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

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?

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.