Herschel Kids Backpacks by Age: 15L, 20L or 26L? A Size Guide for Every Stage
The Backpack Edit
Which Herschel backpack fits your kid? A size by size guide for toddlers, big kids and tweens, with the prints on our shelves right now.
Every school year starts with the same question at our counter: what size backpack does my kid actually need? Herschel makes a backpack for nearly every stage, from the first day of preschool to the last bell of elementary school, and choosing the right one is easier than it looks.
Here is how the three Heritage sizes compare, which prints are in stock today, and the little extras that make a matching set. Herschel was founded right here in Vancouver, which makes it one of our favourite brands to carry.
Three Sizes, Three Stages
Lunch box, a favourite stuffy and a change of clothes.
Small enough for little frames, big enough for a full school day.
Room for binders, books and after school gear.
For the Smallest Shoulders
Sized for daycare and preschool, the 15L holds everything a little one needs without swallowing them whole.
Shop Mom's Pick · Herschel
Heritage Kids Backpack 15L
Lightweight, easy for small hands to zip, and the right size to hang on a daycare hook. Classic Black with Saddle Brown never goes out of style, and Burgers and Fries is a guaranteed giggle at drop off.
In stock now
- Black / Saddle Brown
- Burgers and Fries
- Pizza Party
- Night Sky Camo
- Dark Sea / Saddle Brown
The Kindergarten Sweet Spot
As kids head into kindergarten and the early grades, the 20L strikes the balance between fitting a small frame and holding a full day of supplies.
Elliot's Pick · Herschel
Heritage Kids Backpack 20L
Our most asked about size for kindergarten through Grade 2. It fits a lunch kit, a water bottle and the art projects that come home every Friday. Seven prints are on the shelf right now.
In stock now
- Skateboards
- Crochet Patchwork
- Warp Check
- Fashion Dogs
- Black / Saddle Brown
- Cashmere Rose / Saddle Brown
- French Blue / Saddle Brown
“If the straps are riding high and the zipper barely closes, it is time to size up.”From the shop floor
Built for Big Kid Days
Once backpacks need to carry textbooks, binders and everything after school activities demand, the 26L takes over.
Shop Mom's Pick · Herschel
Heritage Youth Backpack 26L
Our best stocked size and a favourite with Grade 3 and up. Made with recycled fabric and Herschel's signature diamond detail, it is built to survive a full year of hallways, bus rides and backpack piles.
In stock now
- Warp Check
- Fashion Dogs
- Lego Abstract Bricks Blue
- Enchanted Garden
- Check This Confetti
- Crochet Patchwork
- Skateboards
- French Blue / Saddle Brown
- Black / Saddle Brown
The Matching Extras
Kids love a set. These pair with any Heritage backpack, and they make easy stocking stuffers or add on gifts too.
Herschel
Heritage Lunch Box
Insulated and wipeable, in prints that match the backpacks.
Shop now
Herschel
Elmer Beanie
A cozy ribbed toque in sizes from newborn to 3 and up.
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Herschel
Elmer Graphic Beanie
Checkerboard and Scribble Leopard prints for little trendsetters.
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Herschel
Super Soft Baby Beanie
So the little sibling matches too. A lovely baby gift.
Shop nowGetting the Size Right
If the straps sit high on the shoulders and the bag barely zips, your child has outgrown it.
A good fit sits in the middle of the back, with the bottom of the bag resting above the hips.
Bring their lunch box and water bottle in store and we will test fit the bag with the real load.
Thinking about the holidays? A new backpack and matching lunch box make a gift kids actually use every day. See more ideas in The Holiday Edit.
Frequently Asked
What size Herschel backpack is best for kindergarten?
The Heritage Kids 20L. It fits a small frame and still holds a lunch kit, water bottle and a folder.
What size Herschel backpack is best for a toddler or preschooler?
The Heritage Kids 15L. It is light, easy to carry and the right size for daycare cubbies.
When should my child move up to the 26L Youth backpack?
Usually around Grade 3, or once they start carrying books and binders every day.
Where can I buy Herschel kids backpacks in Vancouver?
At both Little Treasures Kids shops: Granville Island, open daily 10am to 6pm, and Main Street, open daily 11am to 6pm. We also ship across Canada and to the US.
See you in the shop soon.
Shop Mom · Little Treasures Kids