BACKPACK REVIEW
Sidekick Backpack
Wildkin
Attractive pack with a spacious front pocket; good for casual use.
MSRP: $29.99 (typical retail $25)
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 - 10 Years
Capacity: Very Good
Organization: Good
Comfort: Good
Fit: Good
Quality: Very Good
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THE SCOOP
The Fun
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Spacious front pocket
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Good price
The Frustration
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Minimal padding
The Specs
Capacity: Very Good
12"W x 15"H x 7"D
A nice-sized bag. It fits a folder, a small notebook, and a couple books inside. The Sidekick narrows toward the top, though, so the top corners of picture books and standard-sized folders press against the sides.
Organization: Good
The main opening of this bag doesn't have any additional storage compartments. But the front pocket is quite long and includes four additional compartments. The big problem with this one is that it lacks a side pocket for a water bottle, which is a miss if the pack might be used for sports or outdoor activities.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort: Good
This pack has minimal padding on the shoulder straps and across the back. The sizable front pocket helps distribute weight but it doesn't have a front strap to take some of that weight off the back and shoulders.
Fit: Good
This backpack was too long for a 4-year-old, 42" child to wear comfortably (one of our testers dramatically fell to the ground to demonstrate just how oversized it is). Once a child has grown into it, this pack still fits well at the 48" end of the spectrum. If you're considering the Sidekick, we recommend holding off until the child is closer to five.
Quality: Good
The pack arrived in good condition and the zippers worked well. The interior lining is a little flimsy.
Conclusion
The minimal shoulder strap and back padding keep the Sidekick from being one of our top picks for school, but it's a nice option for casual use (especially if you catch it for under $20). It's got a spacious front pocket and comes in a variety of cute patterns.
