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For families who travel often as we do, the right gear makes all the difference. A backpack is one of the biggest travel must-haves, especially for kids. A good travel backpack can help your child learn how to pack for themselves, while also giving them easy access to things they need along the way.
We usually travel with a backpack because it not only lets us be hands-free, but it saves us from having to drag a suitcase from one destination to the next. When we each have our own backpack, we can pack, unpack, and get around so much faster.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to choose a kids’ travel backpack. Fortunately, I’ve done my fair share of travel backpack research and shopping. In hopes of making your decision a little easier, I’m sharing a roundup and review of the best travel backpacks for kids.
The Best Kids Travel Backpack Reviews
1 – Osprey Daylite Kids’ Everyday Backpack
As a family, we’re big fans of Osprey backpacks. In fact, our Osprey bags are our go-to carry-on bags. We first upgraded Aiden’s backpack to an Osprey one back in 2018. Nearly 5 years later, I still believe this high-quality bag is the best backpack for kids.
One of the many reasons I love Osprey backpacks is that you can easily attach them to other Osprey bags for additional carry options and storage. But at least for the little ones, the backpack is usually enough on its own.
The Daylite backpack is designed for everyday use by kids ages 4-12. It also has two mesh side pockets, a panel-loading main pocket featuring a hydration-compatible sleeve, and a small front pocket with a key clip. There’s even an internal name tag and built-in whistle.
Materials, Comfort, And Durability
The straps alone make the Osprey Daylite Backpack surprisingly comfortable to wear, even for an extended time. The Spacermesh material won’t dig into your child’s shoulders or cause irritation from frequent use.
The back panel of the Osprey Daylite, featuring mesh-covered foam, is super comfortable and provides plenty of ventilation.
Size And Capacity
The Daylite backpack from Osprey has a 10L capacity. It measures about 13 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide, and 6.7 inches deep, and weighs just over half a pound.
Carry Options
The Osprey Daylite Backpack features a Spacermesh harness with an integrated handle to offer another convenient carrying option. Complete with a rescue whistle, the chest strap is adjustable for the perfect fit.
Color And Design
The Osprey Daylite Kids’ Everyday Backpack is available in five color combinations: Wave Blue, Cosmic Red, Leafy Green, Salmon Pink Gentian Blue, and Coral Life Print Green.
2 – Skip Hop Toddler Backpack
Are you looking for a toddler-friendly travel backpack? The Skip Hop Toddler Backpack is easily one of my favorites for little ones. It’s a small backpack meant for small kids, but it’ll put a big smile on your child’s face.
Don’t let the cutesie look fool you. In fact, this bag is one of the most popular and highest-rated backpacks for toddlers. There are so many different designs to choose from, which is great if you have multiple youngsters or an especially particular toddler. The Skip Hop Toddler Backpack is designed for kids aged 18 months to 4 years.
Materials, Comfort, And Durability
Skip Hop’s Toddler Backpack is made from polyester with PVC backing. It also features adjustable, padded shoulder straps and is designed to comfortably fit kids 43 to 49 inches tall.
Size And Capacity
The Skip Hop Toddler Backpack features a spacious main compartment and also a small front zipper pocket that’s great for storing small items. It also has a single adjustable mesh bottle pocket that is perfect for holding a juice box, sippy cup, or water bottle.
Carry Options
The toddler backpack from Skip Hop has a sturdy grab-and-go handle at the top, as well as adjustable padded shoulder straps.
Color And Design
The sheer number of different animals available is easily the best feature of this backpack. With so many choices, you can easily find one your child will be thrilled to carry on their back.
Among the many adorable options are a unicorn, narwhal, koala, llama, dinosaur, dog, and butterfly.
3 – JetKids Crew Backpack
The JetKids Crew Backpack from Stokke is an expandable backpack best for kids aged 2-7 years.
Its design was inspired by aviation, with the ultimate goal of convenient, stress-free air travel. You can also spot several of those aviation-inspired details pretty easily. There’s the adorable mini aluminum seat buckle that gives you access to the top of the bag. And then there’s a set of detachable captain stripes on the shoulder straps.
Materials, Comfort, And Durability
The JetKids Crew Backpack is made from high-quality, water-resistant polyester materials that easily wipe clean. So this is a high-quality backpack, down to the smallest details. Stokke really took the needs of your child to heart.
The JetKids Crew Backpack even comes with a removable seat pad so your little one doesn’t have to sit on an uncomfortable, hard surface.
Size And Capacity
This kid’s travel backpack measures 9 x 5 x 10 inches and weighs about 0.8 pounds. It has a 6L capacity (8L when expanded).
Carry Options
The adjustable padded shoulder straps and chest straps provide a decent level of comfort. There’s also a convenient top carry handle.
Color And Design
The JetKids Crew Backpack is available in four color options: White, Pink Lemonade, Green Aurora, and Blue Sky. In addition, each backpack features reflective details for safety.
The Crew Backpack features a truly unique design. It’s expandable, which means you can use a single zipper to add another 2L of storage. The ability to transform this bag into a larger backpack certainly sets it apart from the rest.
