Our Favorite Elementary School Backpacks to Start the School Year Off Right

Old school in the best way. The design of L.L. Bean's Original Book Bag hasn't changed much since it was launched in 1982, and that's part of the appeal. It was good then, and it's still good now, with padded straps, a reflective silver strip to keep the pack visable at dawn and dusk, and lots of storage storage pockets on the inside. There's even an interior tether for a house key.

Fjällräven Kånken bags have been around for decades: they're pricey but classic, and the vinyl material is hardwearing. This is the 15-inch size, appropriate for kindergarten through fifth grade. We really like the top tote handles, which let your child carry it in their hand if that's easier. The rectangular main compartment can unzip all the way on both sides, for easy loading and unloading, and there's an interior sleeve. Outside there's a zippered pocket and deep cupholders on each side.

Herschel partnered with LEGO for this cool brick design. The main compartment is divided in two and there’s also an interior pocket for organization. Outside there’s a zippered compartment and two mesh slip pockets for water bottles. Padded straps and a chest clip help your child cart a large load on homework-heavy night. You can also buy this via the LEGO Store where it's tagged for kids ages 8 to 12. There's also an XL version for $10 more.

No one does novelty and character-driven backpacks as well as Pottery Barn Kids. They offer monogramming (for $8 and up) and multiple sizes for every backpack, from mini all the way up to rolling. We sugggest toggling over to the large size for your elementary school kid. In addition to the size choices, it's the dozens of kid-friendly designs — such as this glow-in-the-dark dino backpack, or a Minecraft Creeper backpack, or a blue floral LoveShackFancy one — that make them a popular option.

This understated backpack from Light + Nine has perforated material on the outside that's specifically designed for adding little bits like pins and charms, for the kid who wants to customize. The end result can be much more personalized than it looks!

State bags are made from durable recycled polyester have have thickly padded, reinforced straps. This Kane is the large double pocket size appropriate for ages 7 and up, or third grade and up. As the name implies there are two large compartments, one thin and able to hold a laptop or book and one that's larger with tons of interior pockets for pencils, a calculator or whatever else your kid needs. There are cupholder pockets on each side. There's also a cool black version with a yellow lightning bolt.

Kids who do better with a bunch of pockets will like this Cotopaxi Tasra. There are two zippered compartments outside and half a dozen small pockets inside, plus a laptop sleeve and two water-bottle holders. It's appropriate for elementary school but good for middle school on up, too. See all the rave reviews from adults on the REI site! Just note that the brand's signature colorblocking can vary, so what you receive may look slightly different than the picture.

There's something in me that can't resist a bargain at back-to-school time, and this Cat & Jack backpack is certainly that (and selling fast). It's a nice 17-inch size for elementary school kids. There are no special design flourishes but it's got the usual main compartment with one interior pocket, a front zippered compartment and water-bottle holders.

My own kid had a real showgirl fashion sense from about second to fourth grade, and if yours can't get enough of glitter and sequins and sparkles, The Children’s Place rocks that aesthetic. (This design is called Holographic Tie Dye.) I like that there's a charm built in. It's 16 inches high and marked for ages 6 to 12, with one main compartment with an interior sleeve, an outside zippered pocket and two mesh cupholders.

We don't make the rules, the kids do, and they say Carhartt (around since the 1800s) is now a hot brand. This is a large, honestly adult-size backpack for a kid from fifth grade on up, made of durable water-resistant polyester. The no-fuss design appeals to a certain kind of kid, but as parents, we like the subtle reflective trim that keeps the backpack visable even in low light. There's a laptop sleeve in the main compartment, an outside zippered compartment and water-bottle holders.