Finding the right backpack online is easy, but sometimes you need to try it on. Visit your local Academy Sports + Outdoors to feel the materials, test the zippers, and have one of our team members help you get the perfect fit. You can also order online and enjoy fast, free Pick Up at a store near you.
If you're gearing up for another school year, planning a weekend trip, or hitting the trail, then Academy has the perfect backpack you need for your next adventure. We carry a huge selection of durable backpacks from top brands like JanSport, The North Face, and Magellan Outdoors, ensuring you find the right fit, function, and style. From school backpacks with laptop sleeves to rugged hunting packs, we've got your back.
How to Choose the Right Backpack
Finding the right backpack can make any journey more comfortable. Whether you're carrying textbooks across campus or gear through the woods, this guide will help you decide.
What is the best type of backpack for my activity?
The best backpack is designed for its primary use. A school backpack prioritizes organization and device protection, while a hiking pack focuses on comfort and weight distribution for long-distance wear.
For School + Campus: Look for multiple compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and durable polyester or nylon fabric.
For Travel: Choose a carry-on size backpack (around 40L) with easy-to-access pockets and lockable zippers.
For Hiking: Prioritize a lightweight design with a supportive hip belt, a hydration-ready reservoir sleeve, and a ventilated back panel.
For Hunting + Tactical Use: Select a pack with MOLLE webbing for attachments, quiet materials, and a frame designed to carry heavy loads.
What is the best size backpack for my child’s age?
The most common mistake is buying a pack that is too large. A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child's torso.
For Toddlers & Pre-K: Choose a “mini” pack (8–10L). It should hold a change of clothes and a snack without weighing them down.
For Elementary School: A standard small-to-medium pack (12–18L) is ideal. Ensure it fits a standard folder without bending the corners.
For Middle School: As workloads increase, look for 20–25L capacities with dedicated tech sleeves for school-issued tablets or laptops.
Is there a difference between “Boys'” and “Girls'” backpacks?
While many brands categorize by color or pattern, the technical differences are often minimal for children's sizes.
Fit: Most kids' packs are “unisex.” The “Girls'” version may sometimes feature a slightly shorter torso length or narrower shoulder bridges, but the best approach is to measure your child's back from the tops of the shoulders to the waistline.
Style: Let the child choose the aesthetic to encourage them to take ownership of their gear, but ensure the parent checks the denier (fabric thickness) and zipper quality first.
What features help a kid's backpack last the whole year?
Kids are notoriously hard on gear. Look for these “durability markers” before buying:
Reinforced Bottoms: Look for a “boot” made of heavier fabric or water-resistant material at the base, as backpacks spend a lot of time on gym floors and bus aisles.
Oversized Zippers: Smaller plastic zippers tend to snag or break. Look for sturdy, easy-to-pull zippers that a child can operate without frustration.
Reflective Safety Strips: Since many kids walk to school or wait for buses in the early morning, built-in reflectivity is a vital safety feature for visibility to drivers.
Different adventures call for different gear. Our collection is organized in a way that you can easily find the backpack with the right features for your day.
School + Campus Backpacks
Built to handle the daily grind, school backpacks combine classic style with modern function. Key features include padded 15” or 17” laptop compartments, water bottle pockets, and organizer panels for pens and essentials. Durable fabrics ensure they last from the first day of school to final exams.
Travel + Carry-On Backpacks
Make your journey smoother with a dedicated travel backpack. Sized to meet most airline carry-on requirements, these backpacks often feature clamshell openings for easy packing, TSA-friendly laptop compartments, and hidden pockets for security. They offer the portability of a backpack with the capacity of a small suitcase.
Hiking + Daypacks
Engineered for comfort on the move, hiking daypacks are lightweight, supportive, and ready for the elements. Look for features like adjustable chest and hip straps to distribute weight, compatibility with hydration reservoirs, and external loops for trekking poles or gear.
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