The Best Backpacks for Elementary School: A 2025 Buying Guide

The Big Student Backpack is built for heavy loads and longer days, earning a 7/10 for its roomy design and ergonomic S‑curve straps, which we found comfortable during extended wear. In our testing the durable polyester and fully padded back panel stood up to daily use, and two large compartments handle books and gear easily, but the sheer size can be overkill for smaller kids and the lack of waterproofing means you’ll want a rain cover for wet days. If your child carries a lot, this is one of our more practical choices.

ClassMate Medium strikes a nice balance of durability and comfort, scoring 7/10 thanks to its 1200‑denier reinforced bottom and breathable padded back panel that we found supportive. During our review the sturdy mesh water bottle pockets and diamond mesh shoulder straps stood out, but several users reported zipper breakage and the exterior pocket is shallow for snacks or Tupperware. If you want a colorful, comfortable daily bag that can take abuse, this is a reliable pick — just watch zipper longevity or consider occasional maintenance.

The L.L.Bean Book Pack is one of our higher scorers, earning an 8/10 for its rugged build and roomy compartments that handle middle-school loads well. We found the padded shoulder straps comfortable for long days and the durable material held up in real-world use, though the water bottle pocket can be loose and occasional zipper or strap wear showed up after prolonged use. If your child needs space and longevity, this is a practical, dependable choice — just check bottle security and seams over time.

If your child needs room for books, a laptop and a lunchbox, the Cool Student (about $60) is a hardworking casual pack that scored 7/10 in our testing thanks to spacious compartments and sturdy construction. We found the ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps make it comfortable for longer walks and heavy days. During our review the zippers proved problematic—snagging on fabric—and the synthetic leather bottom can peel, and the limited small-pocketing reduces accessory storage, so plan on occasional zipper care to get the most from this otherwise roomy, comfortable option.

The ClassMate Backpack earned a strong 7.5/10 in our testing, and during our review we appreciated the durable, machine-washable fabric plus reflective trim that boosts visibility at drop-off. We found the adjustable chest strap helps balance weight and protect growing shoulders, which is a practical perk for daily commutes. Our experience shows it isn't perfect—there's no dedicated laptop or tablet pocket, mesh bottle pockets may develop holes, and the back padding is thinner than some rivals—but overall durability and easy cleaning make this a safety-minded, reliable pick for elementary students.

Nike Heritage blends sporty style with sustainability, scoring 8/10 and made with at least 65% recycled polyester — a nice win in our testing. We found the roomy main compartment and padded sleeve for up to a 15" laptop useful for older kids, and the cushioned straps and back add comfort, but the material feels thinner than some competitors and internal pocketing is limited. For families prioritizing eco-friendly materials and everyday comfort, this is a practical, stylish pick with one caveat: treat it a bit more gently.

Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is one of our top-rated sporty choices at an 8.5/10, combining UA Storm water resistance with cushioned HeatGear® straps for real comfort during commutes. We found the soft-lined laptop sleeve and water‑resistant fabric especially useful for kids who carry devices and need protection from the elements, though the shared bottom shoe space cuts into main storage and the lack of a chest strap reduces load support. For active students who value durability and comfort, this backpack earned its high rating in our testing.

During our review the Jester by The North Face scored 6.5/10, thanks to strong comfort features like supportive straps and a helpful sternum strap that improves weight distribution when the pack is loaded. We liked how comfortable it is to wear, but our experience shows the roomy front compartment can intrude on main storage when overpacked, and the back-panel material caused pilling and wear on clothes in some cases. It's a good comfy choice for older students, but watch packing habits and fabric contact.

The Kane Double Pocket offers thoughtful organization and sustainable linings, with two zip‑around compartments and a padded 13" laptop sleeve, but it scored 6/10 because durability and size issues surfaced in our experience. We found the nylon exterior and recycled polyester lining feel eco-conscious, yet some users reported stiff fabric, smaller-than-expected capacity, and interior tearing after light use. If you prioritize neat organization and a tidy look, it’s useful, but our testing suggests you should inspect seams and size expectations before committing.

In our testing the Wildkin Out of this World backpack scores a playful win for younger kids thanks to its bold, colorful designs that really appeal at drop-off and recess. We found the pack comfortable and decently organized for small items, but the 5.5/10 score reflects real concerns: zippers and strap stitching have shown durability issues and the size can be too small for standard folders. If you want a fun, short-term option for preschool or light use this is a cute pick, but don't expect long-term schoolday ruggedness.

During our review the ReadyGo Utility Pro earned a solid 7/10 by focusing on durability and practical protection — its water-resistant exterior and vegan leather trim stand out when rainy mornings roll around. We found the padded, adjustable straps comfortable for longer walks and appreciated the organized pockets, but the size may overwhelm younger elementary kids and the limited color choices won't satisfy every style-seeking child. For families who prioritize a sturdy, weather-ready pack with ergonomic support, this is a dependable, slightly grown-up option.

