Best Backpacks for School
What are the best backpacks for schools?
That’s quite a tricky question when you look into it more deeply. Yes, you want something that looks cool, but it also has to be functional and do what you need it to do.
Key Features to Look For
To make your life easier, we’ve broken down the key features to look for in a quality backpack so you can make an informed choice. We suggest balancing each of these instead of just focusing on one or two exclusively.
Capacity and Size
Start by determining how much space you need based on your lesson books and activities. You may need something larger or smaller, depending on what you do in school.
The best backpacks for schoolboys usually have one large central storage area for things like baseball gloves and sports kits and then several pockets for smaller items. These give you room for bulky objects that won’t fold away nicely in pouches, like laptops.
The best backpacks for school girls also cater to daytime activities, but these could be different depending on what you do. For example, smaller bags are okay if you only need storage for art supplies.
If you choose a larger backpack, check it has a well-designed suspension system. These inclusions help distribute weight evenly across the back and hips, reducing strain during use. Carrying a bag that doesn’t offer this can lead to muscle imbalances.
Comfort & Style
It’s also worth considering comfort and style. After all, most students carry their bags around with them all day.
First, check the padding on the shoulder straps. Look for bags that offer width and depth as these will distribute weight more evenly (stopping your shoulders from getting sore).
You also want adjustable straps. Changing the height the bag sits on your back can improve comfort while letting you control the weight distribution. Even if you have something heavy on one side, you can quickly balance it out.
Don’t forget about ventilation features, they are more important than you think. When the weather gets warm, it helps circulate air and wick moisture away from your body. Usually, these come in the form of small holes woven into the fabric, although some sportier bags also have air vents you can open.
As for looks, choose a bag that makes you feel confident. Pick colours and designs you want to wear as you make your way around the school. If you walk home from school at night, look for products with reflective elements visible to traffic included in the design.
Durability & Materials
Of course, durability is critical when looking for the best backpacks for high school. You need a bag that can handle the stresses and strains of the environment (i.e. being slammed down on desks).
Whether you have a lightweight backpack, the material should be robust and weather-resistant. The best material for strength is nylon (or a derivative) since moisture doesn’t affect it. Manufacturers can also weave it in such a way to prevent ripping or tearing.
Look for:
- Reinforced corners (often protected by a piece of rubber or acrylic)
- Durable zippers with double weave on the inside
- Water-resistant coatings, like Gore-Tex for those windy, rainy evenings
Organisation
Finally, organisation features are critical for any small/large backpack. The best bags make it simple to find the things you need throughout the day.
Look for compartments at the side for combination locks and bicycle pumps, and rear compartments for computer equipment. External pockets are helpful for quick access to water bottles, snacks, and other things you need to reach for throughout the day.
Access style could also be important. Front-loading backpacks make it simpler to access contents compared to those that only open at the top but there’s a higher chance of stuff falling out. You can get bags with both options but may have to manage more zippers.
Summary
So, what is the best backpack brand? The truth is that there isn’t one: it all depends on the specific product and how it dovetails with your requirements.
Ideally, you want a backpack that is practical and won’t fall apart at the end of the first term. Nylon options with plenty of pockets are usually the best for most students.
The best backpacks for primary school are often smaller (just because younger students don’t have as many books and folders to haul around). But they should still be robust.