Your children’s school backpack works the hardest amongst other back-to-school items in your shopping list. It carries books and other items every day to and from school.
The best backpack for kids is strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear, including lockage storage, traveling to and from school, and the rough treatment children subject their belongings to.
Choosing the right backpack for your kids is essential due to the daily use it constantly receives. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right school backpack for your children:
- Backpack Features
Size and Available Pockets
What items and how much weight do you expect your kids to carry to school? What type of pockets will they need? Are your kids first-graders or college students?
Is there a need for a compartment to store your kid’s computer? Is there space for packed lunch? Does the backpack have enough pockets for storing keys, pens, or other small items? Do you require mobile phone pockets or water bottle holders?
How many notebooks, binders, and books will your kids need to carry at the same time?
- Choose a Good Fabric
The fabrics used to make kids’ backpacks are breathable, low weight, and durable. Canvas backpacks are strong and durable. Synthetic fabrics will last longer, but leather ages overtime to develop some unique character.
Synthetic fabrics, unlike leather, are lighter in weight. Leather bags are heavier even before loading them for storage. Just like nylon and polyester, synthetic fabrics give backpacks more water-resistant properties than cotton or natural fibers.
Fabrics, such as hemp, are eco-friendly and more sustainable than synthetics. Natural fibers also positively affect the environment for sustainability.
Nylon and polyester offer more water resistant properties than natural fibers, such as cotton. The natural fibers render your kids’ backpack eco-friendly.
- The Number of Zippers
How many zippers does the backpack feature? Make sure they’re enough, easy to close and sturdy. They may include:
- Heavy-duty zippers
- Double-headed zippers – offer easier access
- Current Fashion Trends
School backpacks are stylish and functional. They look good and trend in style, atop providing storage space for books. Solid colors or prints are fashionable. For example, black bags are sleek and timeless for a befitting look.
Opt for an environment-friendly backpack made from sustainable or recycled materials. This makes them trendy.
- Choosing Padding and Straps
Determine how much padding your kids need to safely and comfortably use their backpacks. Wide, padded straps support the weight on your kids’ shoulders.
Adjustable Shoulder Straps
The straps adjust to enable the bag to sit firmly on your children’s back against the strongest section of their backs. This helps prevent spine and back pain issues. Backpacks sit about a couple of inches above your kid’s waist.
Opt for a backpack with two shoulder straps for proper alignment of your children’s spine, neck, back, and shoulders to prevent injuries. A waist strap distributes weight evenly, making it ideal for your kids’ backpack if they carry heavy loads.
Choose a bag with a padded back for extra comfort.
- Types of Backpacks
Choose between messenger style bags and top-loading backpacks or full-zipper bags. Messenger bags feature one or two straps for a fashionable look and even weight distribution, respectively.
Full-zipper bags give easy access and may provide additional space for storage. Wheeled backpacks are ideal for carrying heavy loads due to the extra frame, wheels, and a handle. Make sure your kids can lift the backpack.
Wheeled bags are ideal for places with low traffic for easy mobility, and carry heavy books. You also need to find out if your kids’ school allows students to use wheeled backpacks.
- Where to Buy
You can buy the right school backpack for your kids online or at a physical store. Online shopping offers reduced prices and more choices. However, shopping at physical stores allows your kids to try the backpack and ensure it fits before paying for it.
In-person shopping also allows you to assess the bag, including its features to ensure you choose the best option. Assess inside pockets and other features to help you choose the most suitable backpack for your children.
Amazon and other online sellers, shoe sellers like Zappos, sporting goods store, big box stores, specialty bag makers, and luggage stores sell backpacks. Backpacking and outdoor stores are other places to buy backpacks for your kids. The best bag adjusts to fit well and feels comfortable.
Conclusion
Whichever school backpacks you pick for your kids, make sure they fit well for comfortable carriage and use. It’s also important to pick bags in colors, prints, and patterns that your kids love.
Involve your kids in the selection process to ensure they end up with a bag they love and will enjoy to use and carry daily.
