Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
It's hard to believe that summer has already come and gone. Family beach vacations are wrapping up and students everywhere are looking forward to one last hurrah before it's time to head back to school. But before you start helping them prep for a new grade, school, or dorm, you'll need to grab the most important essential: a backpack!
No matter their age, choosing the best backpacks for school really is key to a great year of learning. Whether they're in elementary, junior high, high school, or even college, you'll want to find something that is both functional and uniquely them. There are even a few adult-friendly options if you're transitioning back to learning. Well look no further, because here you'l find a guide for the best backpacks for the 2025 school year to make life easier.
On this list, you'll find bags for all ages that are spacious enough to fit everything they need thanks to plenty of pocket space and organizational compartments. Most of them even have padded straps so they can comfortably carry books, laptops or tablets, and of course, their school lunches, snacks, and water bottles. These packs are durable, will last semester after semester, and can be easily cleaned, too.
Prep for school with these ideas:
Products from The North Face are known for extra durability and withstanding the elements, and this backpack is no exception. Give yourself the ability to take on whatever the school day may bring with spacious zippered compartments, an extra padded tablet sleeve, pockets, and tough but comfortable padded straps that offer all-day shoulder and back support. It also has a sternum strap and 360-degree reflectivity for safety.
You can't go wrong with a classic JanSport if you're looking for a straightforward, no frills (yet fits everything) kind of bag. It's durable for everyday use with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel. It also comes with the classic front utility pocket for all the little stuff. Choose from 30-plus color options.
Built for efficiency, you know this daypack will carry through you through the semesters—or, rather, you'll carry it! There's a removable padded laptop sleeve in the large main compartment, as well as a secure zippered pocket to hold other desktop items and essentials. Plus, it has a water repellent finish. And for those who bike to campus, you'll be happy to know there's a bike-light clipping point at the base of the pack.
Storage, storage, and more storage! Feast your eyes on 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, including their water bottle on the side. There's also a padded back for maximum comfort and a weather-resistant bottom for lasting durability.
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!
The backpack that has it all: durability thanks to strong stitching, 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!
If you've got a little one going to pre-K or kindergarten, they don't need a huge bag to weigh them down. Get a compact version that will fit their frame but also fit everything they need. There's still plenty of space for their water bottle, lunch, and tablet with padded straps that won't slip off. Plus, there are endless kid-friendly patterns and characters to choose from.
If you aren't quite sure what size or type of bag would work best for your kid, check out State! They sort all of their options by age and grade. The site also provides dimensions and weight of each option and guidance on how much each backpack can fit. Plus, the assortment of colors and ability to personalize it with embroidery makes it fun to find exactly the right one.
Athletic kids require a lot of space. They have extra clothes and gear on top of all of their school supplies to lug around with them. Adidas has a bag with a seemingly endless capacity with numerous compartments so they can keep sports separated from school all in one bag. This option is lightweight yet durable so they can really stuff it all in there.
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 (with a laptop sleeve). It also has snap-together top carry handles and adjustable straps. We're loving this cheerful yellow color, but it comes in other fun hues as well.
Since Calpak is known for their luggage, you can bet that this backpack can withstand the test of time—and fit everything you need! It offers multiple exterior and interior pockets for organized storage as well as a handy laptop sleeve and a compartment for shoes. (Hello, after-class workouts!) On top of that, it features a scratch-resistant exterior and a luggage sleeve so you can easily go from class to travel.
From campus to the real world, this backpack can take you there! It has plenty of internal storage, including a main compartment, a pocket that will fit your laptop, and an organizer for pens, phones, and other small items. Plus, there's an in-pocket key keeper and removable sternum strap! The straps and back are padded for comfort while the bottom is water-resistant.
For a tried-and-true pick, go with this option! You'll get a large interior compartment with a laptop sleeve, a zippered front pocket for things you need to grab on the go, and a side water bottle holder. Carry it comfortably with adjustable padded shoulder straps and set it down without worry thanks to the durable exterior. There are plenty of colors to choose from, too!
With that stylish design, this backpack is perfect for school and beyond! The exterior laptop pocket makes it easy to carry your laptop around campus and through TSA, plus it has interior slip pockets and catch-all zip pockets for anything else you need. Bonus: There's two water bottle holders and a pass-through strap so you can easily attach it to your luggage.
Carrying a bag on little shoulders can become a lot very quickly. If you'd rather give them the option to pull it, get a rolling backpack. This one has a spacious interior and several pockets for organization. The aluminum handle retracts and can be adjusted depending on their height. The rubber wheels make it easy to glide on the go, but it can also easily switch to a regular shoulder strap backpack, too.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
The New Pioneer Woman Storage Jar Is Cow-Shaped
See Alex's Trendy Yellow Wedding Guest Dress
Feel the Disco With These '70s Halloween Costumes
Alex's Pretty Floral Tuckernuck Dress Is 65% Off
