Backpacks: Reviews

According to reviewers, the High Sierra Fat Boy is an excellent backpack for anyone over the age of 18 who needs to carry a lot of gear. It weighs just 2 pounds and earns praise in one professional test for superior… expanddurability, holding up to abrasion tests better than the competition. Users love the features on this 2,380-cubic-inch backpack, including built-in organizer pockets, a cell phone pouch, media pocket and key fob. Compression straps adjust the depth of the Fat Boy to accommodate varying amounts of gear, a feature that makes it more comfortable by eliminating sagging that experts say is bad for the back. Padded shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly. Some reviewers bemoan the lack of a water-bottle holder and a laptop sleeve, but most users are very pleased with this well-reviewed backpack, which comes with a lifetime warranty. collapse

It may not have fancy features like water-bottle pockets or a hip belt, but the affordable JanSport Big Student is one of the highest-rated backpacks on the market. With a capacity of 2,100 cubic inches, this pack has… expandplenty of room for multiple textbooks and school supplies. Owners say the Big Student is remarkably durable -- many use it for years with only minor wear and tear -- and these opinions are confirmed in independent tests. In comparison reviews, the JanSport Big Student excels in durability and rain-resistance tests. Few reviewers can find a downside to this popular backpack, but some owners say the ergonomic shoulder straps are a little stiff. The Big Student comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and it's covered by a lifetime warranty against defects (not daily wear and tear). collapse

For kids over the age of 9, the Lucky Bums Dragonfly 15 is a top pick. The backpack has a capacity of 915 cubic inches, and parents say it offers plenty of space without being overly heavy or bulky. According to one… expandrecent independent test, the Dragonfly 15 is very comfortable to carry. It also has features that experts recommend for kids' packs, such as reflective strips and a waist belt. The latter helps take some of the weight off the back and shoulders, and the Lucky Bums Dragonfly 15 includes a sternum strap as well. The pack has one large pocket, one exterior pocket and two stretchy side pockets for water bottles. It comes in three colors and has a lifetime warranty. For elementary students younger than 8, Lucky Bums offers the smaller Dragonfly 10 (*Est. $50). collapse

For kids in preschool or kindergarten, experts recommend the JanSport Half Pint backpack. It has a capacity of 625 cubic inches, with one main compartment and one smaller storage compartment in front with a zippered… expandpocket and key fob. It comes in six colors and has a lifetime warranty. Durability is always a concern with backpacks -- especially those for kids -- but parents say the JanSport Half Pint is strong and tough. A number of moms say they like the size and style so much that they use a Half Pint backpack as a purse or diaper bag, noting that it's the perfect size for carrying a camera, sunscreen and other essentials on a day trip and easier to carry than a shoulder bag. Most owners say this pack isn't large enough to fit a notebook or folder, but it's ideal for young kids who don't yet transport full-size books. collapse

Laptop backpacks have a dedicated compartment for a computer. Reviewers like the High Sierra Access for its 2,700-cubic-inch capacity and ability to accommodate up to a 17-inch laptop -- which can be easily removed… expandthrough a zippered back access pocket. There are plenty of internal pockets for file folders, notebooks and power cords; so many, in fact, that a few owners say they tend to lose things. Padded shoulder straps, chest and waist straps -- as well as compression straps to reduce the depth of the pack, depending on how much is stuffed inside -- all contribute to a comfortable carry. A few owners say the size and weight of the Access isn't logical for daily use unless you transport a ton of gear each day. Most reviewers, however, appreciate the ability to tote a laptop, multiple books and notebooks, and a variety of other essentials with ease. The High Sierra Access comes in 16 color combinations and is backed by a lifetime warranty against defects. collapse

Rolling backpacks help ease the strain of toting heavy textbooks, but not all schools allow them, so check with your child's school before you buy. Parents say the JanSport Driver 8 is easy to roll and carry, thanks to… expandtuck-away shoulder straps and a retractable handle. This rolling pack has a capacity of 2,175 cubic inches, and includes a padded sleeve that can fit laptops up to 15 inches and a front organizer compartment. Many parents say the JanSport Driver 8 holds up well with heavy use, and most say it offers plenty of room for heavy textbooks and school supplies. We saw a few user complaints of broken handles, and the bottom of the pack can wear out from rubbing the ground when hauling heavy loads. Like most JanSport backpacks, the Driver 8 comes in a variety of colors and is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects. collapse