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15 Best Travel Backpacks for Kids, Tweens And Toddlers

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When traveling, every little thing that can make your trip easier helps. If you’re traveling with kids, setting them up with the best travel backpack can (literally) take a load off of you. Not only can it help you pack easier, your kid(s) will also be able to bring along their accessories, snacks and toys, without taking up too much space. Plus you may even get your bag back all to yourself (or at least most of it). 

But, how do you know which kids travel pack to get?

To help make this process easier for you, I have put together 15 of the best travel backpacks for kids, tweens and toddlers into our favourites list.

We’ve broken our choices down into the best kids travel backpacks for older kids 4 and up with an indication of best age range per pack, and the best toddler backpacks, perfect for travel.

Why A Kids Travel Backpack?

With so many choices for travel luggage out there, you may be wondering if my kid really needs something extra to lug around and if so why a pack?

Although your child may not need a kids backpack while traveling, it can definitely come in handy, especially if you plan on doing a bit of hiking. We consider backpacks to be travel essentials in our household.

Plus they can also be used for school, summer camps and other activities, cutting down on costs of multiple bags.

If you set your young adventurer up with a sturdy travel bag, they will be able to carry what they want and need themselves. That means that you can use your own bags to carry what you want, rather than having your bag overflowing with everyone elses gear.

Best Kids Travel Bags. Young girl wearing a backback at festival, walking along boardwalk in forest and girl sitting on plane.
Kids travel packs are perfect for festivals, hiking and plane rides.

Not only does putting a backpack on your little one significantly help you out, it can also teach them self-sufficiency. By helping them decide what to (and what not to) pack, they’ll begin understanding needs versus wants. 

Also, since they will be in charge of carrying and keeping up with it throughout your adventures, they can learn the importance of their belongings, as well as responsibility.

While this may be more of a childhood long goal rather than an instant fix, it can help starting them off early. We’ve been doing this with our daughter since she was 18 months old, and she loves picking out what should go in there. True there are times we have to say, no you can’t bring all your lego, stuffies, and 25 snacks.

Two kids wearing a blue and pink backpack woth waterbottles. The best Kids, Tween & toddler travel backpacks

What Type Of Travel Bags Should I Choose?

Depending on the age and capabilities of your children, and where you are traveling to, there are many types of children’s backpacks and luggage to choose from.

  • Consider whether you are travelling carry-on only, and need enough room for all their clothes and travel gear. Or if their bag is to be used as a daypack for travel activities, toys, and snacks only.
  • Will you be hiking, or spending long days walking around? A well fitting small backpack might better suit your itinerary.
  • Younger children may need a backpack for toddlers that has a harness, if you worry they are prone to run off. Or perhaps rolling ride on luggage may better suit your travel style.

Whichever travel pack you choose for your children, getting them involved in before you buy, can help decrease resistance to wearing one.

Here are a few different types of kids travel bags:

Kids Travel Packs

Kids travel backpacks are durable, versatile, and lightweight, leaving your child’s hands free as the straps fit over their shoulders. They can be used as a kids hiking backpack, as a daybag or overnight bag and even as a school bag. This gives you more for your money.

Rolling Travel Luggage

Rolling luggage is great for resort vacations, road trips, or straightforward trips, where you don’t need the flexibility of hands free luggage. There are a few types of rolling luggage to choose from:

  • Ride-on Suitcase – Perfect for young kids, these are a small rolling suitcase with 2 or 4 wheels designed for young children to sit on.
  • Rolling Backpack – This type is a hybrid between a backpack and suitcase, and may be easier for kids to pull along, than carry. Usually you can also carry them on your back. Not really suitable to use as a hiking or daypack.

We’ve found over the years that not all types of travel bags work well for all parts of our journies. Between long haul flights, local transportation (bus, car, taxis) and different types of daily activities there isn’t a one size fits all bag.

Try to choose travel bag that will work the best for the majority of your trip. Plus keep extra space in your pack for the inevitable extra treasure or two, water bottle or snacks. Read on for our list of the best kids travel bag for different types of travel.

