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Luggage & travel gearHelping You Find the Best
  • 9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More 1
  • 9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More 2
  • 9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More 3
  • 9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More 4
  • 9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More 5

9 Best School Backpacks UK 2024 | Nike, Dakine and More

There's no better way to get your kid enthusiastic about school than arming them with essentials that take the daily routine from drab to doable. Their backpack should be comfortable, practical, easy on the eye and affordable for you! But whether you're after a rucksack for primary or preschool or a high school bag for teens, it can be tough to find what you need. 


From back support to laptop sleeves and waterproof materials, we've determined what to look out for when shopping in our handy buying guide. We've also reviewed the ten best school backpacks for boys and girls on Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis, including brands like Fjällräven, Nike, Smiggle and Dakine. 

Last updated 01/04/2024

Quick List - Top School Backpacks

1

Puersit

Vintage Laptop Backpack
Vintage Laptop Backpack

Smart, Functional and Supportive With Techy Extras

2

Under Armour

Hustle Backpack
Hustle Backpack

The Best Waterproof Backpack for Heavy Loads

3

Dakine

Grom 13 Litre Backpack
Grom 13 Litre Backpack

A Practical and Safety-Focused Pick That Looks the Part

4

Harry Potter

Deluxe Kids Backpack
Deluxe Kids Backpack

Plenty of Space and Pure Magic!

5

Skip Hop Zoo

Kids' Pack
Kids' Pack

Cute, Colourful and Practical for Over 3's

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a School Backpack in the UK - Buying Guide

It's worth breaking down the bullet points of exactly what your child needs from a school bag before you rush out and grab the first one you see. Read on as we share advice on size and capacity, fabric, and, perhaps most importantly, support. 

1

Consider the Size: Smaller Kids Won't Need Much Space, While Teens May Need Larger Bags

Consider the Size: Smaller Kids Won't Need Much Space, While Teens May Need Larger Bags

Buying a school backpack for a little'un? They won't need much space other than the essentials, so a bag measuring around 27 cm long should be adequate. The width should also be around the same as the width of their back – after all, you don't want to be putting too much weight or pressure on developing spines.


On the other hand, if your teenager is going to be carrying a laptop, food, and several A4 textbooks to school, it's vital to buy a backpack that will fit everything in, with space to spare for other bits that they no doubt love to hoard, too. 


In this case, look out for bags with lengths of 38 cm and upwards. And don't forget to check the dimensions of any laptops they do need to bring along before you buy!

2

Pick a Practical Fabric and Check for Waterproof or Water-Resistant Designs

Pick a Practical Fabric and Check for Waterproof or Water-Resistant Designs

Next on your list of considerations should be the fabric the backpack is constructed from. On the pricier end of the scale are fabrics like cotton canvas and leather – these are durable and usually of visibly higher quality than other fabrics. They can be cleaned with care, though may not always be machine washable.


For a more bargainous backpack, try one fashioned from nylon or polyester. Though these are often easier to keep clean and at least won't be easily damaged by rain, they're not usually as high quality and may rip or fray more quickly, so choose wisely.


If your kids and teens walk to school daily, a waterproof backpack is probably a sensible choice since it will keep books, laptops and stationery safe and dry. Regardless of material, do keep an eye out for bags advertised as waterproof, showerproof, or water-resistant so you know they'll last the years.

3

Choose Padded or Adjustable Straps to Spread Weight and Defend Developing Spines

Choose Padded or Adjustable Straps to Spread Weight and Defend Developing Spines

When young children whose skeletons are still developing carry heavy book bags to and from school every day, they risk doing damage to their spines. In order to protect your kids from future pain, make sure you seek out a school backpack with adjustable straps that can be made short enough to evenly distribute weight across their back. 


Another good idea is to look for school backpacks with broad, padded straps which further help to spread the load and are generally more comfortable to wear. You could also look for a bag specifically designed with back support as its priority. There isn't usually much difference in price either, which is great news! 

4

Look for Extra Compartments to Keep Things Organised

Look for Extra Compartments to Keep Things Organised

Take the time to consider whether extra compartments would be useful. Most backpacks come with the standard front pocket which is great for easy access to essentials like phones or gloves, but choosing bags with several more can really keep things tidy and organised while distributing weight more evenly. 


