Kids and backpacks go together like peanut butter and jelly. Except with backpacks, you get to choose from thousands of cool colors and styles. It’s a good thing there aren’t that many flavors of jelly!
Backpacks enable kids to hop on the bus or walk to their classes with everything they need neatly packed and within easy reach. A good backpack should be something you don’t think about as it quietly supports day after day of learning. See our buying guide below for more information about choosing the best backpack to support the education of the smart little gal in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are kids’ backpacks different from adults’ backpacks?
Backpacks marketed for kids are usually smaller in size and have a focus on color and design, as opposed to backpacks for adults, which may be larger, and focus more on features for specific purposes, like hiking, etc. Kids’ backpacks come in a mind boggling selection of styles and colors, including some officially licensed art from popular TV shows, games, or movie characters. Additionally, backpacks for preschool or elementary school kids often have longer zipper pulls to make it easier for small hands to grasp.
What makes a backpack more durable?
There are several aspects of a backpack’s construction that can increase its ability to endure heavy use. Reinforced seams on heavy duty polyester or nylon material will ensure that the seams won’t rip from the weight of books. Zipper strength is another telling feature of quality. Shoddily made zippers will break all too soon, whereas backpacks with more reliable zipper hardware will hold up over the long haul. Check the product listing for information about these features in a good backpack that you can depend on for at least the whole school year.
Buying Guide
Since there are thousands upon thousands of backpack sellers and manufacturers competing for your attention, narrowing it down to just one can be exasperating. It might add some much-needed efficiency to your search if you consider these key points when picking out the best backpack for a favorite girl in your life:
- Size: For younger children, look for backpacks that are around 15 inches tall or less. These backpacks usually have a capacity of 10-17 liters, and are sufficient to carry notebooks and a small laptop. For older children and teenagers, size is flexible and more based on preferences and situation. A common midsize in a backpack is 15-17 inches in height, with a volume capacity of about 25 liters. Beyond 17 inches are large backpacks, which hold enough for day excursions or extra gear in addition to books and a laptop. When buying a backpack for a child, be sure to pick one that’s appropriate to their physical size while also accommodating their school needs.
- Shoulder Straps: Most backpacks have adjustable shoulder straps so that you can customize where the backpack sits on the back, and loosen the straps if wearing over a winter coat, for example. However, where shoulder straps differ is in their padding and in any non-slip material on the underside. Nicely padded shoulder straps with a rubber-like non-slip coating underneath are generally most comfortable, and stay put.
- Chest Straps: A chest strap, also called a sternum strap, is a valuable ergonomic feature in backpacks. This is because these chest straps that lock closed over the sternum allow a more even weight distribution of the backpack, and all the pressure is not on the shoulders alone. When a chest strap is used, the weight is more evenly distributed across the chest and upper body muscles, and can result in reduced muscle strain in the shoulders and back.
- Design: This is where it gets fun! The world is your oyster when it comes to stylish backpack designs that allow each person to express their individuality. The choices are endless of colors, patterns, textures, and images on kids’ backpacks. From basic solid colors to tiny unicorns to space, cars, flowers, or their favorite characters, a backpack that your child will love exists!
We’ve taken the time to analyze and compare many of the backpacks on the market right now. Check out our ranked list below of the best backpacks for girls:
Asge Backpack with Poms
Best Overall
Poms, Laced Tie & USB Port
She’ll stand out from the crowd with this uniquely adorable midsize backpack from Asge. Dangling fluffy poms and a lace-up design on the front offer a cool look, while the USB port, organizer pocket and padded straps make it practical, too.
Pros:
- Trendy, cute midsize 16 ½ inch backpack
- Includes USB port and side pocket
- Made of waterproof nylon
- Padded adjustable shoulder straps
- In black and pink colors
Cons:
- May lack long-term durability
- Color may be slightly off from online photo
Asge’s school backpack is simple yet ultra hip with its trendy features and eye-catching look.
Bansusu Colorful Geometric Backpack
Runner-up
Attractive & Affordable
You’ll get to choose from a variety of stunning colors in geometric and leaf patterns with this pretty backpack from Bansusu. Its shoulder straps are comfortable and breathable, and it has a padded inner laptop pocket, too.
Pros:
- Beautiful backpack in different sizes
- Several compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve and side pockets
- In 13 designs including geometric patterns, leaves, and galaxy/space
- Made of high density waterproof nylon
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Backpack is somewhat heavy
- Zipper may not hold up to heavy use
Picking one of these colorful designs just may be the hardest part when you go with this backpack from Bansusu.
Abshoo Floral Classic Backpack
Top Contender
Flowers, Colors & Tie Dye
This backpack from Abshoo comes in your choice of 25 different designs, including many eye-catching floral prints, colorful tie-dye, and bold solids. The number of pockets and compartments will not disappoint, either. This backpack has side pockets for water bottles and several zippered compartments for organization.
Pros:
- Beautiful midsize 16 ½ inch backpack
- Made of lightweight water resistant polyester
- With multiple pockets, including side mesh pockets
- In 25 different colors and patterns
- 12-month warranty
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof
- Interior linings may rip over time
Abshoo offers an impressive variety of lovely patterns and colors in this backpack, plus they stand behind their product with a 12-month warranty, too.
Trail Maker Backpack with Plush Unicorn
Most Unique
Perfect for the Unicorn Lover
This affordable midsize 17-inch backpack from Trail Maker features two front zipped pockets, durable nylon zippers, and padded adjustable straps. Little ones love the soft plush unicorn applique on the front pocket, and the side mesh pockets are perfect for water bottles.
Pros:
- Purple unicorn pattern and a plush unicorn applique
- Reinforced top handle and padded shoulder straps
- Large main compartment fits notebooks and laptops
- 2 side mesh pockets
Cons:
- Fabric is somewhat thin
- May lot last for the long term
Cute is the word that comes to mind with this unicorn-themed backpack from Trail Maker that’s neither too small nor too large for elementary school kids.
High Sierra Loop Backpack
Honorable Mention
High Quality Backpack
From an established maker of outdoor gear and clothing, this Loop backpack from High Sierra is super functional and extremely durable. Its 19-inch size is on the larger side while not being too cumbersome. Bottom compression straps hold extra school gear or a sleeping bag for hiking.
Pros:
- Large backpack with inner laptop sleeve
- Multiple handy front zippered pockets
- Adjustable side straps to accommodate less or more
- In 30 solid colors and patterns
- Fits under airplane seat
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- More narrow than some
High Sierra thought of everything with this highly practical Loop backpack. With a choice of 30 colors, you can’t go wrong.
