Best Backpack for Middle School Feature Overview
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Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 Backpack
Best for Withstanding weather Polyester
Water-resistant
25 L
Laptop Sleeve
4+ Compartments
13+ Style options
Warranty -
JanSport Superbreak Backpack
Best for Lightweight backpack Polyester
Water-resistant
25 L
2 Compartments
30+ Style options
Warranty- Laptop sleeve
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High Sierra Curve Backpack
Best for Larger load capacity Polyester
Water-resistant
29.5L
5+ Compartments
7+ Style options
Warranty- Laptop Sleeve
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Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
Best for Cool, classic backpack Polyester
Water-resistant
25L
Laptop sleeve
4+ Compartments
47+ Style options
Warranty -
Amazonbasics Classic School Backpack
Best for Neutral, streamlined pack Polyester
Water-resistant
Unknown
4+ Compartments
7+ Style options- Laptop Sleeve
- Warranty
How We Researched the Best Backpack for Middle School
93 Expert Reviews Considered 5,971 Consumer Reviews Considered 11 Hours Researching 64 Products Evaluated
Best Backpack for Middle School 3 Features to Look For
1. Individual Style
The middle school years are an important time for tweens to find their own individual style. They probably are outgrowing anything too cutesy or childish in favour of a more “teenage” style. But they might still be in-between children’s and teenager style.
Tweens can be notoriously picky about their style. They want to both express their individuality but also to fit in with their friends. That’s why brands like JanSport and Herschel that offer a huge variety of colors, styles and patterns are among our picks.
2. Practical Load Capacity
Middle school requires kids to carry more large books and a variety of learning accessories and tools. But it’s important to remember that middle school kids are still growing. So it would be a mistake to choose the biggest backpack you can find for all their stuff.
We find a 25 liter capacity is sufficient to serve the varied needs of middle school kids without putting excess strain on their backs and shoulders. It’s a good habit to get them in the practice of emptying their pack at night so they’re not carrying more than they need.
3. Support and Comfort
Following from above, no matter how big the load, there’s a wrong and a right way to wear a backpack. From a buying standpoint, you’ll want to look for padded and adjustable shoulder straps. If there are additional chest and waist straps these can also help (especially with a bigger backpack).
You’ll also want to spend some time making sure your middle schooler wears their pack the right way. As often as possible, they should carry their backpack on both shoulders. You’ll want to make sure that the straps are adjusted to give them a snug and comfortable fit. Too loose, and the backpack can really start to strain the shoulders.
Best Backpack for Middle School Our top 5 choices
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Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 Backpack
The Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 backpack has some of the most positive reviews of any backpack we considered for middle school kids. This pack comes in enough style options to appeal to picky tweens. And if you live in a wetter climate, you’ll appreciate the storm technology.
As one reviewer put it “Bought this for my middle school son and he loves it. It is very roomy and has lots of zippers and compartments to put things. It has padding on the back and a place to even put a laptop or ipad inside the big zipper pocket that is also padded. The zippers are very durable and so is the fabric.” (Amazon)
- UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability
- Adjustable, padded shoulder straps offer ultimate comfort
- Soft-lined laptop sleeve—holds up to 15″ laptop
- Mesh water bottle pocket on both sides
- Sporty look may not appeal to everyone
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JanSport Superbreak Backpack
The JanSport Superbreak Backpack is a lightweight daily pack that has become a standard pick for middle school kids for good reason. The Superbreak has one main big compartment, which means you can cram a lot in there. But most impressive is the huge variety of colours, patterns and styles this pack comes in. It’s easy for every kid in class to have one but for no two to be the same!
- Huge variety of 30+ style options
- Ultralight making it ideal everyday use
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Front utility pocket with organizer
- No laptop sleeve
- Fewer compartments than other options
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High Sierra Curve Backpack
The High Sierra Curve backpack is a solid all-around bag that provides the perfect amount of storage and features to get you through your day at middle school. The large main compartment is perfect for all of a middle schooler’s larger gear and the front load organizer compartment makes getting your quick access items a snap.
- Generous 29.5 liter capacity
- Large capacity main compartment
- Core organizer compartment with multiple pockets
- Front zippered media pocket with USB port
- S-shaped padded shoulder straps with media pocket
- Not as many styles as other options
- No laptop sleeve
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Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
The Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack stands out for its classic mountaineering silhouette. This is a perfect pack for a middle school kid who wants a classic, outdoorsy vibe. But this pack isn’t just style. It offers a padded and fleece-lined 15″ laptop sleeve, internal media pocket with headphone port and much more.
One reviewer noted that the length of this pack creates extra space: “I like the extra room that it leaves on top of the books ( because it is lengthy). You can put smaller books or important items in view.” (Amazon)
- Padded and fleece lined 15″ laptop sleeve
- Custom striped fabric liner
- Contoured shoulder straps and air mesh back padding
- Internal media pocket with headphone port
- More expensive option
- Some reviewers wanted more functionality in this backpack
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Amazonbasics Classic School Backpack
The Amazonbasics Classic School Backpack is a perfect, basic backpack for middle school. You can easily carry books, homework, and other everyday essentials with this classic and neutral pack. It is also lightweight and comfortable and offers supreme value for money. But don’t take our word for it… check out this review.
“I shopped and shopped and shopped (mostly online as that’s how I prefer to shop) with my 6th grade girl for the perfect middle school backpack. Big enough to hold her huge binder, lunch and various notebooks. We ended up with this backpack as my daughter loved the color and I loved the price.” (Amazon)
- Very affordable option
- Neutral, non-branded style for those who dislike logos
- Lightweight, durable backpack featuring adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Large main compartment with double-zipper closure and small front pocket with zip closure
- Limited and plain styles
- No laptop sleeve
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Best Backpack for Middle School Conclusion
This list features an eclectic selection of 5 excellent packs. There truly is something for everybody on this list and – really – no bad choice. It all really boils down to each the needs and personality of your middle schooler.
If you forced us to choose, we’d vote the Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 Backpack as the best backpack for middle school. It’s next level weather-resistance and laptop sleeve tip it into the Number 1 spot for us.
Still, every backpack listed here offers some great features and advantages for middle school. It all depends on your style (and, let’s be frank, your budget). Whichever one you choose as your best backpack for middle school, you’ll be making a sound choice.
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