The Hottest Backpacks for Grade Schoolers, Tweens & Teens | Back-To-School Guide 2018

So we got you covered for your little guy heading off to Preschool in our Preschool Back-to-School Guide, but now it’s time for the big league. Your grade schooler, tween or teen has very different needs. Gone are the days of the cutesy animals, princesses and super heroes – your big kid craves cool styling and tons of storage for the plethora of supplies they lug to and fro.

And as they won’t be out-growing their pack as quickly, it’s important to get a well-constructed bag that can last for years, and perhaps even head off with them to college (eek!).

about our sponsor

We’re incredibly proud that our 2018 Back-to-School Guide is brought to you by our amazing sponsor, TeacherLists.com, who make back-to-school supply shopping a complete breeze (seriously, we kid not).

Here’s how this genius technology works: Simply search for your child’s school using your zip code to get access to their EXACT school supply list, then click to have everything placed directly into your favorite e-retailer’s shopping cart (including Amazon, Target and Walmart!). Now you can simply purchase all your supplies from your online cart – no trips to the store searching for the specific fine-point chiseled no-odor markers or purple quick-dry medium-sized glue sticks.

But hey, if you do like the whole back-to-school supply shopping experience, you can still use TeacherLists.com to access an easy-to-read copy of your exact list to print out (or view it from your mobile device when you inevitably forget it at home).

We’re all about making your life easier, and TeacherLists.com is seriously simple. A few minutes and you’ll be checking “buy school supplies” off your list – and who doesn’t love the feeling of that?!

PIN for when you’re ready to pick a pack!

Note: this post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for full details. 

FUN + COLORFUL PACKS

For those who love to express their personality and interests through their pack, look no further than these super fun options, full of color, characters and yes, emojis.

(top to bottom; left to right)

Terez Rainbow Emoji Backpack   ♥   Nintendo NES Classic Controller Print Backpack   ♥   Vera Bradley Iconic Deluxe Campus Backpack   ♥   Style.Labs Magic Sequin Backpack   ♥   MadPax Get In Lime Spiketus Rex Pack    ♥   JanSport Big Student   ♥   Loungefly Pokemon Tattoo    ♥   MadPax Don’t Burst My Bubble Pack   ♥   The North Face Double Time Backpack   ♥   Lego Bags Brick Eco Backpack   ♥   Sprayground Emoji Shark Backpack   ♥   Pusheen Chillin & Snackin Print Backpack   ♥   Chooze Choozepack   ♥   Terez Emoji Backpack   ♥   Minecraft Creeper Backpack

For a quick overview of just how easy back-to-school supply shopping can be, take a peek at how TeacherLists.com operates:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lfutbn-VWoQ%3Frel%3D0

CHIC + GLAM PACKS

These chic packs are perfect for those who desire a sleek, stylish look. Even with their muted cream, black and earth tones, any one of them will stand out in a crowd for their stunning minimalist design.

(top to bottom; left to right)
PBTeen Emily & Meritt Cat Shape Backpack   ♥   Candies Tiffany Printed Tassel Dome Backpack   ♥   Fjällräven Raven Mini Backpack   ♥   Herschel Pop Quiz    ♥   Adidas Originals National Backpack   ♥   PBTeen Emily & Meritt Black/Gold Leopard Backpack   ♥   Herschel Pop Quiz Pelican/Green/Black Rubber   ♥   Marc Jacobs Biker Floral Print Backpack   ♥   PBTeen Emily & Meritt Bed of Roses Backpack   ♥   Under Armour Girls’ Favorite Backpack   ♥   Herschel Little America Backpack   ♥   Kipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack

HERSCHEL LITTLE AMERICA BACKPACK MID-VOLUME

This pack from Herschel is perfect for your high-schooler (or discerning middle-schooler) looking for a stylish yet “rugged” look. It comes fully-loaded with features like magnetic strap closures, internal media pocket, and air mesh back padding. Available in a large variety of different colors and patterns, the hardest part will be deciding on the one they love best.

HIGH FUNCTION PACKS

These packs are perfect for middle and high-schoolers who need to carry a zillion different books and binders to and from class. They’re full of function with numerous zippered compartments, internal organizers and pockets for dayz.

(top to bottom; left to right)
Columbia Northport Daypack   ♥   PBTeen Gear-Up Backpack   ♥   GAP Double Compartment Backpack   ♥   L.L.Bean Digital Organizer Pack   ♥   Under Armour Storm Big Logo IV   ♥   Lands’End School Uniform ClassMate Tech Pack   ♥   Dakine Campus Backpack 33L   ♥   Garnett Hill Kids Eco Signature Pack   ♥   Puma Pace Backpack   ♥   Adidas Excel Backpack   ♥   Under Armour Storm Hustle II   ♥   High Sierra Swerve

NORTH ST. BAGS DAVIS DAYPACK

We completely adore this Portland based company which custom makes all of their bags in house. Although you can’t go wrong with any of their packs, the waterproof Davis Daypack is a great option for middle and high schoolers. Each one is cut and sewn to order with impeccable attention to detail, and is built to last a lifetime – perfect for rough and tumble teens who put their packs through the ringer.

New for this year: The Davis Daypack can now be customized with your very own color combo – allowing you to personalize it to your specific taste.

Thanks again to our incredible 2018 Back to School Guide sponsor, TeacherLists.com, for making the annual back to school supply chore simple and convenient for parents. Visit TeacherLists.com to complete your supply shopping in a few simple clicks.

Check out all of our Back-To-School Guides:

Everything Your Pre-Schooler Needs For Back-to-School, In Just The Right Size

Cool Lunch Bags & Lunch Boxes For Keeping Your Kids’ Lunch Cool

The Best Bento Boxes, Supplies & Tools To Take Your School Lunch From Boring To Blast-Off!

The Coolest Star Wars Back-to-School Supplies For Your Jedi-in-Training

AND DON’T MISS NEXT YEAR’S GUIDES (we’ll be updating, adding and highlighting all the best products) by signing up for our Newsletter. You’ll be the first to know when they’ve launched, and we’ll also hook you up with our full library of freebies which includes 10 Screen-Free Toys For Guaranteed Quiet Time, Printable Birthday/Holiday Coupon Book For Kids and 35 Subs & Swaps for Healthy Family Meals: