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Best backpacks for school, tried and tested by kids

From sporty rucksacks to dinosaur-themed holdalls, these bags are the best in class

Danielle Wilkins
Tuesday 16 August 2022 14:08 BST
<p>We did our homework, assessing comfort, how easy they were to zip up and the pocket situation </p>

We did our homework, assessing comfort, how easy they were to zip up and the pocket situation

Our Top Picks

Sorting out all the bits and bobs kids will need for school isn’t always the easiest of tasks, whether you’re shopping for a lunchbox they’ll actually want to use, a new school uniform or a pair of school shoes that fits comfortably. Similarly, when it comes to finding a school bag they’ll be proud to sport in the playground, little ones can be a tough crowd.

Likely to become one of the most hardworking items on your shopping list, the best school backpacks and rucksacks need to be practical, comfortable, and strong enough to withstand daily use, as well as being something kids are keen to wear.

Size is the first thing you should consider. Smaller children are likely to need less – a water bottle, lunchbox, a reading book and raincoat – while those in secondary school will need space for all the above, plus A4 folders and stationery, wallet, phone, sports kit and perhaps even a laptop or tablet.

But as well as being large enough to accommodate these items, it needs to be relatively proportionate to your child’s width and height, with padded, adjustable straps that accommodate young, growing bodies, for maximum comfort.

A backpack also needs to be durable and able to survive the somewhat rough treatment our beloveds bestow upon their belongings – being dragged across classroom floors and dumped in lockers, inevitable lunch spillages, the rain (and other elements), not to mention countless spins around the washing machine.

But while quality and fit are the biggest factors, it should also be something your child will wear with pride when they head back to school in September. Look for bright colours and fun prints that encompass kids’ interests and sense of style, while adhering to any bag policies your child’s school might have.

How we tested

We asked our young testers (aged between three and 17) to fill their backpacks and wear them out and about for two weeks. We assessed everything from the quality and comfort to how easy they were to zip up, the number of pockets and compartments they offered and everything in between. In our opinion, these are the ones that get top marks for their comfort, practicality and style.

The best kids’ backpacks for 2023 are:

  • Best kids’ backpack overall – Fjällräven Kanken rainbow kids’ backpack: £95, Fjallraven.com
  • Best budget kids’ backpack – Kipsta essential kids’ backpack: £7.49, Decathlon.co.uk
  • Best eco kids’ backpack – Polarn O. Pyret dinosaur kids’ backpack: £28, Polarn O. Pyret
  • Best kids’ backpack for small children – JoJo Maman Bébé lion kids’ backpack: £22, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Fjällräven Kanken rainbow kids’ backpack

fjallraven kanken rainbox backpack kids teens school 2023
  • Best: Kids' backpack overall
  • Dimensions: 38cm x 27cm x 13cm
  • Volume: 16l
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Colourways: 7
  • Padded straps: No

Originally created as a school bag for children in 1978, there’s a reason you’ll spot the trusty Kanken everywhere. From city living to family hiking holidays in the Lake District, this brand ticks every box in terms of style, comfort and practicality – plus, they’re just as much a hit with adults as they are with teens and older kids.

The special-edition rainbow version has everything we love about the traditional Kanken – a smart boxy shape, oversized handles, and the red fox logo, but the rainbow accents (something that’s long been a symbol for diversity and equality) gives it a fun, spirited twist. Plus, the range of colours is incredibly cool. It looks compact, but the boxy shape helps to keep things organised and enables you to fit way more than you may expect.

The zips go all the way down to the base of the bag (almost like a suitcase), so you can pack it full of stuff. It may be at the pricier end of the scale but think of the Kanken as an investment piece. With snags, tears, loose threads or stuck zips unlikely, this timeless number will see kids through years of playground fun, and no doubt through the holidays too.

While this plush pink colour is sadly sold out, there are plenty of other tones to choose from.

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Kipsta essential kids’ backpack

Kipsta essential kids’ backpack.jpg
  • Best: Budget kids’ backpack
  • Dimensions: 43cm x 29cm x 13cm
  • Volume: 17l
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: 3
  • Padded straps: Yes

Whether you have a mini-Monty Panesar or a young Leah Williamson on your hands, finding a bag that can accommodate an endless amount of screwed-up sports kit is no mean feat, but we may have found the solution in this basic backpack from Decathlon. It has a whopping 17l capacity and multiple compartments (including a shoe pocket and space for a water bottle), plus it’s supremely comfortable to wear, even when full.

We dropped marks because it’s handwash only but, at £6.99, it’s an excellent budget buy. It comes in a range of colours, including coral/pink, and blue. Plus, the design team behind this bag are themselves a group of football players – need we say more?

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Polarn O. Pyret dinosaur kids’ backpack

Polarn O. Pyret dinosaur kids’ backpack  .jpg
  • Best: Eco-friendly kids’ backpack
  • Dimensions: 20cm x 28cm x 12cm
  • Volume: Not specified
  • Waterproof: Water repellent
  • Colourways: 2
  • Padded straps: Yes

As a brand synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and hardwearing fabrics, we weren’t surprised to find this cute dinosaur-print backpack from Swedish label Polarn O. Pyret was one of the most durable and comfortable we tested. This is also a brand that has an ongoing commitment to sustainability, and this bag is made using recycled PET plastic bottles rescued from landfill, with an eco-friendly water-repellent finish that makes it particularly easy to wipe clean (though it’s also machine-washable).

In terms of comfort, this backpack comes with ultra-padded straps and a mesh back for breathability. It also fastens around the middle to help it stay in place, so there’ll be no slipping off bulky coats. Despite being such a high-quality product with a print that would certainly appeal to a wide range of kids, it’s a little on the small side, so probably only suitable for children aged up to five. We’d love to see a bigger version!

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JoJo Maman Bébé lion kids’ backpack

JoJo Maman Bébé lion kids’ backpack  .jpg
  • Best: For small children
  • Dimensions: 26cm x 21cm x 9cm
  • Volume: Not specified
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: 1
  • Padded straps: Not specified

This adorable bag is one of a few colourful animal designs from JoJo Maman Bébé, all of which are perfect for pre-schoolers heading to nursery this September. It’s a really good size for drinks and snack boxes, and the straps are adjustable, so there’s plenty of room for growth and movement. Our three-year-old tester looked super cute toting this one around, and especially loved filling up the front pocket. There’s a name badge inside, but this one can be personalised too, which means there’s no chance of it getting lost should it manage to magically jump coat pegs.

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Herschel Supply Co. heritage backpack youth XL

hersh-backpack-Indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: For tablets
  • Dimensions: 17in x 12in x 5.5in
  • Volume: 22l
  • Waterproof: No
  • Colourways: 10
  • Padded straps: Yes

Known for its stylish yet functional bags, Herschel Supply Co. is a great go-to option for anyone wanting a backpack that will stand the test of time. The brand’s classic Heritage design for kids has been reimagined as an XL version for children aged between eight and 12 years old, boasting all the same design elements (such as a 13in laptop sleeve, subtle mesh water-bottle pocket and removeable sternum support strap) but with more storage space. We loved the look and feel of this. The lining feels stylish and smart, the straps are extra comfy, and well-thought-out touches such as the key clip in the front pocket make this feel like a luxury product.

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The verdict: Kids’ backpacks

If you’re looking for a bag that will truly stand the test of time, we can’t fault the Kanken rainbow for older kids and teens. However, the adorable lion backpack from JoJo Maman Bébé is sure to make any kid keen to get to school in the morning.

Get your little ones off on the right foot with a pair of the best kids’ school shoes

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