From the steals to the latest trends…from “super cute” to “last forever”…we’ve got the backpack for every kid.
Editor’s Note: We’ve updated our top backpacks list with this year’s styles and trends.
If there’s one thing that’s worth a little more investment for quality, it’s a backpack (nothing worse than a strap breaking while your child is carrying that heavy load).
Quality backpacks are studier and wash well, and those things are a necessity considering how much they’re used. But…quality comes at many different price points, from the highly recommended Lands End to the trendy Kipling. Those and lots in between will last more than one year and pay themselves back with time.
Note: There’s different trends in different places! If your child is in a school where there are no backpack trends, take your pick from lots of great options below. If there is a trend, it’s worthwhile to look for the backpack your child will feel good about carrying.
Note: Check the backpack sizes! Once your child is in first grade, you need to make sure the bag fits a folder and looseleaf well (this is also relevant in primary or Pre-1A/Kindergarten). The interior needs to measure 14 inches tall for the folder to fit well inside. For second grade and above, it’s best to choose a backpack that’s at least 15 inches tall. Keep in mind that some bags won’t wash well and light colored bags won’t last as long as dark colors.
Super Steals for $10 and Under Be wary—bags at this price point usually tear. We’ve heard stories of people who were busy sewing straps all year. For kids that carry only one or two things (usually preschool), it may make sense, but for school age children, don’t count on them to last. They are great as a temporary option or to buy some time if you’re waiting for a specific one to arrive.
Five Below – home of the $5 backpack
Five Below might have the ultimate backpack deal, but you may need a few to get you through the year. For the entire Five Below selection, click here.
Ali Express, $13+
There are some really cute and good quality bags on Aliexpress. Just make sure to order early enough as shipping can take some time!
Here are direct links to the options shown above (clockwise) : 1.Colored / Swirl backpack (more cute colors here) 2.Blue Canvas Backpack 3. Space Backpack (lots of prints) 4.Denim Backpack 5.Printed Backpack 6.Colorblock Backpack 7.Black Backpack (more colors)
Urban Outfitters has some great and different options.
H&M has some sweet choices.
Walmart
They have a nice and affordable collection. We especially like the JUSTICE and EASTSPORT brands.
asos has a nice selection of backpacks.
MAISONETTE
Fashionable – in all price ranges. They have the biggest selection of STATE bags in great colors and prints.
kipling
Ah, yes, kipling… the backpacks that never go out of style and always make you smile (it’s the monkey that does it). Note that Kipling small backpacks do not fit a folder comfortably. The medium backpacks will work for a wide age range of elementary-aged children and the 17-inch holds a laptop.
Move over Kipling…Herschel Backpacks are the new “it” bags (and ssshhh….they’re less costly too!). The Grove is the starter backpack for smaller school age kids, but if your child is old enough to want a Herschel, then you’re probably ready for the mid-sized styles like the Classic Mid-Volume Multipurpose Bag that’s also available in these styles. If you need an extra big backpack (high school? Carry a laptop?), the Settlement Backpack is your pick at the same price point. This “Pop Quiz” style also holds a laptop.
LANDS’ END
$23-$39 with discount plus personalization
Lands End backpacks are a fav. They’re known for making backpacks that are indestructible with a lifetime guarantee. The monograms, personalization options, and embroidery is super cute too, and it’s really fun to make one your own. There’s usually a coupon available (currently 40% off), so use it! If you like the personalization options, but none of the styles click for you, try Pottery Barn Kids. They’ll also personalize cute backpacks at a similar price point.
ADIDAS
The bag of choice for boys.
Below you will find some additional Amazon favorites.
Curious to know what bags are bestsellers this year? See Amazon’s best seller list here.
Great roundup! We’ve got old navy & lands end bags going on year 3. They’re in excellent condition, and they’re boys so they’re not asking for a new style. The kiplings I imagine hold up too, but we’re on our second one (girls, enough said) and ready for its second year. I remember having mine as a teen for years.
