OUCH! Your Backpack Is Killing Me!

Florida's tax-free holiday begins today, so you know it's back-to-school season. We’re out there buying school supplies, clothes, and the very necessary things our kids need to begin the new school year. One of the most important of those items is the perennial backpack. 

It’s used to carry your child’s weight in books, folders, binders, notebooks, permission slips, teacher’s notes, calculators, pens, pencils, lunches, keys, and cell phones. Your child may also carry a laptop PC or tablet. Kids involved in sports will stuff water bottles, sports equipment, (dirty!) clothes and shoes into it.

So, what do you need to consider when choosing a backpack for school?  Three things: fashion, fit, and function (not necessarily in that order).  Style is an important feature of a school backpack, especially to elementary and middle-schoolers. Your child will want a bag that is fashionable and looks good. High school students have different needs, and will be more selective about the specific features of the backpack.  And you just want to be sure you get the best value for your money.  

Here are some tips that may help . . . 

FASHION   

• Backpacks made from recycled materials are very fashionable right now. An eco-friendly bag may be a good choice.
• They’ll be wearing the bag every day. Will they want their backpack to match, or at least not clash with, their school clothes? While prints are lots of fun, they may want to consider solid colors too.
• What kind of bag will best handle the kind of load your child will be carrying?
• Messenger bags have one wide cross-body strap, and may be considered more fashionable than a traditional backpack. 
• A bag with two shoulder straps will allow for better weight distribution, and many have waist straps that help distribute the weight of very heavy loads. 
• A wheeled backpack may be a good option to consider if your child routinely carries a heavy load, even though they can sometimes be difficult to navigate in crowded areas.  Be sure your child can handle the weight of the bag when it’s full of books, including the added weight of the handle, frame, and wheels.

FUNCTION

• Take a good look at the size of the bag – will it accommodate the size and types of objects your student will be carrying?  Does the main pocket have enough room for the number of books and binders your child will be carrying at one time? Are there separate pockets for lunch, gym clothes, and cell phone?  A protective pocket for the laptop or tablet? 
• The fabric the bag is made of should be durable, breathable and lightweight. Synthetic fabrics are more lightweight and water-resistant than natural materials like leather and cotton. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly bag, consider a bag made of a natural fiber, like hemp.  Many backpacks can be machine-washed.
• The zippers, hardware and pocket closures should be sturdy and easy to close, made of quality, heavy-duty materials.
• Some manufacturers offer guarantees on their backpacks - make it a point to look for these great deals!

FIT    

• Your bag should have wide, padded, adjustable straps so you can position the bag against the strongest part of your back, about two inches above the waist.  Some bags have added padding on the back to make it more comfortable for the user.
• If you shop for your backpack online, you’ll usually have the widest selection and the best prices. Online sellers like Amazon and Zappos have a wide selection of bags and often offer free shipping.
• It's best to shop for your backpack in brick-and-mortar stores so your child can try on the bag, make sure it fits well, and examine it inside and out to understand all its special features. Luggage stores, sporting goods stores and outdoors retailers often have specialized salespeople who can help you select a bag with a proper fit.

The bottom line? Your child may not agree, but they do need your help with this important buying decision.   Happy Shopping!