The best Pokemon backpacks 2022 - get ahead of the back-to-school sales

best Pokemon backpacks
(Image credit: CUSALBOY)

No self-respecting Pokemon master leaves home without one of the best Pokemon backpacks. Where else would you store all your Poke Balls and Potions? That's why we've braved the long grass to bring you these must-have rucksacks. They'll fit the bill no matter whether you're a trainer-to-be or a student preparing for the back-to-school rush.

Broadly speaking, the best Pokemon backpacks come in two forms: kid-friendly school bags and premium designs for grown-ups. The former are a dime a dozen, so we've tracked down the ones that strike a good balance between cost and quality. Meanwhile, the latter category is dominated by Loungefly. That company's behind some of the very best themed bags out there (the best there ever was, you could say), so if you ask us, the higher price tag is worth it.

One thing to watch out for with the best Pokemon backpacks would be size. Some end up being smaller than they look, so make sure you double-check before hitting the checkout. And if you need to carry tech around with you, be sure it has a special sleeve to protect your gear as well (the best laptop backpacks usually do).

No matter what you go for, all of the Pokemon backpacks listed here feature the lowest available price. Our bargain-hunting software is always on the lookout for a deal, and it's updated regularly to get you a discount.

Best Pokemon backpacks

Pokemon Gotta Catch 'Em All backpack

(Image credit: Pokemon)

1. Pokemon Gotta Catch 'Em All

The best Pokemon backpack for school

Reasons to buy

+
Thick and sturdy material
+
Relatively big
+
Official merch

Reasons to avoid

-
No water bottle or laptop pouch

This bag has everything you could want from the best Pokemon backpacks; it's festooned with the colorful critters, has plenty of storage space thanks to being 17 inches tall, and isn't going to fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Sure, it's a shame that there's no water bottle pouch or laptop section. But if you're shopping for a young child, this rucksack will absolutely do the trick. 

Plus, the user-reviews on Amazon are excellent; 77% of the 570+ posts gave it a full five stars. Although it'll struggle with heavy loads due to lighter straps, the bag's material is thick and sturdy enough to survive everything elementary school (or KS1, if you're based in the UK) can throw at it. Because many competing bags cost a similar amount or more, you're not paying over the odds either for this official Pokemon merch.  

best Pokemon backpacks

(Image credit: CUSALBOY)

2. Cusalboy Luminous Pattern Pikachu backpack

Best Pokemon backpack for college

Reasons to buy

+
Loads of storage
+
Cool design
+
Sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Zips could be better

Many of the best Pokemon backpacks are in-your-face blasts of color that aren't what you'd call 'subtle', but this one stands out from the crowd. With a more mature design and functionality to spare, it's a great choice for older fans. Plus, just look at Pikachu in his oversized hoodie and sneakers. We can't cope.

As you may have guessed from the overabundance of straps and zip pockets, there's plenty of space to store all of your stuff securely inside this rucksack. A built-in USB port offers even more utility - throw in a power bank and you'll be able to quickly charge your devices on the go.

UK: This Pokemon backpack looks ever so slightly different in the UK, but it still offers many of the same features and remains a good choice for school, college, or work.   

best Pokemon backpacks

(Image credit: Mojo)

3. Mojo Black Poke Ball Pokemon Tech backpack

The best Pokemon backpack for adults

Reasons to buy

+
Classy, subtle design
+
Faux-leather accents
+
Padded laptop sleeve

Reasons to avoid

-
Could do with more storage

Looking for the best Pokemon backpacks to take with you to work or on the go? This option from Mojo ticks all the right boxes. Besides being more low-key than most other entries on this list, it's got space aplenty thanks to two compartments and a padded laptop or tablet sleeve.

The faux-leather accents and metallic Pokeball badge on the front of the bag give it a classy edge, too; this is a stylish design that some won't realize has anything to do with Pokemon at all.

best Pokemon backpacks

(Image credit: Loungefly)

4. Loungefly Jigglypuff mini backpack

The best premium Pokemon backpack

Reasons to buy

+
Gorgeous design
+
High quality
+
Excellent build-materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Small

Want the cutest Pokemon backpack there ever was? It has to be this Jigglypuff offering from Loungefly. The company is well known for its very high-quality rucksacks, and that craftsmanship is on full display here. The stitching and build-materials are excellent.

Yes, it's a fair bit smaller than you might expect - this is a mini backpack rather than a full-size one you'd use for trips. However, it's still got enough room to carry the essentials and will last you a good amount of time.


Want more nerdy gear? Be sure to drop in on our guides to the best Fortnite merchandise and the best Harry Potter merchandise.

Benjamin Abbott
Tabletop & Merch Editor

As the site's Tabletop & Merch Editor, you'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news. I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and can normally be found cackling over some evil plan I've cooked up for my group's next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.