We tested 44 backpacks for kids aged 2 and up—these 10 are suitable for school, to the airport, and back.

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As a parent, I’ve been surprised to see that something as simple as a backpack can be a major milestone marker. Our first was the diaper bag I used to bring each of my daughters home from the hospital. Then, when it was time to start preschool, we picked “big-girl” bags to mark the occasion. Ever since, I’ve watched in awe as something as simple as a new backpack can become an expression of their unique personalities.

Among my kids’ favorites are two we tested for this guide that are listed below. We joined Travel + Leisure writers and their families, who in total analyzed 44 different kids backpacks for several weeks—with ongoing testing scheduled over the next six months—testing for fit, capacity, design, durability and value.

The kids backpacks we chose all support growing bodies, whether carting around a change of clothes and a lunch box in the preschool days, or hauling tablets and textbooks in the teen years. Better yet, they’re especially useful for travel, including on day trips, overnights with the grandparents, and family vacations.

Here are the best kids backpacks for travel that combine style, function, and comfort.

Top Picks

Best Overall, Younger Kids: Stoney Clover Lane Mini Backpack at Stoneycloverlane.com Jump to Review Best Overall, Older Kids: The North Face Vault Backpack at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best for Air Travel: State Bags Kane Backpack at Statebags.com Jump to Review Best Design: Away Travel Kids Backpack at Away Travel $75 Jump to Review Best Organization: Calpak Travel Kids Medium Backpack in Orchid Pink at Calpaktravel.com Jump to Review Best Wheeled: SALE J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack at Amazon $75 $60 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Osprey Daylite Jr at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Best Carry-on: Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack at Nordstrom $140 Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: Skip Hop Spark Style Backpack Rocket at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best Budget: Abshoo Classical School Backpack at Amazon $35 Jump to Review

Best Overall, Younger Kids

Stoney Clover Lane Mini Backpack

Credit: Stoney Clover Lane View on Stoneycloverlane.com Why We Love It

• Ideal for both daycare and short trips, this well-made bag is comfy to carry, adjustable, and stylish.

What to Consider

• The price is high for a children’s item that won’t be treated preciously.

Available in cheerful colors like bubblebum pink and avocado green alongside stylish gold hardware, this backpack is eyecatching and incredibly functional.

After weeks of daily trips to daycare and on overnight trips to the grandparents, we were especially impressed by its high-quality materials. The straps are easy to adjust and stay secure, the padding provides comfort without losing breathability, and it’s light enough for younger toddlers to wear without being swallowed up by it.

There are three compartments: a roomy main one, a front pocket, and a side slot for a water bottle. In our tests, we were able to fit plenty for an overnight getaway including three to four changes of clothes, pull-ups, and a drink; and for daycare, we packed a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a blanket. We also found the nylon material to be smooth and soft yet resistant to heavy daily usage; at the end of our testing period, signs of wear and tear were just about non-existent. While it may run slightly big on 2-year-olds or those with petite frames, there’s room to grow into it and older kids will surely get enough use before moving on to bigger bookbags. Patches and monograms are also available for a fun touch, though they incur extra fees.

The Details: 13 x 11 x 5 inches | Nylon and gold metal hardware

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Best Overall, Older Kids

The North Face Vault Backpack

Credit: Amazon $70 $65 at Amazon $65 at Zappos View on Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It

• Durable and well constructed, this is our standout winner for teenagers lugging books, laptops, notebooks, folders, and more.

What to Consider

• The color choices are limited, and we wish there was an additional zippered pocket.

With a 28-liter capacity, this pack can help teenagers manage a heavy load without adding bulk. We thought there was more than enough space, even when stuffed full with folders, notebooks, a calculator, highlighters, pencils, pens, a chromebook (the laptop sleeve accommodates up to 15 inches), earbuds, books, a hydroflask and lunch bag. We never struggled to squeeze the zippers shut either, and thought they glided smoothly, making it possible to manage opening or closing the bag one-handed.

We also liked that the back panel and adjustable straps are both padded, which made it more comfortable to carry when packed to the brim. Overall, we found it to be durable, well constructed, and a breeze to wear all day, every day.

