Travel bags, summer bags, sports bags and totes. Whether you’re looking for a bag to carry all that sports gear or something to use for your next road trip, you’re sure to find just what you need in this post. Here are 5 of the best bags for kids and teens. And the quality of these bags? Let’s just say my kids have used some of these daily for almost two years now, and they’re still holding on strong!
Click on each to product title to take you to the product page.
Cinch Sac

This one is not a surprise that it’s the first on the list. You see these bags everywhere. They’re a favorite for teens and toddlers alike. The number one difference in this specific Cinch Sac is QUALITY. Seriously, the quality of this bag is the best! Lightweight but durable material. They also come with an exterior zipper pocket (great for snacks), and the drawstrings can be adjusted by tying them higher on the inside so they’re easier for a young child to carry. And the best part… they’re WASHABLE!!! I’ve washed ours so many times, it’s fabulous!
My kids use these bags non-stop. My tween uses hers during the volleyball season as well as every day at school (you know, because apparently a backpack is not big enough to carry “all the things” for school). The younger kids use theirs often for car trips. Last summer they used these bags EVERY SINGLE DAY for swimming at their summer program. Took the swimsuits, towels, flip-flops, etc in their bag each day and brought the wet clothes home in the same bag. While these bags are not waterproof, they are polyester and thick enough that their wet clothes could come home without the bag dripping wet. And I did mention, these are washable?! Can’t wash them every night? No worries, just set it out to dry overnight, and you’ll be ready to go in the morning! They’ll be using these same bags for swimming this summer too.
These Cinch Sacs come in multiple patterns. Great options for boys and girls. But, the best part about the design is that they can be personalized. Add their favorite sport, an animal, a flower, or their name. Kids love to have that special touch. And, especially if they’ll have the bag around lots of other kids (school, sports team, camp, summer programs), it’s a great way not to get lost or mistaken for someone else’s. In June 2019 only, snag this bag for 50% off (with a $35 purchase).
Zip-top Organizing Utility Tote

This bag is great for ALL ages. It has seven, count ’em, seven exterior pockets with a larger open interior that has a zip closure. This tote makes an excellent diaper bag. All those easy-to-reach pockets for quick access to all the essentials. Put the diapers and extra change of clothes in the interior, and organize everything else in the exterior pockets. No more digging for the pacifier or a cloth when the baby just spit up.

It also works great as a sports bag or dance bag. My daughter uses her’s for gymnastics and also for an overnight bag when she’s just staying over somewhere for a night. All those pockets are great for organizing brushes, hair products, dance shoes and more. And it doesn’t stop there. This organizing tote can be used for older ones as well. Use it as a sports bag if they don’t have a lot of gear. Or, maybe your child has a hobby like drawing or knitting or even collecting rocks! 🙂 And don’t forget to personalize for that one-of-a-kind bag.
Sling-back Bag
The Sling-back bag is popular with the teens and tweens. One adjustable crossbody strap to be worn across the back “hence the name”. This bag features on main zipper compartment, two exterior zipper pockets, and two mesh pockets. While it probably isn’t large enough to carry many school books or binders, it’s a great hands-free option for outings with friends, hiking or bike riding, day trips and more. And, of course it holds the all important things such as that phone. And don’t worry mom, it has a space for the water bottle too. In June 2019 only, snag this bag for 50% off (with a $35 purchase).
All Packed Duffle

Well there’s a duffle, and then there’s a DUFFLE. This one qualifies as the latter. Everyone knows the basic functions of a duffle bag and what they’re good for. Sports gear, suitcase, and the like. This bag goes a step above your basic duffle bag. Not only is it made of that great high quality that will last for years, it also has a few extra special features.
Take that exterior zipper pocket for example. Many duffles are just one large open space and that’s all you get. But this bag doesn’t stop there. It also has two interior mesh pockets to keep those smaller items in place, plus the best part… it has a second exterior pocket just for shoes! That’s right, no more throwing those dirty stinky shoes in with all the other things in your child’s bag. Now it has it’s very own place.
Like I said, this duffle packs a punch, and it’s great for so many occasions. Sports uniforms, sports gear, camping, overnight trips, gym class. This bag is great for your kids, it’s great for your husband, hey, it’s great for you!
Small Utility Tote

The Small Utility Tote is another great tote for all ages. It’s bigger brother, the Large Utility Tote is a staple for any household (I may have five!), but the smaller version is a great option for kids and teens. This tote makes an excellent library bag. Read a book, return it to the tote, then carry with you on your trip to get new books! An excellent one-stop spot for those books so they never get lost.
Of course books aren’t the only thing this tote is good for. It’s a great tote for storing crafts or your child’s favorite toys that they’re always wanting to bring with them when it’s time to head out the door. Need a place for all those Matchbox cars? This is your new catch-all bin! We use ours when going to the pool, board game night at a friend’s house, and snacks when traveling.

I know this post is highlighting the best bags for kids and teens, but this Small Utility Tote is a winner for the whole family. Use it for camping organization, trunk storage and grocery shopping. It also makes an excellent teacher bag. Great for carrying back and forth between the classroom and home.
Summary
See something that peaks your interest? Click on the product link to find out more. These are 5 of the best bags for kids and teens that you will find! And don’t forget, personalizing that bag is WHERE IT’S AT for the kids.
I am an Independent Sales Consultant with Thirty-One Gifts LLC and am solely responsible for this content. Thirty-One Gifts LLC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of this post. All thoughts are my own.
To read more about Thirty One options for your home, check out my post on How to Start Decluttering Your Home.









These are definitely all the bags I remember using and all the bags I currently see kids in school using. You couldn’t catch me anywhere without my cinch sac! Awesome list!
Vow!!! These are great recommendation of bags. My daughter love to have back bags. Will try it out.
I loved using cinch sacs and I still love it now! This is a great list – definitely helpful for parents who don’t know what kind of bag to get for their kids!
My daughters have the small utility totes in their rooms and I use the larger one in my car boot. The Cinc sacs are very popular in UK schools
I love a good cinch sack! They are lightweight and can be packed easily because it’s small compact.
I use a zip top organizing tote with a fold and file inside for my school bag. The fold and file gives it the extra support it needs. I just wish the outside pockets had drawstrings or elastic to cinch them.
This list includes so very good options! My son prefers the sling backpack! So easy