Top Kids Backpacks of 2025 – Team-Tested Picks (One Even Has a Lifetime Warranty!)
Gearing up for a new school year? These are the best kids backpacks for all ages, trends, & budgets! 😉
Before back-to-school shopping, check out our list of the best kids backpacks. Many are team-tested, on sale, or offer free shipping, ensuring you get a durable, trendy, and high-quality bag at the best price.
Here are our top picks for the best kids backpacks of 2025:
- Best Long-term – The North Face Jester Backpack
- Best Budget – Wonder Nation Backpack
- Best Personalized – Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack
- Best for Preschool – Skip Hop Toddler Zoo Backpack
- Best Sporty – Gymshark Sleek Backpack
- Best for Laptops – The North Face Surge Backpack
- Best Traditional – L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack
- Most Organized – Adidas Prime 6 Backpack
- Best Warranty – JanSport SuperBreak Plus
1. The North Face makes one of the most durable kids’ backpacks.
The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack or Men’s – $75+ shipped
*Sign up for Dick’s Sporting Goods text alerts and get $20 OFF your first $100+ order! Scroll to the bottom left of this page to join.
It’s no surprise that The North Face Jester Backpack tops our list as one of the best kids’ backpacks to use over a long period of time. It might be more of an investment upfront, but this bag’s durability, style, and functionality will save you money in the long run!
It features two water bottle pockets, a front bungee for bulky items (like jackets), an inner divider sleeve, an internal name tag, spacious zippered compartments, and a sternum strap for added support.
“My boys chose these backpacks in kindergarten, and the quality has amazed me! My middle child is starting his 8th school year with the same bag, and it still looks new. It’s slightly big for kindergarteners but definitely manageable. The adjustable front strap is great for carrying extra items, and there are plenty of pockets. Even my daughter has one now!” – Sara, Hip Sidekick
2. Walmart’s Wonder Nation backpacks are the best budget backpacks for kids at just $5.
For an unbeatable value, the Wonder Nation Backpacks at Walmart are just $5—making them a budget-friendly choice for back-to-school. Despite their low price, these backpacks are designed with kids in mind, offering a roomy main compartment for books and folders. Plus, a front zipper pocket to keep supplies organized.
With a variety of fun patterns and colors to choose from, kids can pick a style that fits their personality without breaking the bank. Even better, at this price, you can even grab an extra as a backup or for after-school activities!
*Keep in mind that some reviewers don’t recommend this bag for students with heavier loads.
“This backpack offers a reliable solution with a main compartment that easily houses a laptop along with schoolbooks. The additional utility pockets are a great touch.” – Nina
3. We love these personalized Pottery Barn backpacks.
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpacks – $31+
*Personalization is not included.
There are personalized backpacks, and then there are Pottery Barn personalized backpacks for kids. I mean, who hasn’t oohed and ahhed over them? 😍 They have a HUGE assortment of Disney, sports-themed, Mickey, princess, whimsical prints, and more! Plus, the option to add matching accessories. We’re talking lunch boxes, water bottles, food canisters, and so much more.
Plus, they vary in size from mini to extra-large, so there’s a perfect size for your preschooler up to your preteen. Best of all, you can personalize these kids’ backpacks with a beautiful embroidered name or monogram to make their school adventures feel even more special. ❤️
4. Skip Hop’s character bags are the best preschool backpacks.
Skip Hop Toddler Zoo Backpacks – $15.39+ (regularly $22)
If you’re looking for the most darling toddler backpack, these Skip Hop Zoo backpacks are it! The zippered compartment is large enough to hold your preschooler’s essentials, and there is also a water bottle pocket. Plus, toddlers can show off their unique personalities with so many adorable animal characters to choose from!
Shop all Skip Hop backpacks and coordinating accessories on Amazon!
5. This backpack is waterproof and has an extra compartment for a change of clothes, making it an ideal choice for athletes.
Gymshark Sleek Backpack – $62
The Gymshark Sleek Backpack is a top pick for student athletes who need a bag that works just as hard as they do! It’s loaded with pockets, including a roomy main compartment for books or gear, a padded laptop sleeve, and a front zip pocket for quick-grab items like protein bars, calculators, and more.
The standout feature is the bottom compartment—perfect for tossing in your gym shoes or practice clothes without mixing them in with everything else. Plus, there are side pockets for water bottles and a handy top pocket for small essentials. Even better, it’s made with waterproof material, so you won’t have to stress about rainy practice days or walking across campus in a downpour.
6. The North Face Surge is the best laptop backpack for big kids & adults.
The North Face Surge Backpack – $139 shipped
*Sign up for Dick’s Sporting Goods text alerts and get $20 OFF your $100+ order! Scroll to the bottom left of this page to join.
This elevated bag may be the best backpack for laptops we’ve found. It offers all the comfort and spaciousness your big kid needs with a sleek, mature look that grows with them through college and beyond! Plus, it boasts tons of media compartments as students transition to high school or college and acquire more tech and textbooks.
Its most notable features include a front compartment with secure zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve. There’s a highly protective compartment dedicated just for a 15″ laptop, too!