The Details: 18 x 11 x 8.5 inches | 1.11 pounds | 28 liters | Polyester

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Best for Air Travel

State Bags Kane Backpack

Credit: State Bags View on Statebags.com Why We Love It

• There are a ton of internal organizational features from pouches to zippered pockets to keep small items in their place.

What to Consider

• It’s not machine washable.

Created specifically for kids in kindergarten through third grade, the Kane Backpack has a generously-sized main compartment that fits standard folders, books, a 14-inch laptop, and more in our tests.

And while keeping things neat and tidy might prove challenging with youngsters, the multiple zippered pockets provide designated places for storing pens, pencils, water bottles, toys, and pieces of floating paper.

Made from recycled materials, the bag is well designed for growing bodies with adjustable padded straps that are narrow enough for smaller frames. We were also impressed by the ability to tuck dangling straps away so they won’t snag or drag on the floor, as well as the luggage trolley sleeve that slides smoothly over the handle of any rolling suitcase.

The Details: 15.13 x 11.6 x 5.11 inches | 1.32 pounds | 15 liters | Polyester | Recommended for ages 4-8

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The 12 Best Stylish Travel Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Best Design

Away Travel Kids Backpack

Credit: Away Travel $75 at Away Travel Why We Love It

• The colors are bright and vivid, and the chest strap, luggage sleeve, tablet pocket, and water bottle pouches are thoughtful touches.

What to Consider

• The straps did stain with dirt, however the nylon fabric is machine washable.

My four-year-old put this bag through the ringer this summer, bringing it onboard multiple airplane trips and carting it to school daily. And we’re both still big fans months later.

The size is perfect for her roughly 40-inch frame; the shoulder and chest straps adjust and don’t slip or slide so she can carry it herself, the capacity is spacious but not oversized, and the color blocking adds a dose of instant joy.

For school, I can fit her lunchbox, a change of clothes, and a water bottle with room left for the stacks of art that come home, or the toys she inevitably brings inside. We’ve also taken it on vacation and fit a tablet (there’s a dedicated sleeve for it), headphones, toys, snacks, and a sweatshirt, making it extra versatile. A small front pocket is also nice for small items like sunglasses or hair elastics, and I really like how the side water bottle pockets stretch to fit different sizes. And since we do use it for travel, I really appreciate the luggage trolley sleeve that slips seamlessly over any suitcase.

The Details: 13.6 x 11.4 x 6.5 inches | .95 pounds | 15 liters | Nylon

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Best Organization

Calpak Travel Kids Medium Backpack in Orchid Pink

Credit: Calpak Travel View on Calpaktravel.com Why We Love It

• With a see-through pocket, interior sleeves, and smooth zippers, kids can access contents on their own.

What to Consider

• The material runs thick, which may feel hot in warmer months.

Neat and tidy aren’t exactly words I often associate with kids. When it comes to their backpacks, more often than not, they devolve into a pile of papers, toys, and crumbling old snacks. And while keeping things immaculate might be far fetched, staying organized isn’t impossible with this bag from Calpak.

Both the interior and exterior house multiple pockets, from a tablet sleeve to water bottle slots, in addition to zippered pockets and pouches galore. During testing, we confirmed that the main compartment could hold a lunchbox, change of clothes, and folders, while smaller pockets worked well for items like headphones and stickers.

The materials struck us as sturdy and durable yet lightweight for a kiddo to carry. We particularly liked a few of the design choices too, such as the addition of an adjustable sternum strap, reflective webbing, a name tag, and a pocket to store a hidden AirTag.

The Details: 14.5 x 10.75 x 6 inches | 1.2 pounds | 15 liters | Polyester | Recommended for ages 5-8

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The 8 Best Packable Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Best Wheeled

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

Credit: Amazon $75 $60 at Amazon View on Target $65 $56 at Kohls.com Why We Love It

• It’s available in nearly 40 colors, allowing kids to choose a print that lets their personality shine.

What to Consider

• The large capacity might be too big for toddlers.

Kids love a shiny new backpack, but may not always want to carry it. But it’s not their fault; often, the bags are too heavy for their adorably tiny frames. A good alternative is this wheeled backpack, which can be worn traditionally on a back or rolled around like a suitcase. For the latter, a retractable handle pops up and adjusts to three different heights: one for small children, another for older kids, and a higher setting for adults, who, let’s face it, will likely do their fair share of pulling it around. When kids do want to wear it, the straps are adjustable and ergonomically shaped to distribute weight.

