Back-to-School Shopping Guide: Discover Top Backpacks for All Age Groups
As the new academic year approaches, it's time to stock up on essential school supplies, including a reliable and functional backpack. This year, we've compiled a list of top-rated backpacks for different age groups, each offering unique features and price ranges.
High School Backpacks
For high school students, style, functionality, and lightweight design are key. The Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15" and 17" bags are favoured for their Scandinavian design, lightweight (1.2 lbs) construction, and adjustable shoulder straps. They also boast a laptop compartment, front and side pockets, and a stylish reflective logo on the front. The JanSport Big Student backpack offers more space and laptop protection, while the Nike Varsity Elite caters to athlete students with special compartments and travel-friendly features, including a trolley sleeve for travel-readiness.
Middle School Backpacks
Middle school backpacks prioritize durability, style, and capacity to handle increased school and activity supplies. The JanSport Middle School Pick offers two large compartments, a laptop sleeve, and zippered utility pockets. The Nike Varsity Elite backpack, on the other hand, features multiple compartments, including one for a basketball, and separate sections for dirty gear and quick-access essentials.
Elementary School Backpacks
For elementary school students, durability, comfort, and appealing designs are essential. The MITOWERMI Kids Backpack offers a lightweight, sturdy, and water-resistant design, while the MYGOO Elementary Backpack for Girls features a colorful unicorn theme and organizational compartments, including a laptop sleeve. The L.L.Bean Backpacks (all ages) are known for their high quality and durability, although prices are not specified.
Early Elementary and Preschool Backpacks
Backpacks for early elementary and preschool students are sized appropriately for smaller children, emphasizing comfort features like padded straps and chest straps, better weight distribution, and moderate capacity without bulk. Calpack's Medium Backpack is designed for ages 5 to 8 and is ideal for school, activities, and early travel. The Kids ClassMate Medium Backpack offers multiple sizes/styles, padded straps, a chest strap to reduce shoulder pressure, and a reinforced handle.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those on a tight budget, the Wonder Nation Kids Backpack offers functional and fun designs under $5, suitable for younger children needing basic school storage. Another budget-friendly option is the Mackenzie Rainbow Pottery Barn Kids backpacks, which are eye-catching, durable, and vibrant, with an array of choices for everyone. They are priced at $26.50 and are available for purchase between July 28, 2025, and August 3, 2025.
Calpack's Medium Backpack, priced at $78, is water-resistant inside and out, has an antimicrobial lining, reflective webbing, an AirTag holder, and ID label. It is available for purchase between July 29, 2025, and August 5, 2025. The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 15 backpack, a popular choice among high school students, is available during the same period with a discount. It features a dedicated laptop sleeve, flexible and adjustable shoulder straps, and additional front and lateral pockets.
This comprehensive range allows parents and students to match backpacks by age, size needs, activities, and style preferences while accommodating various budgets.
When the school year starts, alongside purchasing essential school supplies, one might also consider upgrading their home-and-garden space or enhancing their lifestyle with shopping finds. For instance, those seeking a chic and functional home-and-garden item could explore the variety of furniture and décor available at popular stores like IKEA or West Elm, offering stylish yet affordable options for every room in the house. Additionally, with the growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly products such as reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and kitchen utensils can align home-and-garden lifestyles with environmental concerns, making each day both practical and planet-friendly.
