The right kids’ back to school backpack has to survive a school year of being dragged, stuffed, and slammed into lockers — without costing a fortune or hurting small shoulders. After comparing nine popular Trail Maker options side by side, the Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack for Kids and Adults earns the top spot for its durable construction, comfortable padded straps, and size that works from elementary through middle school. Parents on the tightest budgets should look at the bulk 17-inch assorted color pack, while families who want a one-and-done shopping trip will appreciate the 20-piece backpack with school supplies set. The main tradeoff in this category is simple: rock-bottom prices versus padded comfort and fun prints, plus whether you buy a bare bag or a bundled kit. Read on for the full breakdown of each pick.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Nearly every backpack in this lineup is a Trail Maker 15- or 17-inch model, so the real differences come down to strap padding, print style, and whether supplies are bundled — not build brand.
- The 17-inch classic with padded straps beats the bare-strap version by a wide margin for daily comfort; unpadded straps are only acceptable for occasional or short-term use.
- The two supply-bundle sets (the bungee backpack kit and the 20-piece set) cost more upfront but save a second shopping trip — ideal for families starting the school year from scratch.
- The 15-inch prints (Stellar Space and Seafaring Sharks) fit younger elementary students better than the 17-inch models, which can overwhelm kindergarteners and first graders.
- The bulk assorted-color option is the cheapest per bag and works best for multiple kids, classroom donations, or backup bags — but offers no padding and no print choice guarantees.
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack for Kids and Adults |  | Best Overall Classic | Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 20 liters | Material: Polyester | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps for Girls and Boys |  | Best for Elementary Schoolers | Dimensions: 17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H | Material: 600 denier polyester | Compartments: Large main compartment, front zippered pocket | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps for Kids |  | Best Fun Print Pick | Dimensions: 17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H | Material: 600 denier polyester | Compartments: Large main compartment, front zippered pocket | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker Classic 17 inch Backpacks with Adjustable Padded Straps for Girls and Boys |  | Best Cheerful Everyday Pick | Dimensions: 17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H | Material: 600 denier polyester | Compartments: Large main compartment, front zippered pocket | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker Kids Backpacks with School Supplies Set, 17″ Bungee Backpack (Blue & Black) |  | Best Value Bundle | Dimensions: 17″ x 12″ x 5.5″ | Capacity: 20 liters | Material: 600 denier polyester | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backpack – Stellar Space |  | Best for Young Space Fans | Dimensions: 15″L x 11″W x 5″H | Weight: 0.22 kg | Material: 600 denier polyester | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 17-Inch Backpacks in Bulk, Assorted Colors for School |  | Best Bulk Buy for Schools and Donations | Size: 17 inches | Material: Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced stitching | Compartments: Main and front zipper compartments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backpack with Seafaring Sharks Print |  | Best Budget Character Pick | Dimensions: 15″L x 11″W x 5″H | Weight: 0.23 kg | Material: 600 denier polyester | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail Maker Backpack with School Supplies for Kids – 20 Piece Set |  | Best One-Stop Back-to-School Kit | Backpack Size: 17 inches | Material: Canvas | Total Pieces: 20 (backpack plus supplies) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| kids’ back to school backpack | Material | Dimensions | Compartments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Ba | Polyester | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Main compartment with multiple pockets |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Ba | 600 denier polyester | 17"L x 12"W x 5.5"H | Large main compartment, front zippered pocket |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Ba | 600 denier polyester | 17"L x 12"W x 5.5"H | Large main compartment, front zippered pocket |
| Trail Maker Classic 17 inch Ba | 600 denier polyester | 17"L x 12"W x 5.5"H | Large main compartment, front zippered pocket |
| Trail Maker Kids Backpacks wit | 600 denier polyester | 17" x 12" x 5.5" | 1 main, plus multiple pockets |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backp | 600 denier polyester | 15"L x 11"W x 5"H | — |
| 17-Inch Backpacks in Bulk | Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced stitching | — | Main and front zipper compartments |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backp | 600 denier polyester | 15"L x 11"W x 5"H | — |
| Trail Maker Backpack with Scho | Canvas | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack for Kids and Adults
Among the five Trail Maker options here, this classic model is the one I’d point most families toward first because it sidesteps the kid-print gimmick entirely. The vintage styling reads as neutral enough that a middle schooler and a parent could both carry it, which is exactly why it outlasts the bows and game controller versions in practical longevity. Compared with the Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps for Girls and Boys, it offers similar 20-liter capacity but a more grown-up aesthetic and double zippers for easier access to the main compartment. The tradeoff is real, though: no padded laptop sleeve and no stated water resistance mean it’s built for binders and lunch bags, not chromebooks in the rain.
