Best Kids Backpacks for 2024 (Many Are Team Tested for YEARS!)
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 2024:
- Best Long-term – The North Face Youth Court Jester Backpack
- Best Budget – High Sierra Curve Backpack
- Best Personalized – Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack
- Best for Preschool – Skip Hop Toddler Zoo Backpack
- Best Sporty – Adidas Creator Backpack
- Best for Laptops – The North Face Surge Backpack
- Best Traditional – L.L. Bean Junior Original Bookpack
- Most Organized – Adidas Prime 6 Backpack
- Most Nostalgic – JanSport SuperBreak Plus
1. The North Face makes one of the most durable kids’ backpacks.
The North Face Youth Court Jester Backpack – $75+ 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.
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 7th 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. This excellent bag is under $80. Even my daughter has one now!” – Sara, Hip Sidekick
2. High Sierra’s Curve is the best budget backpack for kids.
High Sierra Curve Backpack $16.99 (regularly $29.99)
Known for their durability and their spacious interior, these highly-rated kids’ backpacks are perfect for students of all ages. There are even styles for techy teens and adult commuters!
This affordable option has 3 main compartments, a hand sanitizer and water bottle pocket, and 6+ inner supply pockets!
The High Sierra Fatboy Backpack is another reasonably priced option with more colors to choose from. The large main compartment of this backpack is big enough to hold a soccer ball! Plus, there’s a secret passthrough hole at the top for quick charging cable access to your child’s tech.
Psst…Walmart has Wonder Nation Backpacks and Target has Summit Ridge Backpacks for kids under $5 right now! 😱
“I’ve been buying the Fat Boy backpack since my oldest was in first grade. Now, 27 years later, I’m still getting it for my youngest. These backpacks are durable, stylish, and last for years. They clean up beautifully and often look new after a wash. Thanks, High Sierra, for many years of reliable use!” – JennLeaLea, Hip Reader
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, Marvel, LEGO, and more whimsical prints and 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 lunch boxes on Amazon!
5. The Adidas Creator is the best backpack/sports bag combo.
Adidas Creator Backpack – $45
This Adidas backpack is a great double-duty bag for student-athletes going right to sports practice or a game after school!
It features tons of roomy compartments for school and sports, it easily wipes clean, and there’s even a sunglasses pouch at the top. There’s also a quick-access water bottle pocket for easy hydration.
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 and acquire more tech.
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. 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 3 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 Junior Original Book Pack – $39.95
When you hear the word ‘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 – $49.99 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 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 seems good. Love the colors too! This will be our third year using it, and it still looks brand new.” – Liza, Hip Sidekick
9. Jansport has the most backpack color options we’ve seen.
JanSport SuperBreak Plus – as low as $42
*Shipping is free on $50+
This popular backpack brand was sure to make our list for a few reasons — style, nostalgia, and functionality. After all, this is the same brand our frugal parents purchased back in the 70s, so we think it’s safe to say there’s a JanSport backpack for every need.
The best part about these backpacks is that they come in SO MANY different colors and patterns — this specific style has up to 40+ options! Plus, they’re available at so many different retailers so it’s almost always possible to find a deal! We’ve even seen JanSport backpacks for as low as $11.99 if you can wait to grab them on clearance! 😱
“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
We’re sharing all the best school supply deals available right now!
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! 💖
Macys haves the backpacks on sale there to .
Thanks for letting us know where you spotted backpacks on sale too! 🤗 💞
Any recommendations on clear backpacks? My son is going into middle school, and while not required, clear backpacks are encouraged. There are metal detectors, and those with clear bags have an “express lane,” which I’m sure will appeal to my son. I’d love to have an option ready for the second day of school, when he’s convinced he needs a clear backpack ASAP.
Hey Emily! 🤗 I checked with the team on this, and our Hip sidekick, Liz shared – “I have this Clear Hurley Backpack and it works great. We use it for concerts when we get lawn seats. It’s big enough to hold a blanket, some water bottles, snacks, and our concert tees we always end up buying!” Hoping this might be an ideal size and style for your son to have for middle school! 🤞❤️
I always thought lands end had good quality backpacks but I was reading the reviews recently and it sounds like they’ve changed. Anyone have recent experience?