Kids' Backpacks

How do you choose a kids’ backpack that fits their needs?

Choosing a kids’ backpack is not something to leave to chance. Whether it is a small bag for preschool or a roomier style for elementary school, several things need to be considered to combine comfort, function and good looks. Here are the key criteria for finding the ideal bag, perfectly suited to each child’s build and activities.

1. A backpack that fits the child’s age and size

A children’s backpack should be in proportion to the child’s size. For toddlers at daycare or preschool, a light mini bag with adjustable straps is recommended. Elementary school kids will need a bigger bag that can hold A4 (letter-size) notebooks, a pencil case and a water bottle. See our backpacks for school, then our backpacks for middle schoolers for older kids. The child’s back has to be protected, as a bag that is too big can distribute the weight poorly.

2. Choosing the right capacity

The bag’s capacity depends on the child’s age and what it is used for. A bag of 6 to 10 liters is enough for preschool. In elementary school, a volume of 10 to 20 liters holds the school supplies without weighing down the back. For outings or sports, a roomier backpack can be considered.

3. Carrying comfort

Comfort is essential every day. The bag should have padded straps, a padded back and, ideally, a chest strap to keep it steady on the shoulders. These features prevent aches and support good posture, even when the bag is full.

4. A controlled empty weight

A good backpack for kids has to be light. For the youngest, a bag weighing under 500 g (1.1 lb) is ideal. In elementary school, staying under 800 g (1.8 lb) means the essentials can be carried without overloading the child’s spine.

5. Strong, waterproof materials

The choice of materials affects durability. Polyester and nylon are recommended for their water resistance and strength. A reinforced bottom, strong seams and quality zippers give the bag a long life, even with heavy use.

6. A design the child loves

Kids are drawn to patterns and colors. A pretty bag with their favorite hero will make them want to use it. A cute, personalized backpack is often better accepted than a style that is too plain.

7. Well-thought-out organization

A good school bag should have a large main compartment, a zippered front pocket for small items and side pockets for a water bottle or tissues. A name label inside is a plus to keep it from getting lost.

8. A use suited to everyday life

Every child has different needs, whether for daycare, school, sports or vacations. There are all-purpose backpacks and more specialized ones such as the rolling bag or the travel backpack for kids. Choosing based on the main use ensures practicality and satisfaction.

What our 48 kids’ backpacks offer, from age 1 to the teen years

The 48 styles run from daycare to middle school. Twenty-five are preschool styles, most of them for ages 4 to 6 according to their pages, and the youngest start at age 1 with our excavator toddler backpack. Four 360 g (12.7 oz) styles (a truck backpack for kids, a dinosaur backpack for kids, a lion backpack for kids and a bunny backpack with a strawberry pouch) are described for ages 7 to 13, and four larger backpacks are described for teens too, such as our rolling backpack for teens.

On weight, the lightest is our small dinosaur backpack at 100 g (3.5 oz), ten styles weigh 180 g (6.3 oz) and thirteen weigh 360 g (12.7 oz), all under the 500 g (1.1 lb) given above. Among the larger styles, several state a capacity of 20 to 35 liters and one of under 20 liters, and seven have room for a laptop, up to 15.6 inches.

Eight 3D designs have a chest strap and a breathable back, including our astronaut toddler backpack. Several have a side pocket for a water bottle. Two come with a strap to keep a toddler close on walks, a safety leash on our 3D dog backpack for kids and another on our washable dinosaur backpack, which is the only machine-washable style.

Eleven describe their fabric as waterproof, and five as water-resistant or water-repellent. Seven roll on wheels with a telescoping handle. Six of them come in 2-wheel and 6-wheel versions, and four have detachable wheels. One rolling style, our lightweight rolling backpack, has 360° reflective strips, and two, our boys gaming rolling backpack and our boys’ rolling backpack, come with a matching lunch bag and a pencil case, optional on one of them. Characters include Hello Kitty, on our kawaii laptop backpack for girls, and Cinnamoroll, on our kawaii school backpack, and two backpacks have a USB charging port, among them our cat print backpack.

A well-chosen kids’ backpack for a stress-free back to school

A well-designed, comfortable and durable kids’ backpack goes with little ones every day while protecting their health. With colorful styles, smart features and suitable shapes to choose from, there is bound to be a bag that reflects them, ready for every adventure at school and beyond.

And if you are looking for a backpack specifically for preschool, check out our collection of preschool backpacks. To choose by style, also browse our girls’ backpacks and boys’ backpacks.