Eh -- my first grader at ATS used a wheeled backpack, as did a lot of the kids. It depends on the school and teacher -- maybe ask some neighbors what their kids use? She started K with a regular size backpack from Lands End, but it became too heavy for her -- she uses a Planet Box lunch box also - and so we bought her a PB wheeled backpack this spring. Both held up well.

My youngest started K with the standard size backpack from Garnet Hill (not the jr size). It was a little big at the time, but it lasted for 3 years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a special shop in Diagon Alley that sells magic backpacks for snowflakes in Arlington County. You must be there on 8/18 at 8:00pm. The door only opens for the wise. Good luck.

I think I love you.

+1000

When my oldest started K in FCPS, they wanted a bag that was big enough to fit their coat as they put the coats in the bags in their cubbies. Also, keep in mind that a good deal of Kindergarten artwork is large, so we found a regular size one worked well. We bought the Critter packs from LLBean, and all 3 of my children have done well with those. My oldest, who is a rising 6th grader now did not replace his until 4th grade, and only because he wanted a new style.

My child went to Arlington public kinder. I honestly can't recall what back pack he had, but I think it was blue.

I would ask your child his or her favorite color and get that one.

The main thing about all APS schools is that wheeled backpacks won't fit in the lockers. So no wheels!

My kids love their Pottery Barn Kids backpacks, but they're in private, not APS, so I guess our opinions don't count!

LLBean backpack 'junior'

I would choose the smallest one that can hold something the dimensions of a school folder along with a couple of library books. They carry a folder frequently, and not much else until the end of the year when a variety of things are sent home.

Anonymous wrote:There is a special shop in Diagon Alley that sells magic backpacks for snowflakes in Arlington County. You must be there on 8/18 at 8:00pm. The door only opens for the wise. Good luck.

I think I love you.

There is a special shop in Diagon Alley that sells magic backpacks for snowflakes in Arlington County. You must be there on 8/18 at 8:00pm. The door only opens for the wise. Good luck.

My daughter is about to start K in Arlington County. Any thoughts on the best backpack for a smallish kiddo?