Backpacks are a back-to-school staple. But multiple classes and extracurriculars can mean lots of textbooks and supplies — and the weight of these items can start to get overbearing.
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional backpack with shoulder straps, a rolling backpack could be a great option as it can take the weight off your back (literally). I consulted experts on how heavy backpacks can impact students and whether rolling backpacks are a safer option. Plus, I share the best rolling backpacks based on their guidance.
The best rolling backpacks of 2026
I rounded up highly-rated rolling backpacks, all of which are in line with our experts’ guidance (more on that later). I also note the dimensions, capacity in liters and the age recommendations for each pick so that you can choose the best option for your unique needs.
Best overall
Designed for kids ages 8 and older, this J World rolling backpack is my overall pick thanks to its durable ripstop polyester fabric and rubber bottom that can withstand being dragged on hard floors and pavement, according to the brand. It also comes with two mesh side pockets for water bottles and its front pocket organizer has a key clip, pen holders, card slots and an internal zipper to keep small items safe.
The highly-rated backpack, which is available in more than 40 kid-friendly designs and patterns, including Safari, Dandelion and Purple Galaxy.
Best budget
If you’re looking for a good-quality rolling backpack for less than $50, this Rockland option is your pick. It’s made from durable water-resistant polyester and has a heavy-duty plastic stand on the bottom to keep it upright. Its handle is extendable, and the bag has pockets galore to keep your water bottle, notebooks, toiletries and personal items organized. You can choose from several patterns and designs, including polka dots, pink chevron, multi-colored hearts and blue leopard.
Best for travel
This durable waterproof rolling backpack is ideal for both travel or work. It has a large pocket on the front with even smaller pockets on the inside. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and one for a tablet, and the middle compartment has a mesh pocket for books and more. The main compartment also has a space for folded clothing, making the backpack ideal for short trips. It has a pocket on the side for a water bottle and you can hide the handle on top when you’re not rolling it.
Most durable
This backpack is made from water- and mold-resistant canvas that keeps it in good shape despite long days at school, according to the brand. Its spacious main compartment has a double zipper closure for extra security and a double-zippered front pocket with another mesh pocket, a built-in organizer and key ring to keep smaller essentials in one place.
The backpack has four additional pockets on the front and three side pockets for even more storage. Though it’s spacious and holds a lot, it’s still compact enough to fit underneath most airline seats so you can use it as a personal item when you’re flying. It’s available in several colors, including navy, burgundy and black.
Best for toddlers
Your toddler can carry this small dinosaur backpack by hand, strap it on their back or roll it around using the small handle. It has one large compartment and a smaller padded front pouch, as well as two mesh pockets on either side to hold a water bottle. The back panel is padded for comfort and it has two zippers to allow you to open it in either direction or to zip it all the way open to fill or remove things. The small size makes it ideal for toddlers up to three years old.
Best for elementary school kids
The Twise Side-Kick is designed for young children between the ages of 3 and 9 years old and comes in several animal-inspired designs, including dinosaurs, penguins and giraffes. It has a padded grip handle, two side pockets for water bottles and a front pocket organizer with a pencil holder, key fob and zipper pocket. The backpack, made from water-resistant polyester, also has a cushioned back for comfort when you use it as a traditional backpack, according to the brand.
Best for middle and high school kids
The JanSport Driver 8 is the brand’s classic backpack silhouette on wheels. It comes in several colors and patterns and has a padded handle, a padded back panel and shoulder straps that you can tuck away. It also has multiple compartments, including two main ones to store larger supplies, a laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket with an organizer for pens and pencils, a front stash pocket for smaller items and a side water bottle pocket.
Best personalized
You can personalize this rolling backpack to display your child’s name, which can help teachers, school staff and other students identify them during the first few days of school and return it if it gets lost. It’s made from a durable and water-resistant material and can be carried on the back as well, according to the brand. You can also purchase a matching lunch box and water bottle, both of which you can also put your name on.
Best with lunchbox
This rolling backpack and lunch box matching set comes in more than 30 kid-friendly designs, including Cherries, Galaxy, and Dinosaur. The lunch box has a strap that attaches to the backpack’s handle. There are multiple compartments, including a main pocket, a middle pocket, a front pocket to store notebooks and a small top-front pocket for smaller items like glasses and headphones.
