Sending your child off to school with a good backpack is as important as having an umbrella on a rainy day: without it, things get ugly! Backpacks are a crucial supporting player in any school experience, be it jumping on the bus for elementary school, or traversing a college campus to make it to class on time. 

The choice of a backpack and its features is as individual as your child is, but there are a few common aspects that make some backpacks better than others. See our buying guide below with information and commonly asked questions about how to choose the best boys’ backpack for the little (or big) guy in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are backpack sizes measured?

The volume capacity of backpacks is measured in liters, but many backpack makers simply list a size by its dimensions in inches. Small backpacks hold around 10 liters or less, and may be up to about 15 inches tall, whereas medium-sized common school backpacks may hold 20-30 liters, and be up to 17 or 20 inches tall. 

What does a chest strap do on a backpack?

A chest strap, or sternum strap, on a backpack is a valuable ergonomic feature. Chest straps lock closed and not only keep the shoulder straps from slipping down with movement, but more importantly, they disperse the weight of the backpack. With a sternum strap, all of the weight is not on the shoulders; it is carried also by the chest and upper torso muscles. Generally, when the sternum strap is tight, more weight is displaced than with a loose chest strap.

Buying Guide

Out of the millions of backpacks out there, finding the right one can be like finding a needle in a haystack! As you explore the options in backpacks, it would be helpful to take the following key points into consideration:

Soon, your little learner will be off to school, carrying their books, notebooks, and who knows what else! Time is of the essence, and the last thing you probably want to do is to compare every single backpack on the market. So, to save you a little time, here is a list below of our top picks for the best backpacks for boys:

Classic Durability 

JanSport is a well-established and trusted name when it comes to backpacks, and this SuperBreak One backpack is their midsize bag that comes in a wide variety of colors. Best yet, its thick polyester fabric is water repellent, and its construction is durable and reliable.

Pros:

Cons:

You can feel good about sending your child off to school with this quality midsize backpack from JanSport.

Bold Colorful Designs

This cool-looking FORTNITE backpack stands out in any crowd because of its eye-catching graphic prints. These backpacks come in seven different officially licensed designs with bold repeating prints from the popular video game. 

Pros:

Cons:

Kids who are fans of the game Fortnight go crazy over this backpack because it allows them to show who they are to the world. Plus, it carries their stuff!

Perfect for Preschool & Elementary Kids

Summary: With adorable designs that little ones love, these backpacks from VASCHY are lightweight, yet hold a lot while keeping to a manageable 15-inch size that’s easy for younger kids to carry. The extra-long zipper pulls make the compartments easy for small hands to open, too.

Pros:

Cons:

Choose from a wide variety of kid-friendly patterns, graphics and colors in this kid-sized backpack from VASCHY.

Affordable Style & Functionality

Your child’s individuality shines through with this backpack from Rickyh Style. You can choose from an exceptionally large selection of colorful designs and patterns, so you can find the perfect look in a backpack easily. Additionally, with a 25-liter capacity, this backpack is a comfortable mid size that works well for school.

Pros:

Cons:

Value is the name of the game with this comfortable and lightweight backpack from Rickyh Style that’s the perfect size for school.

Eye-Catching Space Themed Graphics

Your child will love blasting off to school with this unique, space backpack from BLUEFAIRY. This small 17-inch backpack will not disappoint with its many pockets and padded adjustable straps. 

Pros:

Cons:

This cool backpack from BLUEFAIRY is a great fit for elementary school kids, and its durability will make parents happy, too.