The Best Kids’ Backpacks for the 2026 School Year

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As an adult gear tester, I have one major problem with looking for the best kids’ backpacks: Ultimately, the decision is not up to me. My 8-year-old and 10-year-old are the ones who have to carry their backpacks to school, camp, and beyond. The bag has to protect iPads and Chromebooks; fit lunch boxes and water bottles; and endure getting kicked around cars, bikes, and school gyms. Most importantly, it has to be comfortable. Less important but still crucial, it has to be a good fashion accessory. And you have to be able to find it quickly when you hang it on a hook next to 50 virtually identical backpacks.

To find the best kids’ backpacks, children of...

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