Check out our tips of what to look for when buying a good travel backpack for kids at the end of this post.

Best Kids Travel Backpacks (for Kids 4+)

1. Deuter Junior Kid’s Backpack – Top Pick

Deuter Unisex Kid's Junior, Chestnut/Mandarine, 18 L

⭐️ Top Pick in “Best Travel Backpack For Kids 5+”

If you don’t have time to read the rest of the reviews, look no further. Coming in as my top pick is the Junior Kids Backpack by Deuter. 

Whether your child is using their travel bag as a carry-on bag, an overnight bag or a day pack out at Disney or on a hiking adventure, this durable travel backpack will be well used and loved. 

Why this is our top pick:

1. Comfort

A comfortable backpack will ensure that your kids are happier and less likely to complain. Or leave you to carry  all their stuff.

Happy kids = Happy parents. 

Its S-shaped shoulder straps are made to prevent neck and shoulder pain by evenly distributing the weight of the bag.

Another important aspect of this bag are the buckles on both the front and backside of the Deuter backpack. Not only will they keep their items safe, it will also help distribute weight even more so to help alleviate back pain.

Plus your kids can use it as a hiking backpack no problem.

2. Storage & Size

The Deuter Junior Kids Backpack is 18L, a versatile size for different lengths of trips, and is suitable as a travel backpack for kids 5+.

It could even be used for carry-on travel for a week or more, if strategic with your packing list. Fit a tablet, a weekend’s worth of clothes, some toys, books, toiletries and other  small items.

As far as storage goes, they will have many different options. There are side and front pockets, as well as the huge main compartment that’s secured with a cinch. Kids will like being able to store all their special gear in the various pockets.

3. Extra Features & Quality

The Deuter Junior Backpack is durable. As are all Deuter bags (going on 8 years with my adult bag now), which is an important consideration, when paying a little bit more for quality.

Extra features include a name tag within the bag so you don’t have to worry about it being accidentally claimed by another family (or family member). Plus it’s available in a variety of colors to suit your child’s personality.

For the younger kids 3+ check out the super sweet Deuter Kikki Kids Backpacks. It’s also in our toddler section below.


PROS

  • Ergonomic padded shoulder straps & chest strap
  • Ventilated back
  • Side pockets – Fits water bottles
  • 2 front zip pockets 
  • Water Resistant
  • Versatile for hiking, traveling or school

CONS

  • Will likely be too big for kids younger than 5
  • Not waterproof, (but is water resistant, like most backpacks)
  • The side pockets are not mesh, and you can’t tighten them, so a water bottle may fall out when leaning over too far.

Size: 18 Litres / 4.7 gallons

Weight: 14.8 ounces

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 inches


2. REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack – Top Tweens Hiking Backpack

⭐️ Top Travel Backpack Pick for 8-12 yr olds

Perfect for: Outdoor Adventures & Full days Sightseeing

Young person facing away, wearing an REI backpack for kids.

REI’s Tarn 18 Pack for kids comes in as the top choice for 8-12 year olds.

While it’s made for 8-12, many parents have raved about this durable, well made pack for 6 & 7 year olds as well (and younger).

This is the perfect pack for a day hike, a day at a theme park or out at the beach, as there is plenty of room for all their gear, plus space for a hydration reservoir.

At 18L, this also can fit enough clothes for a weekend getaway as well.

There are so many features, I don’t know where to start. This kids backpack has a large main zippered compartment, a zippered front pocket, a front stuff pocket, plus a zippered internal pocket to store items more securely.

With padded shoulder straps, hip belt and a padded ventilated back, comfort is the word of the day. If they’re complaining, it won’t be about this bag.