4 – Fjallraven Kanken Mini
Fjallraven originally created the Kanken collection in 1978 as a more comfortable option for Swedish schoolchildren. It’s been one of the brand’s most popular items ever since.
Technically, the Fjallraven Kanken Mini is a scaled-down version of the Kanken backpack with long adjustable shoulder straps that can fit both children and adults. There’s even a clasp that keeps the straps out of the way when the shoulder straps are at their tightest.
The Kanken Mini is the perfect size for kids preschool age and older. It also features a large main compartment, a small front pocket, two flat side pockets, and a logo with reflective details. In addition, a foam seat cushion is stored in the interior back pocket.
While I’m all about saving money, I prefer to invest in high-quality items that won’t need to be replaced every year. This backpack would work great as a kid’s travel bag because it’s durable enough for even the most frequent travelers.
Materials, Comfort, And Durability
The Kanken Mini from Fjallraven is made of 100% vinylon with 100% polypropylene webbing. This material is incredibly durable yet surprisingly lightweight. Its ability to hold up well against dirt and moisture makes it perfect for frequent travelers.
Size And Capacity
Fjallraven’s Kanken Mini is about 11.5 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. It also has a 7L capacity and weighs 7.8 ounces.
Carry Options
With convenient, convertible straps, you can carry the Kanken Mini as a bag or wear it as a backpack. The two handles at the top can be secured with a clasp, and also double as added security for items in the main compartment. Two slim adjustable shoulder straps can also be secured with a clasp.
Color And Design
Very few kids’ travel backpacks have as many color options as the Fjallraven Kanken Mini. There are 66 colors to choose from!
Or, if you want to mix and match colors, you can customize your own Kanken Mini. Fjallraven’s customization feature allows you to select a color for each part of the bag, including the shoulder straps and handle, the left and right side pockets, and the front handle strap.
5 – Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack
Last but definitely not least is the Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack. This is another good quality kids’ backpack that is worth considering as a travel bag for your child. In fact, the S-shaped shoulder straps and chest strap ensure this backpack is comfortable and secure.
This Junior Kid’s Backpack from Deuter has plenty of space for all of your child’s items, even if you plan on using it as a carry-on bag. So it’s definitely durable enough to withstand everyday use.
The Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack is best suited to older kids 51-66 inches (4.2-5.5 feet) tall.
Materials, Comfort, And Durability
Deuter’s Junior Kid’s Backpack is constructed from durable PFC-free recycled fabric. It’s lightweight and tear-resistant, but it won’t repel moisture like some other kids’ backpacks.
The S-shaped shoulder straps have Deuter’s Soft Edge finish that ensures they’re comfortable to carry, even when the backpack is full. And the chest strap keeps the bag securely in place, even when your little one is running full speed to catch your connecting flight.
Size And Capacity
The Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack has a spacious main compartment, an elastic pocket on the front, side pockets for a water bottle, and also a zippered main compartment.
This kid’s backpack has an 18L volume capacity, the largest of all the backpacks on our list. It also measures about 16 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 7.8 inches deep. It’s also slightly heavier–it weighs 14 ounces or close to a pound.
Carry Options
The one thing the Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack lacks is top handles. Although you can easily grab the backpack by the shoulder straps, its carry options are definitely more limited than other travel bags.
Color And Design
On the Deuter website, the Junior Kid’s Backpack is available in four different color combinations: Deep Sea and Dust Blue, Ink Lake, Maron-Currant, and Chestnut-Mandarine. In fact, there are four more color combinations available on Amazon: Azure-Lapis, Chili-Lava, Moss/Teal, and Violet-Navy.
6 – JanSport Big Student Backpack
Materials
600 Denier Polyester
Comfort & Durability
Padded Back Panel, Ergonomic S-Curve Shoulder Straps;
Size & Capacity:
31 Liters;
Color & Design
A variety of colors & designs are available
Carry Options
Front utility pocket and fully padded back panel.
7 – Herschel Little America Backpack
Materials
Polyester Fabric
Comfort & Durability
Fully Padded Back Panel & Shoulder Straps
Size & Capacity
25 Liters
Color & Design
A variety of colors & designs are available
Carry Options
Front pocket with key clip.
8 – Trailmaker Kids Backpack
Materials
600 Denier Polyester
Comfort & Durability
Fully Padded Back Panel, Ergonomic Shoulder Straps
Size & Capacity
20 Liters
Color & Design
A variety of colors & designs are also available
Carry Options
Adjustable shoulder straps and two mesh side pockets.
9 – Stephen Joseph Quilted Backpack
Materials
Cotton Fabric
Comfort & Durability
Padded Back Panel & Shoulder Straps
Size & Capacity
9 Liters
Color & Design
A variety of colors & designs are also available
Carry Options
Adjustable shoulder straps and two mesh side pockets.
Which kids’ travel backpack would work best for your family?
If you’re in the market for a kid’s travel backpack, I would also love to know which option you think would work best for your family. Did one bag stand out among the rest? Or maybe you’re thinking about going with a bag that I didn’t mention. If so, I’d love to hear about it!
For more family travel tips, as well as destination ideas, check out the blog.
