Best backpacks for school: An option for every budget and student

Every school year, students load up on pencils, notebooks and paper, and they’ll need a way to carry all that stuff around. The best backpacks for students will hold textbooks and supplies, distributing their weight evenly to protect your kiddo's joints. But with so many functional (and stylish) options fighting for your attention, it’s important to look at the most crucial features and make sure you’re getting the right backpack to fit your needs.

Our top picks for the best backpacks for school

Why I chose these backpacks for school

Students need a backpack that will hold their books, notebooks and electronics without causing excessive body strain. As I curated this list, I included options for all ages. After all, the best backpacks for college students aren’t the same as what you'd have your first graders carry to school. I also kept an eye on price, including options ranging from under $50 to over $300. And with laptop storage increasingly becoming a requested feature, I listed information on laptop protection for every backpack in case a student needs it.

Things to remember when choosing the best backpacks for school

Weight

Good backpacks are designed to evenly distribute weight, but they can still take a toll on the body. Start by choosing a backpack that’s as lightweight as possible, then pay close attention to how much weight you’re adding to it.

“Don’t overpack your backpack and be mindful of how heavy it is,” advises Dr. Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT, OCS at Hinge Health. “An ideal weight for a backpack for a young healthy child should not be more than 10% to 15% of the child’s body weight. However, if your child already has back pain or scoliosis, weight should be around 5% to 10% of their body weight.”

Functionality

It can be easy to focus on how a backpack looks, but how it functions is far more important. You’ll want to make sure it has pockets for smaller items like pencils and pens, and protective compartments for phones and laptops. Many backpacks have at least one water bottle pocket on the side to help students stay hydrated throughout the day.

Brittany Belizor is a fifth grade teacher in Clover, South Carolina, who has seen firsthand how students interact with their backpacks. One feature she finds especially useful is the lunchbox attachment on some backpacks.

“These bags have solved a lot of problems in my classroom during dismissal,” says Belizor. “Having the students just attach their lunchbox has eliminated many left-behind lunchboxes, and it allows students to carry what they need because their hands are free.”

Cost

As mentioned above, backpacks can vary in price from $30 to hundreds of dollars. You don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality, useful backpack, though.

“Brands like North Face, JanSport and Patagonia are known for their durable, functional backpacks,” says Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback. “However, these name-brand backpacks can make a dent in your back-to-school budget. Remember to keep an eye out for sales and discounts.”

How to clean and wash your backpack

Just like the best lunch boxes, the best backpacks will likely be put through a wringer of daily wear and tear while enduring all sorts of weather. Pay close attention to any cleaning instructions that come with a backpack and carefully consider whether the color and material you’re selecting will show dirt or if you want a water-resistant or waterproof model.

Always check the care instructions on the label. Some backpacks can be tossed in the washing machine, while others will need to be spot cleaned. If you’ve chosen a material like leather or suede, you may need to invest in a care kit specific to that type of material.

“Periodically clean out the backpack to ensure there aren’t old papers or items that are taking up space,” says Helfrich. “This helps reduce clutter and ensures that next time you pack your backpack, everything will still fit neatly.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What backpacks do high schoolers use?

High schoolers need a little more from their backpack than younger students. They’re more likely to carry a laptop or tablet around with them, for instance, and they’ll also probably need to pack more textbooks into the main compartment. The best backpacks for college and high school tend to be heavier and larger with the assumption older students can handle the increased load.

But high schoolers are also prone to peer pressure. They may be more concerned about how a backpack looks than how well it does its job. As an example, Belizor mentions one past trend that was bad for teens’ backs but popular nonetheless.

“There was a time when it was the ‘cool thing’ to wear your backpack as low as possible,” she explains. “This is a terrible idea not only for your child’s back health, but also the wear and tear on the backpack. Having the bag hang low can cause unnecessary pressure on the straps, causing them to fray or tear easier.”

How often should I replace my child’s backpack?

Ideally, your child will outgrow the backpack before it needs to be replaced, but some backpacks are less durable than others. Tara Holtz, a preschool blogger and grandmother, has some signs to look for when considering whether to replace a backpack. “⁤⁤If the zippers aren't working smoothly, the straps are starting to fray or holes are showing up, it's probably a good idea to get a new one," she says.

Are rolling backpacks a good option for school?

For travelers, rolling backpacks can be a great way to reduce discomfort. However, in the classroom, the technology isn’t quite as useful. As Belizor explains, rolling backpacks are banned in some schools, and even when they aren’t, they tend to not be as practical as they might seem from a distance.

“As a teacher, I’ve found that these take up a lot of room and are really difficult to get hung up in the cubbies, on hooks and definitely don’t fit on the back of chairs, which is what my students had to do a lot of times,” says Belizor. “When they are being wheeled through the halls, especially by younger students, there is a lot of fooling around and losing control. These backpacks open opportunities for students to trip themselves or others or bump into things.”

What’s the best way to pack a school backpack?

Weight distribution can make a big difference in a backpack’s strain on the body. But strain is only one thing to consider. Helfrich says ease of access to crucial items is also important.

“Items should be packed in a way that the heaviest items are in first and will be closest to the body and all the lighter items go in last,” says Helfrich. “Use compartments wisely, as well as smaller outside pockets. Using smaller outside pockets for small items keeps them readily accessible and also prevents them from getting lost.”