The Nike Utility Speed is a roomy, performance-focused pack that scored 6.5/10 in our testing for its spacious main compartment and organized zippered pockets. We found the padded back and shoulder straps comfortable for heavy days and the build felt durable, but recurring zipper durability reports and a higher price tag temper the recommendation. If you need a sport-ready, well-padded backpack for larger loads it's worth considering, though budget-conscious families should weigh the cost and check zipper quality before buying.

Bright and budget-friendly, the Skip Hop Rainbow Spark is an eye-catching pick for younger kids at about $19 and scored 6.5/10 in our review. We found the colorful design and easy‑to‑clean materials make it ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students, but the small size struggles with standard folders and the mesh bottle pocket can tear after months of use. In our testing it’s a great starter bag if you need an affordable, fun option, just don't expect long-term heavy-duty performance.

The Kane Backpack is a style-forward choice with shiny colors that really appeal to kids, yet it only scored 6/10 in our experience because form sometimes outpaces function. During our review the look impressed, but several users noted the metallic lining can peel and the pack may be too small to carry multiple books plus a lunchbox comfortably. If looks are top priority this delivers, but we found it less practical for busy school days where durability and capacity matter.

If your child is a Disney Princess fan, this backpack delivers on character appeal and functional pockets, but it scored 6.5/10 in our review due to reliability concerns. We found the multiple compartments helpful for organizing school supplies, yet zipper durability emerged as a recurring issue in our testing and the lack of side bottle pockets limits convenience for drinks. In short, it’s a charming and useful choice for young fans, though plan on treating it gently or checking warranty options for zipper problems.

In our testing the Herschel Heritage Youth scored 6/10 as a functional, stylish option for younger kids but one with trade-offs: we found the adjustable straps and water-bottle holder useful for day trips, yet standard folders often need bending to fit and the material can feel scratchy against sensitive skin. For parents who want a casual, compact pack that looks good, it's an attractive choice, but our experience shows it isn't the most practical pick for older elementary students carrying full-size school paper and binders.

The Trail maker Multi-Pocket is unbeatable on price and organization for the budget-minded family, but it scored 5.5/10 because long‑term durability is a concern. We found the lightweight construction and multiple pockets handy for quickly sorting supplies, however the material feels thin and some users report zipper failures after short-term use. In our testing it works well as a temporary or light‑duty option, yet if you need something to last through the school year, consider spending a bit more for sturdier materials.

In our testing the PUMA Contender scored a tidy 7/10 by delivering durable construction, cushioned straps and a supportive back panel that make daily wear comfortable. We found the multiple pockets useful for organizing school supplies, yet the limited color range and somewhat compact size may disappoint kids needing extra capacity; occasional fulfillment errors have also cropped up for some buyers. For families seeking a sporty, comfortable pack that performs well day-to-day, this is a good value — just verify size and order details.

For a bright, budget-friendly combo the Geometric Print Backpack and Lunchbox Set (about $26.80) delivers appealing styling and multiple compartments, and in our testing it scored 6/10 for its storage and design. We found the roomy pockets make organizing supplies simple and the colorful pattern should work for both boys and girls. Our experience shows durability is the major drawback—several users report zippers breaking after short-term use—so treat this as a fun, short-term or light-duty option and inspect zipper quality on arrival.

In our testing the Skip Hop Narwhal Mini is a charming, toddler-friendly pick that scored 6/10 for its playful look and smart safety features like a detachable harness. We found the mesh pocket handy for a bottle or juice box and the small size suits preschool outings, but the compact capacity limits what you can carry and some reviewers report zipper durability problems over time. Choose this for young kids who need security and cuteness — not for older students who need folders and heavy books.

If you want a dependable everyday pack, the SuperBreak® Plus (about $60) is a solid casual option that earned a respectable 7.5/10 in our testing. We found the 600‑denier polyester held up well to rough use and the padded 15‑inch laptop sleeve is a real plus for older elementary kids, but some users report the shoulder straps feel thinner than expected and internal organization is limited. During our review the water bottle pocket occasionally failed to secure larger bottles, so plan accordingly if hydration accessibility matters.

In our testing the Nike Elemental earned a 7.5/10 for blending sporty durability with everyday comfort — the padded shoulder straps and sturdy exterior stood up to daily use. We found the removable pencil case a thoughtful touch for organizing small supplies, but limited internal compartments and shallow side pockets mean larger water bottles or older kids' binders can be a tight fit. If you want a comfortable, sporty daypack for younger students who value simplicity, this is a solid mid-range pick.

During our review the SuperBreak Black earned a 7.5/10 for straightforward durability and everyday versatility — we found the classic Jansport construction stands up to years of use. The downside is its simplicity: our experience shows it lacks a dedicated laptop sleeve and side water-bottle pockets, so electronics and drinks share space with books. If you want a reliable, low-fuss pack that will last while keeping a slim profile, this durable SuperBreak is a sensible pick, especially for younger students.