Gearing up for a new school year? These are the best kids backpacks for all ages, trends, & budgets! 😉

Before back-to-school shopping, check out our list of the best kids backpacks. Many are team-tested, on sale, or offer free shipping, ensuring you get a durable, trendy, and high-quality bag at the best price.

Here are our top picks for the best kids backpacks of 2025:

1. The North Face makes one of the most durable kids’ backpacks.

It’s no surprise that The North Face Jester Backpack tops our list as one of the best kids’ backpacks to use over a long period of time. It might be more of an investment upfront, but this bag’s durability, style, and functionality will save you money in the long run!

It features two water bottle pockets, a front bungee for bulky items (like jackets), an inner divider sleeve, an internal name tag, spacious zippered compartments, and a sternum strap for added support.

2. Walmart’s Wonder Nation backpacks are the best budget backpacks for kids at just $5.

For an unbeatable value, the Wonder Nation Backpacks at Walmart are just $5—making them a budget-friendly choice for back-to-school. Despite their low price, these backpacks are designed with kids in mind, offering a roomy main compartment for books and folders. Plus, a front zipper pocket to keep supplies organized.

With a variety of fun patterns and colors to choose from, kids can pick a style that fits their personality without breaking the bank. Even better, at this price, you can even grab an extra as a backup or for after-school activities!

*Keep in mind that some reviewers don’t recommend this bag for students with heavier loads.

3. We love these personalized Pottery Barn backpacks.

There are personalized backpacks, and then there are Pottery Barn personalized backpacks for kids. I mean, who hasn’t oohed and ahhed over them? 😍 They have a HUGE assortment of Disney, sports-themed, Mickey, princess, whimsical prints, and more! Plus, the option to add matching accessories. We’re talking lunch boxes, water bottles, food canisters, and so much more.

Plus, they vary in size from mini to extra-large, so there’s a perfect size for your preschooler up to your preteen. Best of all, you can personalize these kids’ backpacks with a beautiful embroidered name or monogram to make their school adventures feel even more special. ❤️

4. Skip Hop’s character bags are the best preschool backpacks.

If you’re looking for the most darling toddler backpack, these Skip Hop Zoo backpacks are it! The zippered compartment is large enough to hold your preschooler’s essentials, and there is also a water bottle pocket. Plus, toddlers can show off their unique personalities with so many adorable animal characters to choose from!

Shop all Skip Hop backpacks and coordinating accessories on Amazon!

5. This backpack is waterproof and has an extra compartment for a change of clothes, making it an ideal choice for athletes.

The Gymshark Sleek Backpack is a top pick for student athletes who need a bag that works just as hard as they do! It’s loaded with pockets, including a roomy main compartment for books or gear, a padded laptop sleeve, and a front zip pocket for quick-grab items like protein bars, calculators, and more.

The standout feature is the bottom compartment—perfect for tossing in your gym shoes or practice clothes without mixing them in with everything else. Plus, there are side pockets for water bottles and a handy top pocket for small essentials. Even better, it’s made with waterproof material, so you won’t have to stress about rainy practice days or walking across campus in a downpour.

6. The North Face Surge is the best laptop backpack for big kids & adults.

This elevated bag may be the best backpack for laptops we’ve found. It offers all the comfort and spaciousness your big kid needs with a sleek, mature look that grows with them through college and beyond! Plus, it boasts tons of media compartments as students transition to high school or college and acquire more tech and textbooks.

Its most notable features include a front compartment with secure zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve. There’s a highly protective compartment dedicated just for a 15″ laptop, too!

7. L.L. Bean makes one of the best traditional backpacks around.

When you hear the word “school backpack”, this bag might just be the first image that pops into your mind – and it’s no surprise! Since their debut in 1982, L.L. Bean’s kids’ backpacks have been among the highest-rated backpacks thanks to their carryall size, durability, and classic, beloved look. L.L. Bean also offers a variety of sizes, so no matter what grade student you’re shopping for, there’s one to suit everyone’s needs!

8. The Adidas Prime 6 is our favorite multi-pocket backpack that will keep everything organized and then some.

This bag features FIVE external zippered compartments, 2 inner divided sleeves including a padded computer pocket for up to a 16″ laptop, a water bottle side sleeve, and additional pockets for pencils, calculators, and more!

It’s designed to hold a lot of stuff without sacrificing comfort, as this kids’ backpack also has spring-loaded shoulder straps for added cushion.

9. Jansport has the most backpack color options we’ve seen.

This popular backpack brand was sure to make our list for a few reasons — style, nostalgia, functionality, and, of course, the standout lifetime warranty. These backpacks come in SO MANY different colors and patterns — this specific style has numerous colors and patterns! Plus, they’re available at so many different retailers, so you’re likely able to find great deals year-round! We’ve even seen JanSport backpacks well under $20 if you can wait to grab them on clearance! 😱

Bookmark our Jansport backpack deal post to get alerted when the next deal pops up!

What’s more, JanSport claims their bookbags are built to last a lifetime and backs them with their lifetime warranty. If you already own or plan to buy a backpack, then you can return it for a refund or a replacement, in the chance it doesn’t hold up with use.

*Note that their lifetime warranty applies to all JanSport-branded equipment only (e.g., packs, bags, pouches, totes, cases).

Check out all the best products with lifetime warranties available in 2025.

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