JanSport Half Pint

The JanSport Half Pint is one of the smallest backpacks we found at just 625 cubic inches. But for preschoolers and kindergarteners who don't have notebooks and folders to haul, the Half Pint is the perfect size, owners say. The Half Pint is also multipurpose: Numerous owners say they use it as an overnight bag for their toddlers, as a diaper bag or even as a mini-purse. Parents say the Half Pint is convenient for toting essentials such as sunscreen, a wallet, camera and a water bottle on a day trip, and it's more comfortable to carry than a standard shoulder bag. The JanSport Half Pint is also durable, so it can easily be given a second life as mom's purse after a child graduates to a larger backpack. The pack is simple, with two storage areas and a front stash pocket; it has a key fob but no water-bottle pocket. The JanSport Half Pint is available in six colors and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Once your child starts carrying books and notebooks for school, a larger backpack such as the High Sierra Fat Boy (*Est. $30) is a better choice.

There are no professional sources covering the JanSport Half Pint, but we found more than 1,300 owner-written reviews on eBags.com, most of which offer praise for this multipurpose mini-pack. Another 50 opinions are found on Amazon.com.