When it comes to back-to-school gear, the right backpack makes all the difference. Whether you're looking for something fun, functional, or sustainable, we've rounded up the six best kids backpacks for all ages.
These brands bring personality, performance, and planet-friendly materials together—so your kids can head into the school year in style.
1. STATE Bags – Cool Classics with a Cause
STATE makes backpacks that are as stylish as they are sturdy. With sleek silhouettes and bold color combos, they’re perfect for kids who like a little edge with their school essentials. The designs are functional with padded straps and plenty of pockets for organizing school-day chaos. Bonus: Every purchase supports STATE’s mission to give back to underserved communities.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: Many STATE backpacks are made with recycled polyester, helping to keep plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans. They're also B Corp certified, meaning they meet high standards for social and environmental impact.
Price: $98
2. SoYoung – Whimsical and Washable
SoYoung's Grade School Backpacks are perfect for kids heading off to kindergarten. Made from linen with a modern vintage design, it’s durable, easy to clean, and oh-so-cute. The padded straps and easy-to-grab handles are made for small hands. It’s also machine washable—a major plus for messy days.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: Made with eco-linen and low-impact, water-based inks, SoYoung backpacks are PVC-, phthalate-, and BPA-free. Their materials are biodegradable and responsibly sourced in small batches.
Price: $47
3. Fjällräven Kånken – A Scandinavian Classic
The Fjällräven Kånken is a beloved Swedish design that’s both minimalist and iconic. Originally created for schoolchildren in the 1970s, its boxy shape and ergonomic straps make it great for carrying books or lunchboxes. It comes in a rainbow of colors and mini sizes that are perfect for younger kids. Bonus: it’s water-resistant and wipes clean easily.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: The Re-Kånken line is made from 11 recycled plastic bottles and dyed using a process that requires significantly less water and energy. Fjällräven also prioritizes repairability, durability, and animal welfare throughout its supply chain.
Price: $90 - $100
4. Pottery Barn Kids – Personalized and Playful
Pottery Barn Kids is the go-to for whimsical backpacks that feel custom-made for your kid. From dinosaurs to ballerinas to glow-in-the-dark prints, their patterns are always a hit. You can personalize each bag with your child’s name or initials, and pair it with a matching lunchbox or water bottle. They’re built tough too—with padded straps and water-resistant exteriors.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: Pottery Barn Kids uses recycled water bottles to make many of their backpack collections. They're also committed to sustainable sourcing and safer materials, including GREENGUARD Gold Certified products that are better for indoor air quality.
Price: $35 - $70
5. REI Co-op Tarn 18 – For School Days and Trail Days
Technically built for young hikers, the REI Tarn 18 pulls double duty as a school backpack. It’s lightweight yet durable, with adjustable straps and a hydration reservoir sleeve (perfect for water bottles). The simple design and neutral tones make it a favorite for outdoorsy families. Plus, it's comfy enough to carry on school days and weekend adventures alike.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: The Tarn 18 is made with bluesign®-approved materials, which means the fabric was produced using safer chemicals and less water. REI also runs a gear recycling program and is a climate-neutral retailer.
Price: $49.95
6. Quince – Modern and Minimalist
Quince brings grown-up style to kid-size gear with clean, modern designs. The Recycled Double Pocket Backpack has a streamlined silhouette, functional interiors, and padded laptop sleeves for bigger kids. The muted color palette is perfect for kids who prefer sleek over splashy. It's a great choice for tweens who want something cool without cartoon characters.
Eco-Friendly Highlight: Quince uses recycled nylon and polyester in its bags, reducing the demand for virgin materials. Their supply chain focuses on ethical labor and sustainability, keeping transparency at the forefront.
Price: $45 - $60
Why We Love These Backpacks
All six of these brands make it easier to shop with purpose. Whether they're using recycled materials, practicing responsible manufacturing, or giving back to the community, these companies show that doing good and looking good can go hand-in-hand. Choosing eco-conscious gear for your kids is one small step toward a more sustainable school year—and it starts with what they carry on their backs.