PROS

  • Durable, water repellent material
  • Compartments of many sizes
  • Sternum strap to keep the shoulder straps in place
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Large mesh waterbottle outside pockets
  • Reflective zipper pulls, and lash loops for extra nightime security
  • Compatible with a hydration reservoir
  • Multipurpose – hiking, walking, traveling, overnight bag & more
  • Made with recycled materials, so better for the earth

CONS

  • The water reservoir is not included, you’ll have to buy separately.
  • Material is lightweight so may be prone to holes if used roughly over time.
  • Limited color choices

Size: 18 Litres / 4.7 gallons

Weight: 17 ounces

Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches


3. CamelBak Kid’s Scout Hydration Pack

CamelBak Scout 50oz Hydration Pack, Maui Blue Print

⭐️ Perfect For Preschoolers & Grade Schoolers: + Busy, full days & handy hydration

If you struggle to get your kids to drink more water during the day, then this pack is for you.

Another close favorite on our list is the CamelBak Hydration Pack Backpack. This is the perfect kids hiking backpack if you are planning hikes, a lot of walking or sightseeing for the day. 

I don’t know about you, but we find it challenging some days to make sure our kids drink enough water. To be honest, I struggle with this myself.

With the CamelBak Scout Hydration Backpack, we like the combo of our kids staying easily hydrated, with enough room to carry everything they need for the day in one bag. For some reason it is more enticing to drink water out of a tube on their back.

It comes with a 1.5 liter water reservoir, reflective material, and even a sternum strap. The sternum strap even includes a safety whistle. All three of these characteristics make it a great choice for travelers that enjoy outdoor activities.

Since it is a high quality and lightweight bag, with various safety features, there are really no obvious reasons not to add this to you list of travel backpacks to buy.


PROS

  • 12L capacity & 1.5L water reservoir
  • A short torso length, tailor-made for preschoolers and grade-school students.
  • Water reservoir has an on off lever to prevent leaks 
  • Breathable, wicking mesh back for comfort in hot weather
  • Mesh side pocket
  • Front zipper pocket
  • Safety Features: Reflective strips and whistle

CONS

  • Water Bladder doesn’t come with insulation (to keep water colder, longer on hot days)

Size: 12 L

Weight: 310g / 10 oz

Hydration: 1.5L / 50 oz


4. Herschel Classic Backpack – Tween Travel Pack

Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Classic XL Backpack, Raven Crosshatch, One Size

⭐️ Best for: Tweens or kids 8+ who travel with laptop or iPads

Hershels Classic XL is a classic bag with a sleek look, perfectly suited for tweens for travel days, school or as a daypack.

The front pocket works well for travel & fits headphones, and the inside padded compartment will keep their devices safe.

They also have a great travel kit which would be perfect for toiletries or other travel gear.


PROS

  • Floating sleeve fits a 15″/16″ laptop
  • Many zippered pockets large and small
  • Comfortable padded & adjustable straps
  • Waterproof zipper detail
  • Water bottle pocket
  • Eco-friendly material
  • Over 15 color options

CONS

  • Not many compartments so more difficult to separate items.

Size: 30L

Weight: 180 grams

Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 6.75 inches


5. Bago Packable Lightweight Backpack

bago Lightweight Small Hiking Backpack for Women and Men - 25L Travel Day Pack

⭐️ Perfect For Kids & Adults: Lightweight packable carry-on or extra bag for souvenirs

The Bago Packable water resistant backpack is another of my top picks for best travel backpacks for kids, especially when traveling on planes.

There are times when you just need a little extra room & a lightweight bag they can pull out, or store easily, depending on their needs. Not only is this bag less than 1lb, it  expands to 25L and also folds down in itself into a little pouch. 

The Bago packable backpack is so small, you may just want  to buy an extra one to throw in your luggage yourself.

Save on overweight baggage frees from all the souvenirs your family bought. Or add it to the adults bag for day trips as extra storage, just in case.

Although a foldable bag is not necessary, it can come in handy when traveling through airports. Since most airlines have size requirements, having the Bago Packable backpack will allow you to always meet the standard size.

Another perk of this travel bag is that it has a lot of storage in its many different compartments. Help keep your child’s entertainment, snacks, & extra clothes well organized, so there’s less Mom / Dad  I can’t find it  (said in a whiny voice). 