My oldest had a North Face Jester bag that lasted 7 years, but he chose the Surge for middle school, and he’s now headed off to high school with the same one. It’s heavy-duty, with a super durable laptop pocket, ergonomic straps, and extra padding. I bought it at Dick’s and saved $20 by signing up for text alerts. The North Face makes some of the best, most durable book bags, worth every penny! He’s going on year 4 with his and it’s been perfect for safely toting his laptop to and from school.” – Sara, Hip Sidekick
7. L.L. Bean makes one of the best traditional backpacks around.
L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack – $49.95
When you hear the word “school backpack”, this bag might just be the first image that pops into your mind – and it’s no surprise! Since their debut in 1982, L.L. Bean’s kids’ backpacks have been among the highest-rated backpacks thanks to their carryall size, durability, and classic, beloved look. L.L. Bean also offers a variety of sizes, so no matter what grade student you’re shopping for, there’s one to suit everyone’s needs!
8. The Adidas Prime 6 is our favorite multi-pocket backpack that will keep everything organized and then some.
Adidas Prime 6 Backpack – $44.55+ shipped (regularly $70)
This bag features FIVE external zippered compartments, 2 inner divided sleeves including a padded computer pocket for up to a 16″ laptop, a water bottle side sleeve, and additional pockets for pencils, calculators, and more!
It’s designed to hold a lot of stuff without sacrificing comfort, as this kids’ backpack also has spring-loaded shoulder straps for added cushion.
“My kiddo randomly picked out this Adidas backpack one year when we were in the market for a new one. I was super happy to see the crazy good reviews when we got home. It fits all her stuff & then some, and the quality is great – she’s used it for four years and it still looks brand new.” – Liza, Hip Sidekick
9. Jansport has the most backpack color options we’ve seen.
JanSport SuperBreak Plus – $32+
*Shipping is free on $50+ orders.
This popular backpack brand was sure to make our list for a few reasons — style, nostalgia, functionality, and, of course, the standout lifetime warranty. These backpacks come in SO MANY different colors and patterns — this specific style has numerous colors and patterns! Plus, they’re available at so many different retailers, so you’re likely able to find great deals year-round! We’ve even seen JanSport backpacks well under $20 if you can wait to grab them on clearance! 😱
Bookmark our Jansport backpack deal post to get alerted when the next deal pops up!
What’s more, JanSport claims their bookbags are built to last a lifetime and backs them with their lifetime warranty. If you already own or plan to buy a backpack, then you can return it for a refund or a replacement, in the chance it doesn’t hold up with use.
*Note that their lifetime warranty applies to all JanSport-branded equipment only (e.g., packs, bags, pouches, totes, cases).
“We’ve tried many brands, but my daughter wanted a change after years with her North Face. JanSport is popular with high schoolers again, so she got a Superbreak, and my son has one from Target. It’s nostalgic for me, and I think JanSport is high-quality, functional, lightweight, and has a great warranty.” – Lina, Hip Sidekick
Check out all the best products with lifetime warranties available in 2025.
We’re sharing all the best school supply deals available right now!
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Shipping & Terms
Amazon
Get free shipping on most $35 orders OR snag free 2-day shipping on ANY size order with Amazon Prime (you can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here).
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Dick's Sporting Goods
Opt for free contactless curbside pick-up, if available near you. Otherwise, Dick's ScoreCard members (free to sign up) score free shipping on purchases of $49+. Shipping is free on orders of $65 or more for everyone else.
L.L. Bean
Shipping is FREE on orders of $50+; otherwise shipping starts at $6.
Pottery Barn Kids
Shipping starts at $4.95.
Walmart
Walmart+ members score free shipping with no minimum on most orders! Otherwise, you can snag free shipping on any eligible $35+ order. Or pay $6.99 for shipping on orders under $35.
I bought my kids Jansport backpacks bc of their awesome replacement/repair program! They used the same backpacks for years and even to college!
So great that your kiddos were able to use their Jansport backpacks for several years, Amandan! 🙌 They do seem to have a great warranty! 💖
Totally with you! I have used my Jansport Super Big Student backpack for….40 yrs! Yes, 40 yrs. It has no rips, tears, or problems. I use it as my personal carry-on & it holds plenty. And I recently bought another—only to get the side water bottle pocket (40 yrs ago, water bottles were not a thing….).
My son is on year 4 with his North Face backpack. It has held strong – he does NOT take care of it at all. Zippers are all in working order; it has been washed and still looks good. Definitely recommend.
I bought a Jansport backpack back in 1990 while in high school. I used it for 3 years of high school and 5 years of college. The zipper broke a couple of times, I mailed it back each time and they fixed it quickly. The 3rd time I mailed it back was due to the leather on the bottom cracking (to be fair, I NEVER conditioned it and it went through rain, snow, you name it). Jansport sent me a new backpack with a letter explaining that they felt the bag was too old to repair and they hoped I would be happy with a replacement. 35 years = definitely getting my $24.99 + tax worth! LOL
Wow! SO awesome to hear about your experiences with both North Face and Jansport. I too have loved both brands and have some really old Jansport backpacks that still look and work great! Thanks a bunch for your recommendation! 💕🙌