There’s a long-running joke at schools across the globe pertaining to the sheer size of backpacks belonging to incoming secondary school students.
Not quite grown-up enough to knock shoulders with the older kids, but just old enough to require a slightly larger backpack for bigger and bulkier textbooks – the resulting pastiche is one of adorable hilarity whereby seemingly small backpacks overtake the entire bodies of poor Year 7 kids.
Though we perfectly understand the need to invest in durable backpacks that’ll go the distance, choosing a backpack within a suitable age range for your child will not only prevent them from being dwarfed by an over-filled bookbag, but it’ll ensure their posture remains intact, and their backs and shoulders pain-free.
It’s why we’d recommend purchasing a viable primary school backpack which will last up until it’s time for them to graduate to the big leagues, rather than attempting to buy an older kids-style backpack to last the entirety of their school career. From ink spillages to changing fashions, there’s a myriad of reasons as to why this simply isn’t possible for our little ones (age appropriateness aside).
While it can be difficult to steer kids away from the brightest, most beautiful and in-vogue backpack options, you’ll want to make sure that the option you go for ticks a few essential boxes. First and foremost, a weatherproof backpack on our dreary island is a non-negotiable. There’s nothing worse than soggy homework.
Secondly, the backpack should have more than one pouch and a handy zipper pocket for easy organisation of books and valuables. Primary school backpacks should have a smaller capacity for delicate shoulders, while secondary school will likely need more space for binders.
We’ve curated a selection of the best backpacks for the back-to-school season. Keep scrolling to explore the best styles for all ages.
Nursery and Primary
Lassig Mini Rolltop Backpack
A brilliant, versatile backpack designed with little explorers in mind, this adorable roll-top backpack is sure to perfectly match mum and dad’s commuter-friendly accessories. It’s made with 100 per cent recycled fabrics, has an unrolled capacity of 11 litres and a brilliant bottom section designed for lunch boxes or PE kits. Padded and adjustable straps are comfortable for day-long comfort and it’s suitable for ages three and up.
Buy now £38.50, Kidly
Skysper Kids Backpack
Perfectly sized for primary school kids yet capable of fitting an A4 binder, this brilliant and breathable backpack by Skysper has an impressive 10-litre capacity. It features three zippered pockets, extra-padded shoulder straps for premium comfort and reflective straps that enhance visibility. The chest buckle even includes a handy safety whistle, should this backpack double up as a storage solution on family hikes. It comes in cyan, dark blue, pink and orange.
Buy now £20.15, Amazon
Roka London Bantry Backpack
The Bantry backpack is Roka’s original, signature accessory. Beloved by adults and children alike, it’s a miniature option which measures 32cm in height and has a 7-litre capacity. The outer material is weather-resistant, triple-coated recycled nylon, while the adjustable straps are made using durable cotton webbing. We love how the extra chunky, easy-glide zip opening truly makes this bag suitable for all ages.
Buy now £41.99, Amazon
Milinane Noé Backpack
Adorned with diving and gliding humpback whales, this gorgeous sealife-themed canvas backpack is perfect for toddlers heading back to school. It’s made from 100 per cent cotton canvas and features a handy zip-closure front pocket. This backpack is also available in a delightful ecru and sage green check print among an array of other designs.
Buy now £48.00, Smallable
Ocean&Ground Crazy Backpack, Extra Small
Top-stitched and crafted using water-resistant nylon and polyester, this colourful and very 1980s backpack by Ocean&Ground is perfectly suited to those starting primary school for the first time. Measuring just 24cm in height, it’s brilliant for smaller students and will fit an array of back-to-school accessories. We love the dual water bottle pouches on either side.
Buy now £47.00, Smallable
Secondary
Eastpack Gerys
Practical and stylish, kids and teens can’t go wrong with a classic backpack from Eastpack for the new academic year. Whether they’re starting secondary school for the first time or entering their GCSE years, the Gerys backpack is a smart and spacious option with two zip-fastening compartments, a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps.
Buy now £90.00, Eastpack
Jansport Student Backpack
Extra-large and supportive for all academic needs, the Jansport large student backpack features a handy 15-inch laptop compartment. It has two front zipped utility pockets, a mesh water bottle holder and padded features for supreme comfort. It’s also available in a wide selection of colours and patterns to suit your style.
Buy now £44.03, Amazon
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 13’’
If you want a bag that’s going to last, Fjallraven’s instantly recognisable Kanken bags are a great option. They’re expensive, yes, but the timeless design means they’re not going to go out of fashion, and they’re made from durable, water-repellent fabric that’s built to last.
The Kanken Laptop bag is a twist on the classic Kanken, and the smallest size fits a 13-inch laptop with just enough space for books and a pencil case too. We found the side pockets just a little too small for a water bottle, but the bag is also available in 15-inch and 17-inch sizes if your child has a fair bit to carry around. There are 14 muted colours to choose from, including a simple black and the latest addition – Foliage Green.
Buy now £105.00, Fat Buddha Store
Kapten & Son Bergen
Those seeking something more sophisticated will love the Kapten & Son Bergen backpack - a heavenly homage to sleek Scandi-style design. Made from buttery vegan leather in a choice of sandstone or black, it’ll look particularly smart on a city break or business trip.
At just 11 litres and with a 15-inch laptop pocket, this one is on the smaller side, but comes with a special padded laptop compartment as well as two interior pockets and a larger exterior one. With both shoulder straps and carrier handles, it can be used as either a backpack or a tote. Of course, if you opt for the lighter option, it’ll show up dirt more easily but if you’re just planning to use it to explore a new city, you should get away with this - especially as the material can be wiped clean.
What it lacks in practicality it certainly makes up for in style, so if you want something that’ll look good on the ‘Gram, this is the one for you.
Buy now £99.90, Kapten & Son
Patagonia Fieldsmith recycled-polyester backpack
Best for: eco-friendly construction
This 100 per cent recycled polyester backpack by Patagonia has a whopping 30-litre capacity. For the adventurer who is always prepared, you’ll be able to fit enough in this bad boy to feed a small village. It’ll store all the essentials (15” laptop included), is totally waterproof and is also dyed with a method that reduces water consumption by up to 90 per cent.
If there’s an eco-conscious brand to get behind, it’s Patagonia. With the brand’s founder having recently given away the entire company in order to fight climate devastation, you can be sure you’re taking a step in the right direction in purchasing this backpack.
Buy now £95.00, Blue Tomato
Fjallraven High Coast Totepack
Best for: a 2-in-1 tote and backpack
Made from recycled materials, Fjallraven describe this particular design as versatile, light and practical – and we couldn’t agree more. The High Coast Totepack boasts expert multi-functionality. It not only features a double top handle for easy access on the go, but it also can be an over-the-shoulder tote bag with an extra-long strap for leisurely use on the weekends.
If, like us, storage continues to be a problem in your home – you’ll be pleased to know that the entire bag can be folded into its front pocket when it’s not in use. Give that doorhandle a break from the weight of 1,000 bags and fold this backpack up to free up some storage space. You’ll thank us later.
Rest assured, this model features the ever-important laptop sleeve and an extra valuables pocket. For the cyclists among us, there are also attachment points for a bike lock or a small light on the front.
Buy now £85.82, Amazon