The only real downside of this backpack is that the straps  are unpadded so it could potentially be a bit uncomfortable with all day wear. 


PROS

  • Lots of storage –  front jacket pocket, two side water bottle pockets, external pocket,  inner zip pocket, and large main compartment.
  • Water & Tear resistant fabric
  • Foldable into a handy pouch
  • Breathable mesh shoulder straps
  • Inexpensive

CONS

  • Straps are not padded, so may be uncomfortable if worn all day, with a heavy load.

Size: 25L

Weight: 0.7lbs

Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches


6. Abshoo Classical Basic Travel Backpack

abshoo Classical Basic Womens Travel Backpack For College Men Water Resistant Bookbag (Navy)
abshoo Classical Basic Womens Geometry School Backpack For College Teen Girls Water Resistant Bookbag (Geometry Blue)
abshoo Classical Basic Womens Travel Backpack For College Men Water Resistant Bookbag (Teal)

⭐️ Perfect for: Tween day trips and casual city strolling

This sturdy, fun and stylish backpack will be perfect for you tweens special items.

It comes in over 15 colors / patterns so there would be something even the pickiest tween would love.

This is a light, easy to set up bag for tweens, so parents don’t have to be on standby.

It is the perfect water resistant backpack for carrying snacks, a water bottle, small games, and even a poncho or a change of clothes for a quick getaway trip.


PROS

  • Water and tear resistant
  • Fits a laptop, tablet
  • Affordable price
  • Large capacity – 4 layers and two pockets
  • Cushioned, supportive straps
  • Great for casual walks, daily use, travel backpacks
  • Water bottle holder
  • So many colors & pattern options
  • 12 month warranty

CONS

  • Some may not like the rigid material

Size: 10L

Weight: 5.6 oz / 0.160 kg

Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.3 x 16.5 Inch


7. Ladyzone Camo Backpack

Ladyzone Camo School Backpack Lightweight Schoolbag Travel Camp Outdoor Daypack (BL Camo Black Green)

⭐️ Perfect for: Outdoor kids 5+ who play rough

The Camo Backpack by Ladyzone is a full size bag made of very durable fabric that is tear, scratch, and splash resistant.

Being such high quality, it definitely makes this bag great for camping, outdoor activities, or even just for children that like to get a little rough sometimes. Perfect for adventurous family vacations.

It has adjustable S shaped shoulder straps, with reflective fabric, and is available in multiple different colors. 


PROS

  • Tear and water resistant fabric
  • Ergonomic shoulder straps
  • Reflective fabric for safety
  • Durable fabric
  • Lots of room
  • Lightweight
  • 4 zippered compartments to store all their gear

CONS

  • Some buyers noted the zipper broke within 6 months
  • Bag itself one of the heavier options on our list

Size: 10L

Weight: 1.05lbs

Dimensions: 17.3″x11.8″x5.9″ (44x30x15cm)


8. Mountaintop Kids Backpack

MOUNTAINTOP Kids Backpack for Boys Girls School Camping Childrens Backpack

 ⭐️ Best for 3-6 year olds: Durable Pack for school and travel

The Mountaintop Kids School Backpack is a good choice if you are looking for  flexibility of use while traveling and at home for your 3 to 6 year old. 

There are side pockets to hold water bottles, adjustable shoulder straps, and a padded backside for comfortable wear.

Even though the main compartment is pretty big and can carry just about everything you would need, it has a few other pockets for smaller items as well.

Well designed for organizing your kids trinkets, toys, snacks, journal, change of clothes or anything they need for the day.

This kids backpack is water-resistant and very lightweight, which makes it a great option if you have full-day activities planned for your trip.

I definitely recommend getting this backpack for your child if they will be constantly wearing it, and are looking for a great value.


