The 10 best backpacks for NYC kids’ for back-to-school
BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD AND
ERIN YOON
A new school year is almost upon
us, and this year the kids are truly
going BTS.
And while much doesn’t change in what
our kids need each school year -this September,
when it comes to backpacks, we
need to make room for masks and hand
sanitizer. So we have 10 of the best backpacks
that are perfect for your city kids.
We even have a pick that is $5! And extra
credit if the backpack is easy to clean.
Best Backpack for Nursery
School: 7 AM MINI Backpack
The MINI backpack takes pride in its
top-tier reviews and ratings. It is a small
and light bag, but undoubtedly one of
the most reliable places to store school
supplies. It has handles that are easy to
grab and padded shoulder straps that can
be adjusted to the user’s liking, zippered
pockets in and out, a waterproof outer
shell, and a machine-washable nature.
The backpack comes in 8 different colors
and is discounted signifi cantly upon bundling.
7amenfant.com, $40.
Best Personalized Backpack
for Preschoolers: Rainbow
Little Critters Backpack
Perfect for children ages 2-4, the
backpack comes in cute pastel shades
with a smiling rainbow. The backpack is
durable and washable, making it a great
fi nd for schools during the pandemic. It
can also be personalized to be special
for your child, as Pottery Barn Kids sew
names onto their bags upon receiving
such orders. Pottery Barn Kids, $22.50
Best Compact Backpack:
Mini Kane Travel
State backpacks are the sort of bags
that make perfect hand-me-downs. One
of its most popular especially for city
kids is the Mini Kane Travel backpack.
Everything that is loved about State’s
products is included in this mini version
of the company’s backpack. It is extremely
durable, colorful, and diverse. Looking
for another reason to buy this backpack?
It can be personalized! And STATE was
one of the fi rst brands to give back and
continues with for every STATE product
purchased they support American children
and families in need by donating
backpacks (fully-packed!) at their bag
drop rallies to funding special projects
with supporting partner schools and
organizations. Statebags.com, $60-80.
Best Middle School Backpack: 19”
Jartop Backpack – Embark™
There is a signifi cant shift in middle
school regarding the style of backpack a
child may need. Many NYC schools do
not have lockers, and while kids may
or not be moving from class this year
(COVID), many are expected to carry
about everything in their bags. The main
compartment has a ton of room that
will hold your kids’ books for the day;
a 17-inch front pocket can hold a laptop,
and side pockets can take the water bottle
and hand sanitizer. Target, $39.99
Best for Elementary School:
Bixbee 10” Kids’ Animal Backpack
A fun (and a wee fi erce) bag for your preschooler
to 2nd grader that is designed to
fi t Ergonomic-which means it will not hang
too low on your child’s back. Roomy in the
main compartment also features two side
pockets for a water bottle or pencil case. A
big plus isBixbee donates a schoolbag (with
supplies) to every backpack purchased for
a child in need. Target, $29.99
Best Classic Backpack:
Jansport Recycled Superbreak
This backpack brand may have been the
brandyousported when you were in school.
Jansport backpacks come with a lifetime warranty
and are durable to withstand the wear
and tear kids often do to their bags meaning
perfect for our city kids. This style is pretty
much the classic Super break but is made of
100% Recycled Nylon webbing and cording
PHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES
and polyester labels. Jansport.com, $50.
Best Budget Backpack:
Wonder Nation Boys & Girls
Galaxy 16” Backpack
There is a bit of a shell shock every
summer when the school supply list is
in the inbox. And this is usually before
you have even started the back-to-school
wardrobe shopping. So whether on a
tight budget or buying for a few kids,
this stylish option is worth considering.
This bag is perfect for elementary school
kids and is available in a few fun prints
with a height of 16 inches and adjustable
shoulder straps. Walmart.com, $5.
Best Weatherproof Backpack:
L.L.Bean Original Book Pack
The L.L.Bean Original is built to endure.
It features extra-strong stitching and
weatherproof material and is guaranteed
to weather through your child’s school
year. Designed for children older than 6
years, the backpack comes in a variety of
different colors for your child to choose
from.llbean.com,$36.95
Best High School and Beyond
Backpack: Herschel Little
America Backpack
Herschel is known for designing durable,
well-made backpacks and is a great choice
when looking for a forever backpack. Timeless,
not trendy, these backpacks are high
quality and perfect for your high schooler.
Ideal for the student who carries everything
in their bag – the contoured shoulder straps
will provide support when being lugged
around throughout the day. Designed with
a padded and fl eece-lined 15” laptop sleeve,
drawcord closure, and magnet fastener
straps with metal pin buckles. Herschel.
com, $130.
This story fi rst appeared on our sister
publication newyorkfamily.com.
Homecoming NYC
Our Classrooms
Our Community
Our Future
Safe and healthy learning for all.
schools.nyc.gov/Homecoming
Back to
SCHOOL
2021
14 August 19, 2021 Schneps Media
/Walmart.com
/Statebags.com
/Jansport.com
/7amenfant.com
/from.llbean.com
/newyorkfamily.com
/Homecoming
