Top Kid-Friendly Backpack Brands for School Adventures

As the school year approaches, the search for the perfect school bag for kids becomes a top priority for many parents. With a myriad of options available, selecting a durable, functional, and stylish bag can be a daunting task. From established brands that focus on ergonomic designs to those that offer vibrant patterns and customizable features, there is a wealth of choices to ensure your child feels both comfortable and confident at school. To assist you in making an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the best brands for kids' school bags below.

Illustration of kids school bags

Best brands of kids school bags in 2025

JanSport

JanSport is a leading producer of kids' school bags, boasting a significant market share of up to 55% in the backpack industry, with a strong brand recognition rate of 95% and a notable 20% growth rate in sales. Founded in 1967, JanSport has consistently innovated, introducing products like the Airlift and Loadlift backpacks and acquiring competitors such as Eastpak. In the United States, JanSport holds a dominant 22% market share and has seen an 11.1% increase in market share from January to October 2021. The brand's revenue has reached $1.2 billion, highlighting its financial success. JanSport's products are popular for their quality and functionality, making them a preferred choice for many students.

L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean is a prominent player in the kids' school bags market, known for its high-quality and durable products. The brand is favored for its stylish and functional designs, with features such as comfort and durability being key selling points. In the kids' backpack market, L.L.Bean is one of the major vendors, particularly in North America and Europe, contributing to the region's highest market share. The brand's products, such as the L.L.Bean Visa credit card program, also highlight its customer-centric approach. With a strong presence in the market, L.L.Bean continues to meet the growing demand for school bags, especially with the rising global population and increasing focus on education. For more details, visit their official website.

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Supply Co., founded in 2009, has established itself as a leading brand in the school bags market, particularly targeting teenagers and college students. The company is known for its "Well Traveled" positioning and collaborations with influential brands, such as Stussy. Herschel Supply Co. sells millions of bags in over 45 retail outlets globally and is recognized for its use of eco-friendly materials, including 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles in its EcoSystem(tm) Fabric. The brand's focus on quality and sustainability aligns with the growing demand for lightweight and environmentally conscious school bags, a trend expected to drive the global school bags market to reach USD 30.19 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030. For more details about their products, visit their official website.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids is renowned for producing high-quality, durable, and stylish school bags that have garnered widespread acclaim. These backpacks are made from water-resistant fabric, ensuring they remain in excellent condition even after exposure to rain or snow. They are also highly comfortable, with padded designs that support heavy loads, and are easy to clean, often machine washable. Many families have reported using these backpacks for multiple years without significant wear, with some users noting they still look brand new after a year of use. Additionally, Pottery Barn Kids offers various sizes and designs, including personalized options, making them a popular choice for parents.

Lands' End

Lands' End is a prominent brand in the kids' backpack market, known for its high-quality and durable products. In 2023, the company saw a significant focus on maximizing revenue quality, resulting in a 430 basis points expansion in gross margins, despite a 5% decline in revenues. Lands' End operates in over 135 countries and has a strong e-Commerce presence, with U.S. e-Commerce accounting for more than 60% of its net revenues. The brand is also recognized for its innovative product lines, including school and business uniforms, and has successfully repositioned itself to appeal to a younger demographic. Lands' End's commitment to product newness and superior inventory management has driven higher-quality sales and improved profitability. Explore their range of kids' backpacks to find durable, high-quality options for school and beyond.

Skip Hop

Skip Hop is renowned as one of the top producers of kids' school bags, known for their durable, stylish, and functional designs. The brand, part of Carter's, Inc., offers a wide range of products that cater to the needs of parents and children, including school bags that are both trendy and practical. While specific market share data for Skip Hop is not provided, the brand's popularity is evident through its strong presence in the market and positive consumer reviews. Skip Hop's products, such as their A+ packs, are designed to be lightweight and spacious, aligning with the growing demand for bags that can accommodate electronic gadgets. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a favorite among parents.

Nike

Nike is a prominent player in the school bags market, known for its innovative and durable products that cater to the needs of students. The brand is part of a growing market expected to reach $30.19 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing student enrollment and the rise of online distribution channels. Nike's commitment to quality and comfort, particularly with the use of materials like polyesters and nylon, aligns with consumer preferences for lightweight and ergonomic bags. The brand's strong presence in the global market, especially in regions like Asia Pacific, contributes to its market share. Nike's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction makes it a preferred choice for kids' school bags.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a prominent player in the school bags market, known for its high-quality, durable, and stylish products that cater to the needs of kids. The brand's focus on ergonomic and health-conscious designs helps prevent back problems among students, a feature that is increasingly in demand. With the global school bags market expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2030, Under Armour's innovative approaches, such as using eco-friendly materials and integrating tech-friendly features, are set to drive significant growth. In regions like North America, where the school bags market was valued at over USD 4.64 billion in 2023, Under Armour's strong brand presence and online retail strategies are crucial. The brand's commitment to quality and comfort aligns with the rising trend of personalized and tech-integrated school bags. You can explore their range of school bags on the Under Armour website.

Adidas

Adidas is a leading brand in the school bags market, known for its durable, stylish, and functional back-to-school backpacks. Their bags feature multiple compartments, interior dividers for laptops, and ergonomic shoulder straps, making them ideal for kids. Adidas school bags are made from high-quality materials such as recycled polyester, ensuring both durability and environmental sustainability. The brand's online distribution channel is expected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing penetration of the internet and the influence of social media on consumer purchasing decisions. With a wide range of designs, including the classic 3-Stripes and Trefoil logos, Adidas caters to various age groups and preferences.

Fjällräven Kånken

The Fjallraven Kanken, launched in August 1978, is a seminal product that has revolutionized the market for kids' school bags by addressing the prevalent issue of back pain among Swedish schoolchildren. Designed by Ake Nordin, the Kanken was initially intended to sell 200 units but ended up selling twice that number in the first year, and by the following year, sales soared to 30,000. This backpack's simplicity, durability, and comfort have made it a global icon, with over three million units produced by 2008 and sales growing tenfold from 2010 to 2017. The Kanken is available in 54 different colors and has expanded into variants like the Mini-Kanken, Kanken Laptop, and the eco-friendly Re-Kanken made from recycled plastic bottles. Its design has been recognized with awards, including the Guldknappen Accessoar design prize in 2018. For more information, explore the Kanken range on their website.