PROS

  • Comfortable – S Shaped shoulder straps & Padded back
  • Easy to clean 
  • Good for longer hikes, walks
  • Suitable for 3 to 6 yr olds
  • Water resistant material, durable YKK zippers
  • Separate wet laundry compartment & main compartment
  • Comes in over 15 colours
  • Kids can unbuckle front strap easily

CONS

  • Can fit A4 paper but not  a folder (if also using for school)
  • Won’t fit older children 7+

Size: 8L

Weight: 11.2 ounces

Dimensions: 9.4” x 14.2” x 6.3”


9. J World New York Kids Rolling Backpack

J World Lollipop Kids Rolling Backpack & Lunch Bag Set for Elementary School. Carry-On Suitcase with Wheels, Little Stars
J World New York Lollipop Kids Rolling Backpack & Lunch Bag Set, Blue Raspberry, One Size
J World Lollipop Kids Rolling Backpack for Travel & School

⭐️ Perfect for: Kids 3 – 9 yr olds who like to rock n’ roll rather than carry a pack

If you want your child to have a roller bag for carry on luggage, or as overnight travel bags then the J World New York Kids Rolling Backpacks may just be your best option. It comes in many fun colors and patterns to choose from.

These super cute roller bags with wheels is larger capacity, with enough room to for a weekends worth of clothes, or books for school as a school bag. Multipurpose is always a plus when buying for kids.

This bag also converts from a rolling backpack on wheels into a wearable backpack with shoulder straps for greater versatility.

Whether you are sending your kids on vacation with someone else, or taking them yourself, this bag can definitely fit nearly everything that they will need for their next trip.


PROS

  • Fun designs & colors
  • Kids can roll it themselves
  • Large enough for a weekends worth of clothes
  • Small enough to use as a carry on
  • Converts from rolling backpack to backpack
  • Grab Handle
  • Durable Material
  • Handle extends to 34 or 39 inches
  • Reflective tape for night visibility
  • Tuckable shoulder straps

CONS

  • Shoulder straps are not padded, and thin material
  • Make sure the straps are tucked in well, or they can get loose and tangle in the wheels when not in use.

Size: 25 L

Weight: 3.98 lbs

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 8 inches


Child & Dog facing a mountainside lake

Best Toddler Backpacks for Traveling

Traveling with toddlers is a whole other kettle of fish.

While your toddler doesn’t need to have their own backpack, our family has found that it is easier to have a separate toddler travel bag just for them. Especially on road trips and airplane travel, (even if we end up carrying it for them half the time).

We usually put a change of clothes or pjs, small toys, crayons and paper and their stuffy.

Backpacks for toddlers can be fun, small and useful for carrying just a few items. We’ve put together the best toddler backpacks that your young child will love.

10. Deuter Kikki Backpack – Top Pick for Best Toddler Backpack

Deuter Kikki Kid's Backpack for School and Hiking - Avocado-Alpinegreen

⭐️ Top Toddler Choice & Best For: Getting your child to wear their own pack!

Your favourite youngster will love this perfectly sized child’s backpack for 3-5 year olds.

These backpacks would also work and be fun for kids younger than 3 as a carry-on for the plane, a day bag or to hold their stuff in the car. Let’s face it, at that age, it’s usually a parent carrying all the stuff anyways.

The Deuter Kikki Backpacks are a fun toddler travel backpack that come shaped like a friendly bear or bird (in blue, pink or green). Traveling just got more exciting.

There are adjustable padded shoulder straps, with a ventilated back for comfort in hot weather. Plus it’s durable material will likely outlast them growing out of it.

This backpack for toddlers is big enough to store extra clothes, diapers, wipes, a small toy or two, a snack and a water bottle.


PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Versatile – can be used for  hiking, traveling and school 
  • Sized with 3-5 year olds in mind
  • Adjustable straps, and chest straps for supported wear
  • Interior pocket sleeve
  • Kids can easily open and shut pack and straps
  • Durable fabric
  • Water resistant
  • Eco-friendly designation

CONS

  • No place for a hydration pack like the camel back
  • Won’t fit a full sized lunch box 
  • A regular folder doesn’t fit inside

Size: 8 L

Weight: 300 grams

Dimensions: 14.17 x 7.87 x 6.3 inches


11. Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack

MOUNTAINTOP Kids Toddler Backpack for Preschool Kindergarten

⭐️ Best For ages 1-4: Budget Friendly Toddler Backpack

This bag will definitely be the best bang for your buck.

