Best Kids Backpacks and Trolley Bags

Every child needs a bag that fits them, whether it's a backpack for school and day trips or a trolley bag for holidays. The right one is light enough for small shoulders, sturdy enough for daily use and fun enough that your child wants to carry it.

This guide covers what to look for in each type, and highlights options from the kids luggage collection at Ideal Trader Luggage.

Backpack or Trolley Bag?

Choose a backpack if:

• Your child needs a bag for school, day trips or playdates

• You want something hands-free that's easy to carry on stairs and in crowds

• The load is light, such as books, a water bottle and a snack

Choose a trolley bag if:

• You're traveling by air, train or car for a few days or more

• Your child will be walking through airports or stations

• You want to avoid a heavy load on small shoulders

Many families choose both: a trolley bag for clothes and a small backpack for in-flight essentials.

Kids Trolley Bags

The kids luggage collection is built around fun, character-led trolley bags in two sizes.

18-inch 3D Square Luggage

These are described as imported, compact 18-inch bags ideal for kids. They're a good fit for younger children and short trips. The designs include:

• Unicorn

• Hello Kitty

• Panda 2.0

• Astronaut

• Crocodile 3D

20-inch Kids Luggage

The 20-inch bags give you extra room for longer trips. The listings describe an inner size, excluding wheels, with a length of 20 inches and a width of 14 inches. Check the product page for the full dimensions. The designs include:

• Kuromi

• Spider-Man

• Butterfly

• Unicorn

• Minion

• Barbie

Astro

The Astro is described as a children's trolley suitcase with a cute cartoon design, a small model suited to primary school children. It's another option if you'd like something outside the main character range.

Kids Backpacks

The kids luggage listings I reviewed focus on trolley bags. For backpacks, the backpack collection has everyday options that older children and teens may find suitable, though these aren't specifically labeled as kids' bags. Examples include:

• American Tourister Sest 2.0. It's made with fine polyester for lasting durability without excess weight, and it comes in blue, orange, black and grey.

• American Tourister Pazzo+. It's described as sleek and practical, and it comes in blue and green.

• American Tourister Brett. It's positioned as a bag that takes you from school to wherever your day goes next.

Always check the dimensions and capacity on the product page to make sure a backpack suits your child's size. A bag that's too big for a small child can strain their back and shoulders.

What to Look For

In a kids' trolley bag

1. Right size. An 18-inch bag suits younger children, and a 20-inch bag suits older ones. Match it to your child's height.

2. Light empty weight. Heavy luggage is hard for small hands to pull.

3. Smooth wheels. Easy-rolling wheels make the bag simpler to control.

4. Comfortable handle height. The handle should be easy to reach.

5. Easy zippers. Kids should be able to open and close the bag themselves.

6. A distinctive design. A bright, recognizable bag is easier to spot at the baggage belt.

In a kids' backpack

1. Padded, adjustable straps. Wide, cushioned straps spread the weight evenly.

2. A padded back panel for comfort and support.

3. Right capacity. Choose a size in proportion to your child's body.

4. Durable fabric. Kids are tough on bags, so check the material.

5. Simple organization. A few easy-to-reach pockets work better than many tiny ones.

6. Light weight. The bag itself shouldn't add to the load.

Tips for Using Kids' Bags

• Keep backpacks light. As a general rule, don't overload a child's backpack. Heavy loads can strain their back and shoulders.

• Wear both straps. A bag over one shoulder puts uneven pressure on a growing body.

• Let your child help pack. They'll feel involved and know where things are.

• Don't overfill the trolley bag. A heavy bag is hard for a child to pull.

• Add a name tag with your contact details.

• Check airline rules for size and weight before you travel.

A Note on Character Designs

Characters like Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, Minion and Kuromi make bags exciting for kids, and they're easy to recognize. Tastes change fast, though, so if you want a bag that lasts several years, consider more neutral designs like the Astronaut or Panda.

Availability

At the time of writing, many designs in the collection showed as sold out on the pages I reviewed, while the collection filter listed dozens of items in stock across further pages. Stock changes often, so check the collection for current availability.

Final Thoughts

The best kids' bag is one your child can carry or pull comfortably and is happy to use. A trolley bag in the right size makes family travel easier, and a well-fitted backpack covers school and day trips. Check dimensions, keep loads light and let your child pick a design they love.

Browse the kids luggage collection at Ideal Trader Luggage to compare current designs, sizes and availability.