The Best Nike Kids’ Backpacks for Back to School
Buying Guide
The best back-to-school backpacks from Nike are designed to set kids up for success all year long. Find a durable, spacious and easy-to-carry backpack that will get the kid in your life excited to return to the classroom.
The best back-to-school backpacks should be built for both learning and play. That means providing enough space and compartments for kids to organize their books and school supplies, while also being comfortable for little ones to carry between classes and activities.
For health and safety, the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital recommends choosing backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps and lightweight, durable materials, such as nylon. The recommendations also note that, when it comes to sizing, the backpack should fall two inches above the waist and not weigh more than 10 pounds.
Picking out a backpack for the new school year can be fun for kids. Beyond being functional, Nike backpacks come in a range of colors and designs to help kids show off their style and personality. Check out the best back-to-school backpacks from Nike, plus tips for finding the right one for the child in your life.
(Related: The Best Way to Wash a Backpack, No Matter the Material)
The Best Nike Back-to-School Backpacks
1.Nike Kids’ Mini Backpacks
On the smaller side, an 11-liter mini backpack can fit a few books and other small school essentials, like art supplies. Some styles, like the Nike Brasilia JDI, offer zippered pockets, water-bottle storage and padded shoulder straps for comfort.
This size would work well for younger students (think: kindergarten or early elementary school) who don’t yet carry a bunch of school supplies, objects or toys needed for extracurricular activities and playdates.
2.Nike Kids’ Mid-Size Backpacks
If you’re looking for a mid-size kids’ backpack, check out a 16-liter or 20-liter backpack. These styles, including the Nike Classic Kids’ Backpack (16L) and the Nike Elemental Kids’ Backpack (20L), can store additional school items, such as a tablet, lunch box or change of clothes, but they’re still compact enough for small bodies to comfortably carry throughout the day.
Both of these backpacks feature adjustable, padded straps and a zippered front pocket. As a bonus, the Nike Elemental style comes with a removable pencil case and a haul loop as an alternate carrying option.
3.Nike Kids’ Large Backpacks
For older kids or any kids who require additional storage for bigger school supplies, like a laptop, opt for a 24-liter backpack. The Nike Future Pro 24-liter backpack has a roomy main compartment with a 15-inch laptop sleeve, plus two front pockets and an extra fleece-lined zippered pouch for valuables. The side pockets can store water bottles, so kids can stay hydrated on the go, and the adjustable straps are padded for a comfortable and snug fit.
4.Nike Kids’ Drawstring Backpacks
For gym class, sports or other after-school activities, a drawstring backpack can be useful for kids to have on hand. They’re lightweight and packable, and they help keep kids’ sweaty clothes separate from other school items in their backpack. The drawstring closure ensures items stay secure for carrying, while the water-resistant fabric means you can leave it on the bleachers or the sidelines no matter the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Backpack Does a Child Need?
According to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, kids’ backpacks should fall two inches above their waist. Also, kids’ backpacks should not weigh more than 10 pounds, so be sure not to overstuff a child’s backpack. It’s a good idea to clean out the backpack on a regular basis so that there aren’t unnecessary items adding to the backpack’s weight.
What Backpacks Are Best for Back-to-School?
Nike offers a range of backpack sizes for kids, from 11 liters of storage up to 24 liters of storage. The Nike Brasilia JDI is a mini, 11-liter backpack with zippered pockets, water-bottle storage and padded shoulder straps for comfort.
Midsize styles, including the Nike Classic Kids’ Backpack (16L) and the Nike Elemental Kids’ Backpack (20L), can store additional school items, such as a tablet, lunch box or change of clothes. On the larger side, the Nike Future Pro 24-liter backpack features a roomy main compartment with a 15-inch laptop sleeve.
Words by Lindsay Frankel