The Ultimate 2025 Backpack Roundup (for Every Budget!)

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. Our favorites from each brands are listed at the bottom.

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.

Quince is known for their great quality at better than compared to prices. We have been long fans of many of their items including these backpacks.

Urban Outfitters has some great and different options for teens and high schoolers.

H&M has some sweet choices. Especially for toddlers.

Children’s Place really stepped up their game with backpacks this season. There is a great sale going on now. Backpacks are priced in the $12-$28 range.

Walmart
They have a nice and affordable collection. We especially like the JUSTICE and EASTSPORT brands.

MAISONETTE
Fashionable – in all price ranges. They have the biggest selection of STATE bags in great colors and prints as well as the full collection of LIGHT + NINE bags. Both of these are long lasting qualit brands that will last a few years.

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.

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.

Lululemon
The most common question people have is “what backpack is for high school?” Lululemon bags are geared for adults – so all their options would definitely work.

Below you will find some additional finds.

Curious to know what bags are bestsellers this year? See Amazon’s best seller list here.

Herschel

Pop Quiz Backpack

We’re fans of the pop quiz from Herschel. We’re using one for the third year in a row and it looks perfect.

Light Plus Nine

Checked Backpack

We love this brand for its quality. It’s designed to last. So easy to clean and looks so cute. We’re also on year 3 with this one and it can be udpated with new NIMIX for a new look each year.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Girl's Backpack

On trend now. Works for boys and girls.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Boy's Backpack

State Bags

Kane Backpack

Great quality and a classic design.

Walmart

Ozark Trail Backpack

We love this style. It comes in more color options. This color is great for both boys and girls.

Target

Adaptive Backpacks

Target’s brand Cat  & Jack has a full collection of adorable adaptive backpacks.

Metallic Backpack

More colors available.

$35+

High Sierra

Some boys want a High Sierra, and a High Sierra only. Though they do come in pinks, purples, and other girly colors too, it’s really the ultimate rugged “boy” backpack that’ll take all the abuse and contains all the pockets that’ll hold all their stuff. 

$80

Fjallraven Backpack

These have been trending for the last few years. You can find these in lots of colors.

$9

Multicolor Backpack

Backpacks at this price point may not last, but it’s a great filler if you need something temporarily.

Calpak Medium Backpack

with an interior AirTag holder!

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17 responses to “The Ultimate 2025 Backpack Roundup (for Every Budget!)”

  1. MS Avatar
    MS

    For the little ones, Walgreens has backpacks for $3!! Lasted all year!

  2. Shulamis Weil Avatar

    I bought the Amazon Basics last year for my 6th grade daughter. It’s in perfect condition!!!

  3. TL Avatar
    TL

    For Toddlers I love the Skip Hop ones. They’re adorable and usually lasted for 2 years

  4. S Avatar
    S

    Lesportsac makes beautiful ones priced like Kipling they last for years

  5. Aviva Avatar
    Aviva

    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…

  6. Toby Avatar
    Toby

    sierra.com has kipling seoul backpacks for 49.99

    1. Adina Avatar
      Adina

      I’m legit ASTONISHED that I didn’t see L.L. Bean listed here!! They literally last for DECADES, and they stand behind their products! They’re the OG of quality. My childhood backpack is 30+ years old and still looks like new- even after being washed for pesach each year. A nice plus is that they’re more on the affordable side- and are still amaaazing quality.

      I hope you add to your list, BCP 🙂

  7. RL Avatar
    RL

    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.

  8. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    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.

    1. Rachael Avatar
      Rachael

      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.

  9. Amy Jacobs Avatar
    Amy Jacobs

    This is my new favorite backpack from Amazon – the Falanko Laptop Backpack
    It’s huge. It’s a flat bottom, wide top bag that is as good for school as it is for travel.

    https://amzn.to/47vbwKx

  10. Corfeldman Avatar
    Corfeldman

    Great post! Thank you! We have also liked the backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids. They also come with lunch bags that clip on to the outside of the backpack and can be monogrammed with name or initials too.

  11. Bianca Avatar
    Bianca

    I bought this one for my son. I suppose it is the best choice I’ve ever made.

  12. Golda Efrat Fowler Avatar
    Golda Efrat Fowler

    I’m shocked you didn’t include LL Bean backpacks! They last forever, really. I saw you did include Land’s End. That brand is really just knock-off off LL Bean. Please put LL Bean into your rotation. They are the original camping gear store, and these days they do so much more!

  13. Nechama Avatar
    Nechama

    Love the Herschel! How often do you recommend washing if I want it too last for 2 years?

  14. Chani Avatar
    Chani

    Thank you! Sprayground is very popular too and I was wondering if there is a place to find them cheaper?

  15. NH Avatar
    NH

    Marshalls has a very big selection now

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