Niños sosteniendo dos botellas reutilizables de acero inoxidable

What to pack in your school backpack

With back-to-school just around the corner, it’s time to check backpacks, refresh supplies, and make sure the little ones (and not-so-little ones) have everything they need to start the school year full of energy.

A well-equipped backpack not only helps with organization, it also helps students feel more confident, motivated, and ready to take on the classroom each day.

In this article, we’ll tell you what’s essential, how to organize everything in a practical way, and of course, how to choose the best reusable bottle according to age and needs.

What should a well-equipped school backpack have?

A good school backpack isn’t judged just by its design or brand. What’s most important is that it’s functional, ergonomic, and has the right compartments to organize everything in its place. But… what should you carry inside?

  • Pencil case with basic supplies: pencils, pens, eraser, pencil sharpener, markers, small scissors, and glue stick. Depending on the grade, also a compass, ruler, or calculator.
  • Notebooks and folders: ideally lightweight and specific for each subject. Folders with dividers can be a practical option for older students.
  • Planner or organizer: essential for encouraging organization from a young age. Writing down homework, tests, or activities helps with time management.
  • Healthy snack or lunch: a piece of fruit, nuts, or a light sandwich helps keep energy up throughout the day.
  • Reusable water bottle: essential for staying hydrated, especially if they spend many hours away from home or have sports activities. Further down we explain how to choose the most suitable one from among our stainless steel bottles for kids.
Child in a red toy car next to a bostainless steel tella.

Back-to-school essentials checklist

If you need a quick checklist to make sure you don't forget anything important in your school backpack, here's a basic list:

  • Complete pencil case
  • Notebooks or exercise books
  • School planner
  • Healthy lunch
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Tissues

Remember that the more personalized the backpack is to the needs of the child, the more efficient it will be. For example, if they have after-school activities, they might also need a change of clothes or a toiletry bag with a comb and deodorant.

How to choose the ideal bottle by age

Not all bottles are the same, and not all children need the same one. Here are some key tips for picking the perfect water bottle for school:

Preschool (ages 3–6):

  • It should be lightweight and easy for them to open and close by themselves.
  • Preferably with a straw or ergonomic spout.
  • BPA-free and impact-resistant material.
  • Capacity: between 260ml and 350ml.
  • Attractive design, with colors or characters that motivate them to use it.
Manos dand a child holding a kids’ bottle with a tiger print

Primary (6-12 years old):

  • We’ll look for more durable bottles with a good capacity, such as 500ml.
  • That keep water nice and cold, especially during the hotter months.
  • Stainless steel to avoid any aftertaste.
  • Screw cap or flip-top, depending on preference.

Here you can see our selection of the best water bottles for school

Secondary and High School:

  • Design, size, and functionality are most valued.
  • Ideally, the bottle should keep drinks cold for many hours.
  • Capacity: between 500ml and 750ml.
  • If you play sports, it’s recommended to choose a bottle suited for that purpose.

You can also find specific options for school soccer training

For those who love adventure or are heading out on a school camping trip, you might also be interested in this article: Canteens for camps: what to keep in mind

Here are our recommendations for ideal bottles for back to school:

Space Rockets – 260 ml

Perfect for small hands and compact backpacks, its embossed 3D design, along with the rockets and stars, makes it the ideal companion for curious and imaginative children.

Reusable bottle for kids with galaxy print

Funny Unicorns – 350 ml

Rainbows, hearts, and magical sparkles: with Funny Unicorns, you'll enter a world of fantasy where the fun never ends.

Ideal for children ages 6 and up, it's a sturdy, comfortable, and colorful bottle made to join every new magical adventure—whether in class, at recess, or on a field trip.

Girl holding a reusable kids' bottle with unicorn print

Rainforest Refuge – 350 ml

It's a portable jungle where every sip turns into a tropical burst of fun.

With a vibrant, eye-catching finish, this bottle invites you to explore, imagine, and have a great time every day.

Reusable bottle for children with jungle animal print

Play Mode – 500 ml

Full of plans, games, and a desire to get moving and experience wild (but super fun) things, it's perfect for active kids and teenagers who just can't sit still.

Its size is just right for staying hydrated throughout the entire school day or during any intense activity.

Reusable bottle for children with print

Paris – 500 ml, 725 ml and 900 ml

Designed to keep up with you even during your most demanding gym classes or workouts, the Paris sports bottle combines extreme durability, thermal performance, and total functionality.

Perfect for kids and adults looking for style, performance, and durability all in one bottle.

Sports bottle for kids

A well-equipped school backpack makes all the difference day to day. And choosing the right water bottle isn’t just about design, but also about health, sustainability, and convenience. Opting for reusable, insulated options tailored to each age is a long-term investment for the whole family.

Ready to head back to school well hydrated?


Siempre he tenido una mente inquieta y creativa, con pasión por el desarrollo y la innovación. Durante casi 20 años trabajé en el área de operaciones por todo el mundo, hasta que decidí dar un giro a mi vida. Junto a mi socio y amigo Simarro, fundé Cool Bottles, un proyecto nacido del sueño de construir un mundo más sostenible.