We tested it in daycare, preschool, and tutoring settings and it had ample space for books, toys, a tablet, clothes, and snacks. There are also dual side water bottle pouches and a front pocket with designated spots for pens, cards, and keys. We found it to be a cinch to maneuver and liked that the exterior can resist water and abrasions while a wrap-around bumper and rubber feet allow it to stand upright.

The Details: 8 x 13 x 9 inches | 4.5 pounds | 34.5 liters | Polyester

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Best Lightweight

Osprey Daylite Jr

Osprey. $45 at Amazon View on REI $45 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• The color choices range from bold hues to funky prints, and the top handle is helpful for adults to grab.

What to Consider

• The size runs small and is best for younger kids.

Modeled after one of Osprey’s most beloved packs for adults, just in kid-size form, the Daylite Jr. has many of the same attributes that made its predecessor popular. There’s a ventilated back panel, a chest strap, dual side water bottle pockets, a hydration-compatible interior sleeve, a built-in whistle, and a spot for a name tag.

And while it appears pretty compact, our tests confirmed it can fit quite a lot. We were able to pack a change of clothes, a water bottle, snacks, a notebook, a pencil case, a ruler, markers, and crayons, and thought it could fit a tablet, too.

The various compartments and pockets helped us stay organized, and the bag itself felt lightweight despite being packed totally full. We also appreciate that it’s made from recycled materials and that the coating is free of chemicals.

The Details: 13.19 x 8.66 x 7.09 inches | .69 lbs | 9 liters | Polyester

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Best Carry-on

Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

Credit: Cotopaxi $140 at Nordstrom View on Cotopaxi.com Why We Love It

• The widely adjustable straps mean an adult could use this too, adding extra value.

What to Consider

• The clamshell opening is great for travel but isn’t really convenient for quickly dumping items inside.

Another adult favorite recreated in a smaller format, the Allpa is ideal for older kids, teens, and even adults who don’t need an oversized pack. Made from recycled, durable, and water-resistant fabric, we think this would do great double duty as a carry-on for travel thanks to a foam back panel, adjustable and supportive straps, and a suitcase-style clamshell opening.

When fully open, each side zips totally shut to keep the contents in place, and the 15-liter capacity made it possible to put diapers, wipes, snacks, two sets of clothes, ointment, a thick blanket, and a crib sheet inside. There is also a sleeve pocket for a tablet, a side water bottle pocket, and a top accessory pocket with key clip.

The Details: 17 x 10 x 8 inches | 1.6 pounds | 20 liters | Polyester, nylon

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Best for Toddlers

Skip Hop Spark Style Backpack Rocket

Credit: Skip Hop $31 at Amazon $22 at Barnesandnoble.com View on Carters.com Why We Love It

• The top-to-bottom theming is a visual delight for little kids.

What to Consider

• The straps are a little thin and stiff, and it has far fewer pockets than the other bags we tested.

Toddlers will flip for these whimsically-designed backpacks. We tested the rocket option, but it also comes in ice cream, seashell, rainbow, soccer ball, and strawberry-themed varieties for a cute choice that will likely double as a play thing for the under-four set.

In our tests, the straps were easy to adjust and the zippers glided open without a hitch—and adorably so, thanks to the addition of fun charms. We determined the size to be just right for toting around preschool essentials like changes of clothes and a lunchbox in the main portion, while the front pocket was convenient for stashing snacks, pencils, and other smaller items. A side mesh pocket is also a handy spot to place a water bottle.

The Details: 14 x 10.5 x 5 inches | Polyester | Recommended for ages 3-4

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Best Budget

Abshoo Classical School Backpack

Credit: Amazon $35 $30 at Amazon Why We Love It

• It withstood damage and stains from water bottle drips, rain, and snow.

What to Consider

• The size may be too large for some kids.

Sometimes all you need is a classic bookbag that can comfortably carry belongings without any fuss—or spending a small fortune. After all, it’s going to be carried by a kid who won’t treat it with the same care as an adult, and may outgrow it in a matter of years. In those instances, it’s good to prioritize function and budget over flashy features, and we can’t speak highly enough of this classic backpack.

