In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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We tested kids' backpacks from top brands, like VASCHY, Everest, Skip Hop, JanSport, and more to find the best
Each product in our review has been purchased for hands-on testing and side-by-side comparison.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated July 21, 2025
No matter the activity or the location, kids love carrying their own things. Whether it is supplies for the first day of school or treasures for a trip to grandma's house, a cool kids' backpack is essential.
Our review ranks the 8 most popular kids' backpacks. We searched the market and purchased the most popular packs for hands-on testing. We believe the perfect pack should offer the capacity and features your child needs, and the quality to withstand frequent use or heavy loads.
Our favorite kids' backpack is the VASCHY Preschool Backpack. This smaller pack is perfect for pre-schoolers, with two side pockets and a durable feel. It comes in various colors and patterns and has a comfy fit. While almost too small for older kids, it can be too big for smaller preschoolers.
Our favorite budget-friendly option is the Everest Basic Backpack. This simple choice is half the price of the Vaschy and works best for minimal needs and lighter loads, as it isn't as high-quality and lacks additional pockets.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 11x4.3x14.6/11.5L
REASONS TO BUY
Two side pockets
Chest strap
Write-on nametag
Quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Too small for older children
Not only does the VASCHY Preschool Backpack meet our backpack expectations, but the bag is downright cute. The VASCHY feels sturdy, and the fabric feels durable, making its overall quality good for most needs. It has a large main pocket and an easy-access front pocket for smaller items like snacks. The zippers work well without getting caught, and the bag features two elastic side pockets to stash a water bottle and snacks. Inside the big compartment, there's a write-on nametag, and this contender is the only one in our lineup with a chest strap, which helps stabilize the backpack and improve wearing comfort. Our parent tester says, “I love that the chest clip keeps the shoulder straps in place on narrower bodies.”
This bag has one large compartment, which we prefer for younger children who don't need to organize items like older students. But if a bag with multiple pockets is a better fit for your child's needs, you may prefer something like the Skip Hop Little Kid Backpack. This bag is super cute and has a smaller pocket. Also, the VASCHY comes in two sizes: small and large. We tested the small size for our review, which we think meets a preschooler's or kindergartener's needs. Our tester said, “I like the smaller size; it is less overwhelming for smaller children.” We suggest moving up to the large size (11W x 5.5D x 15.7 H and 15.69L capacity) for older children, as they will likely need to carry more. A larger pack that also rolls and might be suitable for kids with heavier books is the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack. However, if you need a basic pack that works for younger kids, this is a great contender.
We consider the VASCHY is an all-around winner as it sports features that make this bag high-quality and comfortable to wear.
The Everest Basic Backpack is minimal, with no bells or whistles. It offers one spacious main compartment for books and folders, plus a front pocket that is easy to access for smaller items like a snack, calculator, or writing utensil. With a selection of available colors, kids can choose one that fits their style. This pack is a simple option for those who might misplace items in bags with more pockets. One tester said, “I think little ones can keep track of belongings better with fewer pockets.”
The Everest's lower price point is applause-worthy, especially for budget-minded folks, but the bag's design and quality are somewhat lacking, making us question potential durability and longevity. The shoulder straps have minimal padding, but the bag's backside has none. The lack of padding makes it a no-go for older kids with heavier loads who might find it uncomfortable when full of books. Also, the fabric is thin, increasing the chance of holes, and the bag has no suitable pocket for a water bottle. If your budget can be stretched, the VASCHY Preschool Backpack could be the better choice, with more padding on the straps and a little better quality. If you need something for heavier items or more books, the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack could be a better fit, given the larger size and thicker material with rolling capabilities. Our tester said, “I like the rolling capabilities of the J World for heavier items.” However, the bare minimum design and lower price of the Everest make it a good choice for younger children with less to carry.
The Everest Basic might attract those who are willing to compromise on quality and certain features to get a lower price.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 18x13x9/34.5L
REASONS TO BUY
Adjustable handle
Versatile
Lots of extras
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Lighten the load with the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack. This contender is full of features like wheels, organization, and versatility, like no other contender in our review. If you prefer to take a break from rolling, clip the padded shoulder straps into place and wear it backpack-style. The main compartment is roomy, and the front pocket is overflowing with extras. The adjustable handle extends to 34 or 39 inches to accommodate a variety of user heights.
This pack costs more than most of the competition, which means it might be prohibitive for smaller budgets. However, the standout features and quality seem to justify the added cost, depending on your needs or goals. We think the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack is best for older children who need to bring books and supplies back and forth to school. The additional comfort and durability will be appreciated, as we suspect it can last all year without a replacement. Some schools don't allow rolling bags, and the VASCHY Preschool Backpack might be a better consideration.
