How to Buy the Best Rolling Backpack for Kids and Our Top 5 Recommendations

When the beginning of classes is looming, your child may be excited not only because he’ll see his friends soon, but also because it’s that time of the year again when he’ll get to have new things for school, such as new shoes and bags. Treat your child with something that he will treasure, and who knows; he might not want to buy a new one next year, saving you some cash.

What he’ll probably like is a rolling backpack that is very versatile; it gives him the option to just pull it behind him, saving him the effort of having to carry it around. Apart from that, he is also saved from possible back and shoulder pains from having to carry too much heavy stuff.

A rolling backpack is advised for kids who are bringing more than what they could carry, such as books for every subject, binders, and other school supplies.

In short moments where he has to carry his bag, such as taking it up or down a few steps, or through a muddy path, he can use the shoulder straps attached with his bag, making it more efficient. If you’re convinced yet that you have to purchase a rolling backpack, see below for factors that should help you decide.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Kids Rolling Backpack

Before purchasing  a new kids rolling backpack, there are a few factors you need to consider when it comes to efficiency, functionality, and comfort.

Size

Bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes. To find the right one for your child, you need to determine how much your kid intends to put inside it. For example, if he’s going to use it for school, depending on what level he’s at, you might need more room for his books, notebooks, and other school stuff. It should also include snacks and packed lunch, as well as a change of clothes.

It’s also a great idea to get a roomy rolling backpack even if school stuff doesn’t require it; this is so you can use the bag for other occasions such as for travelling, camping, and sleepovers. This saves you the money of buying separate bags for all these activities.

Design

Kids would love to have eye-catching items, and this wouldn’t be an exemption when it comes to their rolling backpack. If you can, take your child with you when going shopping for bags so he can choose one that he really likes. This way, your child will treasure the bag and not fall out of love after only a few months’ use. If he loves it so much, he may use it for another year, and so on, helping you save some cash for more important purchases.

Purpose

As mentioned with the size, you’ll want to get a rolling backpack for your child that will cater to his varying activities, be it schooling, traveling, or camping. This may be a bit big if used only for a day’s visit to his grandparents; for this, consider getting a smaller backpack that will be enough for snacks and a change of clothes.

Comfort

When carried as a backpack, the rolling bag may have provisions for the handle to be removed so that it won’t be a bother when worn over the shoulder. This makes it more comfortable for the child and definitely much lighter. This type of transforming bag is good if you like to have some sort of a two-in-one bag that can be filled with school items or used for a light afternoon picnic.

If the handles can’t be taken out, find one that has thick covering for the metal. This is to ensure that the hard metal part won’t rub against the back of your child. Also, if you foresee that your child will often use it as a backpack rather than rolling luggage, ensure that the straps are made of comfortable materials, and are padded to give more support.

Wheels

When you have smaller children and smaller backpacks, a rolling backpack can be a simple solution. However, bigger kids may need something more substantial and something with larger wheels because of everything they will need to lug around with them. No matter what size kids rolling backpack you purchase, you want to make sure you get one with durable and high-quality wheels. You want your child to have both traction and stability on smooth surfaces.

Handle

Many rolling backpacks come equipped with telescopic handles. So, for younger people, you want to find a backpack with a handle that locks when it is fully extended. If the rolling backpack is for an older kid, then you want to find something with a sturdy handle that can hold heavier loads.

Extras

Does your child need to carry around a laptop or a tablet with them? Then you want to find a kids rolling backpack with a laptop compartment. Some also prefer to have multiple pockets for better organization of smaller items they have to carry around with them.

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

It’s roomy enough for all the stuff your child might need, and all the things inside are easily accessible. It comes in different colors and designs so your child, boy or girl, will use it with pride.

As you can see, this rolling backpack is the ideal choice for schoolchildren. It provides them with the comfort they need with an ergonomic S-shaped adjustable shoulder strap and air mesh cushioned back panel. The t-shaped telescopic handle is made from a high-density PU coated material and aluminum pipes for durability. The multi-stage lock feature allows the handle to lock while also allowing for different height adjustments when needed.