There are lots of variants to choose from based on you and your child's needs. For example, some backpacks come complete with a special holder for an umbrella, while others can encourage them to stay hydrated with one or more water bottle holders


On top of this, some bags are spacious enough for laptops while others come with a specific protective compartment – worth considering if you've spent a fortune on a computer! Such bags may also even come with a charging point so they can boost the battery power of any devices on the way to school or at break time. 

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The Best School Backpacks in the UK

Now that we've given you the lowdown on how to choose the perfect school rucksack, let us introduce you to our picks of the best options you can buy online this year across renowned online shops and sites. 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Puersit

Vintage Laptop Backpack

Puersit Vintage Laptop Backpack 1

Smart, Functional and Supportive With Techy Extras

2

Under Armour

Hustle Backpack

Under Armour Hustle Backpack 1

The Best Waterproof Backpack for Heavy Loads

3

Dakine

Grom 13 Litre Backpack

Dakine Grom 13 Litre Backpack 1

A Practical and Safety-Focused Pick That Looks the Part

4

Harry Potter

Deluxe Kids Backpack

Harry Potter Deluxe Kids Backpack 1

Plenty of Space and Pure Magic!

5

Skip Hop Zoo

Kids' Pack

Skip Hop Zoo Kids' Pack 1

Cute, Colourful and Practical for Over 3's

6

Backcare

Large Black Backpack

Backcare Large Black Backpack 1

Protect Growing Spines With a Special-Care Backpack

7

Nike

Elemental Backpack and Pencil Case

Nike Elemental Backpack and Pencil Case 1

Sturdy and Sporty With Room for Textbooks and Folders

8

Hype

Kids' Backpack

Hype Kids' Backpack  1

Get Hyped for Monday With an Affordable Classic

9

Fjällräven

Kånken Classic Backpack

Fjällräven Kånken Classic Backpack 1

The Coolest Backpack for Teens and Pre-Teens

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Puersit
Vintage Laptop Backpack

Vintage Laptop Backpack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Vintage Laptop Backpack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£21.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£21.99
Low Mid

Smart, Functional and Supportive With Techy Extras

Parenting a tech-loving child (who isn't?) who's always complaining their phone is low on battery? Consider this vintage-inspired backpack with a built-in power bank and USB charging port. It has several nifty compartments with room for a laptop too and comes in several colourways including all-black and maroon. 


This bag isn't only good-looking and device-friendly, though – the padded straps can be adjusted for comfort and there's plenty of space for school books and lunch, plus the nylon fabric is shower-resistant so protects precious belongings from the rain. It definitely ticks all the boxes! 

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No.2

Under Armour
Hustle Backpack

Hustle Backpack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Hustle Backpack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£27.90
Mid
Reference price
£27.90
Mid

The Best Waterproof Backpack for Heavy Loads

For a larger-sized backpack that'll survive being thrown about more than most and hold up to heavier loads, try Under Armour's Hustle. It's lightweight yet highly durable and functions brilliantly, evenly distributing weight across your growing teen's shoulders. 


The shoulder straps are bolstered with soft, spongy padding and include the brand's breathable HeatGear material for better comfort on those long walks to school. Plus, there are multiple pockets along with a laptop sleeve, space for water bottles and a separate section for sports or PE kits. So there's no excuse for losing anything! 

No.3

Dakine
Grom 13 Litre Backpack

Grom 13 Litre Backpack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grom 13 Litre Backpack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£30.00
Mid
Reference price
£30.00
Mid

A Practical and Safety-Focused Pick That Looks the Part

If your kid is more into surf and skate culture than the latest brands, a backpack from the Grom range by Dakine is a good pick. It definitely looks cool, but it's also pleasingly practical from a parent's perspective – as well as thick, padded straps, there's an extra sternum strap with a safety whistle and reflective details on the back


Other notable features include mesh side pockets, a water-resistant rip-stop material, a fleece glasses pocket and a padded base to prevent the bottom from wearing through. It might cost a bit more than some of our picks (especially if you go for a rarer colour), but you definitely won't need to replace it for a good while. 

No.4

Harry Potter
Deluxe Kids Backpack

Deluxe Kids Backpack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Deluxe Kids Backpack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Deluxe Kids Backpack 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£19.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£19.95
Low Mid

Plenty of Space and Pure Magic!

