Best schoolbags, backpacks and rucksacks for kids
From the beginning of their primary school journey, a good quality rucksack is essential for school children. It may need to hold a change of clothes, P.E. kit, reading books, homework, a water bottle or lunch bag. Sometimes even all of the above!
Rucksacks also prove useful at weekends and school holidays. For a trip to the grandparents, summer play-scheme or a sleepover. They may need to fit a favourite toy, a tablet, nightclothes or a very random collection of pebbles (don't ask!).
It's also important to consider your child's height and build. A bag that is bigger than necessary won't allow freedom of movement and is more likely to get filled with stuff. The weight can then rest on their shoulders causing discomfort.
We've compiled a list of 10 of the best school bags, backpacks and rucksacks; including options that take into consideration fit, internal space, comfort, added extras and good fashioned fun!
Here's our pick of the best schoolbags, backpacks and rucksacks for kids:
1. LittleLife Big Hi-Vis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak
This dinosaur themed backpack is a perfect for Reception aged kids. With its large capacity, it'll fit a change of clothes and water bottle, plus the high vis material makes it great for darker winter days.
The addition of a chest strap is useful for keeping the bag secure when scooting or cycling to school. It's extremely well constructed and the shoulders straps are well padded and curved for comfort.
2. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kids Backpack, Bailey Bat
Compact for smaller kids, this bag has an insulated front pocket (perfect for snacks), side bottle holding mesh and a inner compartment not quite big enough for A4 documents but still sizeable on a 4 year old's back.
The quirky upside down bat design is adorable and will stand out on your little one's peg. The inner lining is easy to clean and it's nice and light when empty too. The only challenge you might have is getting your little one to take it off!
3. Cath Kidston Rocket Novelty Backpack
Kids will love this fun and eye-catching rocket design, but you can be reassured it's a practical buy with features such as mesh pockets, padded adjustable straps and a name tag included.
If you want to complete the rocket set, you can even pick up a matching pencil case to pop in your child's school bag.
4. Quechua Kids'Hiking Backpack MH100 5 litres
Sports retailer Decathlon sells this budget friendly backpack as a hiking option for kids but it also doubles up wonderfully as a school or sports bag. The large central opening should comfortably your child's school essentials, with a mesh side pocket to hold a 500ml water bottle comfortably.
Although it's a simple design, Decathlon has tested the bag for abrasion resistance so it should withstand daily use. It even offers a 10-year guarantee, should the bag get damaged.
5. Smiggle Hide Access Backpack
Smiggle's Hide Access backpack holds a huge 17-litres, enough to hold a few A4 workbooks, lunch, a water bottle with room for more. There's even space for a 15-inch laptop. This makes it ideal for older kids who will need to take more into school, especially those going into secondary school.
The double zipped main compartment means the contents of the bag will stay secure, with 2 outer zip compartments and 2 drink bottle sleeves for even more storage. The cute and colourful prints are certainly a bonus too!