PROS

• Roomy compartments
• Allows for easy access
• Zipper finished inner lining
• Easily accessible front pocket organizer
• Bottom mold and durable wheels
• Reflective tape for increased visibility

CONS

• Some have reported handle breakage after continued usage
• May not fit in a standard school locker because of its size
• Some feel the handle is too short, even when fully extended

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Stephen Joseph Girls 2-6x Girl’s Rolling Backpack

This backpack comes in a variety of design options every kid will love including dinosaurs (as pictured above), airplane, girl horse, hot pink and lime green, llama, mermaid, owl, princess and castle, shark, sports, and unicorn.

This rolling backpack for kids is also carry on size, which makes it ideal for traveling. It has plenty of space to offer with multiple pockets for storage and organization, and it is incredibly easy to roll. The accessible zippered pockets also have fun designs, and the multiple outside compartments can keep your child’s most used items close at hand and easy to access.

Its durable and sturdy construction makes it a long-lasting backpack that can stand up to wear and tear. The wheels are sturdy, and the exterior hardware used in this backpack’s design makes it the perfect bag for school or travel.

PROS

• Designed for both fun and function
• Roomy main compartment
• Plenty of pockets for organization
• Carry on size
• Accessible exterior pockets
• Telescoping handle
• Durable polyester exterior

CONS

• Frame may not be 100% solid
• Handle doesn’t lock into place
• Sides of the backpack are not hard and less sturdy

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Kids Horse Rolling Roller Backpack / Suitcase / Dance Animal Bag

This bag is perfect for younger kids who still love their stuffed animals. Not only can this rolling backpack be used to carry around your child’s items, but it also makes a great new companion and toy for them as well! It is made with a high-quality plush fabric that is soft and cuddly. The wheels can also be completely removed when needed, and the soft backstraps allow your child to wear it as a backpack. The handle locks on both sides, keeping it steady for your child to roll around.

PROS

• Cute and cuddly design that doubles as a toy
• Can be used as a backpack
• Handlebar locks
• Cuddly toy comes off the backpack
• Roomy interior

CONS

• Material is a bit thin and might not hold up as well as other materials
• Not always easy to wheel around
• Backpack is small

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Rockland Rolling Backpack

This rolling backpack by Rockland comes in a variety of different colors, styles, and designs that both boys and girls will love. The bag is made from 100% polyester material which speaks volumes for its overall durability. It also features two zippered pockets on the front of the bag with one having a built-in organizer. It has heavy-duty plastic on the bottom of the bag to keep it standing and prevent it from falling over.

PROS

• Telescoping handle for easy maneuvering
• Side mesh panel for easy and convenient access
• Sturdy inline wheels for easy transport

CONS

• Some users reported that the wheels are very loose and sometimes wobble
• Wheels can sometimes also be loud

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Tilami Rolling Backpack with Pencil Case

This Tilami rolling backpack has adequate storage capacity, which means your child can hold as much as they need for school or travel. It has a multi-compartment design with differently sized pockets for organization of smaller items. Its impressive design is one of Tilami’s most well-known features.

When not in use, the straps should be put back into the concealed pockets of the rolling backpack. It has a uniquely designed wheel cover so you can keep your clothes clean when going from rolling the bag to wearing it on the back.

Tilami rolling backpacks are also outfitted with noiseless wheels that are made from a high-density material. The bag can be maneuvered easily and smoothly, both naturally and easily.

PROS

• High strength aluminum alloy rod with height adjustment capability
• Large multi-compartment design
• Longer side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella
• Noiseless, anti-wear wheels
• Wheel cover

CONS

• It is on the pricey side
• Some users question its overall durability

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Click here for different styles of the Tilami rolling backpack that your kids will love.

Conclusion

Whether you’re getting a rolling backpack for your child for school or travel purposes, make sure to get the best one suited to his needs. The basic things you should look at are: if it is enough to fit all the stuff he needs, if it’s designed the way he likes, and if it’s comfortable enough to be worn on his shoulders when needed.

Apart from these, also invest something that would last years of usage (or at least a school year) to save you money in the long run. Kids can be quite unforgiving when it comes to caring about their belongings, so the parents should mind it for them.