The 5 Best Kids Backpacks

$26 at Amazon

Not only does the VASCHY Preschool Backpack meet our backpack expectations, but the bag is downright cute (bring on the compliments!). The bag feels sturdy, and the fabric feels durable, making the bag's overall quality satisfactory for most needs. Besides one large compartment, it has an easy-access front pocket for smaller items like snacks. The zippers are a breeze to open and close, and the bag features two elastic side pockets to stash a water bottle and more. Inside the big compartment, there's a write-on nametag, and this contender is the only one in our lineup with a chest strap, which helps stabilize the backpack and improve wearing comfort.

This bag has one large compartment, which we prefer for younger children who don't need to organize items like older students. But if a bag with multiple storage pockets is a better fit for your child's organizational style, you may not like this contender as much. Also, this backpack comes in two sizes: small and large. We tested the small size for our review, which we think meets a preschooler's or kindergartener's needs. We suggest moving up to the large size (11W x 5.5D x 15.7 H and 15.69L capacity) for older children as they will likely carry more items. A larger pack that also rolls and might be suitable for kids with heavier books is the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack. However, if you need a basic pack that works for younger kids, this is a great contender.

$14 at Amazon

The Everest Basic Backpack is minimal, with no bells or whistles. It offers one spacious main compartment for books and folders, plus a front pocket that is easy to access for smaller items like a snack, calculator, or writing utensil. With a selection of available colors, kids can choose one that fits their style.

The Everest's lower price point is applause-worthy, especially for budget-minded folks, but the bag's design and quality are somewhat lacking, making us question potential durability and longevity. The shoulder straps have minimal padding, but the bag's backside has none. The lack of padding makes it a no-go for older kids with heavier loads who might find it uncomfortable when full of books. Also, the fabric is thin, increasing the chance of holes, and the bag has no suitable pocket for a water bottle. If your budget can be stretched, the VASCHY Preschool Backpack could be the better choice, with more padding on the straps and a little better quality. However, the bare minimum design and lower price make it a good choice for younger children with less to carry.

$50 at Amazon

Lighten the load with the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack. This contender is full of features like wheels, organization, and versatility, like no other contender in our review. If you prefer to take a break from rolling, clip the padded shoulder straps into place and wear it backpack-style. The main compartment is roomy, and the front pocket is overflowing with extras. The adjustable handle extends to 34 or 39 inches to accommodate a variety of user heights.

This pack costs more than most of the competition, which means it might be prohibitive for smaller budgets. However, the standout features and quality seem to justify the added cost, depending on your needs or goals. We think the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack is best for older children with a greater need for bringing books and supplies back and forth to school. The additional comfort and durability will be appreciated, as we suspect it can make it all year without a replacement. Some schools don't allow rolling bags and the VASCHY Preschool Backpack might be a better consideration.

$22 at Amazon

There's much to adore about the Skip Hop Little Kid Backpack. It brought smiles to our faces, and we think it will instantly win your little one's heart. Although more petite in size than other contenders, this bag is mighty. It feels high-quality and offers a roomy main compartment to hold treasures and trinkets. It also features a write-on name tag. For an added dose of cuteness, check out the rainbow zipper pull. Pretty cute, right? And with little ones busy finding treasures to tote, the zipper experienced frequent use, and we did not experience any issues.

This pack is intended for children three years of age and up, potentially due to the animal's button eyes posing a choking hazard should they fall off. On the product we purchased for testing they feel secure, and we did not experience any issues, but it is good to remember that any button can detach under the right circumstances. Therefore, we suggest checking them regularly to ensure they are securely attached. The Everest Basic Backpack is also a smaller pack for little kids without the cuteness but also without the choking potential. We think the Skip Hop is an adorable backpack and is a winner whether your tot needs a light pack or is graduating from a diaper bag.

$34 at Amazon

The High Sierra Loop Backpack may be an exciting option for a middle schooler or older who needs a higher capacity for homework-filled days. Thanks to its multi-compartment design, this pack has ample storage for school essentials, lunch, a water bottle, etc. Compared to the lineup, this backpack's quality is impressive, making it an option we believe will likely last longer.

The pack's capacity is overkill for most kids, particularly younger children who don't need the extras. It could be larger than some little ones' torsos, making it harder to wear and carry supplies. The Everest Basic Backpack might be a suitable smaller option for those with shorter torsos or less to carry. Therefore, we consider the High Sierra to be best for a middle schooler going into high school or traveling. If you need larger capacity or higher quality, this pack could last a long time, providing ample space.