Backpacks should be durable—because nobody can stand a pack that only lasts a single semester—and should fit everything you need. But we all know it can be difficult to find a good one. We took a deep-dive into some of best-selling backpacks with the best reviews and highest ratings. Keep reading for the 10 best backpacks for back to school. As always, the prices listed may fluctuate over time.
10 Best Backpacks
Mini Prodigy Antimicrobial Backpack
In the midst of the coronavirus global pandemic, what’s better than an antimicrobial backpack?! The Mini Prodigy Antimicrobial Backpack is ethically made with responsible materials and outfitted with antimicrobial nylon fabric that is water-, odor- and mildew-resistant. Modeled after Dare to Roam’s best-selling Prodigy Backpack (made for adults), the Mini (made for kids) features a smaller silhouette perfect for smaller frames and also has a hidden tech compartment for your child’s devices, a gusseted front pocket for quick-access items and an elastic side-cinch pocket, as well. One DareToRoam.com reviewer wrote, “These backpacks are so cute! Bought them for my niece and nephew in the Militia and Pearl colorways—and they absolutely love their new backpacks for the new school year! The colorways are unique enough to stand out among the other kid backpacks in the universe.”
Buy at Dare to Roam for $72.
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Pack
Mountaintop Toddler Backpack
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Among Us Backpack
Rockland Rolling Backpack
It’s not officially back-to-school season if at least one kid isn’t rolling up to the front doors with a backpack on wheels! Backpacks like the Rockland Rolling Backpack will always be around—after all, books are heavy and can literally be a weight on students’ shoulders given their hefty workloads. This one with double-skate wheels, two zippered pockets and a built-in organizer takes the burden off so your kids don’t have back and neck problems down the road. One Walmart.com reviewer wrote, “My 7-year-old wanted this for school and loves it!”
Buy at Walmart for $26.94.
L.L. Bean Deluxe School Backpack
Never sacrifice style for function! The L.L. Bean Deluxe School Backpack is the ultimate rucksack for all your child’s back-to-school needs. It’s made of weather-proof polyester, features weatherproof storm flaps, two water bottle pockets and an internal file divider for keeping things organized inside. It’s also outfitted with heavy-duty zippers that won’t rip off when you give the slightest pull. (That has happened to us way too many times with other backpacks.)
Buy at Staples for $46.99.
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Campus Backpack
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Herschel is one of the top brands in the backpack biz and that’s because of its inexpensive prices, high-quality materials and clean aesthetic. The Herschel Heritage Backpack in dusty rose is totally timeless and can be worn all throughout middle and even high school. With a 4.5-star rating on Herschel.com and a functional design that works for students of all ages, it’s not hard to see why Herschel has a cult-like following. One Herschel.com reviewer wrote, “The one I got was a cute blush that goes with my school uniform nicely. It fits all my school books and supplies with no problem, and is super sturdy. The laptop pocket is also extremely useful and the front pocket comes with a nice key hook.”
Buy at Herschel for $64.99.
City Adventurer Backpack
Mom might just want to “borrow” this one—that’s how flippin’ cute it is! Made by one of the hottest brands right now, Lululemon—known for its ultracomfortable leggings and biker shorts—the City Adventurer Backpack comes in a fun camo pattern. Though it’s designed to be used for the gym and after-school activities, it works just great as a regular back-to-school backpack, too. It features water-repellent fabric, a quick-access phone pocket and an expandable pocket. One Lululemon.com reviewer wrote, “Definitely get this bag. So functional and practical for everyday use. Pockets on the inside help organize, as well!”
Buy at Lululemon for $98.
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