Rolling Backpacks for Kids

Textbooks are heavy. Add notebooks, pencil cases, other school supplies and lunch, and kids are easily bogged down by their heavily loaded backpacks. Not only are heavy backpacks difficult to carry, but they can also cause back pain to growing bodies. Enter the rolling backpack. These easy-to-maneuver backpacks on wheels have gained popularity in recent years, and have replaced traditional backpacks for both kids and adults. Rolling backpacks for kids are everywhere this back-to-school season. From built-to-last versions through L.L. Bean to basic cartoon character packs sold at discount department stores like Wal-Mart, every kid on the block should have one. Here are a few of this year's best rolling backpacks for kids.

Rolling Deluxe Book Pack - L.L. Bean, $63.96

L.L. Bean's products are built to last, designed for rugged outdoor use. Their backpacks are no exception, frequently standing up to heavy-duty wear for more than a decade. Though the price tag may seem steep for a children's backpack, this is more likely to be an investment - easily recouping the cost of 2-3 cheaper backpacks that give out after only a year. This bag is designed primarily for bigger kids, with L.L. Bean recommending ages 10 and up. This sturdy rolling backpack could easily follow your kid from middle school to their college years.

Thomas and Friends Toddle Rolling Backpack - Amazon, $22

One of many toddler rolling backpacks currently available in stores, this features friendly Shining Time Station train Thomas the Tank Engine. Though kids typically don't need to carry much to day care, preschool or kindergarten, having their own backpack to pull around can still help them feel like a "big kid." Included with this rolling backpack is a small water bottle, easily filled with water or juice to keep kids hydrated on the go.

Skooly Kid's Rolling Backpack - Walmart, $16

This rolling backpack is sized for elementary schoolers, and may be ideal for the little boy in your life. This bright cobalt and sky blue backpack is created from heavy-duty polyester, so it can stand up to a beating and still clean up well. There are a total of 5 pockets, to keep supplies and accessories neatly tucked into their own individual places. This backpack's attached handle extends to a height of 16.5", but can be tucked away for back carrying.

Disney Tinkerbell Large 15" Rolling Backpack - Amazon, $33.48

Disney princesses, Hello Kitty and other girly characters have popped up on rolling backpacks for kids. Peter Pan's fairy friend Tinkerbell appears on this one, complete with iridescent wings. This backpack features a double zipper main compartment, a front zipper pocket, and two Velcro-Closure side pockets. The handle extends 13" from the top of the backpack, for a total height of 2.5 feet. In addition to this bag, Amazon and other retailers have several other Tinkerbell backpacks in blue, black, purple and other shades of pink - if your little girl's a Tinkerbell fan, one's sure to catch her eye.

Plush Pull-a-Long Benjamin Bear Backpack - Target, $27

Plush rolling backpacks for kids are seemingly everywhere right now, with varieties for every animal in the zoo. This offering from Target is designed for ages 7 and up, and features a smiling brown bear. Though the soft plush texture and stuffed animal look are bound to be a hit with kids, this seems less-suited for everyday school use. With all the dirt and grime picked up on the bus, in the schoolyard and the cafeteria, this could quickly become dingy. Best to save this type of rolling backpacks for kids for dance class and trips to Grandma's.