Elementary school kids lead extremely busy lives and have to bring a large number of things to and from school. The right backpack can make all the difference, but how do you find the best one?
Elementary school backpacks should have a 15 to 20 liters capacity, be comfortable to carry, fit well, and offer proper organization with ample pockets. It should be durable, and made from quality materials. Kids will also appreciate a backpack that comes in patterns or colors that they love.
When shopping around for a backpack that’s suitable for elementary school, there are different aspects to consider. Read on below to learn more.
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What Is the Best Elementary School Backpack?
Elementary school is a busy time for every child! It’s exciting yet challenging, with all the classes, homework, and school activities.
That’s why it’s crucial for students to have the appropriate backpack, regardless of their age. Here’s what you should be looking out for:
Size
The best elementary school backpack should be between 15 to 20 liters in size. This size range should be enough room for carrying all the school essentials they need for both learning and playing. Space for lunch bags and a sweater will also come in handy.
However, experts recommend that a backpack should always weigh less than 10 to 20% of a child's body weight. This guidance is applicable to kids of all ages, ensuring that the backpacks they use don't cause any discomfort or injury.
Backpacks that are too big will not fit elementary school students properly, while one that’s too small just won’t work.
Comfort
Children will be wearing their backpacks for a considerable amount of time before, during, and after classes. They won't look forward to using an uncomfortable backpack, so it's in their best interest to use one that is properly padded and comfortable. There are several aspects to check for to ensure that the backpack is comfortable to wear:
Broad shoulder straps: Wide straps, as opposed to narrow ones, offer much more comfort. Padded shoulder straps are also important because they protect your child’s shoulders and back. Additionally, wide shoulder straps prevent straps from digging into their skin. Just be sure that both straps are worn for better weight distribution.
Adjustable: Being able to adjust backpack straps is helpful. It will ensure a better fit even when the backpack’s weight and contents change from time to time. For example, on certain days of the week, elementary school students may need to pack more things such as a change of clothes for extra-curricular activities such as sports and physical education classes.
In addition, some school backpacks are equipped with an adjustable chest strap. When the chest or sternum strap is worn, it should promote movement without being restrictive. This feature can be effective in redistributing weight, which comes in handy when kids have to carry heavy books.
Ergonomic features such as these, as well as a padded back, will all ensure that elementary school kids are comfortable when they wear them.
Fit
In order to determine the right fit, it’s time to bust out the measuring tape.
Measure the height of your child's back from the shoulder line to the waistline – where the belly button is located, and add two inches. The backpack should comfortably sit two inches beneath the shoulders, and a maximum of four inches below the waist. It’s always recommended for backpacks to sit in the center of the back, just between the shoulder blades, for stability and comfort.
Measure the back width by starting between the ridges of the shoulder blades, and add an inch or two. You’ll need an extra allowance for when they grow.
Organization
School backpacks should have a variety of compartments to help students stay organized. If your child needs to bring a tablet or laptop to school, a padded sleeve is helpful in protecting these electronics.
Meanwhile, there should be at least one organizer panel; these are usually found on the front exterior, though sometimes they are located in the main compartment. An organizer panel should have small slots and pockets for organizing smaller school supplies such as keys, snacks, pencils, and a wallet. Many excellent backpacks for school are simple and have reduced the number of pockets, though you can also use pouches for efficient segregation.
Additionally, a water bottle pocket on one or both sides of the pack is also beneficial in ensuring the student always has easy access to hydration.
Durable
The best backpack for elementary school is made from durable materials. Check the specifications provided by the manufacturer; reputable brands usually use high denier fabrics for the exterior and the lining. Denier ratings are indicated by a number followed by a D sign.
With all bags, a higher denier rating corresponds to the fabric's strength and tenacity. For elementary school backpacks, a denier rating of anywhere from 200 to 600D is recommended.
Inspect the stitching used throughout the backpack. If you spot loose or uneven threads, you may want to ask the manufacturer for a replacement. Bag brands that have a good reputation for excellent warranty are always recommended so that you can easily return the product should you encounter issues upon its arrival.
Warranties are a sign that manufacturers stand behind the quality of their products and are willing to replace them if they break.
