14 Top-Rated Back-to-School Backpacks for Under $50

By John Davisson

The start of school is just around the corner—that's Monday, Aug. 26 in Howard County—which for many students means it's time to buy a new backpack.

There's a dizzying array of options out there, so to make life a little easier for parents and students, we've collected a few of the top-rated book bags on Amazon.com for less than $50, excluding shipping, handling, and tax. 

The prices listed are current as of Aug. 2, 2013. Note that some models may cost more in patterns and colors other than the ones specified below. Some are also eligible for free shipping.

For your pre-schooler or elementary schooler, there's:

• Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack (owl): $19.95
• Crocodile Creek Butterfly Backpack (butterfly): $26.14
• O3 Kid's All-in-One Pre-School Backpack (race car):$29.99
• Dora the Explorer Map & Plush Backpack (purple): $11.70

And for older students—or really anyone at all—there's:

• JanSport Big Student Classics Series Daypack (forge grey): $49.99
• Dakine Girls Prom Back Pack (sheba): $39.96
• Jansport Big Student Backpack (black): $35.74
• High Sierra Swerve Backpack (jade): $44.99
• JanSport Wasabi Backpack (black/white/pink): $39.95
• High Sierra Loop Backpack (white/teal): $34.99
• Quiksilver Men's Schoolie Backpack (surf): $36.00
• Dakine Factor Pack (stencil): $37.95
• Jansport Mesh Back Pack (black): $29.95-$32.88
• Otium 21101 Canvas Backpack Rucksack (khaki): $40.99

As for other back-to-school apparel, you may want to hit the stores and take advantage of Maryland's Tax-Free Week, which runs Aug. 11-17, 2013. Backpacks aren't eligible for the sales tax break, but most clothing and footwear under $100 is.