Herschel Heritage Backpack Youth review

The Herschel Heritage Backpack Youth is the most kid-specific full-size pack on this list. Herschel sizes it for 8 to 12 year olds and gives it details aimed at school days: a wipeable liner on the front, bottom and side panels, an external name label, a mesh water bottle pocket that expands, and a removable sternum strap that keeps the padded shoulder straps from sliding off narrow shoulders. A floating sleeve fits a 13 in. or 14 in. laptop. The 26 L body measures 16.93 x 12.01 x 5.91 in., weighs 1.15 lbs and is made from 100% recycled 600D polyester, excluding trims. Herschel covers its bags with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against material and manufacturing defects and offers 30-day returns. At $55.00 it costs $10 more than the JanSport SuperBreak Plus and fits a smaller laptop, which is why it ranks second. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the pack.

Who it is for

kids aged 8 to 12 who want a classic style

Price

$55.00 on Herschel's US store as of November 2026.

Heritage Backpack | Youth - 26L Regular price $55.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Sized for ages 8 to 12, 26 L volume
• Floating sleeve fits a 13 in. or 14 in. laptop
• Removable webbing sternum support strap and padded shoulder straps
• Mesh water bottle pocket that expands to fit different sizes
• Wipeable front, bottom and side panel liner and an external name label

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 100% recycled 600D polyester shell, excluding trims
• Strength: Herschel lists a Limited Lifetime Warranty against material and manufacturing defects
• Strength: 30-day return policy
• Weakness: Laptop sleeve fits 13 in. to 14 in., smaller than the JanSport's 15 in.
• Weakness: Costs $10 more than the JanSport SuperBreak Plus
• Weakness: Weighs 1.15 lbs, heavier than the JanSport

Key facts

• Price: $55.00
• Ages: 8 to 12
• Capacity: 26 L
• Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.01 x 5.91 in.
• Weight: 1.15 lbs
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Where it ranks

Herschel Heritage Backpack Youth is No. 2 in our Best Kids Backpacks verdict.