By Leo Williams
Thinking of getting a new, cool school bag for your kid? You’re in the right place if so, as we’ve listed the best school bags in New Zealand for the academic year!
Of course, even with our selection to narrow down your choices, you may not know what to look for in a school bag if it’s your first time buying. Don’t worry, though, as we’ll go over the basics of picking a school bag too.
After that, you should be ready to see the best school bags in New Zealand for your kids. Feel free to leap straight to the list of bags if you already know how to pick one, however!
What to Look for in a School Bag
Here are the fundamentals you need to consider before getting a school bag:
1) Comfort
A comfortable bag is great as it can help prevent shoulder or back pain for your child. If it’s not comfortable, it should be changed, as this can affect his/her health negatively.
Hence, you should look for those with a soft and comfortable back (these are often padded). In addition, it helps to have padded and adjustable straps, so you can be certain it perfectly fits your kid’s body size.
2) Design
There are a vast range of backpack designs available online or in-store. Take note that it’s not all about looks, though.
Design can affect the bag’s function as well. One example would be the sleek S-curved shoulder strap design — these straps are actually more comfortable and easier to wear over the shoulders than regular options.
3) Price
Let’s say this right now: you don’t need to spend a lot just to get a decent bag.
You can find a lot of affordable options for bags that offer great value. It’s better than getting something that’s expensive and isn’t what your kid likes or feels comfortable with.
4) Compartments
Usually, more compartments are better. It allows the user to keep things organised.
There are backpacks that have only one compartment for simplicity, but it’s not generally recommended for kids. In that situation, chances are high that the kid will take longer to find something in the bag.
Ask your kids what they’d prefer here, though. While it depends on your kid’s preference, remind them that a multi-pocketed backpack is a big help in that it keeps things more organised and protected (from, say, becoming wet or dirtied).
5) Lightness
A lighter backpack is advisable — especially for kids, since they have growing bodies. That doesn’t mean lack of durability, mind you: some of the most durable backpack materials now are very light too.
What matters is that the empty bag isn’t too heavy by itself. A heavy bag will only become heavier when packed, and that strain the back and shoulders.
The Best School Bags in New Zealand
Now that we’ve talked about the basics of choosing a bag that suits your specific kid or situation, allow us to present to you the best school bags in New Zealand!
1) Smiggle Flow Backpack
Best Overall Backpack
Price: $40.19
School fashion has never been more stylish than with the Smiggle Flow Backpack. Flow is the brand’s nifty collection that includes pencil cases, tumblers, lunchboxes and drawstring bags.
With a cool colour scheme and comfortable padded shoulder straps, your little one will be the star of the day with this bag. He’ll be sure to gain compliments and friends, making it more fun for him to go to school.
It sports 3 compartments to carry snacks, accessories, notes, art supplies, face towels, books, as well as the ability to carry a 15-inch laptop safely and securely.
Not too garish or bright, your kiddo will never tire of the sporty design. And there’s also a small noticeable detail of a football zipper if they’re at all into the sport.
Along the way, if your kid gets thirsty, they have double bottle sleeves on the bag too — ready for taking a sip to rehydrate and re-energise to be able to participate in school discussions.
Highlights
- Nifty and stylish
- 3 roomy compartments
- 15-inch laptop holder
- Dual bottle sleeves
- Comes with a variety of colours
2) Jansport Big Student Style
Best for Bigger Students
Price: $109.95
For highschool or college students with lots of books and stuff to carry, the Jansport Big Student Style is a great choice. It features plenty of pockets to carry various items, from a ballpoint pen to digital instruments.
For instance, it has a front utility pocket for quick storage of change or coins, bubble gum, stapler and glue. You can place folded clothing, books, brochures and a laptop in the bigger compartments.
There have been many oversized bags that sacrifice looks for capacity… but not this one, as it is cleverly designed so you can carry a lot of things and look good at the same time.
Another highlight is found in its S-curved shoulder straps and the fully padded back for style and comfort. The web haul handle also provides easy lifting during your class or when you put it inside the locker.
As for the cosmic design, it’s very cool. Kids will be proud to carry it around, whether to class or to an exciting urban trip.
There’s no doubt that the Jansport Big Student Style is a best-seller in the Jansport store, which is why we also included it in our list of the best school bags in New Zealand!
Highlights
- Groovy oversized bag
- Comfortable to carry
- Large spaces for your items and accessories
- S-curved shoulder straps
- Fully padded back
- Includes a 15” laptop compartment
- Provides you a lifetime warranty
Customer Reviews
Most of the reviewers on Jansport’s online store have been happy with the rucksack. They noted its comfort and space as its strong points.
One customer, Katie F, posted her feedback:
“There are heaps of pockets and compartments which is great. There has been one spill already but it was contained to one compartment due to the robust construction. Cleaned up easily too. Great design too!”