This is fantastic! Just got my boys the ones from landsend($19 on sale) but will direct anyone I know in need of a backpack here! FYI there is no link by the old navy boys option…
Lands end, hands down. With the kiplings, you definitely get your monies worth, my daughter has it 2 years and counting, after inheriting it from her aunt who had it all of high school!
I bought my boys a Sierra backpack at Costco for under $20.
I bought old navy backpacks for my boys 3 years ago. They used it all year in school, and on the airplane when we travelled to Israel. Still in prefect condition!!
My son’s old navy backpack has also held up for 2 years so far!
I’m replacing my sons landend backpack after one year. The bottom of the backpack got so thin, I feel like it will rip any day! My daughters Kipling is going strong!
I got my boys great adidas backpacks in marshalls for around $20
The Kipling seoul large packbag is on sale at Kipling . With the 20% discount it’s 64$, free shipping and free monogramming. You can monogram up to four diff styles to really customize the bag. It’s more expensive than others but Kipling bags can last for a couple of years! If your child is ok with using the same backpack , it’s a great deal –
The children’s place ones are really cheap too and they always last all my kids the whole year! I would use them a second year but with being so cheap my kids might as well have a new knapsack for the new school year:)
For the little ones, Walgreens has backpacks for $3!! Lasted all year!
FYI, I ordered the Old Navy ones shown in your post and was quite surprised at how cheap and flimsy they felt. I’ve order Old Navy backpacks for years and this is the first time I am unhappy with the quality. Definitely doesn’t feel like it will even last the year.
I bought the Amazon Basics last year for my 6th grade daughter. It’s in perfect condition!!!
What about Jansport? That’s our fave!
I like the last herschel backpack pictured in yourpost but I don’t see a link for it. Can you please add it? Thank you fire a great roundup!
This post is great, but about 3 weeks too late!! School already started and boy could we have used this post last month when my daughter was going crazy trying to find a new backpack.
School started? Our content is always based on the Tri State schedule. In the future you can always check past posts. This backpack post is similar year to year.
Just ordered! Tysm!
Can’t really get it online but I got stunning “leather” pack packs from primark for $12-$15 . Got a pink mini for my 2 year old and a pink full sized for my kindergarten girl!! Got them monogrammed and they look like a million bucks!!!
Anyone got the roots backpack from Costco? It’s pricey but looks sturdy! Anyone have experience with it? They have a matching lunch box that goes with it.
We used the roots like, all our lives. Inside the luchbox, there are plastic lunch containers. (Just need to be brought to the dish mikva)
They are really great schoolbags. Lasted all of elementary – don’t use them roughly though- a zipper once broke off…
Any smaller size backpacks for toddlers to take to playgroup at an affordable price?
Target has adorable ones. Zara, walmart… just get a toddler one or “mini” backpack.
Ty!!I just ordered the amazon one.
For Toddlers I love the Skip Hop ones. They’re adorable and usually lasted for 2 years
Lesportsac makes beautiful ones priced like Kipling they last for years
My daughter chose a backpack from 5 below before the school year. But per your warning on this post that it maybe “5 below quality” I got two – paid shipping once- and put the second one away. (The two bags plus shipping were still more cost effective than other options) Today, in Mid February, the zipper broke on the first bag. Thanks to you we had an identical spare and swapped it out right away. Thanks so much!!
sierra.com has kipling seoul backpacks for 49.99
What about the State backpacks? Those are the ones trending around here? Pricey but I’d love to see a thorough review of those
What’s a good bag for a girl starting high school ? Thanks
Hi
Is this updated for 2021?
Landsend is having a sale on backpacks today
Just a shout out for LL Bean backpacks if you’re looking for something super sturdy- I believe they have a lifetime guarantee, can be customized and are virtually indestructible in all kinds of fun patterns and colors.
Don’t forget about Ross! That’s where my kids get their backpacks and they can choose the character they like best. Our backpacks from last year held up fine all year and at around $10-15 a pop, we just got new ones for the upcoming school year. Ross also has name brands like adidas for older kids.
I should mention the ones we get come with a matching lunch box and I’ve seen the exact same ones at target for 2-3x the price.
Thank you Rachael I will check it out!