Best kids backpacks for school 2023

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest email 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 Bebe lion kids’ backpack: £22, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Already subscribed?