Naturally KIDS Dinosaur Backpack vs High Sierra Loop — Which Is Better?

We evaluated 47,221 verified Amazon reviews and real-world usage to compare these two backpacks head-to-head. Below, we break down the eight most important buying dimensions, starting with price and ending with capacity.

Price — Naturally KIDS wins by

The Naturally KIDS Small Dinosaur Backpack exactly less than the High Sierra Loop. Both prices are under $37, making them affordable options for American families shopping on Amazon or at Target during Back-to-School season.

For a difference of less than a latte, you get a notably higher-rated product with the Naturally KIDS. The savings might not break the bank, but it adds up when you pair it with the higher satisfaction scores reported by 26,320 buyers.

Prioritize price if you’re on a tight budget or buying multiple backpacks for siblings. Otherwise, the feature gap (like the tablet sleeve) may matter more than the dollar difference.

Overall Rating — Naturally KIDS dominates with 4.8 stars

The Naturally KIDS backpack earns a 4.8-star average from 26,320 reviews, versus the High Sierra Loop’s 4.5 stars from 20,901 reviews. That 0.3-star difference may seem small, but it reflects a higher percentage of 5-star ratings and fewer complaints about durability.

In daily use, this means you’re less likely to encounter zipper failures or stitching issues with the Naturally KIDS. Reddit users in r/BuyItForLife praise backpacks that survive multiple school years, and the Naturally KIDS’s high rating suggests it meets that standard for toddlers.

Choose Naturally KIDS if you want the peace of mind that comes from overwhelmingly positive parent feedback. The High Sierra Loop is still a solid 4.5-star product, but it shows occasional quality complaints.

Organizational Features — High Sierra Loop takes the lead

The High Sierra Loop includes a dedicated tablet sleeve and multiple pockets, while the Naturally KIDS backpack offers a single main compartment without any tech protection. For school-age children carrying tablets or e-readers, this is a crucial advantage.

Being able to separate a tablet from lunch and books prevents scratches and makes finding supplies quick. Parents attest that the sleeve fits most 10-inch devices, a must for many elementary curriculums now relying on digital learning.

Pick the High Sierra if your child brings electronics to school daily. If you only need to carry snacks and a change of clothes, the simple Naturally KIDS design is sufficient — and more engaging for little ones.

Style and Visual Appeal — Naturally KIDS is the clear favorite

The Naturally KIDS backpack’s plush Triceratops design turned heads in YouTube reviews by Away Together w/ Nik and Allie, who noted that younger kids light up when they see it. The grey plush material is soft, huggable, and instantly recognizable, making mornings less of a struggle.

In contrast, the High Sierra Loop’s True Navy/Graphite Blue colorway is practical but unexciting. It won’t generate the same enthusiasm from a dinosaur-obsessed preschooler, though older kids may prefer its more mature look.

Choose style over substance for kids under 5: the Naturally KIDS turns a chore into a game. For older children who might find a stuffed animal backpack too childish, the High Sierra blends in perfectly.

Age Range Suitability — High Sierra Loop fits a broader span

The High Sierra Loop’s one-size-fits-most design works from kindergarten through middle school, whereas the Naturally KIDS is explicitly sized for ages 3-5. That means you’ll get several more years of use out of the Loop before your child outgrows it.

Amazon reviewers confirm that the Loop comfortably fits a kindergartner’s folder and snack, yet still looks appropriate on a 12-year-old’s back. The Naturally KIDS, with its smaller dimensions, is quickly outgrown by first grade.

If you want a backpack that grows with your child, the High Sierra is the smarter long-term investment. The Naturally KIDS is a specialized toddler product that you’ll likely replace in a couple of years.

Portability — Naturally KIDS is lighter and easier to carry

At just 1.1 pounds, the Naturally KIDS backpack is incredibly lightweight, perfect for small shoulders still developing. The High Sierra Loop, while not heavy, is larger and can weigh down a 3-year-old, especially when packed for a full day.

The plush material also makes the Naturally KIDS comfortable to hug and carry, reducing the chance your toddler will refuse to wear it. In rainy climates like the Pacific Northwest, its soft exterior dries quickly, though it’s not waterproof.

Prioritize portability for preschoolers and daycare attendees. The High Sierra’s added weight and bulk become assets only when your child is old enough to manage them.

Brand Reputation — Naturally KIDS surpasses High Sierra

With 26,320 reviews and a perfect 4.8-star average, Naturally KIDS has built a stellar reputation among parents, surpassing High Sierra’s 20,901 reviews at 4.5 stars. The larger volume of positive feedback indicates a more consistently satisfying product.

On Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife, community members emphasize the importance of buying from brands with a track record of durable zippers and stitching — qualities explicitly praised in Naturally KIDS reviews. High Sierra, while respected, draws occasional durability complaints.

Choose Naturally KIDS if you want a backpack that parents overwhelmingly endorse. The High Sierra Loop is still a well-known brand, but its slightly lower satisfaction signals a small risk.

Capacity — High Sierra Loop holds more for school days

The High Sierra Loop’s 18-liter capacity can fit a lunchbox, books, and a tablet, while the Naturally KIDS’s 2.25 gallons is best for light loads. If your child needs to carry everything for a full school or daycare day, the Loop is the obvious choice.

For toddlers, the smaller Naturally KIDS compartment is ideal — just enough for a snack, a small toy, and a spare outfit. Overstuffing a toddler’s backpack can lead to back strain, so the limited size is actually a safety feature for young spines.

Pick capacity based on your child’s daily load. Heavy school supplies demand the High Sierra Loop; a few comfort items require only the Naturally KIDS.