Best Travel Backpacks for Kids

Traveling with children is an adventure — and the right bag can make that adventure go a lot more smoothly (and more happily).

As a family that’s backpacked our way across four continents, we’ve tried our fair share of travel accessories. One thing I learned early on: packing your child their own travel backpack is a life-saver. In addition to keeping all their own essentials on hand (snacks, coloring book, iPad, favorite stuffed animal), it also gives them a little bit of independence. Not to mention, it takes the weight off your shoulders (literally). You’re welcome.

Whether you’re road-tripping for the weekend or taking a long-haul flight with the whole family, here are our top picks for the best travel backpacks for kids of all ages, organized by style, size, and features.

What to Consider When Choosing a Kid’s Travel Backpack

A few of our key considerations when picking out a backpack for our kids, which can also help you narrow down the choices:

• Size: It should be proportionate to their body. If it’s too big, they can’t use it properly and it just ends up being another bag you’re carrying.
• Comfort: Think padded shoulder straps, chest clip, and other functional features.
• Durability: Kids are hard on bags. It’s going to take more than one wash to keep this clean, so the fabric needs to be able to take the punishment of being dragged through airports and theme parks.
• Organization: Multiple pockets or compartments = easier access to snacks, activities, books, wipes, and the tablet, when needed.
• Appealing Style: Just because it’s a backpack doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider style! A backpack your child enjoys wearing will make your life easier (and happier).

The Best Travel Backpacks for Toddlers (Ages 2–4)

Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Backpack

Skip Hop has been around for ages and this toddler-sized backpack is the perfect first travel buddy for your little ones. Animal prints in cute colors and patterns (my daughter had the butterfly version) mean it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser for kids and a breeze to spot at the baggage carousel.

Pros: Lightweight, side mesh pocket for sippy cup, easy to find at the airport.

Cons: Small carrying capacity — better for day trips and air travel, not for packing clothes and extra items.

Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack

A bit more of a “big-kid” backpack design, with chest straps, water-resistant fabric, and space for a small change of clothes and a couple of toys, but otherwise nearly identical in terms of style and quality.

Best Travel Backpacks for Preschool & Early Elementary (Ages 4–7)

Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack

Wildkin has been around for years, and this 15” backpack strikes the perfect balance between stylish fun and functional practicality. It’s large enough to fit a tablet, a change of clothes, a pair of sandals, some books and toys, and comes in dozens of options from space and cars to dinosaurs and unicorns.

Pros: Durable polyester fabric, interior moisture-resistant lining, and adjustable straps and sternum strap.

Best Travel Backpacks for Older Kids (Ages 7+)

L.L. Bean Original Book Pack

If you’re looking for something that will last through years of travel, this LL Bean classic is it. It’s not overly bulky but holds a lot, with a sturdy back panel that’s comfortable for your kid to carry.

Tip: These make a great school + travel backpack combo, so you’re getting double the use out of this.

Deuter Kikki Backpack

This lightweight, European-style backpack made of eco-friendly materials is ergonomically designed for comfort. The cuteness factor is dialed back a little compared to some of the other options, but the fun animal face detailing will still appeal to older children without looking too “babyish.”

Best Rolling Backpack for Airports

J World New York Rolling Backpack

Rolling luggage is the way to go when kids are involved, at least through the airport. This version comes in a number of kid-friendly designs, converts into a backpack if you need to pick it up, and keeps your children’s hands free for snacks.

Tip: Be sure your child is tall enough to comfortably pull this — otherwise, it becomes your job instead of theirs.

Best Packable Backpack for Travel Days

Zomake Mini Packable Backpack

OK, this technically isn’t a “kid backpack” but since it’s lightweight, easily folds down into a pouch, and can be tossed in your luggage as a spare, we couldn’t leave it off the list. Perfect for day trips during family vacations when your child suddenly insists on carrying everything.

Kid’s Backpack Accessories & Essentials to Pack

No matter which backpack you choose, these are some items we always pack for our kids:

• Snacks (pack low-mess ones like raisins, granola bars, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Change of clothes (if you have room)
• Coloring book or sticker book
• Headphones + tablet
• Travel tissues + wipes
• Comfort toy/small blanket
• Child-sized mask (if needed)
• Travel documents, if they’re old enough and interested in carrying these

Tip: Our philosophy for kids’ backpacks is to keep them light enough that they can carry it themselves, with minimal complaining after 10 minutes. We’ve had to learn that one the hard way, on a few hot uphill stretches in Kyoto and Paris.

Tips for Ensuring Your Child Will Actually Carry Their Backpack

• Let them pick their own backpack, within reason. Otherwise, they won’t want to use it.
• Choose an age-appropriate size. Too big and they can’t use it properly.
• Don’t overpack it. You wouldn’t enjoy carrying a stuffed backpack, so don’t force your kids to do so, either.
• Test run at home — walk to the park with their backpack on.
• Consider adding a luggage tag with their name to the backpack (makes them feel official! ).

Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids can be stressful and joyful and everything in between. I find that a good backpack makes a big difference for parents and their young children, in terms of logistics and ease of mind. At the same time, not every kid is the same, so it can take some trial and error to find what works for your family. Whether you’re in the cute, adorable backpack camp or the more practical/solid backpack team, there’s an option for your little globetrotter on this list.

Got a favorite kids’ backpack that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments, we’re always looking for good travel gear. 🧳✈️