Back-to-school: Shop best backpacks for every age group

ByAngela Williams WABC logo
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Best backpacks for every age
Back-to-school: Shop the best backpacks for every age

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Best back-to-school backpacks for every age

It's time to get back to school, and a great backpack is essential for every age. GMA Lifestyle Contributor, Lori Bergamotto, is taking the guessing out of which bags could be best for the student in your life.

Use this guide to make your best choice for your student.

BEST BACKPACK FOR HIGH SCHOOL: Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 15" + 17"

-32% off
ABC The Right Stuff Staff

Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 15

  • $120
  • $91.37
  • Valid: 07/29/2025 to 08/05/2025

The Fjallraven Kanken laptop bag is holding strong as a teen favorite. The style and functionality of the bag make it stand out as a top choice. The backpack weighs in at 1.2 pounds making it perfect for toting books and other essentials. The bag features flexible and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort and sports a stylish reflective logo on the front. The additional front and lateral pockets are an added bonus, along with the many optional color choices.

BEST BACKPACK FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: Jansport (Big Students)

Jansport

JANSPORT (BIG STUDENT)

  • $55
  • Valid: 07/29/2025 to 08/05/2025

Go big with the Big Student backpack from Jansport. Two large main compartments offer ample storage for supplies and a dedicated laptop sleeve helps keep electronics safe. There are zippered utility pockets to keep gear organized. Big has never looked so cool.

BEST BACKPACK FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Varsity Elite

Nike

Nike Varsity Elite

  • $90
  • Valid: 07/29/2025 to 08/05/2025

The Varsity Elite backpack from Nike is built for game day and beyond. It even has enough space for a full-size basketball! Students will love the separate compartments for dirty gear and quick-access essentials. Plus, the trolley sleeve makes it travel-ready, perfect for away games or tournaments.Get your athlete school ready with this high-performance bag.

BEST BACKPACK FOR EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Calpack

Calpack

Calpack

  • $78
  • Valid: 07/29/2025 to 08/05/2025

Calpack's medium-sized backpack offers extra space without bulk, making it ideal for school, activities, and early travel. Sized for ages 5 to 8, it's perfect for younger children. These backpacks are water-resistant inside and out, with antimicrobial lining, reflective webbing, an AirTag holder, and ID label for added peace of mind. The design makes this backpack easy to personalize with patches or charms. Young children will find the bag ideal for all-day comfort with padded straps, a sternum strap, and reinforced handles.

BEST BACKPACK FOR PRESCHOOL: Mackenzie Backpack

Pottery Barn

Mackenzie Backpacks

  • $26.50
  • Valid: 07/28/2025 to 08/03/2025

Add a pop of color and sparkle to back-to-school season with the Mackenzie Rainbow Pottery Barn Kids backpacks. These eye-catching, durable bags combine vibrant colors and designs with an array of choices so there's something for everyone. But they don't just look good, they're fully functional with plenty of pockets and a durable, water-resistant design, making the backpack perfect for school days and space-inspired adventures.

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