Students of All Ages Will Love These Backpacks for School

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It's hard to believe that summer has already come and gone. Family vacations are wrapping up and the kiddos are looking forward to one last Labor Day weekend before it's back to school! But before you start prepping those ham sandwiches and trail mix for their school lunches, it's time for a little back-to-school shopping. Of course, you've got to gather essential supplies like pencils, folders, and notepads... oh, and a new backpack!

Choosing the best backpack for school really is key to a great year of learning. Not only will they constantly use it to lug around everything they need, but it's a cool way to display their unique personality! Just ask Ree Drummond: she's watched all five of her kids—yes, including her bonus kid Jamar—graduate high school. It can be hard to find a backpack both mom and child agree on, though. Your kid wants it to be fun, but it also needs to be functional! So shop this list of the best backpacks for the 2023 school year.

Whether they're entering elementary school, high school, or even college—here you'll find a backpack for kids of all ages and interests. You'll see bags that are spacious enough to fit everything they need with plenty of pocket space and padded straps to carry easily. Durability is also top of mind. Most items here will last semester after semester and can be easily cleaned , too. You'll also find options with built-in insulated compartments for lunches or clips to hold their lunchbox. Not to mention—lots and lots of fun patterns and prints that are definitely cool enough to show off to friends.

As the first day approaches, shop these backpacks for school. Then, just make sure you've got the after-school snacks ready!

L.L. Bean Original Book Pack

The backpack that has it all: durability thanks to strong stitching and weatherproof fabrics plus plenty of compartments and pockets to store everything they'll need. It features a key clip, an organizer panel, and a place to carry water. It also comes with reflective safety features and padding for a comfortable carry. You can even throw it in the wash for an easy clean! Plus, just look at all the fabulous patterns!

Eastsport Unisex Core Scholastic Laptop Backpack

Storage, storage, and more storage! We've got our eye on this pick thanks to the multiple interior and exterior pockets including a large main compartment and handy laptop sleeve. Now, they can pack it all and keep it organized. There's also a padded back for maximum comfort and a weather-resistant bottom for lasting durability. We also have to mention those sleek suede accents!

Pottery Barn Teen Gear-Up Backpack

As they get older, school requires more and more. Well, this bag is up for the challenge. With four roomy exterior pockets and one interior pocket, they can store all the books and binders they'll need—plus a laptop. There's even a handy cellphone holder and D-rings to hold anything from lunch bags to keys. Choose from lots of fun designs and personalization options for a stylish year!

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Reflective Backpack

Check out this best selling bag—built to be fun and efficient! It comes in three different sizes and plenty of patterns (you'll just have to scroll the site to find them). Pockets, padding, adjustable straps, and reflective detailing also make it a great choice for your kiddo. They can even clip their lunchbox to the front.

Wildkin 12-Inch Kids Backpack

This one is perfect for the littlest kiddos—just the right size to carry the essentials without weighing them down. You won't lose any functionality though with heavy-duty straps and side mesh for drinks. And with an insulated front pocket, they don't have to worry about keeping up with a lunchbox. Better yet, the front pocket has reflective piping for added safety.

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

This iconic backpack has been an internet sensation for years! Older kids will definitely love the trendiness and functionality. It's super durable with water-resistant Vinylon fabric and can fit anything from books to laptops. It also has snap-together top carry handles and adjustable straps. We're loving this cool mint color, but it comes in other fun hues as well.

Kane Kids Signature Backpack

This choice is on the more expensive side, but it's definitely worth the pretty penny. If your kid is looking for a more sleek and sophisticated design—you'll want to go with this one. It will comfortably fit anything they need and is high quality with durable canvas material and a lined interior that's easy to clean. There are so many colors for them to pick from, too!

VASCHY Kids Backpack

Kids will be excited to start the school year with this pick on their backs. It's a good choice for those in pre-K with an easy-to-clean (and water-resistant) lightweight design, cute patterns ranging from cats to dinosaurs, and a chest clip for added carrying ease. You can also help them learn organization skills thanks to an inner divider that can hold a water bottle, small notebooks and books or even a lunch bag.

Youth Mini Recon Backpack

Products from The North Face are known for extra durability and withstanding the elements, and this backpack is no exception. Give them the ability to take on whatever the school day may bring with spacious zippered compartments, pockets, and tough but comfortable padded straps. It also has 360-degree reflectivity for safety—perfect for those who bike or walk to school.

Fletcher Kids' Backpack

Your kid can go to infinity and beyond with this #1 best-selling backpack by their side! Water-resistant material and reinforced stitching make it durable while a chest clip, adjustable strap and easy-to-grab handle make it efficient. They'll also love all the Disney and Pixar patterns to choose from. Toy Story is just the beginning. There's The Little Mermaid, Moana, Cars, Mickey Mouse himself, and more!

Bentgo Kids Prints 2-in-1 Backpack & Insulated Lunch Bag

They can say goodbye to lugging around more than one bag with this nifty choice. It features a built-in insulated lunch bag to fit food containers and snacks. Not to mention— it's cute, easy to carry, easy to clean, and made to last. Along with this mermaid print that's definitely worth flipping for, there's other fun patterns like spaceships, fairies, rainbows, and sharks.

Skip Hop Zoo Backpack

Unicorns and butterflies and koalas, oh my! This adorable backpack has several sizes to choose from including this preschool one, a toddler version, and even a big kid backpack. Find it in lots of 0ther fun animal faces, too. With more than 5,000 reviews, it's definitely a hit with kids and parents alike!

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