3) Dakine Hana Pack Vista
Best for Girls Backpack
Price: $79
If you like a backpack that is simple but fashionable, then the Dakine Hana Pack Vista is for you. It sells for a price that is reasonable and won’t break the bank despite being made like a high-end bag.
With a fabric made of 600-denier polyester, it can endure the rigors and stresses of everyday use to be long-lasting. Furthermore, it’s resistant to shrinking and fading.
It has the adventurer in mind with a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, making it neat to take with you in the sunny outdoors like sightseeing, hiking, camping or simply visiting a friend’s house.
Its compartments have ample space for the essentials. In addition, there’s also a mesh pocket on the side to hold a bottle of water to quench your thirst.
On top of that, this bag is lightweight and comfortable to carry, whether for that bike ride on the way to school or university. Thus, the Dakine Hana Pack Vista is certainly one of the best school bags in New Zealand you can get.
Highlights
- Made of 600-denier hard-wearing polyester
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Simple but fashionable styling
- Contains a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket
- Organised division of compartments
- Affordable price point
4) JWORLD New York Cornelia Backpack Prizm
Best in Design
Price: $65
See It Here On Yum Yum Kids Store
Colourful mosaic patterns, Rubix cube (sort of) and creativity-inspired — who doesn’t love JWORLD New York’s Cornelia Backpack? This is your child or teen’s ticket to unique style and abounding comfort.
It’s actually a large backpack that can hold your items, gadgets, lunchboxes, books, binders and clothing. The front compartment lets you insert items with no fuss.
This bag offers comfort for your child’s back and shoulders. Dual mesh holders allow the sports-loving child to hydrate and replenish his energy by offering ample space for protein bars and drink bottles.
The Cornelia backpack is suitable for taking to school, sports, hangouts, libraries, family outings and picnics. It’s akin to beautiful but functional art you carry around, and your kid will surely like it!
Highlights
- Artistic and unique design
- Large backpack with multiple pockets
- Comfortable for the back and shoulders
- Dual mesh bottle holders
- Versatile and water-resistant
Customer Reviews
Although one user has pointed out that the mesh tends to wear easily, others have raved about the backpack being able to hold up so well even after a school year or two. They also said that it’s very comfortable to carry.
One Amazon customer, Merk_man reviewed this backpack. He wrote:
“I was waiting for closer to the end of the school year to rate this. I have to say that it has held up amazingly well. No signs of tearing, no stress on the seams (she loads it full) and the color still looks new. Looks like it will not only survive this school year but next as well.”
5) Spider-Man School Backpack
Best for Budget Backpack
Price: $49
Want something cool, sturdy, and cheap? Get this awesome wall-crawler’s graffiti-styled backpack for your little one. Besides the cool design, it can hold books and necessities, and two water or juice bottles on the sides.
It also comes with a soft padded back that makes it easy to carry. With the adjustable strap, you can get this backpack to be just the right fit for your child.
Materials used are polyester and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which explains its durable and water-resistant properties. And that’s all for $17 — totally worth it!
The design is very eye-catching as well. It can be the perfect gift for your child or nephew and will make them very happy!
Highlights
- Made of durable polyester and PVC
- Awesome Spiderman design
- Light to carry and comfortable
- Adjustable straps
- Mesh water bottle holders
- Value for money
Customer Reviews
Most of the customers from Kmart have been happy with the purchase for their kids. They said that the Spiderman backpack had lots of room to carry clothing, lunch and books. The pricing has been great for them also.
Cheynie S. wrote a great review:
“This is surprisingly a really great quality bag considering the low price. The bag is sturdy and is the perfect size to hold everything that my son needs for his first year at school. Spiderman is a bonus!”
6) Unicorn Kids School Bags
Best for Fabulous Design
Price: $59.90
Sale Price: $49.90
The Unicorn Kids School Bags combines function and form excellently. It features a fabulous unicorn design and various accompanying motifs suited for its magical theme.
It’s made from lightweight and durable material, as well as reinforced stitching. It has an air mesh cushioned bag, sternum strap, and padded grips which ensures that carrying it won’t be an issue.
Best of all, it is waterproof. Your child won’t need to worry about losing or damaging their stuff if they’re using this bag.
Highlights
- High visibility
- Waterproof
- Padded ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps
- Comes in black, blue, and pink
And that’s all for the best school bags in New Zealand. These backpacks are not only rad but are also comfortable and convenient for your kids to carry.
Have you found anything you liked or think we should add in this list? Tell us all about it by dropping us a line, and we’ll get right back to you.
Other than that, you may like to see the best booster seats in New Zealand! While you’re driving your kids to school, these will be great options for keeping your child safe and sound in the car.