Why Trust The DWYM Score?

DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.

Classic and Flexible This iconic, timeless school backpack holds up to heavy use and includes a handy laptop holder.

Classic and Flexible This iconic, timeless school backpack holds up to heavy use and includes a handy laptop holder.

Many Color Options Suitable for use beyond school, this backpack offers handy tech-friendly features and multiple size and color options.

Many Color Options Suitable for use beyond school, this backpack offers handy tech-friendly features and multiple size and color options.

Elegant Choice This basic backpack doesn't disappoint with several pockets and a comfortable weight.

Elegant Choice This basic backpack doesn't disappoint with several pockets and a comfortable weight.

Ideal for Older Students The large size and technology features make this backpack a good option for high school and college students.

Ideal for Older Students The large size and technology features make this backpack a good option for high school and college students.

Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or in their last year of high school, a good backpack is essential. This iconic school accessory comes in many designs and styles so that you can find one that fits your child’s tastes, age and size. You can choose from everything from simple backpacks in a solid color or character theme to an organizer backpack that comes with cool tech-related features.

You’ll want to first consider your child’s age and size to determine the right backpack size for their needs. If your kid is in elementary school, they can do fine with a smaller backpack since they’re less likely to need to bring home many heavy books for homework. But if you’ve got a middle schooler or high schooler, a larger backpack usually becomes necessary due to the heavier workload expected. However, this may not be true if your child’s school uses mostly electronic materials, so it’s good to know what the school recommends.

School backpack designs include both traditional and rolling styles. Traditional backpacks worn on the back are the most common for students and take up less space, but they do put more stress on the neck, shoulders and back. You can also find shoulder bags with a single strap. Backpacks with wheels, on the other hand, offer the benefit of being less demanding on your child’s body. However, they’re often too bulky to fit in a standard school locker and may not be allowed at some schools.

You can find school backpacks made of various materials. Plastic is a popular material for transparent backpacks, while nylon is a very popular fabric option. Plastic is easier to quickly clean, though both materials can offer durability. If you go with a nylon backpack, be aware it may not offer protection in the rain.

Take a look at the types and sizes of the compartments a backpack has. There will be a large open space inside that may be divided into compartments for items like notebooks, textbooks and folders. In addition, you’ll often get pockets on the front or sides to conveniently hold smaller school supplies like pens and calculators.

Comfort is also crucial for finding the best school backpack. First, you’ll want to check that the backpack is sized appropriately to fit your child. For example, the backpack shouldn’t be so big it falls below their waist. Second, pay attention to the straps to make sure they’re appropriately adjustable and won’t dig into your child’s shoulders. You should look for wider straps that have padding since these feel more comfortable, especially when the backpack gets heavy.

Featuring a special compartment for a laptop, this fabric backpack has a simple design with synthetic leather on the bottom. It has thick, padded straps and multiple front pockets for small items. You can pick from nine colors.

Available in 39 color options, this backpack cuts a more elegant profile than typical school backpacks. It comes in regular and large sizes and features a USB port to charge devices. It's also waterproof and extra durable.

Coming in 21 designs, ranging from plain to fun patterns, this school backpack is spacious but avoids being bulky. It has small pockets on the outside along with water bottle holders. It also resists water.

Available in seven colors, this backpack comes in 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch sizes to accommodate books and large laptop. It's made to be durable, breathable and ergonomic. It also has technology features for listening to music and charging devices.

This Adidas backpack offers plenty of room in the main section plus has a pocket on the front for securing small items. The timeless design features the brand's iconic three stripes on each side. The fabric offers durability, too.

Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or in their last year of high school, a good backpack is essential. This iconic school accessory comes in many designs and styles so that you can find one that fits your child’s tastes, age and size. You can choose from everything from simple backpacks in a solid color or character theme to an organizer backpack that comes with cool tech-related features.

You’ll want to first consider your child’s age and size to determine the right backpack size for their needs. If your kid is in elementary school, they can do fine with a smaller backpack since they’re less likely to need to bring home many heavy books for homework. But if you’ve got a middle schooler or high schooler, a larger backpack usually becomes necessary due to the heavier workload expected. However, this may not be true if your child’s school uses mostly electronic materials, so it’s good to know what the school recommends.

School backpack designs include both traditional and rolling styles. Traditional backpacks worn on the back are the most common for students and take up less space, but they do put more stress on the neck, shoulders and back. You can also find shoulder bags with a single strap. Backpacks with wheels, on the other hand, offer the benefit of being less demanding on your child’s body. However, they’re often too bulky to fit in a standard school locker and may not be allowed at some schools.

You can find school backpacks made of various materials. Plastic is a popular material for transparent backpacks, while nylon is a very popular fabric option. Plastic is easier to quickly clean, though both materials can offer durability. If you go with a nylon backpack, be aware it may not offer protection in the rain.

Take a look at the types and sizes of the compartments a backpack has. There will be a large open space inside that may be divided into compartments for items like notebooks, textbooks and folders. In addition, you’ll often get pockets on the front or sides to conveniently hold smaller school supplies like pens and calculators.

Comfort is also crucial for finding the best school backpack. First, you’ll want to check that the backpack is sized appropriately to fit your child. For example, the backpack shouldn’t be so big it falls below their waist. Second, pay attention to the straps to make sure they’re appropriately adjustable and won’t dig into your child’s shoulders. You should look for wider straps that have padding since these feel more comfortable, especially when the backpack gets heavy.

Did you know the average school backpack weight averages 18.4 pounds for elementary students and can be up to 20 pounds for high schoolers? Since heavy books and other items can quickly make a backpack too heavy for your child, you’ll want to follow some guidelines to protect your child’s body.

A rule of thumb is that the filled backpack shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of your child’s weight if worn on their back or 20 percent if rolled. If you find your child carrying more than this, make sure they’re only bringing home necessary items and taking advantage of electronic books to avoid the extra weight of traditional books.

Ashley Donohoe is an Ohio-based writer and small business owner with a background in business, technology and personal finance. When she's not researching and writing, she spends her time playing piano, making crafts and learning new things. She has 10 years of experience writing for various online publications.

DWYM simplifies the research process by aggregating the reviews of the top product review sites. The result is the DWYM Score which represents the overall true rating of a product based upon a 1-10 scale.

For the Backpack For School category, we analyzed 0 of the most popular reviews including reviews from and more. The result is a ranking of the best Backpacks For School.