The Best Nike Kids' Backpacks for Back to School
Buying guide
Nike's latest back-to-school backpacks are built for comfort, style and everyday adventure so kids can head into the new school year feeling confident and organised.

When the school year kicks off, the right backpack helps kids carry more than just their supplies. It can carry their confidence, too. For younger kids stepping into their first classroom or older students heading back to school with renewed excitement, Nike's latest kids' backpacks offer a range of options designed to make the autumn transition smoother, more comfortable and a lot more fun.
This guide will help you choose the best Nike backpack for the school year ahead, whether you're looking for bold seasonal prints or smart design features that support active kids. Here's what to know before you shop.
What to look for in a back-to-school backpack
A great kids' backpack should fit well, support movement and express their personality. Keep these tips in mind as you decide:
- Fit matters. A good backpack fit means it should fall about 2 inches above the waist and weigh no more than 4.5kg, according to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Look for padded, adjustable straps that distribute weight evenly.
- Comfort and durability go hand in hand. Lightweight materials like nylon and polyester hold up to daily wear and tear.
- Storage should be smart. Kids like having pockets and sealable places to carry their stuff. Multiple pockets, water bottle sleeves and zipped compartments can help kids stay organised and ready for maths tests, music lessons or after-school sports.
- Keep personal expression top of mind. Colours and design details help kids show off their personalities. From bold graphics to playful prints, Nike backpacks give kids room to be themselves.
Top Nike Kids' backpack picks
Nike's collection brings fresh energy to classic function. Here are some standout styles designed to meet the needs of kids at every year level.
Nike Brasilia and JDI Mini Prints
As kids head into autumn, Nike introduces fun takes on one of its most trusted silhouettes, the Nike Brasilia. The Nike Brasilia features new colourways and graphic prints in the same dependable product parents trust. These backpacks are big enough for books, tablets and lunchboxes, but still sized for smaller bodies. Look for features like dual compartments, mesh water bottle pockets and comfy haul loops.
The Nike Brasilia JDI is a mini backpack with all the must-have details: padded straps, front pockets and seasonal prints that stand out in the hallway. Inspired by jelly shoes, the Jelly collection of this backpack line adds a translucent, candy-coloured twist that feels fun and futuristic.
Nike
The Nike backpack is a trusted option delivering both versatility and space for school essentials, a laptop and even gym gear or extra kicks. Multiple zipped pockets keep tech and must-haves secure and easy to grab. Plus, it's made with at least 65% recycled polyester fibres.
Now available in the Fruit Pack collection, this kids' backpack pops with bright colours and warm graphics, ideal for kids who want to return to school showing off summer vibes. It comes with a bonus pencil case that clips onto the backpack for extra storage.
Nike Heritage
Built for school days and adventures alike, the Nike Heritage Backpack keeps kids geared up with a roomy main compartment and dedicated laptop sleeve. Two zipped pockets make it easy to stash essentials, it comes with up to 25 litres of space and is available in a range of vibrant colourways.
Nike drawstring bags
For after-school activities or days when a full-size backpack isn't needed, Nike's drawstring bags are a simple, lightweight option. Easy to stash, they're perfect for gym clothes, cleats or packing extra layers for outdoor activities.
How to choose the right backpack for your kid
Every child's school day looks a little different. Some need room for a laptop and a lunchbox; others just need the basics. Here are our recommendations for matching Nike backpacks to need:
Reception to Year 2
Best options: Brasilia JDI Mini, Elemental (Fruit Pack)
These small and lightweight backpacks are ideal for younger kids. They're easy to carry and feature fun, colourful prints that help little ones show off their personality.
Years 3–7
Best options: Brasilia, Heritage, Elemental
Roomy enough for books, tablets and lunchboxes, these durable backpacks are designed with multiple compartments to help kids stay organised and ready for anything the school day throws at them.
Secondary school and up
Best options: Hayward, Elemental, Brasilia (Extra Large)
Available in a 26-litre size, the Nike Hayward has a durable design with plenty of room for your teenager's necessary gear. The Elemental comes with 20 litres of space, including a large main compartment to hold more books and school supplies. The Brasilia Extra Large has a capacity of up to 30 litres.
Sports, PE and field trips
Best options: Nike drawstring bags
Lightweight and easy to stash, Nike drawstring bags are perfect for carrying gym clothes or sports gear. Water-resistant fabric and a simple closure make them a go-to for after-school activities.
Final tips before you buy
- Try it on. If possible, have your child try the backpack on to check for fit and comfort.
- Clean it out weekly. Keeping the backpack tidy helps avoid extra weight and lost items
- Watch for seasonal drops. Nike frequently introduces new colourways and limited prints for kids who love to stand out.
Ready to find the perfect backpack? Shop the latest Nike kids' backpacks and help your child kick off the school year with the comfort, confidence and functionality to take on anything.
Frequently asked questions: Back-to-school backpacks
How should my kid's backpack fit?
Kids' backpacks should fall about 5cm above their waist. A good rule of thumb is to keep a backpack from weighing more than 4.5kg. It's a good idea to clean out the backpack regularly so that there aren't unnecessary items adding to the backpack's weight.
What size backpack does my child need?
Nike offers a range of backpack sizes for kids, from 11 litres of storage up to 30 litres of storage. The Nike Brasilia JDI Mini is an 11-litre backpack with zipped pockets, water-bottle storage and padded shoulder straps for comfort. The Nike Heritage backpack comes in a few different sizes and styles that are great options for primary school students. The Nike Elemental Kids' Backpack (20L) has room for even more books and school items. For older kids who may have more to carry, the Nike Hayward has an ample 26 litres of space.
What are the coolest backpacks from Nike?
The coolest backpack for kids is the one that feels most them. Nike kids' backpacks come in bold colours, standout prints and fresh graphics. So whether they're into bright colour patterns or clean, classic styles, there's a look that fits their vibe because cool isn't one-size-fits-all.