Parent-Approved: The 12 Best Travel Backpacks for Toddlers And Kids [ 2023]

Through our years of traveling, we’ve discovered that it’s easier to tote a backpack than drag roller bags through airports, on escalators, and down cobblestone streets. We love traveling with backpacks, and we think you will, too. If you have a toddler or infant then obviously you’ll have to tote a lot of their baggage. But if your child is older, there’s no reason why they can’t carry all their travel supplies on their own. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the best travel backpacks for kids and toddlers.

Note: We’ve broken this list down into sections; one for toddlers and one for young kids ages 4+

Travel Backpacks for Kids Buying Guide

Here is what we look for when we evaluate the best travel backpacks for kids:

• Lightweight. Kids are small and it’s important not to over encumber their shoulders. When choosing a travel backpack, we prefer something that is lightweight.

• Material and durability. We also look for backpacks that are durable. Heavy-duty packs are generally made of ultra-strong nylon material, nylon straps, and YKK-grade zippers.

• Waterproof. Waterproof bags are the way to go because what good is a bag full of soaked clothes?

• Capacity. Another thing to consider is the bag’s capacity. Obviously, you’re not going to load your kid down with a laptop, ten pairs of shoes, and your grandfather’s toupee, but you want something that can fit most of their travel essentials. On that note, a bag with several compartments is generally preferable. You don’t need a bag with like 15 compartments because, seriously, that’s overkill. But something with space for toys, clothes, and maybe a pocket for an iPad or something is pretty cool in our book.

• Side bottle holder. Finally, we like bags with side bottle holders. If you’re out and about and get thirsty, you don’t want to scour the bottom of your bag for your bottle. Having it handy is always helpful.

• Value for money. Do the features of the backpack justify its price?

So without further ado..let’s get to it!

At A Glance: Best Travel Backpacks for Toddlers

Every time a person travels with toddlers, they are disturbed for a while about where they would want to pack their right and go light without too much luggage. This luggage can be in the form of suitcases, roller bags and other bulky luggage that would be of inconvenience. There are now better ways to store your toddler’s goods and can easily maneuver around in airports and around streets. Here are the best travel backpacks for toddlers:

Image	Brand	Details
BEST OVERALL	Nike	Check price
BEST VALUE	Mountaintop	Check price
	Vaschy	Check price
	Wildkin	Check price
	Urban Infant	Check price

Best Travel Backpacks for Toddlers

1. Nike Elemental Graphic Backpack for Kids

This time, a backpack from a well-known brand most of us have grown to love and trust through many, many decades. Then, if that’s the case, why not let Nike take care of your child’s backpacking needs too? Seems logical and pricey too, well not really.

This Nike backpack for active kids comes at an affordable price and since it’s always built to last for years, you know you’re buying great value your child will also love to have on him or her. It’s also water-resistant so your kid’s valuables can stay dry even when they’re going about their active routine outdoors or even in camp.

Weight: 11 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: Unknown, but dimensions are 11 x 5 x 12 inches
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 5 / 5

2. The North Face Youth Sprout Backpack

A leading manufacturer of outdoor gear, The North Face’s Youth Sprout backpack is designed for children ages two to four. It’s available in several neutral tones and a few brighter colors. The pack is decked with youth-specific shoulder straps and a hook and loop sternum strap. This travel backpack has a large compartment and a smaller, zippered external pocket. Easily access your drink thanks to the mesh bottle holders on either side.

Though this pack is great quality from a trusted name, it is quite small. But we love it! It’s actually the bag that Aarav uses when we travel. We fill it with things that will keep him entertained and other essentials such as toys, a change of clothes, diapers, and maybe an iPad. When purchasing, though, keep in mind that while there is room for adjustment on the shoulder straps, the bag is not big enough for parents to sling the bag over their own shoulders.

Weight: 14.1 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: 10 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 4 / 5 

3. Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack

This five-liter backpack is ideal for toddlers between two and four years old. At only 9.9 ounces, it’s one of the lightest backpacks on this list. The water-resistant fabric is perfect if you happen to get caught in the rain while traveling or for those all too common spills. Durable YKK zippers open and close smoothly with each pull while the YKK sternum strap allows for maximum stability. Featuring mesh and padded straps, the backpack is comfortable and promotes circulation. Mountaintop’s toddler backpack has a “wet laundry” compartment as well as main compartment and two side mesh bottle holders.

One mom mentioned, “This is definitely a small backpack, and the picutres in the listing make it seem larger. However, it’s perfect for our three-year-old. We have him wear it when we’re going places so he can carry his own change of clothes (three pairs), toys, wipes, and sippy cup. Since it doesn’t fit too much stuff, it will never be too heavy for your toddler to carry around.”

Weight: 9.9 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: 5 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 5 / 5 

4. Vaschy Little Kid Backpacks

This stylish backpack comes in a range of colors and designs. It features easy to open and close zippers, a large main compartment, two side pockets for water bottles, and top loops for storage. Made of waterproof polyester, it’s lightweight and easy to clean. Adjustable padded shoulder straps offer comfort and support while the sternum strap stabilizes the load for maximum comfort. The pack is recommended for children three-years-old and up and comes with a two-year warranty.

