Packing school lunches isn’t just about what goes inside the lunchbox, it’s about what carries it too.
In our Back to School Boot Camp, Anna shared her tried-and-tested approach to choosing lunch bags that actually work in real life (think: hot Aussie days, concrete playgrounds, yoghurt spills, and very busy mornings).
We’ve pulled together the highlights here, plus links to the exact brands she talks through, so you can choose with confidence and skip the guesswork.
Before talking brands or prints, there are four absolute must-haves when it comes to lunch bags.
These aren’t “nice to haves”, they’re the difference between food staying fresh… or coming home untouched.
Even if food lives inside a lunchbox, lunch bags still cop it. They’re:
Put on concrete
Thrown into lockers
Spilled on
Dragged around by little hands
If it can’t go in the washing machine, it’s not worth it.
💛 Every lunch bag we stock is machine washable
An insulated lunch bag helps maintain a cold internal temperature, which matters when you’re packing:
Yoghurt
Cheese
Ham
Fresh snacks
Especially during warm Australian school days, insulation isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Lunch bags aren’t about looks, they’re about fit.
Every family packs differently:
Different lunchboxes
Different snack containers
Different quantities
A bag that’s the right size for your setup makes packing easier, quicker, and less frustrating.
This one makes more difference than people realise.
A quality ice pack helps keep food:
Cold
Fresh
Safe
Actually eaten
It’s often the difference between yoghurt being enjoyed… or coming home warm and untouched.
Here’s a breakdown of the lunch bag brands featured in the Boot Camp, and what makes each one shine.
One of our best-selling lunch bag brands for good reason.
Available in Mini, Medium & Large
Fully insulated
Come with a MontiiCo ice pack included
Fun, colourful prints kids love
Sachi is especially popular with younger kids thanks to:
Bright, playful prints
A newly released larger size for bigger appetites
Sachi lunch bags don’t include an ice pack, but they pair perfectly with a high-quality add-on.
A bit of a cult favourite.
Newer to our range, but already raved about
Known for some of the most loved prints
Have their own matching ice packs, which customers absolutely swear by
If prints matter just as much as performance, Spencil is a standout.
Flexible, roomy, and surprisingly spacious.
Great if you need a bit of give
Fits lots without feeling bulky
Fun, playful designs
ecococoon bags don’t come with an ice pack, but they’re easy to pair with a bestselling option.
A popular, sturdy option that:
Fits a lot
Holds its shape well
Features more subtle, muted prints
b.box lunch bags don’t include an ice pack, but b.box ice packs are a great add-on if you’re sticking within the brand.
If your lunch bag doesn’t come with one, choosing the right ice pack matters just as much.
Customer favourites include:
A great ice pack helps keep lunches safe, fresh, and appealing, even on hot days.
Choosing the right lunch bag isn’t about trends — it’s about what works for your child, your lunchbox setup, and your mornings.
If you’re unsure which size or brand will work best, the Back to School Boot Camp highlights walk through real examples so you can see everything packed and in action.
