One of my children’s most treasured pre-travel rituals is hearing me say, “It’s time to get your bags.” Kids travel backpacks aren’t just ordinary backpacks; not to them. These bags are special and carry an everchanging universe of their favorite things to bring with us on our adventures, from the small blue easter basket bunny that my youngest can’t live without to a studio’s worth of art supplies that my oldest uses to capture our memories on the go, these bags are an everchanging reflection on who my boys are at various points in time.
As a solo parent traveling alone with my kids, the bags are also practical. I keep track of the travel documentation and tickets and guide us from point A to point B; they keep track of and manage their personal belongings.
Having a kids travel backpack of their own instills a sense of ownership, independence, and responsibility in children. They learn to take care of their belongings, pack their items mindfully, and manage their things during travel.
How To Find The Right Kids Travel Backpack For Your Kiddo
What Are The Features of a Good Kids Travel Backpack?
The Perfect Size and Weight for Kids Travel Backpack
While shopping for a travel backpack for your child, consider its size and weight. The backpack must be perfect for the kid’s size, neither too big nor too small. A backpack ranging between 15-20 liters is generally sufficient for school-aged children because it offers enough room for the essentials while still being small enough for your kiddo to carry it around.
In addition to size, the backpack should not weigh more than 2 pounds when empty. Heavier options may lead to discomfort and strain on the child’s back and shoulders, and research has shown that carrying around too heavy a backpack can lead to spinal damage.
Look for something with a fun pattern or color scheme that visually stands out
Kids are naturally drawn to bright colors, cartoon characters, and fun patterns. Manufacturers have kept this in mind, fabricating backpacks in various designs that cover a wide range of interests, from dinosaurs and mermaids to space themes and unicorns.
One of the benefits to these more kid-friendly patterns is that they’re also easier to spot if your child accidentally puts the backpack down somewhere, if the bag gets checked at an airport gate, or even if your kiddo occasionally likes to run ahead of you in crowds at times.
Look for backpacks made with a durable material
A good kids travel backpack is made of strong and durable material to withstand the typical rough handling of children and will withstand the perils of travel. Backpacks made from nylon, coated canvas, or polyester are popular due to their strength, lightweight nature, and water-resistant properties.
When evaluating your options, make sure you also take a close look at any zippers, clasps, and sewn-on components like cup holders. Metal clasps and zippers are preferred over plastic ones, which can easily snap or break if caught on something in transit, and seams should be clean and sturdy.
Safety Features
Safety is of prime importance when traveling with children, and a good kids travel backpack will have reflective detailing with no small parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard.
Added Comfort Features
Traveling can be taxing, particularly for young children. A good kids travel backpack should have features that increase carrying comfort.
For instance, look for a backpack with padded shoulder straps to prevent discomfort or strain. Adjustable straps are another must-have feature as they allow the pack to be customized to fit the child’s body perfectly, further enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of back pains.
A good kids travel backpack combines practicality with pleasure. It should offer a fun, personal aesthetic and comfort while maintaining durability and safety.
With this information, you are now prepared to make a fitting choice that your child will enjoy and utilize for many future adventures.
Top Brands and Products in the Market
Leading Brands in the Kids Travel Backpack Sphere
Now, let us explore some brands that manufacture backpacks expressly for kids.
- Deuter
- Wildkin
- JanSport
- Osprey
- VASCHY
- L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean has been making exceptional backpacks for kids for as long as I’ve been alive, and I’ve been a repeat buyer for myself and my children over the years. What I love most about their bags, beyond the fact that they tick all of the must-have options for comfort, size, durability, safety, and personalization, is their team’s attention to a key problem children face – learning to keep things organized.
My children are currently rocking their classics with an original 24L and a deluxe 32L, but they’ve recently released a new version of the old classic with their Trailfinder 23L bag, designed for children ages 4 to 7, which sports 2 outer compartments, perfect for separating snacks from pens, pencils, toys, and more. This would be a very attractive option if my kiddos were still little, and I’d encourage you to check it out if yours are.
Deuter, a widely recognized brand for hiking equipment, provides a variety of kids backpacks intended for travel. The Deuter Junior Kids backpack, ideal for kids aged 7 and above, features a capacious main compartment and extra pockets, granting your kid adequate space for their travel items. The company also offers a lifetime warranty and repair option, so if it does get damaged, you can get it fixed for free.
Revered for its colorful and appealing patterns, Wildkin holds a strong position in the kids travel backpack industry. The Wildkin 15 Inch Backpack, popular for its sturdy material and captivating prints, is a hit among younger children.
These bags will stand out in the crowd and come with sturdy hardware. Our only gripe is the lack of a front pocket on them.
JanSport is globally recognized. Their Half Pint backpack, although compact, has sufficient space for kids to store their travel essentials. Notably, this backpack is remarkably durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s also a very budget-friendly option for you to consider.
Osprey is celebrated for its quality and durability. Their Jet 18 Kids Hiking Backpack is excellent for children who love exciting journeys. It’s a trustworthy option for your child’s travel needs with thoughtful designs such as a hydration sleeve and comfortable padded straps.
VASCHY, another leading brand, designs diverse kids travel backpacks for all age groups, from preschoolers to older children. The VASCHY Lightweight Backpack, known for its adjustable padded shoulder straps and a wide array of designs and colors, is among the top selections for parents.
Each of these backpacks shines in different aspects and offers different features, so it’s important to consider your child’s age, organizational abilities, travel frequency, and other personal preferences to choose the right option.
Shopping For and Maintaining Kids Travel Backpacks
Budget Considerations
When shopping for a kids travel backpack, the cost is a significant factor. While it’s easy to lean towards the most affordable product, it’s crucial to consider the balance between price and quality. Cheaply-made backpacks are likely to tear or break after a few uses, whereas a slightly more expensive one could potentially last years. So determine your budget and prioritize quality over price.
Kids’ Preferences Matter
When choosing a travel backpack for a child, their preferences should never be overlooked. They should be involved in the shopping process and allowed to choose a backpack with designs or characters they love. This involvement creates positive associations and allows children to feel agency over their decisions, so they’ll rush to get it out of the closet at travel time instead of sulking.
Where to Buy
Kids travel backpacks can be found in various places. Traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores, specialized luggage shops, and department stores often carry many styles. However, online shopping platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart may offer a wider range of options and prices, and many of the brands we’ve mentioned in this post are available through Amazon. These platforms also offer user reviews that can provide insight into the durability and functionality of the bag through pictures and videos.
Maintenance Tips
Increasing the backpack’s lifespan combines good quality purchase and proper care. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Backpacks can accumulate dirt and grime on vacations, which I affectionately refer to as travel funk. Regular cleaning (per the manufacturer’s directions) can help maintain its appearance and longevity.
- Proper Storage: Always store the backpack in a clean, dry place to prevent mold or mildew growth when it’s not in use.
- Mend Early: Should the backpack begin to tear or the zipper starts to fail, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading the backpack can cause strain on the handles, zippers, and seams. Teach children to carry only the essentials to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Remember, the backpack will be your kid’s trusty companion as they enter the world, learning and creating unforgettable memories for years to come.