Pros:- Neutral vintage design that appeals to a wide age range
- Double zippers make the main compartment easy to open and rummage through
- Multiple pockets keep small school supplies from getting lost at the bottom
- Durable polyester holds up to daily school wear
Cons:- No padded laptop or tablet compartment
- No water resistance mentioned, so contents are exposed in wet weather
Best for: Families wanting one neutral backpack that works for multiple kids of different ages, or for a student and a parent to share
Not ideal for: Students who carry a laptop or tablet daily — there’s no padded sleeve, and the fabric offers no water protection
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity:20 liters
- Material:Polyester
- Compartments:Main compartment with multiple pockets
- Zippers:Double zippers for easy access
- Care Instructions:Wipe with damp cloth
- Origin:Made in the USA or Imported
Our verdict“The safest default pick for families who want a durable, print-free backpack that won’t be outgrown in a year.”
Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps for Girls and Boys
This bows-print version is built around the realities of younger elementary students: an oversized main compartment that swallows folders and library books without careful packing, and a front zip pocket sized for the small treasures kids insist on carrying. Compared with the Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack (the neutral model), it adds padded, adjustable straps, which matter more for small shoulders hauling a full day’s books. The 600 denier polyester and double-stitched zippers put it a step above generic character backpacks that fray by October. The catch is maintenance — hand wash only, air dry — so a juice-box explosion means a sink session rather than a machine cycle.
Pros:- Padded adjustable straps sized well for smaller kids
- Large main compartment fits folders, binders, and a lunch bag together
- Double-stitched zippers survive rough handling
- Fun bows print that kids in the target age group love
Cons:- Hand wash only — no machine washing
- No water resistance for rainy walks to school
- Limited print/color choices within this model
Best for: Parents of elementary-age kids who want a roomy, cheerful daily backpack with comfortable padded straps
Not ideal for: Households that want machine-washable gear — hand washing a daily-use backpack gets tedious fast
- Dimensions:17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Compartments:Large main compartment, front zippered pocket
- Straps:Adjustable padded straps
- Zippers:Nylon, double-stitched
- Care Instructions:Hand wash only, air dry
Our verdict“A strong everyday backpack for early-elementary kids, provided you’re willing to hand wash it.”
Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps for Kids
If your child’s enthusiasm for school gear hinges on the design, this game controllers print is the personality play of the lineup. Functionally, it mirrors the bows-print Trail Maker Classic almost exactly — same 600 denier polyester, same padded adjustable straps, same large main compartment and front zip pocket — so the real choice between them comes down purely to which print your kid will actually wear. Where it falls short of the Trail Maker Kids Backpacks with School Supplies Set is value: that bundle includes 30 school supplies, while this bag arrives empty. And like the other print models here, it demands hand washing, which parents of mess-prone gamers should factor in before buying.
Pros:- Distinctive game controller print kids pick out themselves
- Same durable 600 denier construction as the rest of the Classic line
- Padded adjustable straps keep heavier loads comfortable
- Double-stitched zippers hold up to daily use
Cons:- Hand wash only, not machine washable
- No school supplies or extras included at a standalone-bag price
- Very limited design options within this print
Best for: Kids who love gaming and want their personality reflected in their school gear
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious shoppers comparing it against the supply-bundle version — this one includes nothing but the bag itself
- Dimensions:17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Compartments:Large main compartment, front zippered pocket
- Straps:Adjustable padded straps
- Zippers:Double-stitched
- Care Instructions:Hand wash only
Our verdict“Buy this when the print is the deciding factor — the hardware is solid but the design is what you’re paying attention to.”
