This Backpack Has Survived Dirt, Sand, and Paint — and Still Looks Like New (Choose from 100s of Styles!)

It’s back-to-school season, and whether you’re sending a little one out for the first time or the 10th, you’ll want to make sure they have the right backpack. Whenever I shop for my own kids, who are 3 and 6 years old, I prioritize a few key factors: size, comfort, and style. The ideal bag needs to comfortably contain their school gear, water bottle, and lunchbox, while still leaving enough space for extras like naptime stuffies or spare clothes for the little ones. Style is equally key — I’ve learned the hard way that if a backpack doesn’t feature their favorite superhero or come in their preferred color, they just won’t wear it.

So one place I started shopping to check all these boxes was Pottery Barn Kids. I had heard about the Mackenzie Backpack for a while (it’s been a brand staple for almost a decade), and with over 400 options (424 to be precise), I knew it would be just what I was looking for. I got one for my 6-year-old son and niece, and they immediately wanted to fill them up. Here’s my review.

The Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie backpack is a little bit pricier than one you might find on Amazon, but in my mind, the quality of the materials (a large portion of which are recycled), overall comfort of the backpack, and the huge variety of styles make it worth the investment. Although the small size might only get my 6-year-old through a single school year, its impressive durability means it can easily be handed down to my younger son or repurposed for weekend day trips and family travel. (For help choosing what size is best for your kid, check out Pottery Barn Kids’ helpful sizing guide.)

My favorite part about the backpack is how much my son and niece love theirs. My son received a glow-in-the-dark Hulk theme, while my niece is obsessed with her ultra-soft, plush Hello Kitty and Friends version, complete with adorable floppy ears. The small version has one large pocket, one pocket in the front, and two mesh pockets on the side (great for water bottles or a stuffie). It’s made of rugged, water-resistant recycled polyester with a PU coating (the small backpack is made of 13 recycled plastic bottles, and the large size is made from 15 bottles), and the interior is lined with recycled polyester, as well. To ensure a supportive fit, the contoured shoulder straps are fully adjustable and include a front buckle.

The true standout feature of the Mackenzie line, however, is the sheer volume of aesthetics available. By simply clicking the “filters” button in the upper left corner of the Pottery Barn Kids webpage, you can easily sort through options based on themes, interests, colors, age groups, glitter, patterns, prints, and even glow-in-the-dark elements. Because the assortment is so vast, you won’t have to worry about your child constantly bumping into classmates with the exact same backpack, despite the bag’s widespread popularity.

This has been a busy summer for my son and my niece, and the Mackenzie backpack has held up beautifully on beach trips, library visits, and everything that comes with day camp (basically, a lot of paint and dirt). Space-wise, the small size can fit a water bottle, towel, change of clothes, a bento box, and a book or two. Although the kids throw these bags around (and at each other), they still look like new, and I expect them to still hold up throughout the school year. 

The zippers were easy for both kids to open and close, and my niece’s backpack was so soft and fluffy, she couldn’t stop running her hands over it. I could see it showing dirt over time, but Pottery Barn Kids does include a handy backpack cleaning guide.

Neither my son nor my niece has complained about carrying their bags, which is honestly a bit of a miracle (they don’t hold back). For me, their lack of complaints serves as the best proof of just how effective and supportive the padded shoulder straps truly are.

Important note: Experts say it’s not safe to personalize backpacks, lunch boxes, or other publicly visible items, as doing so can be a way for strangers with bad intentions to pretend they know your child’s name. Read more here.

Following a month-long trial by my niece and son (which included beach outings, camp days, and sprinkler runs) I heartily endorse the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie backpack. Designed with kids in mind, its durable construction easily handles a variety of activities, leaving me confident it will hold up beautifully throughout the school year.

The ultimate validation came from my son, who excitedly noted, “It glows in the dark!” I’m sold.

Buy: The Mackenzie Backpack at Pottery Barn Kids