This Mountaintop Kids Backpack has many of the features of the larger bag in a more compact, toddler friendly size.

This kids bag is water resistant, and even has a wet laundry compartment, making it a great bag to have on every trip (especially if you have messy kids or kids still in diapers).

Other perks of this toddler backpack include two side mesh compartments, padded straps, sternum straps, and even a name tag.

It is also only 9.9 ounces, which makes it one of the lightest travel backpacks you can get.

The only con is that it is a very small bag. However this works well for toddlers as they can’t reasonably carry much anyway. Just make sure to consider what will be packed into it before buying. 


PROS

  • Budget Friendly
  • Lightweight
  • Fits small children well 2-4 years
  • Water Resistant Materials
  • Padded shoulders & back for comfort
  • Chest strap 
  • Comes in over 20 colours
  • Mesh side pockets fits water bottles (or treasures)

CONS

  • Small  & doesn’t fit a regular sized folder so not a great school bag.

Size: 5L

Weight: 9.9 ounces

Dimensions: 8.7 x 3 x 11.8 inches


13. Brica by-My-Side Toddler Safety Harness Backpack

Munchkin® Brica® By-My-Side™ Toddler Safety Harness Backpack with Leash, Owl, Blue

Best for: Safety & toddlers who have trouble staying close

Brica By-My-Side is one of the best toddler backpacks for kids prone to running off. Or for traveling through busy cities, amusement parks and public transportation when holding hands can be more difficult.

Kids and parents like that it looks more like a backpack than a restraint, and the leash is removable when not needed. Peace of mind for parents.


PROS

  • Budget Friendly
  • Lightweight
  • Harness and leash for safety
  • Fits small children well 18months+
  • Reflective strip for nighttime visibility.
  • Comes in a few cute designs
  • Mesh front pockets fits snacks & sippy cup

CONS

  • Very small  & doesn’t fit a regular sized folder so not a great school bag.
  • Straps aren’t well padded so may rub if pack is filled too heavy.

Size: small

Weight: 9.3 ounces

Dimensions: ‎4 x 7 x 11 inches


14. Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpacks

⭐️ Best for: Flexibility of use for both toddlers, kids and adults

If you have been to any outdoor stores, you have probably seen this brand before.

Although it is a bit pricey, the Fjallraven Kanken Mini  water repellant bags are high quality and very durable small bags. 

While originally they were released as a backpack for Swedish school kids, both adults and children can use this pack.

Bonus for those times you have to carry your kids pack, or you want to “borrow” it to use as a cute purse. I am eying the lime green version myself. So fun.

The only downside for this bag is that it is a bit small. But, if you are only planning on packing a few small toys, snacks, and possibly a journal, it will be perfect.

With its chic design and many different color options, you can also make sure your child gets the bag they specifically want so that everyone is happy. 

If you are looking for a larger size for yourself (because you absolutely deserve it), then you can’t go wrong with the Fjallraven Kanken full size or the Fjallraven Laptop Pack that fits most airlines carry-one requirements. 


PROS

  • 7 Litre capacity
  • Lightweight
  • 3 exterior pockets
  • Water repellent – deflects light rain and snow
  • Removable seat pad
  • Adjustable straps 
  • Fashionable
  • Both adults and kids can use

CONS

  • Pricier for the size
  • Very small

Size: 7L

Weight: 7.8 ounces

Dimensions: 11.4 x 7.9 x 5.1 inches


15. Mygreen Toddler Backpack

mygreen Kids backpacks, Cute Lightweight Water Resistant Preschool Backpack for Boys and Girls Chest Strap, Yellow with Ocean Sea Life

⭐️ Perfect for: Urban adventures with toddlers & kids ages 3+

Last but definitely not least, this cute and durable mygreen toddler backpack is very easy to clean, open, and carry.

With many different patterns, including trucks, dinosaurs, unicorns and more, your choice of backpacks for travling with a toddler, just got more fun.