Trail Maker Classic 17 inch Backpacks with Adjustable Padded Straps for Girls and Boys
The cherry print version occupies a middle ground in this lineup: friendlier and more playful than the neutral Trail Maker Classic 17-inch, but less theme-specific than the game controllers model, which makes it the print most likely to still appeal two school years from now. Its organization story is the most complete of the print backpacks — large main compartment, front zip pocket, and a top handle that’s genuinely useful for grabbing the bag off a hook or car seat. The padded adjustable straps match the bows and controllers versions, so comfort is not a differentiator here. What you give up is the same thing across the print line: no water resistance and a hand-wash-only care routine that busy families may find annoying by mid-year.
Pros:- Cherry print is cheerful without being locked to one trend or fandom
- Multiple compartments including a convenient front zip pocket
- Padded adjustable straps and a handy top carry handle
- Double-stitched zippers for durability
Cons:- Hand wash only, air dry
- No water resistance mentioned
- Limited print options within this style
Best for: Kids who want a cute, colorful bag with a print that stays appealing across multiple school years
Not ideal for: Anyone needing weather protection for books and devices — this bag offers none
- Dimensions:17″L x 12″W x 5.5″H
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Compartments:Large main compartment, front zippered pocket
- Straps:Adjustable padded straps
- Handles:Top carry handle
- Zippers:Nylon, double-stitched
- Care Instructions:Hand wash only, air dry
Our verdict“The best pick among the print models for staying power — cute now, still wearable in third grade.”
Trail Maker Kids Backpacks with School Supplies Set, 17″ Bungee Backpack (Blue & Black)
For pure back-to-school economics, nothing else in this batch competes: a 30-piece school supply set arrives inside the bag, which can knock out an entire classroom supply list in one purchase. The backpack itself is also the most feature-rich Trail Maker here — unlike the Classic 17-inch bows or cherry prints, it adds a front bungee cord, side water bottle pocket, phone pocket, and lash tab, making it the better choice for kids who overload pockets. The tradeoffs are clear next to the others: it’s explicitly not water resistant, the blue-and-black colorway offers no print variety, and the 17-inch frame with supplies inside can feel bulky on a preschooler’s frame despite the preschool-to-5th-grade rating.
Pros:- Includes 30 essential school supplies, saving a separate shopping trip
- Best organization in the lineup: bungee cord, bottle pocket, phone pocket, and utility pocket
- Rugged 600 denier construction rated for active kids
- Padded adjustable straps for a wide age range
Cons:- Not water resistant — rain soaks through to supplies inside
- Only one blue-and-black colorway, no print variety
- May be too large and bulky for the youngest kids in its rated range
Best for: Budget-focused families who want the backpack and the full supply list handled in a single purchase
Not ideal for: Very young preschoolers — the 17-inch size plus packed supplies can overwhelm small frames
- Dimensions:17″ x 12″ x 5.5″
- Capacity:20 liters
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Compartments:1 main, plus multiple pockets
- Extras Included:30-piece school supply set
- Features:Front bungee cord, lash tab, top handle, side water bottle pocket, phone pocket, utility pocket
- Strap Type:Adjustable, padded backstraps
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
- Color:Blue & Black
Our verdict“The smartest buy if you want supplies and bag in one box, especially for elementary-age kids who need the extra pockets.”
Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backpack – Stellar Space
Of the two 15-inch Trail Maker print backpacks in this lineup, the Stellar Space version stands out for younger elementary kids who light up at a themed design. At 0.22 kg, it’s the lightest option here — lighter even than the shark-print sibling — which matters when the wearer is five years old. The 600 denier polyester shell and double-stitched zippers hold up better than typical character backpacks at this price. The tradeoff is honest: with only two pockets and no water resistance, this is a basics-only bag. Compared with the 17-inch bulk packs, it trades capacity and growth room for a kid-pleasing print and a lighter carry, which is the right call for K–3 but the wrong one beyond that.
