Trail Maker 24 Pack Backpacks Review

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Tyler Morgan

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Buying backpacks for a classroom, donation drive, youth program, or large family is different from choosing one premium school bag. You need a consistent size, useful storage, comfortable straps, and a per-bag cost that works at scale. The Trail Maker 24 Pack of Classic 17 Inch Backpacks covers those basics with a 20-liter daypack design, padded adjustable straps, and an assorted-color case. This review explains where the set delivers good bulk value and where its simple layout, hand-wash care, and lack of water resistance may limit it.

What Is the Trail Maker 24 Pack?

The Trail Maker 24 Pack is a bulk case of classic 17-inch backpacks. Each bag uses a simple daypack layout with one roomy main storage area, a smaller zippered front pocket, padded adjustable shoulder straps, and a woven carry handle.

The selected Amazon variant contains 24 bags in an assortment of 12 colors. The standard 20-liter size is intended for school, travel, work, sport, and everyday carry, but the design stays basic. You do not get the extra organization, side bottle pockets, structured back panel, or dedicated laptop protection found on more feature-heavy backpacks.

Who Should Buy It?

Detailed Features

Build Quality and Materials

Each bag uses 600D polyester, a common fabric for basic school and utility backpacks. The listing also describes durable zippers, reinforced padded straps, a polyester lining, and a soft-shell build. That combination keeps the bag light and flexible, which helps when you need to store or transport all 24 units.

The material is better suited to normal classroom, commuting, and day-trip use than to rough outdoor hauling. The listing does not claim a reinforced bottom, rigid frame, or water-resistant coating, so sharp objects, heavy tools, and wet conditions call for extra care.

Capacity and Pocket Layout

The 20-liter main compartment measures 17 by 12 by 5.5 inches and can hold folders, notebooks, snacks, and common school supplies. A small front zippered organizer pocket keeps pens, pencils, keys, headphones, and a phone easier to reach.

The simple layout is easy for children and group programs to manage because there are few compartments to lose track of. It is less useful when you need separate spaces for electronics, lunch, wet items, chargers, or water bottles. Although the listing references compatibility up to 17 inches, it does not identify a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, so you should use a separate protective case for electronics.

Carry Comfort and Fit

Padded, reinforced, adjustable shoulder straps are the main comfort feature. They let you shorten or lengthen the fit for different users, while the woven top handle gives you another way to carry or hang the bag.

The listing identifies the age range as both kids and adults and describes the standard size as useful from elementary through high school. Fit still depends on the user’s torso and load. A 17-inch backpack can feel large on a small child, so check that the bag sits close to the back and does not hang well below the waist.

Color Assortment and Bulk Distribution

The selected variant includes 24 backpacks across 12 assorted colors. That makes it easier to divide bags by classroom, group, sibling, team, or activity without buying separate color lots.

Assorted cases usually give you less control over the exact number of each color. Check the current listing details before ordering when a specific color balance matters for an event, uniform, or organization.

Cleaning and Weather Limits

Amazon lists these backpacks as hand wash only. For routine care, empty the pockets, remove loose dirt, wipe or gently hand wash the fabric, and let each bag air-dry fully before storage. Avoid a washing machine or heated dryer unless the product label specifically permits it.

The listing also says the bags are not water resistant. A light splash may not ruin the polyester immediately, but you should not rely on the fabric to protect papers or electronics in steady rain.

How It Performs in Real Use

For School Supply Drives

The 24-count case is well matched to back-to-school drives because every recipient gets the same basic size and storage layout. The assorted colors add choice without requiring you to order many separate listings. The roomy main section can hold standard school supplies, while the front pocket keeps small items from falling to the bottom.

For Classrooms, Camps, and Youth Programs

Simple construction can be an advantage when staff members need to hand out, label, stack, and store many bags. Adjustable straps help accommodate different users, and the woven handles make the packs easy to hang on hooks. Programs should still check the fit for younger children and avoid overloading the bags.

For Day Trips and Light Travel

A 20-liter capacity works for snacks, a light layer, small personal items, and basic travel documents. The lack of side bottle pockets and detailed internal organization means you may need pouches or zip bags to separate smaller items. A rain cover or waterproof inner pouch is sensible when the weather is uncertain.

For Work or Emergency Backup Use

The bags can serve as basic employee kits, event packs, evacuation supply bags, or spare car bags. They are best for light, soft items rather than dense equipment. Buyers carrying laptops, tools, or fragile gear should choose a model with dedicated padding and a stronger internal structure.

Fit and Usage Tips

• Check the user’s torso: Adjust the straps so the backpack sits close to the back instead of hanging low.
• Keep dense items centered: Place books and heavier supplies nearest the back panel, with lighter items toward the front.
• Use protective sleeves: Add a padded case for tablets or laptops because a dedicated laptop compartment is not listed.
• Protect against moisture: Use a rain cover or waterproof inner pouch for papers, clothes, and electronics.
• Follow the care label: Hand wash and air-dry rather than assuming the bags are machine washable.
• Confirm the assortment: Review the current color and package details before a coordinated event.

Pros and Cons

Is It Worth the Price?

This set sits in the budget bulk category. Its value comes from getting 24 usable backpacks with the same dimensions, capacity, strap design, and pocket layout in one order. Schools, charities, camps, and event organizers are most likely to benefit because they can judge value by the cost per bag rather than by premium features.

It is worth considering when your priority is distributing many basic backpacks quickly. It is not the best fit when each user needs a highly organized bag, weather protection, ergonomic support for heavy loads, or a protected laptop compartment.

How It Compares to Alternatives

The JanSport SuperBreak is a stronger single-bag alternative when you want a water bottle pocket, more back padding, a larger 26-liter capacity, and a limited lifetime warranty. The Everest Basic Backpack is another simple individual option, but its 13.9-liter capacity is smaller than the Trail Maker’s listed 20 liters.

The Trail Maker set makes more sense when quantity and consistent bulk distribution matter more than individual warranty coverage or added features. You should compare total case cost, exact color assortment, and required storage features before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The Trail Maker 24 Pack is a practical bulk buy for schools, nonprofits, camps, and families that need simple 17-inch backpacks with useful capacity and padded straps. Skip it if you need advanced organization, laptop protection, machine-wash care, or reliable rain protection. Its strongest advantage is straightforward value across 24 bags, while its main limitation is the basic feature set.