Your child will travel in style with the J World New York, a versatile backpack that makes carrying items to and from school easy.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 11x5x12/10.8L
REASONS TO BUY
Customizable name tag
Better quality
Large front pocket
REASONS TO AVOID
Check buttons
There's much to adore about the Skip Hop Little Kid Backpack. It brought smiles to our faces, and we think it will instantly win your little one's heart. Although more petite in size than other contenders, this bag is mighty. It feels high-quality and offers a roomy main compartment to hold treasures and trinkets. It also features a write-on name tag. For an added dose of cuteness, check out the rainbow zipper pull. And with little ones busy finding treasures to tote, the zipper experienced frequent use, and we did not experience any issues.
This pack is intended for children three years of age and up, potentially due to the animal's button eyes posing a choking hazard should they fall off. On the product we purchased for testing, they feel secure, and we did not experience any issues, but it is good to remember that any button can detach under the right circumstances. Therefore, we suggest checking them regularly to ensure they are securely attached. The VASCHY Preschool Backpack is also a smaller pack for little kids without the cuteness and the choking potential. We think the Skip Hop is an adorable backpack and is a winner, whether your tot needs a light pack or is graduating from a diaper bag.
The Skip Hop is smaller than others but packs a lot of cuteness. It's fun and best for little ones who want to carry a few items.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 13.5x8.5x19/35.7L
REASONS TO BUY
Great organization
Quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Might be overkill
The High Sierra Loop Backpack may be an exciting option for a middle schooler or older who needs a higher capacity for homework-filled days. Thanks to its multi-compartment design, this pack has ample storage for school essentials, lunch, a water bottle, etc. Compared to others, this backpack's quality is impressive, making it an option we believe can potentially last longer.
The pack's capacity is overkill for most kids, particularly younger children who don't need the extras. It could be larger than some little ones' torsos, making it harder to wear and carry supplies. The Everest Basic Backpack might be a suitable, smaller option for those with shorter torsos or less to carry. Therefore, we consider the High Sierra to be best for a middle schooler going into high school or traveling. If you need a larger capacity or higher quality, this pack could last a long time, providing ample space.
The High Sierra Loop Backpack features a side pocket designed to hold a standard water bottle.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 12x7x15/20.6L
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
No front pocket
Too small for multiple big items
The Wildkin 15 Inch Backpack is a mid-sized backpack with multiple fun designs for children three years old and older. It has two zippered pockets for packing essentials and a mesh side pocket to hold your child's water bottle. This backpack is 600 Denier Polyester, and according to its care instructions, this bag is spot clean only.
Unlike other contenders, this backpack does not have an easy-access front pocket. Although this is not a deal-breaker, a small, easy-to-access pocket can be handy for items you'd like to grab, such as a snack. The VASCHY Preschool Backpack has a front pocket and side bottle holder, making it more useful if you need better organization. Also, if your child carries a heavier load to school (think binders and textbooks, etc.), you may discover the bag's size is too small for their needs. We suggest this option for elementary school-aged kids.
Although comfortable to wear, the Wildkin might be too small for larger items, such as binders and textbooks.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 12.2x6x15.8/18.9
REASONS TO BUY
Decent padding
Better quality
Internal pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Velcro side pockets
Although the Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack is straightforward in design, it still boasts qualities we consider essential for a great kids' backpack. The quality is decent, and there is enough padding to make the bag comfortable to wear. The main compartment is generous and features multiple internal pockets for extra storage and organization. We also appreciate the front pocket for quick access to items.
We had high hopes for this product, but the Velcro closures on the bag's side pockets lowered its ranking. We consider it a downside because the pockets do not stretch as much as contenders with stretchy elastic side pockets. The VASCHY Preschool Backpack has great storage with multiple pockets to keep things separated and easier to find. But if a basic backpack with internal pockets works for you, this option is a potential contender.
The Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack is a likable option; however, the Velcro closures on the side pockets don't offer much stretch.
Side Pocket(s): Yes | Size/Capacity: 13x8.2x16.5/25L
REASONS TO BUY
Minimal in design
REASONS TO AVOID
No water bottle pocket
The JanSport SuperBreak is like the Everest Basic Backpack but has minor differences. This contender offers back padding, and its dimensions are slightly larger. The roomy main compartment opens wide and can hold binders, textbooks, and more, plus the front pocket has some internal organizers for small items.
Although we don't mind keeping things simple, we wish this contender's design incorporated at least one side pocket for a water bottle. The lack of this feature is disappointing, especially for kids toting a bottle to school who need a quick drink. The VASCHY Preschool Backpack offers a water bottle holder and a front pocket, if you need more organization diversity. However, check out the SuperBreak if you seek a simple backpack that offers a little more quality than the bare minimum.
