Quick Take
Score: 7.6/10 | Under Armour's Scrimmage 2.0 is designed for athletic kids who want sporty brand recognition. The water-resistant construction and laptop sleeve make it practical, but without third-party safety certification, families must decide if brand appeal outweighs verification gaps.
What We Evaluated
This review uses the R3 Kids Backpack Methodology v1.0.0, evaluating backpacks across five pillars: Safety (30%), Efficacy (30%), Value (20%), Usability (15%), and Sustainability (5%).
Safety Analysis (30% weight)
Under Armour does not hold Bluesign certification and does not publish specific materials testing for their backpacks. The company states general compliance with consumer product safety regulations, but explicit documentation isn't available.
The UA Storm water-resistant finish is a DWR treatment - Under Armour has not publicly confirmed whether this is PFC-free or PFAS-free. Given their focus on athletic performance rather than environmental certifications, I cannot verify PFAS status.
Hardware appears to be standard plastic and metal. No vinyl graphics or PVC components visible in construction. The brand logo is printed/embroidered rather than vinyl decal.
This is my main concern with Under Armour - they're selling to families but not providing the safety transparency that parents deserve. Without explicit testing or certification, we're relying on general manufacturing standards.
The pack does include reflective details for visibility, which is a positive.
Performance & Efficacy (30% weight)
The Scrimmage 2.0 is designed for dual school/practice use. The padded back panel provides basic cushioning without sophisticated ergonomic contouring. HeatGear shoulder straps use the same moisture-wicking material as UA athletic wear.
No chest strap is included, which is disappointing for a pack that might carry cleats, water bottles, and school supplies. The 26.5L capacity is generous - arguably too large for younger elementary students.
Multiple compartments include a soft-lined laptop sleeve (fits 15"), main compartment, front organizer, and side water bottle pockets. A bottom laundry/shoe compartment is useful for carrying dirty practice gear separately.
Weight is 1.5 lbs empty - on the heavier side. The pack is built more for capacity than minimal weight.
The water-resistant treatment genuinely helps with wet fields and rainy practice pickups. For athletic families, this practical feature matters.
Value Assessment (20% weight)
At $50-55, the Scrimmage 2.0 is priced competitively with outdoor brands. Under Armour offers a 60-day return policy and limited warranty on manufacturing defects.
Construction quality is reasonable - the 1200D polyester is heavy-duty, zippers are functional, and stress points are reinforced. Expected lifespan is 2-3 years with athletic use.
The value proposition is brand appeal and sport-specific features. Kids who love Under Armour will be excited about this pack. Whether that justifies the safety certification gap is a family decision.
Usability (15% weight)
The 26.5L size is large - best suited for ages 10+ or younger kids who need to carry practice gear. Elementary students may find it oversized for school-only use.
The shoe/laundry compartment is genuinely useful for keeping dirty cleats separate. Laptop sleeve fits school Chromebooks. Water bottle pockets work with standard bottles.
Approximately 10 color options in sporty configurations. The Under Armour branding is prominent, which appeals to athletic kids.
Machine washable on cold gentle cycle.
Sustainability (5% weight)
Under Armour has made sustainability commitments but doesn't publish recycled content for the Scrimmage 2.0. The durability supports longevity.
The Bottom Line
The Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 Backpack is a reasonable choice for sporty older kids who want brand recognition and practical athletic features. The lack of safety certification and PFAS disclosure is concerning. Families prioritizing verified non-toxic materials should look elsewhere.




