Market Research

Before we chose which backpacks to test in person, we did our homework. We scouted backpacks at toy conventions, examined the holdings at retail stores, and plunged into the deepest depths of online reviews. We carefully considered 41 backpack models across 17 different brands before boiling down the list. Our focus was on finding the best little kids backpack for the pre-K through first grade crowd. As a size proxy, we assessed each pack's usability for kids between 42" and 48" tall. We ultimately selected six backpacks of varying price and design to test. We selected an additional, larger version of one of these packs for size comparison purposes.

 

Purchase Methodology

We paid retail for all seven models, just like you.

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Assessment Criteria

Upon arrival, we inspected the backpacks. We looked for flaws in coloring or stitching and tears in the material. We carefully examined the interior and exterior of the bags for padding, pockets, compartments, and straps. We compared the sizes of the packs and their capacity to hold a range of objects. (We also let our littlest testers, ranging in age from 4 to 6, try the backpacks on and give their own assessments of fit and feel.)

 

When we rated the backpacks, our assessment criteria included:

 

Capacity

At this age, most kids don't need to cart large textbooks around. At the younger end of our age range, we wanted the bag to comfortably fit a change of clothes, a blanket, and a water bottle. At the older end of our age range, we wanted the bag to fit a full-sized folder, a small notebook, and a couple library books. 

 

Organization

We considered the number of pockets, whether those pockets were broken up into additional compartments, the accessibility of those pockets and compartments, and whether the pockets and compartments were closable. We of course also took note of the all-important water bottle side pocket (or lack thereof). 

 

• Features:  Points awarded for having a chalkboard; dry erase board; magnetized surface; paper holder or clips; and a felt board.

• How Well it Works:  Points awarded based on chalk and marker visibility; how cleanly the surfaces erased; ease of using a paper canvas; and the size of the workspace surface.

 

Comfort

This is the key metric for us. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child's backpack should have padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Pockets can help distribute the weight of the pack, and a chest strap can take some of that weight off the shoulders and back.     

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Fit

A backpack should never weigh more than 10-20% of a child's body weight, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For this reason (and to avoid the temptation to stuff more into the backpack), we focused on packs that would fit children in our 42" to 48" size range now, rather than packs that they could "grow into."

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Quality

We examined the overall appearance of the pack, the quality of materials used, how well the zippers and other closing mechanisms functioned, stitching, and whether pockets and compartments were lined.

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