Pros:- Very lightweight at 0.22 kg, easy for small children to carry
- Durable 600 denier polyester with double-stitched zippers
- Padded adjustable straps sized for younger kids
- Bright space print that kids genuinely want to wear
Cons:- Not water resistant — rain soaks through
- Only two pockets, so organization is minimal
Best for: Preschool through early elementary kids who want a fun, lightweight everyday bag
Not ideal for: Upper elementary students with binders and devices — the 13.5-liter capacity fills up fast
- Dimensions:15″L x 11″W x 5″H
- Weight:0.22 kg
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Capacity:13.5 liters
- Pockets:2
- Closure:Zipper
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“A great first backpack for a young space-obsessed student, as long as you don’t need capacity or weather protection.”
17-Inch Backpacks in Bulk, Assorted Colors for School
This is the outlier in the roundup: it’s sold as a bulk pack, so it isn’t competing for the parent buying one backpack — it’s competing for the PTA chair, church group, or nonprofit running a back-to-school drive. What you get per bag is the same classic formula as the single Trail Maker Classic 17-inch models: a roomy main compartment, front pocket, and reinforced stitching that survives rough handling from a wide age range. The compromises are real. Colors are assorted rather than chosen, cleaning is hand-wash only, and there’s zero personality — no prints like the Stellar Space or Sharks versions. But at scale, per-bag cost beats any single purchase here, and durability per dollar is the whole point.
Pros:- Best per-bag value when buying for groups
- Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced stitching for durability
- Adjustable padded straps fit ages 3 through high school
- Classic neutral design works for any student
Cons:- Assorted colors only — no way to pick specific ones
- Hand wash only, which is impractical at volume
- No specialized features like water resistance or laptop padding
Best for: Schools, charities, and organizations outfitting many students at once
Not ideal for: A parent buying one backpack for a picky kid — no design choice and no standout features
- Size:17 inches
- Material:Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced stitching
- Compartments:Main and front zipper compartments
- Intended Age:3 years and up
- Selling Format:Bulk pack, assorted colors
- Origin:Imported
Our verdict“If you’re buying dozens of backpacks for a school or drive, this is the smart play; for one child, skip it.”
Trail Maker 15 Inch Kids Backpack with Seafaring Sharks Print
The Seafaring Sharks version is essentially the twin of the Stellar Space pack — same 15-inch frame, same 13.5-liter capacity, same two-pocket layout — so the choice between them comes down purely to which print your kid prefers. Where it does differentiate itself is value: the combination of double-stitched zippers, padded straps, and a durable polyester build at a low price undercuts fancier licensed character bags that cost more and fall apart faster. The weaknesses mirror the Space version too: no water resistance, and only two pockets means lunchboxes and folders share one cavity. Compared with the 20-piece supply set later in this roundup, you’re getting a better standalone bag but nothing inside it.
Pros:- Very affordable for a durable kids’ backpack
- Double-stitched zippers outlast typical character bags
- Lightweight 0.23 kg build with padded straps
- Bold sharks print that appeals to the target age group
Cons:- Not water resistant, so rain is a problem
- Only two pockets limits organization
- Hand washing recommended — not machine washable
Best for: Budget-conscious parents of preschool and early elementary shark fans
Not ideal for: Students who carry water bottles, devices, or multiple folders — there just isn’t room or organization
- Dimensions:15″L x 11″W x 5″H
- Weight:0.23 kg
- Material:600 denier polyester
- Capacity:13.5 liters
- Pockets:2
- Closure:Zipper
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“A dependable, low-cost pick for a young shark enthusiast whose school load stays light.”
