The Best Backpacks for Back to School

Backpacks Unpacked

It’s an essential part of every kid’s school kit. Which unisex backpacks score style points, and which will hold every last book?

By Aja Mangum
Published Aug 14, 2005

Burberry, $1,200
Chic wool pack comes with a drawstring closure, which reduces storage space up top. Best for show and light-homework days (9 E. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-407-7100).

Ghurka, $395
Woven cotton twill with leather trim for the prep-school sophisticate. Rather small—when cramming for finals, expect to carry some books in hand (683 Madison Ave., nr. 62nd St.; 212-826-8300).

Coach, $298
Black nylon can easily be wiped down, and leather bottom dresses it up. Subtle style is complemented by top handle, back support, and ample pockets. (At Coach stores; coach.com.)

Go Go Gear, $125
If weight is a concern, this pack has luggage-style wheels. They’re not detachable, but there’s a shoulder strap, and the canvas is light. (At Infinity, 1116 Madison Ave., at 83rd St.; 212-517-4232.)

Viv Pickle, $70
Let the kids design their own pack from fifteen styles, 150 fabrics and linings, then add pockets, zippers, and trim. Five-week turnaround (238 W. 10th St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-924-0444).

Jansport, $65
The Airlift 1.1 has comfy jelly inserts in the shoulder straps and an interior flap that holds in overspill books. (At Morris Brothers, 2322 Broadway, at 84th St.; 212-724-9000.)

Victorinox, $59.95
The most comfortable pack, with squishy rubber shoulder straps and a flexible yet sturdy foam back. (At Paragon Sporting Goods, 867 Broadway, at 18th St.; 212-255-8036.)

L.L. Bean, $49
If the loud Hawaiian print isn’t visible enough, there’s a reflective stripe and piping that glows under battery power. A cord port gives easy headphone access (llbean.com).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Athletech, $14.99
Generic style jazzed up with a water bottle, detachable cell-phone case, CD holder, and school I.D. tag. (At Kmart, 770 Broadway, at Astor Pl.; 212-673-1540.)