Best School Backpacks

The best school backpacks have room for all the essentials and boast sturdy construction, while still looking stylish.

1.

$39.99

 The JanSport Big Student Classic Daypack ranks high with average users. Reviewers at Amazon.com give the pack a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. This is a high-quality backpack without any bells and whistles. S-curved straps help distribute the weight, producing less back strain, and JanSport offers an impressive life-time warranty.

2.

$59.50

 Add inline skate wheels and a pull handle, and you've got a highly portable backpack. Shoulder straps are still an option, though, for those times when wheels would just get in the way. An earlier version of the Classmate design was included in a 2003 Good Housekeeping list of "The Best School Backpacks". Good Housekeeping called it a "back-saving bag" and noted the sturdiness of the pull handle.

3.

$55

 The High Sierra Swell provides compartments designed for easy access to MP3 players, PDAs, and cell phones while also featuring an expandable design and S-shaped straps for comfort.

4.

$149.99

 The JanSport Dreamer is the perfect choice for the high-tech high school or college student. It's meant to safely carry a laptop while also offering iPod and Bluetooth integration. Playlist, a magazine for digital music enthusiasts, gave the pack a 4 out of 5. The review called it "a solid bag for carrying books and other large items" while also noting its quality technology integration, from easy-to-use iPod controls to a handy earbud pouch.

5.

$26.50

 Designed for younger students, the Locker Pack features a unique rectangular design meant to fit perfectly in small lockers. A side zipper makes it much easier to access books in a hanging bag. A padded lumbar panel and padded straps add comfort to this contender for best school backpack.

6.

$29

 The North Face Paige Daypack offers the durability of a camping backpack in a size and style suitable for everyday use. Multiple pockets make it easy to keep books and supplies organized. Shoppers at Altrec.com gave the Paige design 5 out of 5 stars.

7.

$24.95

 The messenger bag is a popular style among older students. Halfway between a backpack and a briefcase, it can provide a more mature look. Amazon.com users gave the Columbia Core Messenger 5 out of 5 stars.

8.

$59

 The North Face Slingshot is a large backpack with plenty of compartments and straps to keep your gear together. A compression strap keeps large loads under control. While this feature was intended for camping, it can work just as well with textbooks, notebooks, and gym clothes. Epinions.com reviewers give the bag 5 out of 5 stars, praising its comfort, durability, and roominess.

9.

$75

 The High Sierra Crunk Pack's most notable feature is its skateboard/snowboard strap. It's also a large, sturdy bag for general use. Amazon.com users give the Crunk Pack 5 out of 5 stars.

10.

Prices vary

 Let's face it. Sometimes your kid wants a Dora the Explorer or a Shrek backpack, and nothing else will do. While the cheap plastic and nylon backpacks featuring popular characters won't win any awards for durability or impress any consumer reviewers, they will make your kids happy.

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