For wannabe-wizards and witches everywhere (of all ages!), this backpack is a superb choice. Not only is it proudly emblazoned with the Hogwarts crest and logo house title, but it is also spacious, budget-friendly, high quality and supportive


With nicely-padded adjustable straps, this bag cares for developing backs even when it's crammed full. It also has a secure buckled front pocket, a padded laptop sleeve and a longer side pocket – just the right size for a wand, perhaps?

No.5

Skip Hop Zoo
Kids' Pack

Reference price
£20.00
Low Mid

Cute, Colourful and Practical for Over 3's

This cheerful dragon-shaped backpack is one of a charming range of animal-themed school bags for primary-aged kids, which also includes other classic kid faves like unicorns, dinosaurs and butterflies. It's comfy to wear with padded straps and should last as it's made from extra-durable polyester


There's sufficient room inside for a small book, a scarf or similar and a pencil case, plus a front zip for snacks or other extras and a write-on name tag. It has elasticated pockets on either side for a little water bottle or juice cup, too. 

No.6

Backcare
Large Black Backpack

Reference price
£38.00
High Mid

Protect Growing Spines With a Special-Care Backpack

The only bag officially endorsed by the Backcare Charity, this is a great shout if you are concerned about your child's posture and spine as they lug unfathomably heavy books and stationery to school day in day out. Its ergonomic design means it works with your child's body to keep them comfortable and features a ventilated back panel and side bracing straps. 


There are dozens of organisation pockets too, should your child need a bit of help in the organisation department, and the option of a smaller 17-litre size if you prefer. The smart black and white theme also adheres to almost every school dress code and looks just like a 'normal' backpack. Perfect.

No.7

Nike
Elemental Backpack and Pencil Case

Reference price
£25.92
Mid

Sturdy and Sporty With Room for Textbooks and Folders

Nike is a world-renowned sports brand with good reason. Over the decades they've produced reliable, practical products beloved by active types of all ages, and this sturdy yet affordable backpack made from water-repellent polyester is no exception. 


Reassuringly, this particular backpack from their range has a few more compartments than those designed for sports, including a document holder and space for A4 folders and larger books. Made with school kids in mind, the straps are thick and comfortable and there's even a matching pencil case thrown in for good measure! 

No.8

Hype
Kids' Backpack

Kids' Backpack  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.99
Mid
Reference price
£29.99
Mid

Get Hyped for Monday With an Affordable Classic

This stylish backpack from reliable and on-trend brand Hype is simple yet practical, roomy and comfortable. It's fastened with a large zip covered in rubber, so it's easy to use and keeps the elements out. We also love that it's available in an astonishing range of designs and patterns to suit your kid's unique tastes.


As well as the closure, the fact it's water-resistant is obviously a huge bonus, meaning it can be used in most weathers without books and precious possessions getting too damaged. We would have liked to have seen another pocket or two, in particular, one for a drinks bottle. 

No.9

Fjällräven
Kånken Classic Backpack

Reference price
£68.00
High

The Coolest Backpack for Teens and Pre-Teens

Though originally produced for Swedish schoolkids in the 70s, there aren't many other backpacks that will appeal to your pre-teen or teen more than Fjällräven's classic Kånken. It's available in dozens of lovely colours, all made from water-resistant vinylal with the signature reflective fox logo and front pocket. 

 

There are a couple of obvious downsides, the first of which is that the slim straps are not padded (although the back has removable padding), and the second is that a sought-after brand name like this is certainly going to cost you! But it is ever so cool.

Summary

Well, that's that. Our guide to picking your perfect school backpack ends here. Hopefully, you're well-equipped with the information you need to make a sensible purchase and choose a sturdy, practical and beautiful bag that will make school a more enticing place to be. Is that the bell we can hear ringing? Breaktime!


Author: Annie Hopkins

Top 5 School Backpacks

No. 1: PuersitVintage Laptop Backpack

No. 2: Under ArmourHustle Backpack

No. 3: DakineGrom 13 Litre Backpack

No. 4: Harry PotterDeluxe Kids Backpack

No. 5: Skip Hop ZooKids' Pack

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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