The JanSport SuperBreak is basic yet offers a little more quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tip: Backpacks collect all sorts of items, including food crumbs and smells. Therefore, cleaning your child's backpack regularly is helpful.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Tested
We tested a range of kids' backpacks to provide an overview of the current market. We started by considering the most popular and well-regarded backpacks available with an eye for quality, organization, ease of use, and budget. We chose packs we thought kids would like and packs for different stages of childhood. Our hands-on testing involved kid testers and parents loading and wearing the bags to see which ones were the most comfortable and easiest to use.
Why Trust GearLab
The BabyGearLab team has been testing gear since 2013. Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and nanny with over 14 years of experience. Molly has worked with children of various ages, making her the best expert to suggest the perfect kids' backpack.
J World New York can turn into a backpack by fastening the shoulder straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Analysis and Test Results
When shopping for a kids' backpack, it is important to look beyond style and color options and consider factors like capacity and quality. We kept these metrics in mind while evaluating the competition and noted user feedback from testers ranging in age from three years to middle school. Collectively, these factors influenced our overall ranking of products and selection of award winners.
The Skip Hop features a large main compartment great for holding toys, snacks, and treasures during adventures.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Capacity
Our lineup includes products of various capacities. The size you select may depend on your child's needs or size. The High Sierra Loop Backpack, which is oversized compared to other packs, has the largest capacity in our review. Following close behind is the J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Skip Hop Little Kid Backpack, one of the tiniest backpacks, with the VASCHY Preschool Backpack being one step up in capacity. Other bags that we consider middle-of-the-road in size include the Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack and the Wildkin 15-inch Backpack.
It's a miracle if a backpack makes it to the end of the school year. Therefore, we recommend selecting a high-quality pack to increase your chances of product longevity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
Backpacks take a beating. Let's face it, it would be wonderful if a bag could make it to the end of the school year, but this is a far-reaching goal for most kids' backpacks. However, selecting a high-quality product up front gives you the best chance of achieving this goal.
We consider the High Sierra Loop Backpack the king of quality in the competition. It has heavy-duty fabric, great padding, and zippers that feel like they will last. Runner-up contenders include the VASCHY Preschool Backpack, J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack, and the Skip Hop Little Kid Backpack.
Alternatively, the backpack with the most flimsy and lightweight fabric is the Everest Basic Backpack. The material makes us question its durability, and it lacks padding down the back.
Important: Although you might be tempted to save money by purchasing a larger backpack your child can grow into, selecting one that fits them now is critical. This helps them avoid discomfort and injury from a poor fit or heavy pack. Besides, their tastes will change from year to year and what was once cool in first grade can be totally embarrassing by the fifth grade.
How to Choose a Backpack for Kids
Finding the right pack for your little one can be simple if you consider a few factors before buying.
Size
The size of your child's backpack needs is largely based on age and what they will need to carry. The supplies for a pre-schooler will be significantly less than those for a student nearing the end of elementary school. Little ones have smaller frames, making larger bags harder to carry, while older children can manage bigger bags. Depending on your child's age and size, the pack should fit them comfortably and have the ability to carry the supplies they might need each day.
Features
Choosing a bag with the right features can be the difference between a bag that is hard to use and one that makes life easier. Features to consider are additional storage pockets for better organization, side pockets for water bottles, and wheels to help limit the load on developing bodies and growing joints.
The Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack is comfortable to wear and adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
Everyone has a different body and abilities, so choosing a comfortable bag for your child to wear is paramount. We assessed comfort by loading and wearing the packs. You should look for balanced bags with padded and adjustable straps. A padded back pad is also helpful to prevent any poking in the back while wearing it. Heavier loads might be better off with a rolling bag to avoid strain on developing joints.
We really appreciate kids' backpacks that have a stretchy side pocket for holding a water bottle, making it easier and more accessible to get a drink.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
A backpack can be an essential piece of kid gear from the first day of school to sleepovers with friends. Selecting a durable and reliable backpack can make life easier for you and your child. We feel confident you'll find a kids' backpack in our selection that best fits your goals and your child's needs.
Meet Your Guide
Molly Bradac Senior Review Editor Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, is a core member of the GearLab Baby product review team. With over 14 years of experience as a Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist, Molly has changed more diapers than most parents would in four lifetimes. She is the literal Mary Poppins of GearLab. Her extensive experience includes helping children establish sleeping routines, creating calming environments for sleep, and overnight care for newborns, managing feeds and diaper changes by the glow of a night... read more