Best Backpacks for School in 2026

A Friendly Guide for Parents

Preparing your child for the first day of school often begins with one simple purchase: a good backpack. For many moms, the right pack can make hectic mornings easier, keep supplies organized and protect growing backs from strain. Yet the market is full of options, from tiny preschool bags to rugged college packs. This friendly guide breaks down what to look for at each age and highlights some of the best‑rated backpacks for the 2025‑2026 school year. It also answers the questions moms tend to ask when picking out school bags. All recommendations are based on recent product tests and reviews, and we link to deals on WishMerge where you can shop smart.

Want to score extra savings? In addition to the products below, be sure to explore our Backpacks & Lunch Bags Sale and our Back‑to‑School Deals page for even more discounts on school essentials.

Why choosing the right backpack matters

Children carry books, tablets, lunch boxes and sports gear every day. A poorly fitting or overloaded bag can lead to back and shoulder pain and may even affect posture. When testers at OutdoorGearLab evaluated 15 popular school backpacks, they focused on comfort, organizational features and ease of use[1]. Their top pick – the Osprey Nebula 32 – scored high because it was comfortable even when fully loaded and offered great organization[2]. A quality backpack should distribute weight evenly, offer padded straps and provide enough compartments so items don’t get jumbled together.

Key features to consider

1. Fit & comfort – Look for wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. A sternum strap or removable waist belt, like those on the Osprey Nebula 32[3], helps distribute weight and prevents the bag from slipping off little shoulders. For very young children, choose a pack sized to their torso so it doesn’t hang below the waist.
2. Size & capacity – A preschooler only needs space for a water bottle, a folder and a change of clothes, whereas a high‑schooler might carry textbooks and a laptop. Many retailers list height and volume measurements; for example, Pottery Barn’s Gear‑Up line lets parents filter bags by grade and provides dimensions and weight guidance[4]. Aim for a bag that fits the child’s frame and doesn’t exceed 10‑15 % of their body weight when filled.
3. Organization – Multiple compartments keep school supplies tidy. Models like the North Face Borealis Commuter include spacious zippered compartments, a padded tablet sleeve and smaller pockets for essentials[5]. Large main compartments with laptop sleeves are useful for older students[6].
4. Durability & materials – Look for strong stitching, water‑resistant fabrics and reinforced bottoms. The L.L. Bean Original Book Pack is praised for its weatherproof fabric and solid construction[7]. For high‑schoolers and commuters, consider models with scratch‑resistant or water‑repellent finishes[8].
5. Safety & visibility – Reflective accents, like those on the North Face Borealis, improve visibility when kids walk or bike to school[5]. For little ones, choose bright colors or fun patterns so bags are easy to spot.

Recommendations by grade level

Pre‑K and Kindergarten (ages 3‑5)

Young children need small, lightweight backpacks that won’t overwhelm them. They typically carry a water bottle, a lunchbox and a change of clothes. A compact bag around 10–12 litres and 11–14 inches tall usually fits well on children under 43 inches tall. Key features include padded shoulder straps, a chest buckle to keep straps from sliding off and easy‑to‑clean fabrics.

Recommended options

Tip: Let your child choose their favorite color or character – a backpack they love is less likely to be left behind. Keep weight minimal; if a pack seems heavy, remove non‑essential items.

First and Second Grade

Elementary schoolers begin bringing home reading books and larger folders, so a slightly bigger pack is needed. Look for 12–18 litre packs roughly 14–16 inches tall. A padded back panel and wide shoulder straps help with comfort. Reflective accents improve visibility on the walk to school. An interior organizer panel keeps pencils, homework and lunch separate.

Recommended options

Middle School (grades 5–8)

By middle school, kids often carry heavier loads – multiple textbooks, binders, gym clothes and sometimes a laptop or tablet. A pack in the 20–28 litre range (17–18 inches tall) with a padded laptop sleeve is ideal. Look for sturdy fabrics, reinforced bottoms and breathable back panels.

