This post contains sponsored inclusions of Staples and Parker Kids, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
The Best Backpacks for Kids They’ll Actually Love Carrying
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Shopping for the best backpack for kids is one of my favorite back-to-school traditions. Every year, my son and I head to the store to pick out a new school backpack, and it’s become one of our favorite parts of getting ready for the first day of school. This year, with so many trends coming and going, I find myself wondering: what is the best backpack for kids in 2026?
In my experience, backpacks are kids’ favorite product to shop for. It’s an opportunity to express themselves. Preschoolers always opt for a character backpack, while older kids choose something a little more mature, like a sports, durable backpack or a fun, colorful one that fits their essentials.
Whether you’re looking for the coolest character or something classic, there’s a backpack out there for your kid. So let the back-to-school shopping begin, and check out the best backpacks for kids of all ages below. They’re both cute and functional! And since many schools throughout the country now require kids to carry clear backpacks, we included those in our roundup, too.
Although it seems like summer just started, The Everymom editors are already hard at work prepping for back-to-school season. We evaluated dozens of backpacks from trusted brands, considering durability, weight, comfort, storage, organization, ease of cleaning, customer reviews, and real-life testing from our editors. Because our team includes moms with kids ranging from preschool through middle school, we also considered how backpacks perform for different ages and school requirements.
What to look for when buying a kids backpack
Finding the best backpack for kids is about more than choosing a fun print or favorite character (though, admittedly, that’s the fun part!) The right school backpack should fit your child’s age and size, comfortably hold all of their daily essentials, and be durable enough to last the entire school year. Before you shop, keep these features in mind:
Choose the right size. Preschoolers and kindergarteners typically need a smaller backpack (around 12–15 inches), while elementary school students often need a larger backpack that can fit folders, laptops, lunch boxes, and water bottles.
Prioritize comfort. Look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel to help distribute weight evenly. If your child carries heavier books, a chest strap can provide extra support.
Look for plenty of storage. Multiple compartments help keep school supplies organized, while exterior water bottle pockets make it easy for kids to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pick durable, easy-to-clean materials. Water-resistant fabrics, reinforced stitching, and sturdy zippers can help a backpack withstand daily wear and tear. Bonus points if it can be wiped clean after inevitable spills and playground adventures.
Consider your child’s personality. Whether they love colorful characters, sports-inspired styles, classic designs, or personalized details, choosing a backpack they’re excited to carry can make heading back to school even more fun.
Check your school’s requirements. Some schools require clear backpacks or have size restrictions, so it’s worth reviewing any guidelines before making your purchase.
A well-made backpack can last for years, but even if your child loves picking out a new one each fall, investing in a comfortable, high-quality option will help keep them organized and ready for everything the school year brings.
Preschool Backpacks
Preschool backpacks are smaller-sized for smaller frames. They should be able to fit a water bottle, a change of clothes, and other small items. Note that most might be too small to fit a standard folder, so shop the elementary-sized options if you need extra space.
This backpack from an editor-favorite brand has plenty of pockets for school. It includes a padded tablet sleeve, large, zip-closure front pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves on the sides.
If you want to ditch the patterns and opt for solid colors instead, this one’s your best bet. It’s designed with a safety reflective strip, durable zippers, and multiple storage compartments.
For your Spiderman obsessed little one, this personalized backpack is one they’ll wear proudly for the coming school year—especially with the new movie coming out!
To infinity and beyond! If your kiddo is still talking about Toy Story 5 (honestly, same), then this Buzz Lightyear backpack should be your next back to school purchase. It’s roomy and super comfortable to wear.
If your little one loves all-things Disney, this oh-so-cute backpack features Disney’s best, including Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Chewbacca, Stitch, and more.
Pottery Barn Kids’ durable and functional Mackenzie backpack comes in many adorable patterns and all options can be personalized. It also comes in multiple sizes to fit kids of all ages.
This water-resistant backpack is made completely of recycled materials, meaning it’s both eco-conscious and adorable. With a spot for personalization, it will be perfect for the new school year.
The Quince recycled backpack is fun and functional, with a large padded compartment and adjustable straps. Whether your kiddo is off to sports practice or a normal day at school, this will fit everything they need.
Prints (those ice cream shorts are now a backpack!), metallics, shearling, and more are all trending this year. Trends do come and go, and I love how some of these so-called “trendy” backpacks are actually quite classic.
This customizable 3-piece set has everything your kid needs for the school year, with a coordinating backpack, lunchbox, and pencil case. The bundle includes 7 choose-your-own patches so they can personalize each piece. You can also shop the backpacks individually on their site.
