Reviewers say the JanSport SuperBreak backpack is a great choice for kids from kindergarten and elementary school age through middle school — and even into high school. It’s attractive, durable and holds a surprising amount of school supplies without bulking up. Padded shoulder straps help to ramp up the comfort factor. The SuperBreak comes in a wide range of stylish colors and patterns and may be the only backpack your child ever needs.

The JanSport Big Student gets top marks from owners when it comes to packing and organizing a large quantity of gear; holding enough books, electronics and accessories for the busiest high school student. Ergonomic shoulder straps help distribute the load for maximum comfort. The Big Student comes in a wide variety of cool colors and designs. Like all JanSport backpacks, it carries a lifetime warranty.

For a college student, a sturdy backpack with secure storage for a laptop computer is virtually a must-have, and reviewers say the North Face Borealis more than delivers. The Borealis earns high praise for its comfort, durability and versatility. It’s also water-resistant, making it a good choice to tote electronics. Reviewers particularly like the headphone port and exterior water bottle holder. It comes in a variety of color combinations.

The L.L.Bean Rolling Deluxe Book Pack gets raves from reviewers for being comfortable to walk with and sturdy enough to carry everything your child needs. It gets high marks for durability, and many adults say they love it for travel. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns for a stylish, versatile wheeled bag. Although it’s wheeled, this bag also features padded shoulder straps for carrying like a traditional backpack.

With a slim design, waterproof construction, and a dedicated laptop compartment, the Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack is a great choice for any type of commuter. It will keep your important papers and electronics safe and dry, and features enough compartments and compression options so there’s no shifting of the load when you’re making a turn on your bike or navigating the subway stairs. The Timbuk2 Rogue is top-loading and comes in six colors.

Skip Hop Zoo backpacks are just the right size for a toddler or preschooler, with an exterior cup pocket that gets raves from moms and their kids. The padded shoulder straps are much appreciated for ramping up the comfort level. These backpacks come in 24 bright, kid-friendly animal styles. Reviewers say Skip Hop Zoo Packs are durable enough to last for multiple siblings, and will still look like new after a run through the washing machine.