
How To Find The Best Backpacks For School

Before we began carrying wallets, purses and briefcases, we wore backpacks to school. Itβs usually a childβs first iconic, major tangible step into independence and responsibility. And just like that first day of school outfit they spend hours picking out, a backpack is a great way for kids to express their personal style. As you shop for back-to-school items this summer, learn how to find the right size backpack (yes, itβs a thing!), how to get the right fit, which essentials youβll need inside, and, most of all, how to help your kids make their backpack their own.
What To Look for in School Backpacks
Every year, there are more and more back-to-school backpack options with plenty of attractive styles and smart features to choose from. Whether youβre buying a brand new one for the upcoming school year or replacing one mid-season, consider the following as you click through your options:
- Size: Is the backpack the correct size and does it have the right support and weight distribution for your child to wear it comfortably?
- Capacity: Does it have enough room to hold the bulk of what your child will need throughout the school week for their classes, lunchtime and after-school programs?
- Sections: Are there enough sections, pockets, sleeves and containers for everything that will need to be packed up?
- Quality & durability: Will it hold up for at least one year? Is it rugged enough to withstand daily (ab)use and harsher local weather?
- Style & design: And finally, yes, does your child like the way the backpack looks and will they enjoy carrying it and being seen wearing it throughout the year?
How To Get the Best Backpack for Kids
Thereβs nothing more adorable than seeing a flock of kindergarteners toddle off the school bus β especially when most of them have backpacks bigger than their own bodies. But itβs best to get a backpack that matches your childβs size (and strength!) And, of course, get one that fulfills any school requirements (some districts may expect clear backpacks, for example).


1. Determine Your Childβs Measurements:
- Measure the distance from your childβs belly button to the top of their shoulders.
- Add two inches to this measurement to determine your childβs ideal backpack height.
- Then, measure the width between your childβs shoulder blades. This measurement plus up to two inches is their ideal backpack width.
- Finally, check the sizing guide below to see which backpack dimensions work for your child.
Note: Chiropractors recommend that a backpack not be wider than your childβs torso. It also shouldnβt hang more than four inches below their waist.
Standard Backpack Sizes
Grade/Age | Child Height | Backpack Dimensions | |
Mini |
Toddler/Pre-K (2β4-year-olds) |
36″β42″ / 3’β3′ 6″ tall | 12″ high x 8″β12″ wide x 4″ deep |
Small |
Kindergarten (5β6-year-olds) |
42″β46″ / 3′ 6″β3′ 10″ tall | 14″ high x 12″β14″ wide x 4″ deep |
Medium |
Elementary (7β12-year-olds) |
46″β48″ / 4′ tall | 16″ high x 14″β16″ wide x 8″ deep |
Large |
Middle school andΒ beyond (13 years+) |
over 48″ / over 4′ tall | 16″ high x 14″β16″ wide or bigger |
Note: Adult size backpacks are about 18″ high.
2. Pick Out a Style
Your child will be excited to choose a new backpack, especially if itβs presented as an opportunity for self-expression and a chance to be a bit more independent.
A backpack is often a powerful statement about your kidβs style and interests. Perhaps theyβre really into a specific Marvel superhero, LEGO toys, or Barbie dolls. Maybe they love the camo or athletic look or a specific, favorite solid color. Perhaps your child prefers a cute backpack theme, featuring florals, unicorns, tie-dye pastels or butterflies. Backpacks can offer lots of fun details, too, such as glitter or sparkle, bold statements and theatrical touches.
If you canβt find everything you want in a backpack your kid loves, you can always get additional components to keep items organized (pencil cases, zippered containers, waterproof bags, etc.)
Backpack Brands
Explore options with your child to decide on what strikes the best balance between form and function.
For kids who want the whole look, many brands also offer apparel and accessories that match the backpack. βThe Stephen Joseph and OMG Accessories brand backpacks offer full matching set lines, including duffels, lunch coolers, hair ties, crossbody bags, hairbrushes, wallets and blankets,β says Nicole Silva, senior buyer of childrenβs merchandise at Zulily. βThese tend to be popular and get snapped up quickly.β
Here are some of the most popular backpack brands featured on Zulily that you can browse through. Youβll discover so many colorful choices!:
- Billabong
- Champion
- FUEL
- JoJo Siwa
- LOL Surprise
- Millie Loves Lily
- OMG Accessories
- Puma
- Quicksilver
- Roxy
- Stella and Max
- tokidoki
- Stephen Joseph
Plus, youβll find lots of themed backpacks, such as Jurassic World, LEGO, Marvel, Spiderman and more.
3. Consider the Bells and Whistles
Your child might prefer a simpler, basic backpack with fewer pockets and compartments, or a more structured configuration with βa place for everything.β Consider these extra features when youβre shopping:

Strong, durable material
Easily accessible front pockets
Different carrying options
Elastic side pockets for big bottles
Padded shoulder straps
Laptop sleeve
Lash tabs or rings to clip dirty sneakersΒ outside the pack
Reflective details for visibility


