Choosing a backpack for school can be a fun activity. To find the best bag, think about style but also consider important factors such as load and function. Follow these tips to make sure your backpack is the right fit for you.
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Part 1 of 4: Choosing Bag Features
Step 1. Consider the size and pocket
Determine the size of the object and how much weight you will carry to school. Think about the type of bag you need. College students have different needs from first-grade elementary school students. Some things you can keep in mind are:
- Do you need space for a laptop?
- Do you need a place to put your lunch?
- Do you need a place to store stationery, keys, and other small items?
- Do you want a water bottle pocket or a cell phone pocket?
- How many books, notebooks, and other books should you carry with you each time?
Step 2. Choose the fabric
The fabric of the backpack will determine its weight, room for air, and durability.
- New synthetic fabrics are very durable, but leather can age by giving the bag character.
- Synthetic fabrics are lighter than leather. If you choose a leather bag, it will be heavier before you even load it.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are more water resistant than natural fibers like cotton.
- Natural fibers like hemp are more environmentally friendly and sustainable than synthetic materials. If you want an eco-friendly bag then choose natural fibers.
Step 3. Check the zipper
Pay attention to the flaps of the bags and make sure they are strong and easy to close.
- Choose a double-headed zipper for the easiest access.
- Look for a strong zipper to last a long time.
Step 4. Consider current styles
Style is an important feature of choosing a school bag. You will want a bag that looks good and is similar to the trending bags.
- Patterned fabrics are trendy right now, but consider plain colors too as you will be wearing this bag every day and it will have to match your various outfits.
- About half of the bags produced by one of the biggest companies, Jansport, are black. If you want to have a bag that is neat and looks timeless and unobtrusive, you can choose black.
- Try eco-friendly bags. Bags made from recycled or eco-friendly materials are trendy.
Part 2 of 4: Choose Shoulder Straps and Foam
Step 1. Consider the shoulder straps and foam
Think about how much foam you need to carry the load in your bag comfortably and safely.
Choose a bag with wide shoulder straps with foam to support the weight on your shoulders
Step 2. Choose a bag with an adjustable shoulder strap
The straps should be adjustable so you can place the bag firmly against the strongest part of your back. If your bag swings or rests too low on your back, it can cause back and spine pain, especially if the weight is very heavy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children's backpacks should be located about 5 cm above the waist.
Step 3. Choose a bag with two shoulder straps instead of one
Choose a bag with a pair of shoulder straps. Using only one strap can cause back and spine alignment problems or neck and shoulder injuries.
Step 4. Consider using a belt
If you plan to carry heavy weights frequently you may need to tie a strap around your waist to distribute the weight more evenly.
Step 5. Consider the back with foam
Some bags have foam on the back for added comfort.
Part 3 of 4: Choosing the Type of Backpack
Step 1. