Where to Shop for School Backpacks at a Great Price – Top 5 Backpacks for each School Stage

I End Up Buying My Boys a New Backpack Almost Every Year….

Good quality school backpacks should last the kids a whole year. My boys are really hard on theirs and they only just make it! Here is my list of the best school bags and backpacks to buy (the ones that lasted me two rumbuncious boys a whole year).

Plus – we give you tips on keeping those school bags in in tip top condition!

The Cath Kidston Medium Backpack

What are the Best Backpacks for School?

When looking for school bags and backpacks, there are a few points to consider:

Choose the Right Size Bag for the Child

A small child should have a small bag. A medium-sized child can go up a size and then high-schoolers will probably require the larger bag as they have additional requirements for school. A school bag should be fitted when you get it home – the straps adjusted and ensure that the bag sits right on the child’s hip – and that the child isn’t ‘leaning forward’ to counter-balance the weight of the bag.

A bag too heavy or ill-sized can create back problems.

The Thickness of the straps

Adjustable shoulder straps that evenly distributes the weight across the shoulders and back – you also want straps that are adjustable and made of good quality material as this is the first area school bags usually wear.

Is it Washable?

Is the backpack made out of sturdy material that can be hosed out when a banana gets left in there? Can you pop it in the washing machine? The cheaper backpacks usually just fall apart in the wash, but you can still fill a bowl with soapy warm water and give them a scrub and hang them out on a washing line to dry in the sun. Adding a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda always assists with any offence odours (usually banana).

School backpacks that are made from either canvas or water-resistant polyester can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.

Don’t Expect More Than a Year Out of Them

It is unrealistic to expect a school bag to last longer than a year, especially when kids can be so hard on them. Parents of boys understand. If you do get more than a year, well done!

Does it Have The Right Compartments?

I need a school bag that will have a side pocket for a water bottle (of all sizes) – and an outside pocket for school notes and plenty of room inside – divided in half – so one half will fit the lunch box and the other side school books.

Some of the more expensive bags have laptop compartments and phone pockets.

How Can I Make My School Backpack Lighter?

The key to making the school backpack lighter is to choose the smallest required backpack for their school needs. Kindy kids should have a small backpack, primary school a medium-sized backpack, and high-school and university a larger styled backpack.

Our Tips for Keeping a School Bag Clean:

Get your child into the habit of emptying the school backpack out daily. A rogue banana will have you turfing the bag in no time!
If it becomes a bit stinky – put a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom over a weekend. This absorbs odours.
Backpacks CAN be washed in the washing machine. Just put it in a pillowcase or lingerie bag and wash on a gentle cycle. Hang it out in the sun to dry (with all the zips open to catch the sunlight and the wind) – and it will be as good as new!
Lunch box leaks can really do a lot of damage to school bags. Make sure any lunch boxes are sealed properly.
Ensure the straps fit your child well. Ill-fitting straps are not only bad for your child’s posture but will make your child ‘drop the bag heavily’. All those concrete scrapes will rip out the bottom of the hardiest of school backpacks.

Best School Bag Brands for Kindy Kids and Daycare Kids:

With the little ones, it is always super cute to get them a character bag that they love – it just makes it easier to get out of the door in the mornings…

Good brands for kindy kids include:

1. Rex London

Fun kids backpacks that are reasonably priced – and sturdy as hell!

Our Picks:

3. Sunnylife

Sunnylife is a brand known for its bright and colourful branding, and their school backpacks are no different! Bright and beautiful like a little kid should have!

Our picks:

4. Izoa Kids

I found this brand when I was searching for really cute kids school backpacks and I love it already. I wish my boys were small again so I could try some!

My picks:

5. Cath Kidston London

Cath Kidston London has bright designs with a real vintage charm. Functional and pretty designs that will stand out in the school yard.

Our picks:

Best School Bag Brand for Primary School Kids:

So when kids get to Primary School you can size up just a little bit, but they are still young enough to enjoy the really bright colours and styles. These are all medium-sized bags.

1. Adidas Performance

You know about Adidas – these are the kid’s versions – still super sturdy.

Our picks:

2. Penny Scallan Design

Premium backpacks (but they also have drink bottles and lunch boxes to match – cute!).

Our picks:

3. Love Mae

The Love Mae brand is designed for longevity and function. They have a 16-litre capacity and will last and last and last!

Our picks:

4. Tiba + Marl

Our picks:

5. Kid Stock

Our picks:

Best School Bag Brands for High Schoolers:

Kids at high school usually want a name brand, but also a school bag that is big enough to hold a laptop and all of their books – so it needs to be sturdy. I don’t think you can go past the surf brands – they make excellent backpacks that last and last. Personally – this is what I stick to for my boys!