Compression straps to adjust capacity
Washable or water-resistant material
Multiple exterior and interior compartments
Easily accessible closures, like magnetic snaps
Look for these must-haves and extra features too:
- Tight double-stitching on fabrics
- Detachable components (pencil pouches, etc.)
- Gear loops to attach keys or hand sanitizer, for easy access
- Lockable closures
- Trolley sleeve (a horizontal strap that fits over the handles of a rolling suitcase)
- Ribboned elastic sewn onto the front of a backpack to hold pencils or other items (like drumsticks for band!)
- Criss-crossed external elastic to hold rolled-up jackets or other items
4. Make Sure You Have the Right Fit
Every child is different, so be sure to have yours try on the backpack before you load it up, to determine if it fits properly and will be comfortable and safe to wear. Making sure your child has the right-sized backpack and wears it correctly can prevent shoulder, back and posture problems. Follow these additional tips for a safe, healthy, pain-free school year:
- Double shoulder straps allow weight to be spread out evenly. Make sure the backpack has wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps that wonβt dig into the shoulders. Straps between two and three inches are ideal.
- Chiropractors recommend always using any available waist and chest straps to help distribute the backpackβs weight more evenly across your childβs back.
- Donβt carry a backpack on one shoulder, as it can cause strains and shoulder pain. Read more tips about wearing backpacks safely.
- Make sure the backpack has multiple compartments, so that weight can be distributed more evenly.
- Look for a padded back to increase comfort (no one wants to be jabbed by a rogue ruler!)
- Check for compression straps, which can stabilize and secure the contents better.
- No matter how well-crafted a backpack may be, you donβt want to overload it. Use a scale to check that the filled backpack is only between 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. For example, an 80-pound child should only carry a backpack that weighs about 8 to 16 pounds, maximum.
- Adjust the contents and straps for maximum comfort. Keep heavier items at the bottom, to avoid imbalance.
- For children with special needs or for added accessibility, there are rolling backpacks (similar to the rolling luggage many adults use when traveling), as well as packs that can be strapped onto walkers or wheelchairs. There are even backpacks designed to address sensory issues, with special straps to secure extra pressure for reassurance, tactile fabrics and added pockets for fidget tools.
Backpack weight rule of thumb:
Whatβs in a backpack should only weigh 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. For example, an 80-pound child should only carry 8 to 16 pounds.


5. Make It Personal
Whether your childβs backpack is purple paisley, glow-in-the-dark star-covered or mad about plaid, theyβll probably still want to decorate it to personalize it even more. There are many ways to add some flair and fun. Just be sure that any add-ons wonβt damage the backpack or cause any hazards or restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Decorative pins
- Sew-on and glue-on patches
- Stickers
- School pride decorations
- Fabric and puff paints
- DIY Sharpie/permanent marker/fabric marker designs
- Zipper pulls, carabiners and keychains
- Charms (pom-poms, plush toys and clip-ons)
- Reflective tape (also a great safety feature; especially for bike-riders)
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Backpack Essentials
Now that youβve chosen a backpack, itβs time to put stuff in it! Here are some of the basics (plus a few extras) to pack into your kidβs new backpack for their typical school day and after-school activities:
- Lunchbox or bento box, cutlery and snacks
- Water bottle or thermos
- Pencil case: pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, markers, etc.
- School tools: calculator, ruler, protractor, compass, etc.
- Personal and grooming items (tissues, hand sanitizer, glasses, masks, brush, etc.)
- Notebooks and folders
- BooksΒ (including a fun book to read, and textbooks)
- Tech
- Laptop, tablet and/or cell phone
- Earbuds or headphones
- Peripherals (mouse, charging cords, etc.)
- Special needs communication aids
- Change of clothing
- Seasonal items: Hats, gloves, scarves & sunglasses
- Items for activities: Music, dance class, sports, etc.
- Key fob or lanyard (for home/bike/lockers, etc.)
- Wallet with student ID, bus pass, library card, vaccine card, etc.
- Safety items: Flashlight, headlamp, whistle, etc.
Backpack Maintenance Tips
Keeping your kidβs backpack in tip-top shape means more than just avoiding stains, tears or damage. If you prepare your childβs backpack for the year ahead and take care of it well together, it should last a long time.
- Check the backpack over carefully prior to first use: test zippers, empty pockets, etc.
- Remove desiccants, packaging and labels and trim threads/rough edges, etc. (such as sharp Velcro corners)
- Mark the backpack with your childβs last name and a cell number using a laundry or permanent marker, or attach a label (Note: Donβt put your childβs first name or your address anywhere!)
- Wax or oil all the zippers so they donβt catch or de-rail. A candle or Chapstick works well.
- Use a weatherproof spray or treatment (especially if the backpack isnβt waterproof or has a leather bottom).
- Stash some paper towels, wipes and sealable plastic bags (for messes, wet items, markers, and anything that could melt or leak).
- Check backpack contents daily β many important parent communication documents get sent home via βkid mailβ or βbackpack mailβ β and youβll be surprised what your kiddos might be collecting (hello, old bananas!)
- Empty and wipe out or wash backpacks every month or so. (Be sure to check manufacturerβs washing instructions first.)
- Donβt store delicate, breakable, irreplaceable or high-value items in backpacks.
- Teach your children to never leave their backpacks unattended or agree to carry things for others.
- You might consider tagging backpacks with GPS trackers to avoid losing them.
No matter which backpack your child ends up getting for school, it will be their constant companion, helping them learn, play and grow throughout the year. Have fun back-to-school shopping!