6 Best Toddler and Preschool Backpacks, Tested by Two Families

Out of all the backpacks we tested, the Itzy Ritzy Toddler Backpack is the one I keep reaching for. It’s adorable and it holds everything we need, but what really sold me was how much my son loved it. He didn’t want to take it off. He wore it all around the house and never once asked me to carry it for him when we were out—parents of toddlers know how rare that is! The padded straps are comfortable, the size feels empowering for a toddler and the clean, modern design made him feel like he had a “real” backpack—just like his big brother.

Part of this backpack's success was undoubtedly the size—so many mini backpacks either feel oversized, or they go the other way and barely hold anything, but this one hits the sweet spot. It didn’t swamp him at all, but. I was able to pack pull-ups, a change of clothes, snacks and a stuffed animal, with room left over for a small water bottle in the side pocket—everything we’d need for a day out or a playdate. It doesn’t fit a folder, but at this age, that’s not something we need.

The Itzy Ritzy is made from a soft but durable cotton canvas, which gives it a nice feel. While the canvas is flexible, it has a polyester lining that adds structure, which means the backpack stayed upright and kept its shape while my little one was wearing it. It’s incredibly sturdy overall—the stitching is clean and solid, and the buckles are made of nice-quality plastic that feels durable enough to withstand some wear. I can absolutely see this holding up through daily use and becoming a great hand-me-down in the future.

For quick outings, daycare or any occasion where a toddler is ready for a bit of independence, this backpack just works. It’s cute, comfortable, well-made, and thoughtfully designed for exactly this age—which is why it earned its spot as overall best toddler backpack.

Dimensions: 4.5" (L) x 11" (H) x 12" (H) | Capacity: 9.7 L | Weight: 11.7 oz. | Materials: 100% cotton canvas (exterior fabric); 100% polyester (interior fabric) | Age rating: 18+ months

If you’re shopping on a budget but still want a toddler backpack that delivers, the Goldbug Safety Harness Backpack is a great option. I was really impressed with the quality at this price point—just $16! You might expect something cheaply made at that price, but I couldn't find any weak points in the stitching, and the zipper stood up well to our testing—it withstands everyday use well. And if that wasn't enough, it also goes the extra mile with bonus features like a chest clip and a harness. The AAP recommends looking for a chest clip on a backpack to help distribute weight more evenly across your child's body, but not all models have them—it’s nice to see it on such an inexpensive option.

The backpack is the perfect size for toddlers– it's lightweight, easy to carry and while not quite as roomy as the Itzy Ritzy, it had enough space for a few snacks, a small toy or a water bottle. There was no designated spot for a lunchbox, but there is a cute front zip pocket where I was able to store some slim snack packs. And speaking of being cute: The monkey design is adorable. My son looked at it and immediately began making monkey sounds, and pointing and saying, "mommy a monkey! a monkey!" And that was before he got to feel the softness of the monkey's tummy, ears and face.

Overall, this backpack offers a lot for the money. The harness is great for navigating crowded spots like amusement parks or zoos, and the backpack itself is a budget-friendly, practical backpack that covers all the essentials.

Dimensions: 3" (L) x 7.4" (W) x 11" (H) | Capacity: 4 L | Weight: 10.4 oz. | Materials: N/A | Age rating: 18+ months

The My 1st Years Personalized Mouse Mini Backpack is a toddler backpack that feels like a keepsake. It’s made from thick, structured polyester with a waterproof lining, and right away I could tell it was built to last. It held its shape really well (which helped my toddler pack and unpack it more easily), and it kept everything inside dry when we got caught in a quick drizzle on the way home from the park.

My 1st Years gives you the option of personalizing this backpack with your child's name or initials, and we used his initials (which is recommended for safety). I was genuinely impressed by how beautifully it turned out. The embroidery is stitched in a lovely, fancy font and came out perfectly. As someone who worked in handbags for years, I pay attention to details like stitching and materials, and this backpack really delivered. The zipper feels sturdy, the buckles are good quality, and everything about it feels solid and well-made.

Between the mouse design and the personalization, this backpack really got my toddler excited. We used the initials to practice letters—“R is for Rylan”—and he was proud to carry it himself. It was just the right size for diapers, a change of clothes, snacks and a small water bottle. While it’s definitely a splurge—it feels more like a gift than an everyday grab-and-go bag—if you’re looking for something a little special, this one is really sweet.

Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 8.7" (W) x 11" (H) | Capacity: 6.8 L | Weight: N/A | Materials: Polyester | Age rating: 1 to 3 years

Some toddler backpacks are cute, but not exactly made to last. If you get a year or so of use out of it before you move on to a larger backpack for preschool, the brand feels like they've done their job. Others, like the Ten Little Recycled Backpack, are on another level. As our tester Korin says after using this with her one-year-old, “Ten Little is big on reusing things, and clearly designed this backpack with hand-me-downs in mind.” This backpack is built to last for years. It combines serious durability with a thoughtful and sustainable design, making it a standout pick for anyone looking to pass down gear from one child to the next. "It feels sturdy enough to pass on," Korin says, and the name tag is even equipped with three lines for names, with the phrase "pass it on" written in between.

