15 Best Backpacks for School That Kids Will Love

This Scandi-inspired backpack is made of durable canvas and will carry them from primary school through high school. The straps are adjustable and the interior pocket is simple but roomy enough to fit a lunch box, water bottle, and notebooks.

Designed in partnership with iconic stationery company Rifle Paper Co., this Pottery Barn Kids backpack has everything a little learner could want (or need) to succeed in the classroom. It comes in two sizes, boasts interior organization, and even has clips on the outside to attach their lunch box or water bottle.

Millennial parents will be thrilled to hear that L.L. Bean’s backpacks are just as stylish—and just as durable—as they were decades ago. This schoolhouse classic is beloved by generations, thanks to its simple organization, roomy interior, and punchy, playful colors.

High school and college students who can pop back to their locker or dorm in between classes will love Herschel’s classic backpack for its lightweight material and design that boasts just enough room. Bonus: The interior has a laptop sleeve to keep tech safe and secure.

Sporty and ready for whatever after-school activity they choose, this PB Teen backpack is the ultimate in cool—and customization. Choose from three different sizes, various colors, and the option to add their initials or name to the outside. Even better, the shoulder straps are padded to make the extra weight of books or gear more comfortable to tote.

A huge name in the backpack game, STATE’s Kane design comes in four versatile sizes, geared towards different age groups. Each comes with various upgrades, such as more storage and a larger (or smaller) capacity. The best part? Their colorways and patterns are seriously fun and will stand out in any hallway or classroom.

JanSport is another iconic name in backpacks, and for good reason! The brand has been around forever, and is beloved for its durable exterior and signature leather bottom. This version touts an ergonomic design, with S-curve shoulder straps and a padded back panel geared toward older students with more to carry.

For students who need a backpack that’ll carry them from the classroom to the tennis court, this Adidas backpack is a must-buy. It has everything they’ll need for long days away from home, from a water bottle holder and a laptop sleeve to three roomy pockets where they can stash a uniform, notebook, or lunch box. The material is even wipeable, making it easy to clean off whatever they pick up in the locker room.

This backpack from MATEIN is tech-forward in all the right ways, making it the perfect college companion. Not only is it the ideal size for toting around a laptop and charger, but there’s also a built-in USB on the outside (and charging cable on the inside) to make powering up on the go more convenient.

With utility and functionality at the forefront, this Carhart backpack is one of the best for high school students that enjoy a no-frills aesthetic. The padded straps and back keep things comfortable, while an interior laptop sleeve helps them stay organized. Bonus: It’s water resistant, so it can hold its own against cafeteria spills or rainy school days.

This clever backpack from Beis truly has it all, making it an ideal choice for elementary school children beginning to enjoy their own independence. Each pack comes with a dedicated tech compartment, a detachable sling bag, a roomy main pocket, and more. Our favorite part? The safety whistle that’s integrated into the adjustable straps.

For a simple backpack design you can rely on, look no further than this Pottery Barn Kids option. With two simple sections, plus a water bottle side pocket, it’s easy enough for even the youngest schoolchildren to use. Plus, it comes in three sizes (mini, small, and large) to grow with your child.

Finding the best backpacks for school is all about securing a style that looks cool and keeps them organized without you there to pick up after them. This Bentgo bag does both, thanks in large part to a coordinating lunch box that nests seamlessly in its base.

If your child has outgrown their original L.L. Bean backpack, this version is a great grown-up upgrade. It touts more room than the original, with extra pockets and organization to keep every pen, paper, and piece of tech in the right spot.

Ideal for preschool and early elementary school, this Wildkin backpack comes in a slew of age-appropriate patterns (think construction vehicles, zoo animals, and space) and is just big enough to carry the essentials without weighing them down.