Backpack Trends 2024: What Kids Are Carrying Now

When it comes to backpack trends 2024, the evolving styles, materials, and features that define what children are carrying to school and beyond. Also known as kids backpack styles, these trends aren’t just about looks—they’re shaped by safety standards, comfort needs, and real-world use by kids aged 3 to 12. This year, parents aren’t just buying for fashion. They’re looking for weight distribution, breathable padding, and materials that last through daily abuse. The most popular backpacks now combine durability with simple, bold designs—think muted tones with one standout color, or classic shapes with subtle logos instead of flashy characters.

One big shift? school backpacks, backpacks designed specifically for daily use in elementary and middle schools. Also known as student backpacks, they’re getting smarter. Lightweight frames, padded hip belts, and ergonomic shapes are no longer luxury features—they’re expected. Brands that still make heavy, stiff backpacks with thin straps are losing ground fast. And while flashy designs used to rule, the trend now leans toward timeless shapes that grow with the child. A backpack that fits a 5-year-old should still look appropriate on a 9-year-old, not like a cartoon prop. Then there’s backpack size for kids, the critical measurement that determines whether a bag supports posture or strains it. Also known as kids backpack volume, experts agree: a backpack should never exceed 10-15% of a child’s body weight. For most elementary kids, that means 10-15 liters max. Too big, and kids fill it with stuff they don’t need. Too small, and they’re forced to carry books in their hands or leave them behind. The best ones have adjustable straps, reflective strips for safety, and easy-access front pockets for snacks or permission slips.

What’s not trending? Plastic-heavy designs, oversized logos, and backpacks that look more like luggage than school gear. Parents are tired of buying bags that fray after three months or dig into their child’s shoulders by lunchtime. Instead, they’re turning to brands that test for durability, offer warranties, and design for real life—not Instagram. You’ll find fewer cartoon characters and more clean lines. Fewer neon colors and more earth tones that match any outfit. And more focus on how the bag sits on the back than how it looks in a photo.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and guides from parents who’ve tested these backpacks in the wild—on playgrounds, in classrooms, and during long walks home. Whether you’re shopping for a kindergartener or a fifth grader, you’ll find what actually works, what to avoid, and how to pick one that lasts longer than the school year.