5+ colors, 2 styles, and 50+ patches to choose from
Available in a plethora of colors and patterns, this kids’ backpack will fit a 14-inch laptop in the main compartment and a water bottle in the side pockets.
This is a sleek and modern backpack made with water-repellent fabric (perfect for those rainy day walks to school) that’s big enough to hold a tablet or 16-inch laptop.
Intended for 3 to 7-year-olds, this is a classically-designed bag that provides comfort with its padded shoulder straps and easy-to-clean fabric. Plus, it includes a limited lifetime warranty.
With a padded laptop sleeve, a front zippered pocket, a water bottle pocket, and padded adjustable shoulder straps, this adorable unicorn backpack is the next thing to add to your back to school essential list.
A true classic, the JanSport Cross Town backpack is the perfect size to hold anything and everything this school year. Features include a large main compartment, padded shoulder straps and back panel, and a laptop pocket.
This 2-in-1 backpack and lunch box provides all the storage of a great book bag combined with the convenience of an insulated pocket for their Bentgo lunch box. Plus, it’s lightweight, durable, and has lots of roomy compartments.
This stylishly sweet Hello Kitty backpack has a padded back and shoulder straps, and even a trolley sleeve for luggage, making it multifunctional. The nylon material makes it water resistant and the interior is spacious enough for all your kid’s supplies and tech.
If your LO is already obsessed with Bluey, this 5-piece backpack set is an easy way to get them excited for their first day. It comes with a backpack, lunch box, pencil case, and water bottle, so you can check off multiple items on your packing list in just one purchase.
Perfect for the little princess in your life, this Mackenzie backpack design features some of the beloved classic Disney princesses. Add in its matching lunch box and water bottle to complete the set!
If your kid is anything like me, Jessie is their favorite Toy Story character, and they should have a backpack that proves it! It’s spacious, comfortable, and oh-so-cute.
This is an officially licensed Pokemon product your kiddo won’t want to go without this school year. It’s also easily wiped clean for any unexpected messes that come home from school.
Even if your kid isn’t super into sports, these sporty backpacks are a great investment. They can grow with your child from early elementary to high school.
Have a soccer star starting school this year? With its water-resistant exterior, multiple straps, clips, and side pockets, your little sports star will be set for whatever gets thrown their way.
From sports equipment to notebooks, this backpack can hold everything for school and a big game day. It has a two mesh side water bottle pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a roomy main compartment.
Another simple and classic choice for those who need something stylish and adaptable. Whether they’ve got to carry around a heavy laptop and books or a change of clothes for practice, this bag will fit it all.
The front bungee system on this backpack offers quick access for extra gear, warmups, or whatever else your active kiddo may need at a moment’s notice.
Tweens and teens will love the sleek, modern appeal of this backpack, while parents will love just how flexible and roomy it is! Perfect for school, sports, and everything in between.
In today’s world, many schools throughout the country are requiring kids to carry clear backpacks. From a safety perspective, it makes sense. And, luckily, kids don’t have to sacrifice style and trends with these options.
An adorable backpack for any kid heading off to school. You won’t forget a single school item with this multicolored, clear school bag that has multiple roomy pockets and a place for a water bottle.
If your child is in need of a clear backpack, look no further with JanSport’s classic version. It’s easy to clean and includes a two-year limited warranty.
Clear backpacks can be a little plain, but this transparent school bag is covered in print your gaming-obsessed kiddo will love! It also includes a pencil pouch and lunch bag.
Not only is this backpack an adorable choice for the school day, but it meets stadium regulations, meaning it can come along to concerts and events for older kids and teens.
What is the best backpack for kindergarten in 2026?
The best kindergarten backpack balances size, comfort, and a fun design. Look for adjustable straps and a lightweight design under 15-inches tall.
What is the best size backpack for a child to carry for school?
For preschoolers, we would recommend starting with 12 to 15-inch backpacks. Elementary-aged kids often need 16 to 18-inch options to hold homework folders, lunch boxes, and water bottles.
What is the most durable kids’ backpack for 2026?
Brands like Parker Baby, Pottery Barn Kids, State Bags, and L.L. Bean continue to lead in durability and fun styles, with high-quality zippers and water-resistant materials.
Are personalized backpacks still popular in 2026?
Yes! Moms and kids love personalized and monogrammed backpacks. Customizing a backpack together is a great way to get a little one involved and excited for the first day of school.
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
This post contains sponsored inclusions of Staples and Parker Kids, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
Products included in graphics linked within the article.
