Best Backpacks for Preschoolers

Updated August 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Urban Infant
Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack
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Packed with Features
Bottom Line

A lightweight and well-made preschooler backpack that has several features that are useful for parents and kids. It even sports a clip for attaching other Urban Infant accessories.

Pros

Distances itself from competitors for the side "art tube" designed for safely stashing rolled-up artwork. Made of tough material with a waterproof laminated finish that's easy to clean. Size is perfect for ages 2 to 7 years. Available in a collection of fun prints.

Cons

Top handle is prone to fraying, but otherwise, the construction is durable. Some parents find that some folders are too tall to fit inside.

Vaschy
Preschool Backpack
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Versatile Compartments
Bottom Line

This cute backpack offers ample space and a nice selection of designs, but it comes with some durability issues. Not the best choice for kids who tend to be rambunctious with their belongings.

Pros

Features a chest strap for added stability and a front pocket for extra storage space. Main compartment is roomy enough to fit papers, a change of clothes, and snacks. Lightweight and easy to carry. Comes in several adorable design with bold colors kids love.

Cons

Issues with the zippers jamming/breaking are common. Shoulder straps could be more durable, as they have been known to break.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kids Preferred
The World of Eric Carle Backpack
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Cute & Affordable
Bottom Line

A good value on designs inspired by favorite children's storybook characters.

Pros

Nice size for a preschooler – at 14" it is a little taller than some, but still small enough that your child can handle it easily. Also comes in a caterpillar and ladybug. Adjustable straps. Drink pocket on the side. Sturdy and well made for the price.

Cons

This pack is appealing to very little kids, but probably won't transition into grade school.

Skip Hop
Toddler Backpack
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Eye-catching Graphics
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a backpack that has some practical features and a design your child will love, this 12" model is worth considering.

Pros

Kids love this backpack's animal face design and are excited to carry it. Eight styles to choose from. In addition to being cute, it has a spacious main compartment, insulated front snack pocket, and water bottle pocket.

Cons

Interior stitching is prone to unraveling. Not large enough to zip completely if you put a standard notebook or folder in it.

Wildkin
12-Inch Backpack
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Practical Design
Bottom Line

A 12" backpack that has a front pocket which can double as a lunch box.

Pros

Front pocket is insulated to help hold food or drinks. Double zipper with big pulls. 19 design choices that appeal to lots of kids. Can fit a standard sized folder. Big enough to use through kindergarten. Holds up well under daily use.

Cons

The top strap on this pack tends to fray with use and may come undone.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

44 Models Considered
7 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
313 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.

Preschoolers need backpacks just like their big-kid counterparts – there’s snacks and lunch to tote to school, plus a change of clothes for when things get messy. Backpacks for preschoolers should be appropriately scaled down to ensure they don’t get too heavy, and features like padded straps and easy-open zippers mean kids can wear and use them with ease and comfort. Of course, durability should be a big consideration since the bag is bound to get dragged on the ground or wedged on the car floor. Bright colors or characters may also encourage kids to carry their own bags instead of it handing it to mom or dad.

The team that worked on this review
  • Karen
    Karen
    Writer
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Vaschy

Preschool Backpack

Vaschy

Preschool Backpack

This cute backpack offers ample space and a nice selection of designs, but it comes with some durability issues. Not the best choice for kids who tend to be rambunctious with their belongings.

$24
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Urban Infant

Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack

Urban Infant

Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack

A lightweight and well-made preschooler backpack that has several features that are useful for parents and kids. It even sports a clip for attaching other Urban Infant accessories.

$29
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Kids Preferred

The World of Eric Carle Backpack

Kids Preferred

The World of Eric Carle Backpack

A good value on designs inspired by favorite children's storybook characters.

$8
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Skip Hop

Toddler Backpack

Skip Hop

Toddler Backpack

If you are looking for a backpack that has some practical features and a design your child will love, this 12" model is worth considering.

$16
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Wildkin

12-Inch Backpack

Wildkin

12-Inch Backpack

A 12" backpack that has a front pocket which can double as a lunch box.

$20

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