a lunch, several folders, a few textbooks and a computer or tablet. (It comes with a floating sleeve for a 14” laptop.) Kids also report loving the “pig snout,” i.e.: the decorative diamond on the front flap through which they can string a pair of headphones or charger or attach a pair of sneakers.

Fast Facts

Size Range: Kids 15L (ages 3 to 7); Kids 20L (ages 8 to 12)
Spot clean
Water resistant

$55 at herschel

Béis

Best for Travel

7. Béis Kids Backpack

What I Like:

Two bags in one
Roominess
Chest strap
Can be attached to a suitcase

What I Don’t Like:

Only comes in two colors

Béis

Béis is already beloved for their travel systems, which range from the weekender bag to roller suitcase designs. And its entrée to the kids’ backpack space was met with rave reviews from parent testers, who were mostly excited about how much these guys could fit (one parent brought it on vacation and fit coloring books, a tablet, a lunchbox, separate snack containers and several stuffies). We also love the removable crossbody—or fanny pack—that makes this backpack feel like two bags in one, as well as the dual elastic pockets on the exterior and the pass-through sleeve on the back which attaches to a suitcase. As for comfort, there’s an adjustable chest strap and contoured (and padded) arm straps. One mom we spoke with noted that it felt lightweight and worked well for her 8-year-old and 5-year-old alike.

Fast Facts

One size available
Spot clean

$68 at Béis

What to Look for When Choosing a Kids’ Backpack

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, proper sizing is the most critical detail when selecting a backpack. Most brands provide age recommendations, but you’ll also want your child to try it on. A good rule of thumb: the backpack should mirror the length of their torso.

You should also make sure the straps are adjustable (and ideally padded) and can stay even in length in order to deliver the best support. Ask your child: Are the straps hurting or digging in anywhere? If there is a chest strap (a serious pro according to the AAP) make sure it’s comfortable for them to wear and aids with weight distribution.

More than anything, you want to choose a backpack based on use-case—for younger kids, you really don’t need a ton of organizational details (such as a laptop sleeve or pencil holder), but older kids rely on these compartments, which are also helpful for balancing out weight.

Finally, make sure the backpack feels durable, and like it will hold up for at least one school year—though ideally more. Some key indicators of durability are material (look for ones that are water resistant, but also a backpack that you can wipe clean), zippers with wider teeth and an easy to grab fabric pull and whether or not it has a reinforced bottom.

Rachel Bowie

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College

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