Best Kids Backpacks for School of 2025

Dakine brings its action-sports heritage to the schoolyard with the Grom. This is not just a shrunk-down adult bag; it is built specifically for kid proportions. With a 13-liter capacity, it is the perfect size for younger elementary students who need to carry a folder, a snack, and a light jacket.

The backpack features reflective details and a safety whistle on the sternum strap, which adds peace of mind for parents. The external bungee storage is great for stashing a hoodie quickly. It comes in seven fun designs and includes a limited lifetime warranty, making it a reliable investment for the school year.

If your child has practice directly after school, the Adidas Prime 6 is a powerhouse. It is spacious enough to hold textbooks, a laptop, and gym gear without feeling cluttered. The design is sleek and sporty, fitting right in with the athletic crowd.

This bag features five external pockets for ultimate organization. The LoadSpring shoulder straps are a standout feature, designed to absorb shock and ease the strain on your child’s back. With a wipe-able material for easy spot cleaning and a lifetime warranty, this bag handles the active lifestyle of a busy student.

For the kid who loves an army-surplus aesthetic, this Mochila backpack hits the mark. It combines a rugged military look with the functionality needed for a modern classroom.

Security is a priority here. The main compartment closes with a drawstring and is covered by a flap with magnetic snaps, deterring quick theft. Constructed from Oxford waterproof fabric, it withstands rain and spills. Whether your child is heading to math class or a weekend scouting trip, this bag keeps gear dry and organized.

Herschel is the go-to brand for style-conscious students. The Pop Quiz model balances that signature vintage look with modern organization. It is ideal for older kids who need a bag that looks good but works hard.

Inside, you will find a padded, fleece-lined sleeve for a 15-inch laptop and a dedicated pocket for sunglasses. The waterproof front zipper protects smaller essentials like keys or a phone. While it is an investment, the heavy-duty fabric and timeless design mean your child won’t be begging for a new bag next semester.

Does your child transition from the classroom to the hiking trail? The Mountaintop backpack is a true hybrid. It offers the technical features of a hiking pack sized down for a school-aged child.

This bag excels in ergonomics. It features thick padded straps and a breathable mesh back panel to prevent sweaty shirts. The wet/dry separation pocket is a lifesaver for gym clothes or swim gear. With durable water-resistant fabric and a name tag label included, it is ready for any adventure your kid dreams up.

Textbooks are heavy, and back pain is real. The Kipling Sanaa solves this by giving kids a choice: roll it or carry it. This is the ultimate solution for students with heavy loads or long walks to school.

The crinkle nylon is water-resistant and incredibly tough. When rolling, the telescopic handle locks firmly in place. When carrying, the padded straps are comfortable, and a flap covers the wheels so they don’t dirty your child’s clothes. It is an investment in your child’s spinal health.

The Herschel Retreat is for the student who wants a cleaner, more mature look. It ditches the standard zippers for a cylindrical cinch-top design inspired by classic mountaineering gear.

This bag simplifies packing. The large main compartment holds everything from gym shoes to history books. A padded, fleece-lined sleeve floats inside to protect a 15-inch laptop from impact. The magnetic strap closures give you that retro buckle look without the hassle of actually unbuckling them every time.

For the tech-savvy student riding public transit, the Oscaurt Anti-theft backpack is a fortress. It is designed specifically to protect expensive gadgets from pickpockets and accidents.

The main zipper is hidden against the back, making it impossible to open while wearing. It also features cut-proof fabric and a built-in USB charging port, so their phone never dies on the way home. The minimalist design looks futuristic, while the functionality keeps parents relaxed about the safety of tablets and laptops.

You probably had a JanSport growing up, and there is a reason they are still around. The SuperBreak is the definition of reliable. It is lightweight, straightforward, and virtually indestructible.

Made from 600 Denier polyester, this bag laughs at abrasion. It features one large main compartment and a front utility pocket with an organizer. While it lacks fancy tech sleeves, its simplicity is its strength. Plus, JanSport’s legendary lifetime warranty means if a zipper breaks in five years, they fix it.

The North Face builds gear for expeditions, and the Court Jester brings that ruggedness to the playground. This 24-liter pack is sized for youth but constructed like an adult hiking bag.

It features a front bungee system that is perfect for shoving in a jacket or lunchbox on the fly. The back panel is padded specifically for comfort, and the bag stands up on its own for easy loading. With recycled polyester and water-repellent finish, it handles rain and mud without issue.

Fjallraven is famous for its boxy Kanken bags, but the High Coast Trail 20 offers superior ergonomics for active kids. Named after Sweden’s rugged coast, this bag is lightweight and versatile.

The G-1000 Eco fabric is a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton, making it incredibly durable and weather-resistant. It includes a security pocket with a key clip and an integrated whistle on the chest strap. The breathable mesh back panel is a major upgrade over standard canvas bags, keeping your child cool during active play.

Sometimes, branding wins. If your child wants that classic “Swoosh,” the Nike Brasilia Mini is a solid choice. It is scaled down for smaller frames but does not skimp on features.

This is a “mini” backpack, making it ideal for preschool through early elementary. It holds a lunchbox and a change of clothes easily. The padded shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable, and the side mesh pockets fit standard water bottles. It is simple, stylish, and gets the job done for lighter days.

If you need a bag right now and don’t want to spend a fortune, the AmazonBasics Classic is the answer. It is a no-frills, functional backpack that works perfectly as a backup or a primary bag for light use.

Despite the low price, it includes a laptop sleeve and two side water bottle pockets. The design is lightweight, which is great for smaller kids. While it won’t last a decade like a JanSport, it offers incredible value for the money and comes in a variety of solid colors.