Quality Material
When high-quality materials are used in a backpack, it's a good indicator of its durability and reliability. The last thing any elementary student needs is for their bag to break down in school, so it’s good to invest in one that’s premium quality with better chances of lasting many years.
Nylon and polyester are two commonly used quality materials for school backpacks. Nylon, as well as rip-stop nylon, is widely used because of its strength and abrasion resistance, which means it won't easily tear.
On the other hand, polyester is another type of durable and popular fabric that is derived from plastic. It dries quickly and lasts a long time while being lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. Some fabrics are made from a combination of the two in varying ratios, and you can’t go wrong with one or both of these fabrics.
Cordura is a reliable material, commonly used in backpacks designed for rugged wear because of its ability to resist water and abrasion. Because of these characteristics, Cordura is popular among heavy-duty and rugged-style backpacks. Older elementary school students can benefit from using Cordura backpacks because they can withstand daily use and rough treatment.
Style
It’s essential that kids enjoy wearing their backpacks not just because they’re comfortable, but because it reflects their personal style. After all, they are going to be using the pack day in and day out for at least a year.
You can choose a backpack with a popular movie or cartoon character on it, as long as it’s made of high-quality materials. Alternatively, you can opt for a durable, high-quality backpack that may not be as splashy or colorful but can be customized with key chains, as well as glue and sew-on patches of their favorite things or characters.
Value for Money
Good value is subjective; it reflects how much you are personally willing to pay for a good elementary school backpack. For most parents, a good value-for-money backpack is one that is also multipurpose. As an example, if your family enjoys traveling during summer and the weekends, a school backpack that can double as a travel bag will definitely be worth the investment.
Having said that, there’s no need to shell out hundreds of dollars to find a good one. There are many excellent school backpacks under $70, which are designed to last a long time. Occasionally, there will be good deals throughout the year, so be on the lookout for special promos from backpack brands.
Best Backpacks for Elementary School
It can be overwhelming to search for the perfect elementary school backpack for your kid. Don't worry: we've selected some of the best tried-and-tested backpacks out there and included them on this list with our reviews.
Check out our picks below, and click on the links for more information.
Best Basic Elementary School Backpacks
L.L. Bean Original Book Pack: L.L. Bean’s Original Book Pack has been around since 1982. The brand’s very first backpack is still widely used today, trusted by both parents and kids alike because of its exceptional durability and good price points. L.L. Bean has barely changed anything about the pack, but it never needed major design improvements anyway.
This book bag is recommended for students aged 6 and up. It has a 24L capacity, weighs just 1 lb., and has dimensions of 16 x 12 x 7.5 inches. The pack’s design is simple yet rugged, but it stands out for its amazing functionality.
The L.L. Bean Original Book Pack is constructed from waterproof nylon. During our testing, we found that the waterproof fabric is truly effective at keeping water out. That, plus the 3M Scotchlite reflective strips l used in the shoulder straps and in front, make this backpack ideal for students who commute.
Inside, this backpack provides ample organization for lots of stuff. The main compartment is roomy and has enough space to keep a lunch box as well as folders, notebooks, books, and other school supplies. Open up the front zippered compartment for extra storage; the organizer panel has additional compartments for pens and other small school supplies.
Another highlight of the L.L. Bean Original Book Pack is its versatility. Since it’s foldable, kids can easily pack it up inside a duffle bag or rolling suitcase to use as a day pack. Our testing also revealed that the padded, adjustable shoulder straps are easy to adjust and comfortable to wear, even for hours.
The L.L. Bean Original Book Pack was built to last beyond one school year. It’s extremely affordable too! The zippers are heavy duty and durable.
It would have been nice if L.L. Bean introduced lots of new colors, particularly for young girls. A chest strap would have come in handy as well. Regardless, the backpack has a simple yet functional design that kids always love.
Best For Girls
Vera Bradley Campus Backpack: Vera Bradley is one of the most popular brand names for girls’ and ladies’ bags. The Campus Backpack offers girls a fashionable and feminine way to carry essentials to and from school.
We’ve tested hundreds of backpacks, and given our experience, we can easily say that the Vera Bradley Campus Backpack is one of the softest out there. Constructed from recycled cotton, the quilted designs and patterns feel amazing to touch. It’s also lightweight and washable.
