How to Choose the Perfect School Backpack
Our pack shop has 100+ options, in all the fun colors and sizes for every kid! Luckily, we’re experts at helping you find your #1 pick.
2 Min. Read | Kids
4 kids walking toward their school wearing school backpacks.

What Size Pack Works Best?

SMALL BUT MIGHTY (UP TO 20L)

Just need a lunch & extra layer? Start here.

Shop Small Backpacks

A young child from slightly behind, wearing a green Junior Original Book Pack.
A blue Junior Original Book Pack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 4 plus.

Junior Original Book Pack

For little kids who want to be like the big kids

  • Capacity: 17 liters
  • One water bottle pocket
  • Sized for smaller students
A print Junior Original Book Pack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 4 plus.

Junior Original Book Pack, Print

For extra-colorful personalities

  • Capacity: 17 liters
  • One water bottle pocket
  • Sized for smaller students
A Trailfinder Backpack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 4 plus.

NEW Trailfinder Backpack, Little Kids’

For "treasure" hunters who need big pockets

  • Capacity: 17 liters
  • One water bottle pocket
  • Cargo pocket on outside

MEDIUM FEELS RIGHT (21-30L)

Sized just right for those everyday essentials.

Shop Medium Backpacks

A young boy from slightly behind, wearing a medium blue school backpack.
An Original Book Pack, open to show contents, a circle with text 6 plus.

Original Book Pack®

For those tough-on-their-stuff kids

  • Capacity: 24 liters
  • One water bottle pocket
  • Also available in fun prints
An Explorer Backpack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 6 plus.

Explorer Backpack

Shop Solids | Shop Prints

For the always-up-for-adventure kids

  • Capacity: 25 liters
  • Two water bottle pocket
  • Also available in fun prints
A Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 30L, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 13 plus.

Comfort Carry Laptop Pack, 30L

For teens who always tote their tech

  • Capacity: 30 liters
  • Two water bottle pocket
  • Padded laptop sleeve

THE BIGGER, THE BETTER (31L+)

For days packed with sports & activities after class.

Shop Large Backpacks

A girl from slightly behind, wearing a purple deluxe school backpack.
A Deluxe Book Pack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 10 plus.

Deluxe Book Pack

Shop Solids | Shop Prints

For kids who want the MVP (most valuable pack)

  • Capacity: 37 liters
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Also available in fun prints
An Explorer Backpack, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 6 plus.

NEW! Explorer Backpack, 32L

For teens most likely to join the outing club

  • Capacity: 32 liters
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Front stuff pocket and daisy chain
A Comfort Carry Portable Locker, open to show contents, a circle with text Ages 13 plus.

Comfort Carry Portable Locker

For teens who need an on-the-go locker all day

  • Capacity: 42 liters
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Padded laptop pocket


"The best backpack for the money. No more buying a new one each year because these last."

-Verified L.L.Bean customer, Virginia



Packed with all the Features Kids Need

There’s a reason L.L.Bean packs are legendary—we build them to keep up every step of the way. These are just some of the details we put into every pack:

Close-up of reflective trim.

Reflective Trim

For plenty of added visibility

Close-up of adjustable strap.

Adjustable Straps

Let you customize the fit as they grow

Close-up of zipper.

Extra-Tough Zippers

Tested 20,000 times in our in-house lab

Close-up of weatherproof fabric.

Weatherproof Fabrics

For drizzly mornings at the bus stop

Close-up of interior pocket.

Built-In Organization

Designed with the pockets kids need most

Close-up of water bottle in water bottle pocket.

Water Bottle Pocket

Helps keep hydration close at hand


Back to school is coming! We've got all the things kids need:

Lunch Boxes

Water Bottles

Kids' Clothing

Kids' Footwear