Made from 100% recycled polyester and standing 12 inches tall, Korin thought this was a good size for toddlers. She tells us, “it felt like a true toddler backpack.” She also calls out how easy the oversized zippers were for little hands to use, and reports, “the big teeth on the zipper allowed my daughter to easily zip and unzip the bag, and I didn’t worry about her little fingers getting caught.”

The Ten Little Recycled Backpack includes a chest clip, which kept it snug and secure while Korin's daughter wore it comfortably on walks and park outings (and even on the swings). Korin worried that the clip might not be as durable as the rest of the design—in her words, “it looks a little flimsy”—but she put it through an extra round of testing, clipping and unclipping it 25 times in a row to see how it held up, and it worked with no issues.

For an extra personalized touch, Ten Little sells removable, weather-proof custom sticker patches that kids can use to decorate their bag, and that future siblings can swap out. It's a nice little extra feature for a hand-me-down that each child can make their own.

Dimensions: 4" (L) x 10" (W) x 12" (H) | Capacity: 8 L | Weight: N/A | Materials: 100% Recycled polyester | Age rating: 2 to 5 years

When a toddler is ready to make the leap into preschool, they're going to need a backpack that’ll level up with them. The Herschel Heritage Kids Backpack is an excellent choice for preschoolers aged three and up who are starting to outgrow the smaller, cutesier backpacks designed for toddlers. With a 15-liter capacity, it has the space kids need for daily essentials like a lunchbox, water bottle, a change of clothes and a folder—all without overwhelming a preschooler’s frame.

Korin tried this backpack with her kids, and notes that it was “a little large for younger toddlers,” but ideal for the 3+ crowd. “Possibly even larger 2-year-olds,” she says. It's right in that 3-year-old sweet spot when preschool starts, although Korin's 4-year-old wore it comfortably to preschool and on playground outings with no complaints. “She said it felt smooth and comfortable against her back, and nothing in her backpack poked her.”

The design is practical without being overbuilt: it has a main compartment, an exterior zip pocket and a large water bottle holder ("the largest of all the backpacks I tested," Korin says). The thick, padded straps are great for your child's comfort, and a chest clip helps keep everything in place and distribute the added weight of preschool supplies evenly. Korin especially appreciated details like the adjustable straps with secure elastic bands, which prevented excess fabric from dangling and flapping.

While the functionality won Korin over, her daughters loved the look. “Both my [daughters] were drawn to the backpack's bold floral print, and it survived a tug of war over who got to use it first just fine,” she says.

Dimensions: 5" (L) x 10.5" (W) x 14" (H) | Capacity: 15 L | Weight: 13.7 oz. | Materials: 100% polyester | Age rating: 3 to 7 years

The L.L.Bean Junior Original Book Pack is a great next step when your child is ready to graduate to something that can handle the full daily pre-k load. Designed for children aged 4 and up, this sturdy backpack is spacious, durable, thoughtfully constructed and spacious enough for the demands of big-kid school. In fact, at 16 liters, it has the highest capacity of any backpack on our list.

When Korin used this backpack with her 4-year-old daughter, she was impressed by both the size and organization. “L.L.Bean’s Junior Original has plenty of room for everything a preschooler, kindergartener and younger elementary school student will need to put inside,” she says. “My daughter shoved in a stuffed animal for show and tell, along with her usual lunchbox, folder and change of clothes, and there was room to spare.” Korin also noted the thoughtful pocket design, which helps encourage independence and organization. The large exterior pocket includes storage for pencils and smaller items, and unlike most toddler backpacks, it features two zippers for easier access from either side.

Made of durable polyester, the backpack includes a 3M Scotchlite reflective strip for added safety. It held up well to everyday use and even survived an attack by Korin's Labrador puppy without a scratch. The strong seams and well-finished zipper pulls live up to the L.L.Bean's reputation for quality. One small note: the main zipper is protected by a fabric cover, which helps extend the bag's life, but kids might occasionally catch the zipper on the flap if they’re moving it too quickly.

Overall, this is a backpack that balances form and function beautifully—and has enough staying power to last beyond pre-K. Daniel Carroll, our associate director of e-commerce content and dad of one, says, “My three siblings and I each got an L.L.Bean backpack in elementary school, and kept using them through high school. Those things last.”

Dimensions: 6" (L) x 11" (W) x 14.5" (H) | Capacity: 16 L | Weight: 13 oz. | Materials: 100% polyester | Age rating: 4+ years