Made from lightweight, water-resistant polyester, we were able to send kids off to school with it holding a lunch bag, water bottle, folders, hoodie, accessories, and the occasional football. There’s a main compartment for most of those items, as well as an outer pocket, plus four zippered pockets. During testing, we found the straps to be comfortable and easy to adjust, we thought the zippers glided smoothly, and we like that it comes in over 40 colors.

The Details: 16.5 x 12.2 x 5.3 inches  | 1.1 pounds | Polyester

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The 12 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Other Kids Backpacks We Liked

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Our Testing Process

To ensure authenticity across our testing process we turned to the people these bags were designed for: kids. Every bag we considered, rejected, or ultimately selected for this list was vetted by the children, nieces, and nephews of our testers who wore these bags for at least three weeks, though some have been used and recommended for years. All tests were overseen by adult parents, aunts, and uncles, who paid close attention to how each bag made their kids feel, noting if it was comfortable, easy to use, and enticing to a young child or teen.

In total, we performed tests on 44 kids backpacks analyzing fit, capacity, design, durability, and value. We scrutinized every detail making sure to push and pull zippers, fill all pockets, open and close buckles, adjust straps, and pack each one full with items a child would need such as clothes, snacks, a water bottle, toys, books, notebooks, a tablet, diapers, wipes, or a toothbrush.

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We considered how simple it would be for a child to access packed items on their own, and checked that designated spaces for a tablet, water bottle, or lunch box held each item as promised. We also took care to make sure the straps stayed in place, distributed weight comfortably, and offered padding or cushioning to support growing bodies.

All bags were tested in real world settings, including school or daycare, on family hikes, on vacation, or a day trip. In warmer months, we also noted whether back panels felt breathable and cool or if they ran warm and sweaty.

We will continue to test each bag included here over the next six months and will update this guide as new insights arrive.

Tips for Buying a Kids Backpack

Consider your child’s size for a proper fit

You might fall in love with a backpack for its gorgeous print, organizational pockets, strong zippers, and affordable price. But if it’s not the right size for your child, it will quickly be rendered useless.

The most important factor, above any design feature, is that the bag in question is an appropriate fit for your specific child. If it’s too big, it will overpower their frame and make it impossible to carry. If it’s too small, it could feel uncomfortable. It’s also important to consider long-term use and ensure there’s room to grow into it in the months and years to come.

If you’re unsure of fit, compare the bag’s measurements against your child’s height and stature. Then, make sure the bag’s straps are adjustable so you can get a nice, snug fit that’s supportive without feeling constrictive, and continue to adjust the settings as your child grows.

Prioritize useful compartments

Kids backpacks can quickly become one jumbled mess with strewn-about clothes, loose pencils, crumpled artwork, and a neverending trail of crumbs. To avoid this, prioritize a bag with built-in compartments designed to help you and your kid keep organized.

These can be small details from a side water bottle pocket to rows of internal zipped pouches designed to hold pens and pencils or other small items, or a padded laptop or tablet sleeve to protect tech devices.

I also suggest having a front or exterior pocket for stashing last-minute snacks or items without having to go fishing inside the big main compartment. If your child makes a lot of art or has homework, you might also want to look for extra spaces designed to hold folders or notebooks to keep those items secure. If your child packs lunch, make sure the bag is wide enough for their lunch box with enough space left for storing things like a change of clothes.

Look for durable materials

Kids aren’t really known for being gentle on their belongings, and it’s all too common to open up their book bags to find leaked lunches or artwork still dripping with wet paint. The exterior can take a beating too when it’s inevitably thrown onto playground sand or falls on the dirty ground.

For this reason, I avoid delicate materials and instead look for fabrics that are durable and heavy duty enough to withstand dirt, and are also machine washable to remove possible stains and germs. Nylon and polyester are high performance fabrics that are ideal for these scenarios, as opposed to something like cotton or leather, which can stain and damage easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Emily Hochberg is a travel writer and editor who has extensive experience testing and reviewing all types of travel products and gear. She’s also a parent of two young children and has been using kids backpacks for the last five years for daily preschool runs, family trips, and daytime outings. Her favorites are the Away Kids Backpack reviewed above, as well as the Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack, which she’s used since her kids were born. She combined her first-hand knowledge with T+L’s in-house testing insights and consulted with T+L editors to include personally vetted picks in this comprehensive list of the best kids backpacks.

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