We Found Them: Best Backpacks for the New School Year
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Back-to-school shopping feels like a seasonal sport, trying to keep track of everything each kid needs and getting familiar with the trends. But one thing you know for sure will be on the school supply list is a backpack. I remember the days of easy backpack shopping when you just grabbed your Jansport and called it a day. Now there are so many options, like how do you choose?
So we went thru and tested, toted, and hauled a ton of backpacks to determine which are the best backpacks for school...
Why these passed the test: We love them for their comfy shoulder straps, clever internal organization, and the ability to handle heavy loads without a single complaint (from the bag, not the children).
And yes, we’ve packed in alllll the details about laptop compartments, exterior pockets, and water resistant fabric, because we moms know what’s up.
Here are the Best Backpacks for the New School Year:
1. Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L
If your tween or teen is already obsessed with Lululemon attire, this will be another Lulu must-have. The Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L calls itself "not your average backpack." It delivers on both comfort and style, plus has ergonomic padded straps for those heavy loads (looking at you, textbooks) and a laptop sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. We love the spacious main compartment for school stuff and a change of clothes for after-school activities.
Why they'll love it: The water-resistant fabric holds up to unpredictable weather, and the sleek look is cute enough for any age, including those hard-to-buy-for college students.
2. Hershel Supply Co. Classic Backpack XL
The Herschel Classic Backpack XL is a longtime favorite, and for good reason: it fits everything your student needs, and it's literally no wonder this has been on the list of favorite backpacks for the past few years. The external zippered front pocket makes it easy to grab smaller items on the go. High schoolers (at least mine!) dig it.
Why they'll love it: The side zipper pocket is a game-changer for quick access to snacks or hand sanitizer (anyone else a germaphobe like me?)
3. North Face Borealis Backpack
If you need a bag that can keep up with your kid's busy schedule, enter the North Face Borealis Backpack. It’s made for heavy loads and long days, and the larger size means the storage is never an issue. Water bottle pockets fit the popular Stanley water bottles, the laptop compartment is super secure, and the whole thing is water-resistant for rainy bus stop mornings. This is a super popular option for both high schoolers and college students.
Why they'll love it: The sternum straps also act as compression straps and help distribute the weight evenly away from shoulders. (Trust, it makes a difference.)
4. Jansport Big Student 17.5" Backpack
Raise your hand if you rocked Jansport backpacks back in the day... The Jansport Big Student 17.5" Backpack is still a reliable classic with some of the highest ratings we've seen. Two huge main compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and exterior pockets keep things sorted (and lost homework to a minimum...hopefully). This large backpack is one lasts a long time, even if your student is, um, not the most gentle with their stuff.
Why they'll love it: It's been one of the trendy backpacks for years, and again, your student will get literal years of use out of it.
5. NIKE Utility Elite Backpack
Nike is a name everyone knows, and the NIKE Utility Elite Backpack is a great option for a kids backpack that checks off a name brand while still also seeking quality. We love that it has room for alllll the school supplies. The easy access and adjustable straps are a plus.
Why they'll love it: One of the most thoughtful features? An insulated hydration pocket to keep water bottles cold (IYKYK).
6. FJALLRAVEN | Kanken Backpack
The Kanken isn’t just cute for Instagram back-to-school photos; this Swedish-inspired Fjallraven backpack is also loved for its ultralight pack feel, simple boxy style, and easy-to-clean fabric. Shoulder straps are nice, but it also has top handles to easily carry around if kids don’t want to wear it on their back. The spacious main compartment fits everything from lunch boxes to library books. Exterior pockets and a slip pocket help with quick access to smaller items.
Why they'll love it: The line is jam-packed with tons of solid colors, so there's a hue for everyone.
7. Hulken's New Backpack
Hulken is the new kid on the block, and prepare to be impressed. Their new backpack is all about organization with 18 total pockets offering plenty of storage for everything your kiddo (or you, ofc) hauls. The large main compartments have room for gym gear, school books, and an after-school snack stash. Spoiler: We love Hulken! It even has a trolley sleeve with hidden zipper pocket.
Why they'll love it: If this holds up anything like other Hulken products, it'll definitely withstand the test of time.