This daypack is available in plenty of feminine designs, but they didn’t cut corners on functionality and comfort. They’ve added thick padding in all the places that matter: the laptop compartment, back panel, the shoulder straps. The 25L capacity is a lot of storage - plus the laptop sleeve can fit devices up to 15 inches.
The dimensions of the pack are 12 x 16.75 x 7.5. It’s one of the larger backpacks on this list, though kids who have to pack a serious amount of gear on certain school days will certainly be able to appreciate the storage.
School essentials can easily be organized in the front zippered compartment, which contains 4 slip pockets and an ID window. Additionally, the exterior has two side pockets, an anti-theft back zippered pocket which is hidden from plain sight, and a handy luggage sleeve for excursions.
When we tested the Vera Bradley Campus Backpack, we quickly saw why elementary school girls appreciate this bag so much. It has all the right features but more importantly, it’s extremely comfortable to wear. This school bag was made well too – evident in the quality of sewing and craftsmanship.
Just keep in mind that the Campus Backpack is not to be used in rugged situations. The cotton fabric may be damaged when exposed to sharp edges, so this is not a backpack to take to dusty and rocky playgrounds.
Best For Tweens
The North Face Recon Backpack: Busy, active tweens need a dependable backpack to support them beyond campus life. The North Face Recon is perfect for the job: compact yet spacious, fashionable, sturdy, and available in stunning colorways for both boys and girls.
The North Face is a fantastic all-around daypack that students can rely on from campus to camping trips. They are generously padded for comfort, enabling you to carry your belongings for hours both in school or outdoors with no problems. The 30L capacity is more than adequate for what older elementary students and tweens need, considering that they carry much more with them.
Inside, the main compartment offers roomy storage that can accommodate binders, books, and a laptop. Secure-zip pockets seal off the front compartment seamlessly, while the padded tablet sleeve keeps gadgets safe. The external fleece-lined pocket is perfect for keeping your phone and sunglasses secure and scratch-free.
After researching and testing the North Face Recon, we found several fantastic details, but one of our favorites was the elastic side water bottle pockets. These are multi-purpose, which students can use for other gear such as an umbrella, electronic devices, or even an energy bar. Another excellent detail was the brand’s FlexVent suspension system, which has been certified by the American Chiropractic Association; it’s truly effective in ensuring comfort through the articulated shoulder straps and round back panel, among others.
They added loads of useful features, too: a removable waist belt, 360-degree reflective and water-resistant material, side compression straps, and a top grab handle. The North Face Recon is also recommended for kids of families who enjoy travel - it will last you many, many years.
Best For Personalization
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack: Help your kid stand out in school by offering them a wide range of patterns and styles when shopping around for an elementary school backpack. A cool and trendy backpack customized with the student’s name on it is even better!
Pottery Barn Kids’ Mackenzie collection boasts an impressive array of quality backpack sets. There are dozens of designs to choose from: superheroes, Hello Kitty, floral, dinosaurs, rainbows, hip color combinations, and so much more. There are prints for preschoolers as well as older kids available.
Pottery Barn offers the option of purchasing the backpack alone, which comes in three sizes, or buying it with a set including a matching lunch box and insulated water bottle.
All backpacks are constructed using tough 600D recycled polyester fabrics, while the interior is lined with recycled polyester as well. In addition, Pottery Barn only uses YKK zippers which are renowned for their longevity. These bags aren’t just cute: they are serious about durability and can hold up to several years of use.
The small, medium, large, and extra-large backpack sizes can accommodate kids no matter what their frame size is. Some designs are also available as a rolling backpack. The small and medium options are fantastic choices for preschool or kindergarten kids' backpacks.
They all share the same iconic backpack design, with a front zippered compartment, mesh water bottle pockets on each side, a top grab handle, and shoulder straps that are designed with ergonomic details for comfort. The straps also come with PP webbing for breathability.
We’ve seen hundreds of different backpacks for kids, but the Mackenzie line continues to impress with its design selection and quality. Even the insulated lunch box and water bottles are of good quality; definitely worth getting as a set. Everything is really easy to clean too – which is important for any kind of school accessory.