Recommended options

High School and College (grades 9–12 and beyond)

Older students often carry heavy textbooks, laptops and extracurricular gear. Comfort becomes even more critical, and high‑capacity packs (25–32 litres) with robust organization are ideal. Sternum straps, padded harnesses and waist belts help distribute weight. Water‑resistant fabrics and reflective details enhance durability and safety.

Recommended options

Emerging backpack trends for 2026

1. Sustainable materials – Expect more brands to use recycled fabrics and eco‑friendly dyes. Consumers increasingly demand environmentally conscious products, so look for packs labeled “recycled polyester” or “RPET.”
2. Personalization & modularity – Customizable patches, embroidery and detachable accessory pouches make bags feel unique. Brands like State and Pottery Barn already offer these options[10][4].
3. Smart features – Built‑in USB ports, headphone jacks and anti‑theft pockets are popping up, particularly on tech‑focused bags like the Volher Travel[17].
4. Convertible and rolling designs – Rolling backpacks (e.g., J World New York Sunrise[19]) and convertible messenger‑style packs appeal to students who need to alternate between carrying and rolling heavy loads.

Frequently asked questions

What size backpack should I buy for kindergarten?

Choose a backpack no taller than 14 inches, with a capacity around 10–12 litres and padded straps. It should fit a standard folder and lunchbox without hanging below your child’s waist. Models like the Simple Modern Toddler or Pottery Barn Gear‑Up Jr. are good examples[9][10].

How heavy should a child’s backpack be?

Health experts recommend that a loaded backpack not exceed 10–15 % of a child’s body weight. For example, a 50‑pound first‑grader should carry no more than 5–7.5 pounds. Encourage your child to bring home only what’s necessary and use organizers to spread weight evenly.

Are rolling backpacks a good idea?

Rolling backpacks reduce strain because they take weight off the shoulders. They’re useful for students who carry heavy loads or walk long distances. However, they can be awkward on stairs and often don’t fit into narrow lockers. The J World New York Sunrise rolling pack offers both rolling and shoulder‑strap options[19].

What features should I look for in a high‑school backpack?

For teenagers, prioritize capacity, comfort and organization. Look for padded laptop compartments, sternum straps, breathable back panels and durable fabrics. Reflective details enhance safety for students who walk or bike. Examples include the North Face Borealis, Osprey Nebula and Timbuk2 Authority[5][15][18].

Do elementary students need a laptop sleeve?

While some elementary schools use tablets or laptops, many younger students don’t need a dedicated padded sleeve. If your child uses a device daily, choose a bag with a small padded pocket. Otherwise, a simple compartment with a sleeve for notebooks and papers is sufficient, like the JanSport SuperBreak[20].

How can I keep a backpack clean?

Check the care instructions before washing. Some bags, like the L.L. Bean Original Book Pack, are machine‑washable[7]. For others, spot clean with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh detergents that may damage water‑resistant coatings.

Are expensive backpacks worth it?

Higher‑priced packs often use premium fabrics, reinforced stitching and advanced harness systems. The Osprey Nebula is pricey but offers exceptional comfort and durability[15]. Budget options like the Volher Travel provide great value but may not last as long[21]. Decide based on your child’s needs and how long you expect the bag to last.

Where can I find deals on these backpacks?

Check the WishMerge Back‑to‑School Deals page for discounts on backpacks and other school essentials. You can also browse the dedicated Backpacks & Lunch Bags Sale to see all backpack promotions in one place. WishMerge’s search results are organized by category, so try terms like “kids backpacks” or “backpacks for school” to find specific models (replace with the correct search URL when you add links).

Final thoughts

Choosing the right backpack is about balancing comfort, style and practicality. As a mom, you know your child best: start by measuring their torso, choose a pack that fits their needs and let them help pick the color or pattern. The models highlighted above combine top‑rated features — from padded straps and multiple compartments to reflective accents and fun prints. With the right bag, your child will head back to school organized and excited for the year ahead. And by shopping thoughtfully using trusted guides and deal pages, you’ll feel confident that you’ve found both quality and value.