Backpacks
Power through your day—be it travel, commuting, or school—with a sturdy and comfortable backpack that effortlessly accommodates all your essentials. Whether you’re embarking on an adventurous backpacking journey across breathtaking landscapes, working remotely from a serene hilltop, commuting to classes, or simply running errands around town, selecting the right backpack transforms into an essential accessory for all your endeavors. Head over to Target.com to explore an extensive selection including durable kids‘ backpacks, versatile adaptive backpacks, sleek laptop backpacks, spacious travel backpacks, handy daypacks, computer backpacks, and overnight bags. Whether you need to carry a 12-inch tablet or an 18-inch laptop, you’ll find the perfect fit tailored to your needs.
Kids’ Backpacks & School Backpacks
The start of a new school year signifies a crucial time for kids to get a new backpack, a must-have item that graces every school checklist. Target presents a wide variety of options, ranging from basic school backpacks to enchanting character-themed bags and adaptive backpacks designed for special needs children. You can easily sort your search by school year, whether it’s for pre-k, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, or high school, ensuring that your child has the perfect backpack for their academic journey. The ideal backpack simplifies the transportation of daily necessities; multiple compartments, built-in slip pockets, mesh pockets, and side pockets are specially designed to help keep everything organized for school, day camp, or after-school activities. An expandable sleeve, padded laptop pocket, or tablet sleeve ensures the safety of gadgets, while the outer zipper pocket provides quick access to essentials like stationery or lip gloss. Professionally crafted adjustable shoulder straps, complete with ergonomic padding, make it incredibly easy for kids to carry, even during their most action-packed school days. A convenient front flap pocket offers additional space for a lunchbox, ensuring your child won’t forget their lunch at home.
Adult Backpacks & Daypacks
A comfortable and stylish backpack has become an indispensable accessory for everyday travel or commuting. It’s the only companion you’ll require to carry everything essential for your urban nomadic lifestyle. A robust laptop backpack featuring a dedicated laptop sleeve is indispensable, keeping your tech secure during daily travels via trains, subways, or buses. Designed to accommodate laptops up to 17 inches, these backpacks come complete with capacious compartments and multiple side and mesh pockets, ensuring you can easily store your keys, phone, wallet, and stationery without the hassle of searching through a cluttered front pocket when time is of the essence.
Water-repellent, weather-resistant, and abrasion-resistant designs provide an extra layer of security, protecting your files and gadgets during unpredictable weather conditions. Traveling by air and looking for convenience? Opt for a ScanSmart backpack, designed to be checkpoint-friendly, allowing you to glide effortlessly through airport security. Additionally, anti-theft features such as RFID-blocking safeguard your essentials and identity against theft. With top-loading main compartments that feature luggage pass-through capability at the back, packing and going has never been easier. A larger travel laptop backpack becomes an invaluable accessory for business trips, seminars, and presentations. Padded shoulder straps ensure carrying remains comfortable, while a water bottle holder allows for hands-free convenience throughout your travels. Even better, a built-in USB port ensures your devices are always charged and ready to go.
A spacious daypack complete with a dedicated laptop compartment also makes an excellent carry-on option for overnight trips. There is ample room to pack a change of clothes, a towel, and sunblock for delightful beach outings or weekend getaways to the countryside for picnics, or simply to complete your errands.
Hiking Backpacks
Embark on outdoor adventures and chase after excitement with a lightweight yet spacious hiking pack, designed to carry all the essentials you need for a day in nature. Your city daypack or older backpack may not be equipped for this challenge. It’s time to gear up with a specially designed hiking backpack that’ll support your every step. These backpacks offer hands-free comfort, along with enough space to fit your tent and supplies as you journey up mountains or explore scenic trails.
Multiple pockets, including a hydration pocket, allow you to keep water bottles, snacks, or sunscreen within easy reach. External webbing provides the means to secure items while also giving you the option to attach extra gear. Constructed with durable, water-resistant fabric, these backpacks ensure you can keep going, even when faced with unpredictable weather.
Check out Target.com or visit your local Target store to browse through a diverse range of designs and discover the ideal backpack, tote, or travel bag tailored to suit your unique lifestyle.
How can commuters select the right backpack to meet their daily travel needs?
**Interview with Backpacking Expert, Julia Hart**
**Editor (E):** Julia, thanks for joining us today! With the new school year upon us and the ongoing interest in travel, backpacks are on everyone’s mind. What are some must-have features for kids’ backpacks this season?
**Julia Hart (JH):** Thanks for having me! For kids, comfort and organization are key. Look for backpacks with multiple compartments, slip pockets, and mesh pockets to keep everything organized for school or activities. It’s also important that they have adjustable straps with ergonomic padding – this makes it easier for kids to carry them throughout their busy days. You can find great options at places like Target, which cater to different ages and needs, including adaptive backpacks for children with special requirements [[1](https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-backpacking-backpacks/)].
**E:** That sounds essential! Now, what about adult backpacks? How can they accommodate the needs of daily commuters?
**JH:** Adult backpacks are designed to be both stylish and functional. A robust laptop backpack with a dedicated sleeve is crucial for commuting, especially for those traveling by trains or buses. Look for features like weather-resistant materials, multiple storage compartments, and anti-theft features such as RFID-blocking to keep your belongings secure. ScanSmart designs are increasingly popular as they’re checkpoint-friendly, making air travel a breeze [[1](https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-backpacking-backpacks/)].
**E:** Speaking of travel, there are so many options for backpacking enthusiasts nowadays. What are some top recommendations in that area?
**JH:** For serious backpackers, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65 are fantastic choices for carrying loads of over 35 pounds comfortably. If someone is looking for something lighter but still very capable, the Osprey Exos 58 or Eja 58 offer great ventilation and comfort. For those who prioritize ultralight travel, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 excels in that department. These backpacks are engineered for longer trips while ensuring comfort across various terrains [[1](https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-backpacking-backpacks/)].
**E:** That’s great advice! In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake people make when choosing a backpack?
**JH:** The biggest mistake is not considering their specific needs and how they plan to use the backpack. Whether you’re a student, a daily commuter, or a backpacker, your requirements will differ significantly. It’s important to select a backpack that suits your activities—whether that’s the size, the number of compartments, or the type of materials—and to try it on if possible to ensure it fits comfortably [[1](https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-backpacking-backpacks/)].
**E:** Excellent tips, Julia! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
**JH:** My pleasure! Happy backpack shopping to everyone!