During our testing, we found that these packs are among the best-designed toddler or elementary school backpacks on the market. The presence of an adjustable sternum strap was a convenient feature, and the contoured shoulder straps really do make a difference in comfort. The top handle was also reinforced using double stitching, so it wouldn’t break easily.
However, Pottery Barn may want to change the use of mesh on water bottle pockets. These have a tendency to break easily; it would be ideal to use fabrics with an elastic top instead. The laptop sleeve also lacks padding, but it was likely included to provide segregation instead of efficiently storing tablets or computers.
That said, the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack is great for kids who want to show off their personality with their backpacks. It is durable and will last children a very long time.
Best Value Backpack
Herschel Heritage Kids Backpack: Herschel’s hip and iconic backpacks are well-known among students. Because of their exceptional durability, these backpacks can even be used all the way through middle school or high school. Get your kids started on Herschel with the Heritage Kids Backpack, which is recommended for children aged 3 to 7 years old.
This version is made from strong EcoSystem recycled fabrics. Children can use this pack everywhere – from playground sessions during recess to classrooms, and summer trips outside. The 15L capacity is just right: it has enough space for notebooks, books, snacks, and an extra shirt or two.
Herschel makes use of Prusik cord pulls to open the main compartment. These cord pulls are easy on the hands, allowing for quick and hassle-free access and closing. When we tested this backpack, we couldn’t help but be impressed at how spacious the main compartment is.
The dimensions of the Kids pack are 14 x 10.5 x 5 inches, though if you have an older child, you may want to consider a slightly larger backpack. This doesn’t fit tall folders, so you may want to consider something larger if your child needs to bring them to and from school. Meanwhile, the Heritage Youth was designed for 8-12-year-old kids and has larger dimensions.
The Herschel Heritage Kids Backpack is equipped with a sternum strap, which comes in handy for efficiently redistributing the pack weight and preventing sore shoulders. Additionally, the buckles and hardware used throughout the pack are of solid quality. It comes in several stylish colors – and for $45, it’s a steal, considering its quality.
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack: The JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is a more spacious alternative. With a 26L capacity and 16.5 x 12.5 x 5.5-inch dimensions, it’s suitable for older elementary school kids. But more importantly, this basic school backpack is long-lasting and can even be used through high school.
The JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is a classic, timeless model. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to a great backpack for elementary school: this pack is loaded with features for comfort, durability, organization, and convenience yet has a simple design. In addition, it weighs only 12.5 oz – lightweight enough for everyday use.
The body is constructed with recycled 600D polyester, so it’s one of the most durable packs on this list. The adjustable padded shoulder straps are effective at reducing pressure and weight on the shoulders, so it’s truly comfortable for all-day wear. The cord tabs found on the zipper pulls are another handy feature for quick and easy access.
Each side has a water bottle pocket, though it lacks the elasticity found in the side pockets of other models. Despite that, it can still fit a small or medium-sized water bottle.
After testing the JanSport SuperBreak backpack, one of the features we appreciated the most is its simplicity in design and organization. The main compartment is the perfect place to stash heavy geography, history, science, or math books plus a lunch bag. Meanwhile, the front organizer pocket can hold a generous amount of small school items including cables, headphones, pens, keys, a wallet, and more.
We can understand why JanSport is so popular among kids backpacks: both students and teachers appreciate its functionality. However, they could make improvements for future iterations, especially by adding substantial padding on the bottom. A laptop sleeve, which can double as segregation for folders, would also have been convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to fill an elementary backpack with?
A backpack for elementary school should have enough space for all the essentials. These include:
- School supplies (notebooks and textbooks)
- Change of clothes
- File folder for loose leaf pages
- Lunch box and snacks
- Pencil case
- Water bottle
- Phone charger
- Calculator
- Hygiene kit (sanitizing wipes, tissue paper, etc.)
Do you need a backpack for elementary school?
Backpacks are the most popular choice of bag for elementary school, and for good reason: a good quality backpack can help you carry all your school supplies and is comfortable to wear. They come in a wide array of colors and prints to match your personal style.
You may also want to consider a rolling backpack to enjoy the flexibility of giving your back a break.
Conclusion
Campus life can be simpler and more organized once you have found the best backpack for elementary school. Use this guide to help you make an informed purchase when shopping around for a backpack.