Back to school: The best recommended bags for the upcoming school year

As the school year approaches, we teamed up with parents and children to check out a variety of school and kindergarten bags, focusing on comfort, usability, and design.

ModanModan has launched a new line of trendy bags for the upcoming school year, featuring an orthopedic system. As in previous years, the highlight is the orthopedic bag for young students, combining the Air Flex Bag system with shoulder cushions and lower back support. The bag features a rigid orthopedic back and a firm base for comfortable carrying and back health. This year's designs include 3D soccer graphics, Sonic, Rainbow Unicorn, Barbie, Hello Kitty, ice cream, gamer themes, spaceships, basketballs, hearts, and more. You can purchase a matching pencil case or buy the full package, which includes the orthopedic bag, a trolley cart, matching pencil case, rain cover, and a wristwatch. Another package offers the orthopedic bag, trolley cart, pencil case, water bottle, thermal lunch box cover, rain cover, and a wristwatch.

Noam, 8: "I chose a bag with a Spider-Man design. The bag is comfortable and spacious, with three large compartments that will fit everything I need for school."

Price: Bag - NIS 219; Bag and pencil case – NIS 259; Packages – NIS 389-439.

Kal GavKal Gav, the Israeli bag company, offers a back-to-school and kindergarten collection. The main highlight is the "Perfect Ortho Xbag Package" for first and second graders: a lightweight, expandable bag, a detachable trolley cart, an expandable pencil case, a divided thermal lunch box, and a water bottle. This year’s designs feature Spider-Man, soccer teams, Fortnite, NBA, Avengers, Batman, Minions, Hello Kitty, Disney Princesses, My Little Pony, and more.

Rafael, 7: "I’m excited to go to school and love my new bag. It’s the best one and came in a big box with everything I wanted. I can carry it on my back or use the trolley, and it has lots of handy compartments for food."

Price: Bag - NIS 259; Package - NIS 449.

PalphotPalphot offers an orthopedic bag for first and second graders that weighs less than 1 kg and is designed to reduce the strain on the back and shoulders. These bags feature child-friendly designs with characters from shows and fantasy worlds. The bags have an orthopedic back, two large compartments, an insulated food compartment, two bottle pockets, a small compartment, and a rain cover. They can be used as a backpack or attached to a trolley cart, with a one-year warranty.

Rain’s mother, speaking about her 6.5-year-old son: "He was thrilled to see the Smurfs. He easily attached and removed the bag from the cart. Practically speaking, the bag is surprisingly lightweight, and the compartment distribution is generous and convenient. Even if he prefers not to use the trolley, it will be comfortable for him to carry the bag on his back."

Price: Bag - NIS 249; Package including an orthopedic bag, trolley cart, bottle, lunch box, and writing set – NIS 349; Special offer price: NIS 399.

SkechersSkechers has launched a new collection of bags for teens and students, available in various sizes and designs.

Reef, 16: "I chose a bag that I can use for everything. It has a subtle embroidered logo, comfortable padded straps, a front pocket for keys and my iPhone, and a large, spacious compartment."

Price: NIS 99.90.

Skip HopSkip Hop has launched a kindergarten and school collection inspired by children's themes, such as strawberries, ice cream, soccer, rainbows, and animals. The brand also offers packages that include a bag, water bottle, and lunch box.

Ray, 5.5: "I chose a green soccer bag because I love soccer the most. The bag is not too big, and I can take it to soccer practice too." His mother added: "The bag has two compartments, it's sturdy and keeps its shape. It's practical and easy to use."

Special prices: Kindergarten bag – NIS 99.90; Package – NIS 149.90.

SCOOPSCOOP offers a collection of functional backpacks for first to fourth graders at affordable prices. The collection includes backpacks with or without wheels, divided into large and small compartments, with special spaces for pencil cases, mobile phones, and silver-lined compartments. The bags come with colorful designs and beloved characters, suitable for both boys and girls.

Rain, 8: "I chose a bag with an astronaut because I love space, and it doesn’t look too childish like some other designs. The bag has wheels, which is great because I walk to school. It’s comfortable and has lots of compartments."

Price: Starting at NIS 79.90; Set including backpack with wheels, matching pencil case, and lunch bag – NIS 249.90 before a 20% discount.

Adidas - HastockHaStock continues last year’s tradition by offering a variety of leading brands at affordable prices for junior high and high school students, including FILA, Umbro, and Adidas.

Bar, 14: "I chose a floral Adidas bag. It feels summery and free, and it’s really comfortable. It has one large compartment and side mesh pockets for a water bottle. It’s perfect because it easily fits my binder and everything I need for the school year."

Prices: NIS 99.90-149.90.

Palphot (Semi-Orthopedic)Palphot offers semi-orthopedic bags with stylish designs. These bags feature a padded ergonomic back, three main compartments, and side pockets.

Tal, 9: "I chose a bag that’s black but with a special soccer design. It’s comfortable, and I can fit everything I need in it. It’s easy to carry on my back or shoulder."

Price: NIS 299.

Max StockMax Stock offers orthopedic bags under its private brand, SKWEEK, with trendy designs such as space, sports, Hello Kitty, Ninja Turtles, and gaming themes. In addition to orthopedic bags, the collection includes bags for older students, featuring stylish designs, 2-in-1 bags, and casual "throw" bags.

Ariel, 8.5: "My bag comes with an attached pencil case. This year, I’m planning to carry the bag on my back, and it’s comfortable and not too big. It has three compartments and side pockets for a bottle." His mother added: "I was surprised by the quality of the bag, especially considering the price compared to others I saw in stores. The bag is comfortable, sturdy, and stable."

Price: Orthopedic bag with pencil case – NIS 169; 2-in-1 bag – NIS 119; Casual "throw" bags – Starting at NIS 49.90.

KravitzKravitz presents a collection of backpacks with dozens of leading local and international brands in a wide variety of styles and designs for the upcoming school year. The store also offers a unique service – a replacement bag if the original is damaged within the warranty year. Alongside the branded bags, you can find the exclusive STREET ART line, featuring street art, graffiti, neon, and comic designs, available in about 20 new models.

Amit, 13: "The bag I chose is made from a material that holds its shape and looks durable even in the rain. It has a different look from regular school bags. There’s a front pocket for snacks and two large compartments for books and notebooks. The bag is easy to carry."

Price: Starting at NIS 279.

Outdoor RevolutionOutdoor Revolution by Kal Gav offers a variety of trendy and functional bags for teens. The collection includes backpacks, trolleys, and side bags in various sizes, cuts, and unique prints, with metallic fabrics and collaborations with leading brands. Among the designs: Disney, Rolling Stones, Marvel, Rick and Morty, Naruto, Fortnite, and Stitch.

Emma, 11: "I chose a Stitch bag in a combination of pink and light blue. The fabric is water-resistant, and the bag is semi-orthopedic, though not like those for younger students. It’s not heavy, with one large compartment for a big binder and a smaller one. I also got a matching trolley bag, perfect for school and trips."

Price: NIS 79.90-299.90.