School bags take a ton of abuse every day, so when you’re shopping for the best back-to-school backpacks to kick off your kid’s new semester, look for something that suits their style and your wallet. You’ll also want to make sure it’s built to last, feels comfortable even when crammed full of books and won’t rip when they inevitably stuff it too full. Bonus points, if cleaning it is a snap.
Below, you’ll find our favorite backpacks for the 2024–2025 school year for little children, elementary school-aged kids, teens and college-aged students. When you’re done shopping for something to hold all their stuff, see more excellent back-to-school deals at RetailMeNot.
— Editors’ Pick —
Best Minimalistic Backpack
A lot of older kids are more inclined to choose a simple, basic backpack either as an effort to not stand out too much, avoid clashing with outfits or embrace a minimalist aesthetic. Whatever the reason for a simplistic choice, this backpack from UNIQLO has everything a student needs in a quality bag. It features cushioned straps for comfy carrying, water water-repellent finish for rainy days, a laptop sleeve and tabs on the zippers for quick and easy fastening. Grab this backpack a middle school, high school or college student and be sure to check out all of UNIQLO’s back-to-school fashions while you’re at it! The brand carries stylish, affordable essentials that are ideal for building a back-to-school wardrobe. Gearing up to learn while staying on trend is super easy with UNIQLO.
Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 11.6″ W x 6.2” D
Price: $49.90 at UNIQLO
Best Backpacks for Pre-K and Elementary School Students
Skip Hop Zoo Mini Backpack
Skip Hop has been making quality bags for nearly 20 years, starting with their beloved diaper bags everyone and their mother (haha) had. Then the company segued into kid-friendly bags adorned with cute animals like koalas and unicorns that you’ll see on the shoulders of half the pre-schoolers in town. This backpack is super simple, with a main compartment, a small side pocket, a handle for hanging, and is best for kids about 3 to 3.5 feet tall.
Dimensions: 9″ H x 3¼” W x 7½” L
Price: $19.99 at Target
Naturally KIDS Dinosaur Backpack
This is such a unique style for a school backpack — instead of a pattern on their bag, there’s an actual stuffed dino on the front to keep them company. The animal can be removed from the bag for snuggling during quiet time, and then easily reattached so it won’t get lost. Other nice touches: a reflective patch, adjustable straps, useful pockets and an attractive fabric design.
Dimensions: 10” H × 8” W × 3” D
Price: $29.97 at Amazon
Lands’ End Kids ClassMate Small Backpack
This little kid backpack is nice and lightweight, but have no fear — it’s seriously sturdy, crafted with a reinforced handle, chest straps for weight balancing, reflective trim for safety and more parent-pleasing details. Plus, it’s available in eight different patterns and best of all, it’s machine washable.
Dimensions: 16” H x 11½” W x 6” D
Price: $23.97, $39.95 at Land’s End
Adidas Linear Mini Backpack
A mini backpack on an adult is the perfect size for a little kid more into being your mini-me. Take this sporty little Adidas backpack, for example! This tiny tote has a main, front and side pocket and adjustable shoulder straps, in a cool jersey gray shade, though it’s also available in a bunch of other fun colors.
Dimensions: 4¼” H x 8½” W x 10½” D
Price: $24.75 at Amazon
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
The brand brags their bag is “practically indestructible,” making it ideal for kids whose backpacks get tossed, squished, stuffed and stepped on. This bag is made with a machine-washable, waterproof fabric and features a reinforced bottom, waist belt, padded and ergonomically curved straps, reflective trim, interior tech pocket with a built-in cord port and two water bottle pockets, and comes in nine different shades. No surprise, then, that the comments section is full of people talking about how their L.L. Bean backpack lasted for decades.
Dimensions: 17” H x 13” W x 9½” D
Price: $54.95 at L.L. Bean
J World Sunrise 18” Rolling Backpack
Backpacks can weigh kids down, making a long day feel even longer. If their school is okay with a rolling backpack, this roomy one from J World is excellent for holding all their books, notebooks, and electronics; gym/dance/cheer/chess gear; and it’s even a perfect size for their next slumber party or sleepover at grandma’s house.
Dimensions: 18” H x 13” W x 9” D
Price: $59.99 at Target
Best Backpacks for High School & College Students
JanSport Big Student Backpack
Well made, reasonably priced and available in an impressive range of patterns and colors, the classic JanSport backpack offers the same high-quality design since the brand started crafting school bags back in 1967, but with some modern-day upgrades. The Big Student Backpack features a dedicated padded laptop compartment to keep your child’s computer safe from damage. Added pluses: a padded back panel, zippered compartments and a water bottle holder.
Dimensions: 9” H x 3¼ ” W x 7½” L
Price: $41.24, $55 at Kohl’s
The North Face Jester Backpack
An excellent all-around backpack with design touches like a padded back panel, breathable lumbar panel and padded straps so even if it’s loaded up with their whole lives, it still feels comfortable and balanced on their back. There’s a front compartment, a padded 15” laptop sleeve, two external pockets, and a front bungee for even more added storage, like for a jacket. It’s slightly smaller than North Face’s cult favorite Borealis Backpack, which is another highly rated, excellent buy.
Dimensions: 11” x 8.25” x 18.13”
Price: $75 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Fjällräven Kanken Classic Backpack
Still a popular pick for students who love a retro feel over other more high-tech modern bags, Fjällräven backpacks are just so fun and come in tons of awesome solid shades.
Dimensions: 14.9” H x 10.6” W x 5.1” D
Price: $58.98 at Amazon
UGRACE Vintage Laptop Backpack
The mix of old-school vintage elegance with modern extras works so well on this bag. The touches that make it perfect for busy students include the built-in USB charging port and built-in charging cable (so they can charge their phones while they’re on the go) and six different compartments (including a sleeve that holds a laptop up to 15 inches). Comes in five versatile, stylish colors.
Dimensions: 17.2” H x 5.4” W x 11.6” L
Price: Starting at $25.99 at Amazon
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
This one’s ideal for an athlete, a student who dashes from classes to work, a traveler and anyone else who wants a sturdy, budget-friendly backpack made from waterproof polyester that can handle planes, trains and automobiles. Yes to all the must-haves, like room for all your gear, including a computer, multiple pockets to keep essentials well-organized, an anti-theft RFID blocking pocket to protect credit cards and I.D., a charger port and a built-in lock to deter pickpockets. This popular bag has over 44,000 ratings on Amazon and an impressive overall 4.6 out of 5 star rating.
Dimensions: 19.29” H x 11.8” W x 5.43” D
Price: $29.95 at Amazon
lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L
Roomy enough for sports gear or an overnight trip, this is an excellent buy for a college student with a busy schedule who is always on the go. There are convenient pockets, both inside and out, padded space for a laptop, and even adjustable exterior straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat, and it’s attractive and professional enough for a job or internship.
Dimensions: 20.1″ H x 14.2″ W x 6.1″ D
Price: $158 at Lululemon
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