Trail Maker Backpack with School Supplies for Kids – 20 Piece Set
This is the convenience play of the roundup: a 17-inch canvas backpack bundled with a 20-piece supply kit — pencils, crayons, erasers, glue sticks, a notebook, folder, ruler, and pencil case. For a family staring down a school supply list in August, it collapses a whole shopping trip into one purchase, and everything included is safety compliant for kids. The tradeoffs are worth weighing. Unlike the bulk 17-inch pack, you’re paying for contents over build quality, and the supplies are basic — most teachers’ lists will still require extras. The styling also skews young, so a fourth grader may find it babyish compared with the plain Classic 17-inch models. For a K–2 student starting fresh, though, this set makes opening day nearly effortless.
Pros:- Includes 20 school supplies, covering most first-day needs
- All materials are kid-safe and safety compliant
- 17-inch size offers room to grow
- Multiple compartments keep supplies organized
Cons:- Supplies are basic and won’t satisfy every teacher’s list
- Design appeals mainly to younger children
- Value depends on wanting the whole kit — the backpack alone isn’t the strongest here
Best for: Parents of young kids who want backpack and supplies solved in one purchase
Not ideal for: Older students or families with detailed teacher supply lists — the kit is too basic and the design too young
- Backpack Size:17 inches
- Material:Canvas
- Total Pieces:20 (backpack plus supplies)
- Includes:Backpack, pencil case, notebook, folder, 2 pens, 3 pencils, sharpener, 3 erasers, crayons, 2 glue sticks, highlighter, ruler
- Safety:Safety compliant, kid-friendly materials
- Best Use:School and camp
Our verdict“The fastest route from empty cart to first day of school for a young elementary student — just expect to fill supply gaps later.”
How We Picked
Since these nine backpacks come from the same brand family and similar price tier, I focused on the factors that actually separate them for school use: comfort features (padded versus bare straps, back panel design), size fit by age (15-inch versus 17-inch torso compatibility), value per dollar (what a bundle adds versus buying separately), and everyday durability like zipper quality and fabric weight. I also weighed convenience — a backpack that arrives stocked with pencils and folders saves frazzled August shoppers a trip down the school-supply aisle.
The ranking logic follows a simple hierarchy: bags with padded, adjustable straps placed above bare-strap versions because kids carry them five days a week. Bundled kits ranked high for first-of-year value, colorful 15-inch prints earned spots for younger students, and the bulk pack landed as a budget-and-multiplier pick rather than a single-child recommendation. In short, the order reflects who each bag serves best, not just which is cheapest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kids’ Back To School Backpacks
Choosing between these backpacks gets much easier once you match the bag to your child’s age, your budget, and how much shopping you want to do in one trip. These are the factors that actually changed the rankings.Strap Padding Matters More Than Parents Expect
The single biggest comfort difference across this lineup is whether the straps are padded and adjustable or plain webbing. A first grader hauling a folder, a lunchbox, and a water bottle feels every ounce through bare straps, and complaints about shoulders or “the bag hurts” usually trace back to this one feature. Padded straps also last longer because the stitching around the shoulder attachment takes less friction stress. If your child walks to school or has a long bus ride, treat padding as non-negotiable. Bare-strap versions only make sense as emergency spares, party favors, or short-term camp bags.
Match the Size to the Child, Not the Grade
A 17-inch backpack suits upper elementary and middle school students who carry binders and devices, but it can hang below a kindergartener’s waist — which throws off balance and encourages dragging. The 15-inch models fit smaller torsos far better, even though they hold less. A common mistake is buying big “so it lasts through middle school,” which backfires when an oversized bag causes the child to hate wearing it. Measure from shoulder to waist and pick the bag that ends there. Replacing a cheap backpack in two years beats a year of an ill-fitting one.
Bundles: Convenience Versus Control
The supply-bundled sets in this roundup trade convenience for customization. If your school publishes a strict supply list — specific folder colors, a certain pencil count — the bundled supplies may not match, and you’ll buy extras anyway. But for families starting fresh, moving districts, or shopping late in August, having pencils, erasers, and folders arrive in the same box removes a real headache. Calculate whether the bundle’s per-item supply cost beats the back-to-school sales at big-box stores. If it doesn’t, the bare backpack is the smarter buy.