One parent on Amazon mentioned, “The colors and designs are perfect for preschoolers. I did a lot of searching for a backpack that was large enough to hold paper/folders but not so big that it would overwhelm the frame of my petite four-year-old. I’m pleased to say that this backpack not only met my needs, but my little one approves of it as well.” Despite mostly positive remarks, several parents have mentioned that the shoulder straps have a tendency to rip at the seams.

Weight: 12.3 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: 11.5 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 3 / 5 

5. Wildkin Pack ‘n Snack Backpack

This backpack by Wildkin is the perfect size for your little one. It has two zippered compartments for easy organization. The front pocket is insulated and easy-to-clean, so you can pack snacks in it without having to worry about spills. Just stuff an ice pack in there, and your kid’s snacks will be chilled all day. Reflective tape along the front of the bookbag ensures that your child can be seen, even in the dark. Two padded, adjustable shoulder straps provide comfortable wear and the durable top loop is perfect for hanging in a cubby. The polyester is super durable and easy to clean. And best of all, you can also purchase matching lunch boxes, nap mats, duffel bags, water bottles, blankets, and more.

A pleased parent wrote, “We love the pattern, size, and quality of the backpack. It fits easily under most airline seats, and the zippers are heavy-duty, durable, and easy to pull.” The only recurring complaint is that the bag is too small to fit a standard sheet of paper, so it can’t be used for preschool purposes.

Weight: 12 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: Unknown, but dimensions are 12.5 x 7.5 x 10.5 inches
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 3 / 5

6. Urban Packie Backpack

Made from laminated polyester, this bookbag is stylish and easy-to-clean. One of the best features of this pack is the side tube. You can roll up a coloring book to keep your kid entertained while dining. On the other side of the pack is a stretchable mesh pocket for water bottles. The backpack also features an interior zippered compartment and a “D” ring for attaching a toy.

Reviews on Amazon include words such as “lightweight, easy-to-clean, comfortable to wear, and durable.” Again, many parents complain about it being too small, but we think it’s perfect since toddlers tend to be small and can’t carry much weight anyway. But besides that, the Urban Infant pack delivers on style, weight, and value.

Weight: 11.2 ounces
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: Unknown, but dimensions are 12.2 x 4.7 x 13.4 inches
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 3 / 5 

Here are the best travel backpacks for kids that are no longer toddlers (ages 4+). These backpacks are meant for kids that are generally in pre-K or above and can potentially carry their own backpack around.

At A Glance: Best Travel Backpacks for Older Kids (Ages 4+)

Image	Brand	Details
BEST OVERALL	bago	Check price
BEST VALUE	Quechua	Check price
	Mountaintop	Check price
	CamelBak	Check price

Best Travel Backpacks for Older Kids (Ages 4+)

1. Bago 25L Lightweight Foldable Daypack

This foldable 25-liter travel backpack for kids comes in eight different colors. The honeycomb polyester fabric is waterproof, durable, and tear-resistant. This pack has several compartments including the large main compartment, a mesh front jacket pocket, an external medium pocket, and an inner zip pocket. Each side of the pack has a water bottle pocket, and the mesh straps are breathable, making this the perfect pack if you anticipate your little ones working up a sweat outdoors.

Super lightweight and foldable, the 25-liter Bago pack tops our list. It’s affordable, available in a variety of colors, and, in our opinion, the best travel backpack for kids. One mom raved, “The water bottle holder netting on each side is much deeper than most packs and even holds a decently-sized Nalgene bottle. Everything from the zippers to the design and arrangement of the pockets is awesome. The larger internal pocket serves as the pouch it folds into. This has much more durable material than most similar packs without sacrificing quality or weight.

Weight: 11.2 ounces
Material(s): Polyester, mesh
Capacity: 25 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 5/5

2. Osprey Jet 12 Kid’s Hiking Backpack

Osprey is one of the most trusted names in the backpacking industry, and their Jet 12 Kid’s Hiking Backpack certainly doesn’t disappoint. This pack is just the right size for kids who are big enough to carry their gear. Featuring a mesh back panel and fleece-lined shoulder harness, your kids will be comfortable as they tote their belongings. The hip belt with mesh wings and sternum strap help keep the pack stable at all times.

The front panel access to the primary compartment allows for easy packing and unpacking. An external zippered compartment is ideal for snacks or small items while the internal zippered pocket is good for small items that require a bit more protection. Dual stretch mesh side pockets give your little ones a place to stash newly found treasures or keep their water bottle. The shoulder strap even has a small mesh pocket.

Weight: 14 ounces
Material(s): Nylon
Capacity: 12 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 4 / 5 

3. Quechua Kids Outdoor Backpack

A waterproof and tear-resistant backpack by Quechua, this pack is small and great for children of all ages. The bag features adjustable shoulder straps and two main compartments. It’s lightweight yet large enough to store a change of clothes, snacks, and a few bottles of water. The pack is available is several colors including mint, pink, light pink, charcoal, black, and several others.