It has 2 side pouches for waterbottles.

This is another small kids backpack, but for a toddler it seems to be a great size for daily wear.

If you are worried about the size but love the bag, remember that you could change out what you pack each day, rather than packing everything in it before your trip.


PROS

  • Great travel backpack for 3 – 6 year old
  • Perfect size for a toddler
  • Breathable airflow design in the back
  • Water resistant & easy to clean
  • Bottle holder
  • Oversized zipper – easy to pull

CONS

  • The side water bottle holder isn’t mesh, doesn’t stretch so doesn’t fit larger water bottles. Toddlers also may have difficulty putting their own water bottles in the panel.

Size: 11 L

Weight: 0.97 lbs

Dimensions: 10.6 x 4.7 x 14.6 inches


What To Look For When Purchasing a Travel Backpack for Kids

When buying a travel backpack for your child, there are a few things you will want to take into consideration. Since kids are much tinier humans than adults, there are certain questions you should ask yourself before deciding on which backpack will be best.

1. What Size Backpack Does My Child Need?

To get an accurate size of backpack, first you must measure your child from their shoulder line, where the straps will rest, to their waistline.

Then add 2 inches to the measurement, to get the maximum height of backpack your child should wear.

When your child is wearing their pack, the top should sit about 0.78″-2″ below the tops of their shoulders, and rest near the top of their pelvis, or up to 4″ below the waist.

Average child’s back sizes:

AGEBACK HEIGHT (inches)WIDTH (inches)
4116
5126.5
612.57
7137
8147.5
914.58
10158
1115.58
1215.58.5
1316.59
Average back sizes of a child to estimate backpack size

2. Purpose of the Backpack

One of the first things you should consider is what the backpack will actually be used for.

For example, you will need to carry different items when hiking than you would for a stroll through the city. Likewise, they may only need a backpack for carry on luggage, rather than daily use on your trip.

If you know what the purpose of the backpack will be, it will be much easier to determine which options are the best travel backpacks for you to consider.

3. Weight – Choose Lightweight Travel Backpacks for Kids

Another thing you will want to ask yourself is how heavy is the empty backpack first, and if it will be okay on your kid’s back. I mean, even as adults, we don’t generally want to carry a heavy bag around all day. So, it’s safe to assume our children don’t either.

When considering the weight, you should also note how much you (or your child) will be packing in the backpack. Since that will add a significant amount of weight, it is important you factor it in when looking for the best travel bag for your kid.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, backpacks should weigh between 10% to 15% of your child’s body weight, never more. A kids backpack that’s too heavy can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain at any age. Not the best way to start or end a vacation.

4. Shoulder & Sternum Straps

Lastly, I recommend getting a bag with wide shoulder straps and a sternum strap. The wider shoulder strap allows the backpack’s weight to sit nicely on the shoulders, instead of digging into your child’s traps or shoulders.

Similarly, a sternum strap will also help distribute the weight evenly, rather than only pulling on shoulders and weighing down the back.

The more comfortable the travel backpack, the more willing your child will be to wear it.

Final Thoughts on Travel Backpacks for Kids

Finding the best travel backpack for kids does not have to be hard.

Once you have considered the purpose of the backpack, weight, and how the weight will be distributed, it really just comes down to your personal preference.

Whether you choose it based on brand, size, price, or style, you can’t go wrong with any of the kids backpacks listed on this page for travel, home or on the road.

FAQs:

Does my kid need a backpack when traveling?

If you have a backpack for your toddler or child, it will relieve you from having to carry everything yourself. This can also teach them to be slightly self-sufficient, by allowing them to decide what they want to bring and having to carry it around regularly.

What can my kid carry in their backpack when traveling?

When deciding what to pack in your kid’s bag, it depends on what they will want, use, and need. But, the options are pretty endless. Your kid’s backpack can have snacks, toys, tablets, extra clothes, or even souvenirs. You’ll want to keep their backpack light though and pack the main items and heavier items in their suitcase.

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