Best water-resistant
This water-resistant backpack can be personalized with your teen’s name or initials for a custom feel. It also has four exterior pockets, a laptop compartment, a cinch mesh pocket on the side to hold a water bottle and a durable plastic base to keep it from getting scratched and damaged, according to the brand.
Best with multiple carry modes
You can carry this backpack in three ways: as a backpack, a roller or a weekender (duffel). It has a laptop sleeve, water bottle holder and a zip-pocket for all your smaller necessities. When it comes to comfort, this roller backpack has padded shoulder straps that tuck away when you’re not using them, an aluminum handle for rolling with two height options, an adjustable sternum strap and rollerblade-inspired wheels that glide with ease, according to the brand. This option fits a lot without adding too much weight to your back, according to reviewers at Bagsmart.
How I picked the best rolling backpacks
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a student’s backpack should not exceed 15 percent of their body weight due to concerns of discomfort and risk of injury to muscles and joints. “Our backs house some of the strongest muscles in our body. But add food, schoolbooks, electronics and an assortment of other items, and the weight can add up quickly,” says Shai Karpf, the owner and directing physician at North Broward Chiropractic & Wellness.
When compiling all the products in this list, here are some factors Karpf recommended I consider:
- Weight distribution: Backpacks with multiple storage compartments help distribute weight to alleviate wrist, back, elbow or shoulder pain.
- Wheels: Each rolling backpack we list has wheels and handles that make moving it around easy and stress-free, especially in a busy environment like school.
- Capacity and dimensions: We included options that can fit a lot without making the bag overly heavy. Also, each option below is fit to use at school, work and while traveling, with age recommendations ranging from toddlers to adults.
What to consider when shopping for rolling backpacks
When shopping for a rolling backpack to avoid back pain, experts recommend taking these following factors into consideration:
- Size and storage: Rolling backpacks should offer a main compartment and multiple pockets to help kids store their school supplies, water bottles and smaller essentials like keys, pencils and more.
- Comfort: Our experts say that rolling backpacks might be hard to take up and down the stairs or on uneven surfaces, so consider a multifunctional option that can be rolled and worn on the shoulders. Also, look for padded shoulder straps, padded backs, a grip handle for comfort and an adjustable handle that can conform to your one’s size and height (though keep in mind the manufacturer’s age recommendations).
- Durability: Look for backpacks made from durable, water-resistant fabrics like polyester, canvas and nylon. And because kids are dragging around their rolling backpacks for hours each day, you should consider a rubber bottom that helps prevent it from getting tears, scratches or other damage.
Frequently asked questions
Heavy backpacks are all too common, and they can take a toll when students carry them around for eight or more hours at school every day. Carrying a heavy backpack can put a strain on the spine and shoulders, potentially causing short-term effects like soreness and fatigue and long-term bad habits like slouching and poor posture, according to experts I spoke to.
“The back will compensate for any load applied to it for an extended period of time,” says Dr. Jill Noble, the division director of general pediatrics at the University of Michigan Health and Dr. Ingrid Ichesco, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Health in a joint email response. “There is no evidence that structural spinal deformity can result from backpack use. There is little chance a child or teen will be permanently injured by carrying a heavy backpack.”
Rolling backpacks can be a great alternative to traditional backpacks since they “put the weight on the wheels instead of on your musculoskeletal system,” says Karpf. This is helpful for children experiencing discomfort from lugging their backpacks at school every day. It can also be a good option for those who do extracurricular activities or walk home from school.
Meet our health experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Shai Karpf is a chiropractor and the owner and directing physician at North Broward Chiropractic & Wellness in Coconut Creek, Florida.
- Dr. Jill Noble is a board-certified pediatrician and the division director of general pediatrics at the University of Michigan Health.
- Dr. Ingrid Ichesco is a board-certified pediatrician and a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics who specializes in sports medicine at the University of Michigan Health.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m an editor at NBC Selected who covers wellness, skin care, hair care and more. I’ve written about the best scar creams, treating teen acne and more. For this article, I spoke to three experts about the benefits of rolling backpacks and how to shop for the best ones.
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