Durability Expectations at This Price Point
These are budget backpacks, and setting expectations correctly prevents disappointment. Expect one to two solid school years, not four, and expect the zipper to be the first failure point rather than the fabric. Teach kids to zip fully and avoid overstuffing, which is what actually kills most inexpensive bags. Reinforce the base corners with a small patch kit early if your child sets the bag on pavement daily. Parents wanting a single purchase that survives multiple kids should budget up rather than expect a sub-$15 bag to do that job.
One Child, Multiple Kids, or the Whole Classroom
Buying context changes everything here. A single child with a print preference is best served by the themed 15-inch or classic 17-inch models. Families with two or more kids should price the bulk assorted pack against two individual bags — the per-unit cost often wins even if one child gets a color they didn’t pick. Teachers and donors buying for classrooms benefit most from bulk pricing but should confirm color variety expectations with the seller first. Never assume bulk equals identical bags; “assorted” can mean any mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Trail Maker backpacks durable enough for a full school year?
For typical elementary and middle school use, yes — the 17-inch classic models hold up through a full year of folders, lunchboxes, and daily bus rides. The zipper is the weak point, so failure usually shows up there around month eight to ten rather than as torn fabric. Overstuffing is the biggest culprit, so keeping loads reasonable extends life considerably. If you need a bag that survives multiple kids or several years, these budget models aren’t built for that, and spending more upfront is the better path.
Should I buy the 15-inch or 17-inch size for my child?
Use torso length, not age or grade. If the bag’s bottom would hang past your child’s waist, the 17-inch is too big and will cause dragging or imbalance — pick the 15-inch Stellar Space or Seafaring Sharks models instead. The 17-inch fits most kids from about third grade up and accommodates binders and folders better. A backpack that’s slightly small is safer and more comfortable than one that’s too large. When in doubt for a child between sizes, go smaller for younger elementary students.
Is the school supplies bundle actually a good deal?
It depends on how much of the bundled supplies match your school’s required list. If your teacher requests specific folder colors or quantities the kit doesn’t include, you’ll shop anyway and the bundle loses value. But for families starting from zero — new students, moves, or last-minute shopping — the kit saves a full trip and typically beats buying the same items individually at full price. Compare the bundle price against your local back-to-school sale prices before committing. The 20-piece set offers more complete coverage than the smaller bungee kit.
What’s the difference between the four Classic 17-inch Trail Maker models?
They share the same core body, and the differences mostly come down to strap padding, adjustability, and listing variations across sellers. The version with adjustable padded straps is the one worth targeting for daily school use, since bare-strap versions sacrifice the comfort feature that matters most. Color availability may also differ between listings, so check photos and variants rather than assuming identical stock. Price gaps between them are usually small, which makes the padded version the clear choice whenever it’s within a dollar or two. If they’re priced identically, there’s no reason to pick the unpadded option for regular school wear.
Can I wash these backpacks, and how do I keep them clean?
Spot cleaning with mild soap and a damp cloth handles most spills and should be your first move, since machine washing can weaken the stitching and deform the padding in the straps. If a deep clean is unavoidable, use a gentle cycle in a laundry bag and air dry completely — machine drying warps the fabric and zippers. Empty every pocket first; crayon in a dryer ruins both the bag and the load. A monthly wipe-down of the straps and base prevents grime buildup over the school year.
Conclusion
Best overall: the Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack with adjustable padded straps — it balances price, comfort, and durability better than anything else here. Best value: the bulk assorted-color 17-inch pack, which wins on per-bag cost for multi-kid families and classroom buyers. Best for beginners: the 15-inch Stellar Space model, whose smaller size and fun print suit first-time students entering kindergarten or first grade. Best premium-style convenience: the 20-piece backpack with supplies set, which covers the whole supply list in one purchase. Best for specific needs: the Seafaring Sharks 15-inch for young shark fans, and the bungee supply set for parents who want a mid-size kit with extras. Match the bag to your child’s torso and your shopping style, and any of these picks will get the school year started right.
