Pokémon is the most popular IP in the world, and there’s good reason for that. Capturing the childlike wonder of exploring the world for the first time, and the wonderful relationship people can have with animals, there is a lot to love. Only growing in popularity, it’s no wonder there is a game, collectible, or toy for every fan to enjoy these days, (and possibly on sale at any given time as shown in our list of Pokémon deals).
Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school, getting a gift for someone, or just need a way to carry your Switch or Pokémon TCH Packs while you are out and about, a backpack is an awesome accessory to have. A really good backpack can make your life so much easier, but also needs to resemble you in some way (especially for kids with big opinions on their favorite fandoms). And since I have a great love of Pokémon (and so does my daughter), I put together a list of the best Pokémon backpacks around in 2024.
TL;DR – These are the Best Pokémon Backpacks
- Loungefly Charmander Evolutions Backpack (Best Overall)
- Vanilla Underground ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All!’ Backpack (Most Affordable Pick)
- Pikachu Swim Drawstring Bag (Best Wet/Dry Backpack)
- Pokémon GO Egg Incubator Bag (Best Themed Backpack)
- Charmander Pokémon Partner Backpack (Best Plushie Backpack)
- Bioworld Gotta Catch ‘Em All 5-Piece Kit (Best Set)
- Bonus Pick: Mosiso Sling Backpack (Best for IRL Trainers)
There are possibly hundreds of Pokémon bags out there to shop right now, but if you need help narrowing down which backpacks are actually high-quality and cool, we’ve got you covered. There are even some more meta picks, such as packs that resemble items in the Pokémon world, or even Pokémon themselves! No matter what you are looking for, you’ll find something cool to shop for the Pokémon fan in your life.
1. Loungefly Pokemon Charmander Evolutions Triple Pocket Backpack
Top Pokemon Backpack
This large Charmander evolution backpack is one for trainers with an eye for quality. Available in variants for Bulbasaur and Squirtle, as well, this one has anime-style art depicting every stage of Charmander’s evolution, until it becomes the iconic fiery dragon that has become synonymous with Pokémon.
The inside has (ironically) super cool-looking flame designs, and there are faint silhouettes of Charmander’s evolutions on the bottom of the inner side of the bag. Cool little touches like that, combined with more pockets, high build quality, and a stylish design make this the bag to beat.
2. Vanilla Underground ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All!’ Backpack
Best Affordable Backpack
If you love a huge swath of Pokémon and want to see them on your bag, this is a super solid option. It has loads of small Pokemon all over it (by my count, it has Piplup, Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, Eevee, Bulbasaur, Meowth, Pichu, Togepi, Ditto, Cubone, and Jigglypuff, but I may have missed one somewhere), which is one of my favorite design styles (just check out the busy covers for Disgaea games from 3 onward and you’ll see what I mean).
With Pokeball zipper pulls and the classic ‘one big pocket and one smaller pocket’ setup, it’s a solid option without spending a ton of cash.
3. Pikachu Drawstring Bag
Best Wet/Dry Backpack
For starters, this sports bag has big, 3D Pikachu ears, making it really pop. The bag is intended for casual use and swimming, suitable for holding dry or wet things on-the-go. However, it must be noted the “mesh” up top isn’t ventilated as it’s a stylistic overlay on top of plastic, so be sure to take your belongings out when you get back home and let it them air out properly. Otherwise, this bag is ready for the gym, everyday use, and all your future adventures. The backpack is well-built, fits more items than you’d expect, and the straps are length adjustable and made of nylon.
The black bag has tons of electricity emblazoned on it, as well as different silhouettes of Pikachu, running, standing, jumping, and attacking. It’s a bag for all ages and Pokémon enthusiasts alike.
4. Pokémon GO Trainer Gear Egg Incubator Bag
Best On-Theme
If you are anything like me, you played tons of Pokémon GO, and hatching eggs is a major part of that experience. If you want to bring some of that energy to your life as you wander the streets and fields looking for your nearest gym, then pick up this Egg Incubator bag.
With adjustable straps and a cylindrical body, this single-pocket bag has a transparent plastic center with an egg on the outside. Just fill it with your other Pokémon essentials and give that egg some company until it hatches (it might be a while).
5. Charmander Pokémon Partner Backpack
Best Pokémon Shape/Plushie Backpack
This adorable backpack has a small pocket in its belly and looks like Charmander is taking a piggyback ride. It also has a Passho Berry charm on one of the shoulder straps, which is a berry that reduces damage from ‘super effective’ Water-type attacks. While the storage space is very limited, this one gets top marks for thematic appropriateness. As a fire-type lover, I can’t help but like this one. Plus, it’s my daughter’s favorite, too. For more plushie goodness, you can also shop the cutest Pokémon Squishmallows.
6. Bioworld Gotta Catch ‘Em All 5-Piece Kit
Best Backpack Set and Best for School
If you really need an all-in-one solution to take with you, this 5-piece bag is a solid pick. Several Pokémon characters are shown on the backpack, including Pikachu, Charizard, Greninja, Eevee, Mewtwo, Gengar, and Lucario, while a second inner pocket has Pikachu, Lucario, and Mewtwo on it. Plus, one of the inner pockets has Pokeballs, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls on it.
With several small bags that can be either stowed inside or attached to the outside via an included carabiner, you’ll be able to stay organized more easily. It also comes with a cool rubber Pokeball keychain and a mesh side pocket that’s perfect for a water bottle or whatever else you need to keep with you.
7. Bonus Pick: Mosiso Sling Backpack
Best Practical Backpack for Trainers In Real Life
While this backpack isn’t Pokémon branded, and there are no pictures of Pokémon on it, it is included in this list for another reason; this is precisely the type of backpack used by some of the best Pokémon trainers around. Sling backpacks are light, flexible, and great for climbing and traveling, which is why they see such widespread use among trainers in the Pokémon universe.
This particular cross-body shoulder bag comes in tons of colors, has adjustable straps, and has mesh side bags for water bottles, umbrellas, and more. You can look like your favorite trainer while you go on your very own adventures.
For more fan merch and games, you can check out the best Pokemon card packs to buy and other fun fandom backpacks to shop at the IGN Store.
Brian Barnett writes reviews, guides, features, & more for IGN. You can get your fix of his antics on Twitter (@Ribnax) and Twitch (Ribnax) or check out his fantastic video game talk show, The Platformers, on Twitch & Apple Podcasts.