This travel bookbag for kids has received excellent reviews on Amazon. When this article was written, there were 405 ratings. Seventy percent of raters gave the product five stars. One mother commented, “I was looking for a cute, low cost, small backpack for my kids to use while hiking the Smoky Mountains. I didn’t want to carry every treasure, snack, water bottle, and lunch, so I figured they’d do well with these small packs. They held up great and were comfortable enough for them to wear on a five-mile hike. They were the perfect size for my littles (8 and 5-years-old). Now we use them for day trips or anywhere else we may be packing a lunch.”

Weight: 5.6 ounces
Material(s): Nylon
Capacity: 10 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: No
Value for Money: 4 / 5

4. Mountaintop Kids School Backpack

This bag by Mountaintop is definitely one of the best travel backpacks for kids. Durable YKK zippers open and close smoothly. The soft latching loop on the front of the bookbag allows you to easily carry jackets, stuffed animals, or other lightweight items. Elastic side pockets adjust to hold snacks, water bottles, and other items that your child may need to quickly access. For extra comfort, the adjustable shoulder straps are padded and feature breathable mesh. The back of the pack is also padded and covered with breathable mesh so that it’s comfortable on your child’s back. 

The Mountaintop pack has a large main compartment with an interior mesh pocket. The front of the pack has a smaller half compartment with a mesh compartment for safekeeping special items. Seventy-eight percent of almost 200 reviewers on Amazon gave the backpack five stars. Comments included things such as “bright and definitely childlike,” “nice and sturdy material,” and “well-made.”

Weight: Unknown
Material(s): Polyester
Capacity: 16 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 5 / 5 

5. CamelBak 2018 Kid’s Scout Hydration Pack, 50 oz.

The CamelBak Kid’s Scout Hydration Pack is one of the best travel backpacks for children, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking. With a short torso length specifically designed for younger explorers, this pack is tailor-made for preschoolers and grade-school students. The pack features a large main compartment, a wicking mesh back panel, a 1.5-liter reservoir, and two side pockets. The sternum strap features a safety whistle and allows for maximum stability.

The CamelBak has very high ratings on Amazon. One grandmother commented, “Great pack. I bought it for my eight-year-old grandson. It’s lightweight and built for his small frame. He has plenty of room for a jacket and lunch or a few books or toys. Kids love having their own water supply. The novelty of the hose encourages them to drink water, and I don’t have to carry their stuff. Win, win!” We agree!

Weight: 10 ounces
Material(s): Nylon, mesh
Capacity: 12.5 liters
Waterproof?: Yes
Side bottle holder(s)?: Yes
Value for Money: 4 / 5 

When traveling with children, it’s easy for parents to overwhelm themselves. We want to make our littles as comfortable as possible so we carry their lunches, their drinks, and their toys (although they promised they’d hold their stuffed animal the whole time). Shoot, and if we didn’t pack a travel stroller, all too often we end up carrying the kid, too. But kids that travel often actually like carrying their own stuff. It makes them feel helpful and independent. And with these stylish and comfortable kid travel backpacks, they’ll probably want to carry some of your stuff, too!

Buying Guide For Best Travel Backpacks

When buying travel backpacks for toddlers, there are several things that you need to consider. You can enhance comfort for your child by ensuring the bag has a number of key features. Below are some of the top things that you must consider:                                                                

Design

Kids generally prefer a bag with characters from a movie or a cartoon they have watched. As always manufacturers come up with a lot of options for backpacks that you can choose from. The design can vary in terms of patterns and colour and its easy to convince a child to have a backpack with beautiful design.

Adjustability

It is important to look for a bag with adjustable straps so that the fit of the bag can be customized by your child to his preference. It is recommended by health professionals that a child should only carry 15% of their weight in a backpack and not more than that.

Capacity

To ensure spine health, it is important not to overload your kid’s backpack with a lot of things. A blanket, a toy, tissues and maybe one change of clothes are plenty of stuff for them to carry. As much as it may be tempting to include a diaper change, it is recommendable that you gear yourself up with a good diaper bag instead.

Shoulder Straps

Considering the weight of what they will be carrying, having padded shoulder straps is not as important for a toddler pack as it is for an adult pack. However, it is important for the backpack to have two wide shoulder straps to boost comfort.

Closing Mechanism

Children often have trouble opening zips. In that case, it is worth considering other closing options. Most toddler backpacks come with velcro straps to open the main compartment. This is handy to give the kids autonomy to reach out inside their bag without any help.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important for the travel backpacks to have padding?

A: Padding on the straps and the back panel boost comfort. A backpack with adjustable straps also makes it easier for your kid whatever they need without the strain that comes with thin, tight straps.

Q: Should I have my child’s backpack monogrammed?

A: Wed don’t advise to have your kid’s name monogrammed. This is for safety reasons of putting your kids name in public. Kids are likely to trust a stranger who knows their name.

Q: Should I get a different backpack for school and travel?

A: It is not necessarily a must that you get a different backpack for school and travel but it is advisable.

Q: What type of items should I carry in my kids backpack while traveling?

A: When packing for your kids backpack, make sure it is as light as possible for ease of movement. Pack a few things like a toy, a change of clothes, and a few snacks. Put all the heavy stuff into your main bags.