The Best Kids Backpacks

Matching sets are amazing, especially if you have multiple kids. My daughter’s things are purple, and my son’s are green, and it helps me to never mix up who likes turkey sandwiches and peaches versus who likes PB&J and plums. (It also helps teachers sort out which lunch box belongs to which kid, if you’ve forgotten to label it.) If you like the idea of matching sets but are looking for a more affordable version than the State pack, Calpak offers a kid essentials bundle that also includes a lunch box, pencil case, and ice packs.

It’s not quite as nice as the State bag above. The fabric is noticeably a coarser weave, and the patterns are not as striking. There are fewer features, like no internal pen pockets (it has a big mesh pocket instead), no AirTag pocket, and no exterior key-holder chain. Overall, the bag is just a little less sleek and appealing. However, it does have the separated laptop compartment. Also, my 10-year-old has carried it to day camp for a few weeks this summer without complaint and without it showing visible signs of wear.