What school backpacks should your kids be using in 2023?

Whatever year your child is in at school, there are a few things they can’t do without – the right uniform, the right stationary and, of course, just the right backpack. Luckily with our Deichmann range, you’re spoilt for choice.

Whether they’re just starting off or they’re coming to the end of their school years, every backpack has its own unique qualities and style. And as one of the harder working pieces of school kit, it’ll need to put up with a lot in its day-to-day use. That’s why it’s even more important to choose a high-quality, durable item that’ll stand up to a bit of childish carelessness.

Considerations

With so much consistent usage, the right backpack should meet a few specific needs before your kids consider it. Though lower price models may seem more appealing, you might be quality in favour of price, which could lead to paying more in the long run. In the UK, temperatures can vary from hot to cold at the drop of a hat, and let’s not forget about the rain. It’s not just about buying what style your child likes best, but also which style will stand the tests of time.

Insulation

Depending on what your child is carrying and how long they’re carrying it for, you may want to consider how insulated their backpack is for cold or hot days. Though, with plenty of clever lunch boxes and water bottle options on the market, keeping food and drink at the right temperature isn’t too much of a concern.

Durability

How durable your child’s bag is definitely one of the most important elements to consider. It may not have to withstand a hike up the Andes, but with kids doing kid things, you can be sure it’ll face its fair share of strain. From supporting heavy books and all the essentials they need for their day, to being picked up, dropped, zipped open and zipped shut, tugged, whipped around, and all sorts.

A few different things to look for here include the quality of the material, with thicker, sturdier material leading to a lower likelihood of long-term wear and even tearing altogether. This is also true for the stitching and finish. Look for a bag that has a strong finish with no loose threads or mistakes. And to feel even more secure in the durability of your bags, look for a backpack with at least some zipper protection – including fabric flaps on pockets. This not only protects them from wear and tear, but also adds an extra layer for rainy weather.

Storage

The key thing their backpack needs is storage, and plenty of it. From pencil cases and lunch boxes, to flasks, textbooks, workbooks and sometimes what feels like the kitchen sink, kids have lots of bits they need to juggle.

Besides the carry capacity, a good thing to look for here is smart storage. Bags with lots of pockets and compartments of different sizes allows for better organisation with items more evenly distributed. This is also great for giving electronic devices more support if your child uses a tablet or laptop.

Value

Backpacks come in a range of different prices, from the extra-affordable to those of the pricier end of things. Ultimately, the value of your child’s backpack should be less about price and more about quality of the product.

As mentioned earlier, what may seem like a great deal at the time may end with disappointment as a cheaper price could mean sacrificing quality materials or build quality. That’s not saying you have to spend hundreds of pounds on a backpack, rather you want to pay for something that meets the highest material and build quality possible within your determined budget.

Junior school

For junior school kids, you don’t need a full-sized backpack to fit everything they need. A 15L capacity should be more than enough, but make sure you can fit the most essential bits – a lunch box and a water bottle being two core items. And don’t forget a small bag for their P.E. kit, too

Secondary school

Secondary school students need a little more room for whatever their day can throw at them. On top of the essential snack boxes, lunch boxes and water bottles, they also need stationary, P.E. essentials, different books for different classes and more. A 20-30L capacity should be just the ticket here, although your kids will definitely want more of a say on style the older they get.

Buying for girls

Style is subjective, so no matter whether your daughter is a ‘pretty in pink’ kind-of girl, someone who loves to highlight their personality with cute or fun patterns, or someone who prefers to keep it monochrome, Deichmann has a fantastic range to suit all tastes. For teens, it might also be a good idea to consider where they might store sanitary products in their bags when needed.

Buying for boys

From their favourite TV characters for younger children to a bold, sturdy style to see the pre-teen and teenage years through, there are plenty of styles to choose from. And just to help keep things clean, you might consider picking up an extra plimsoll bag for muddy football boots.

Best backpack brands overall

Even with all the rationale and reasoning about why some backpacks are great and others aren’t the best, at the end of the day it all boils down to preference. Your kids have a voice and it’s ideal to compromise on something that’ll meet as many of the quality needs as possible while sending them to school with a backpack they’re pleased with.

At Deichmann, we stock a number of different brands that can suit different tastes. World-known brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas, Hype, Skechers, and Fila offer a sporty, sleek look that all kids will feel great walking to school with. For younger children, we also offer a number of backpacks featuring popular characters from the likes of Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Disney, Marvel, DC, Hey Duggee and more.

Help your child find their next back-to-school backpack today.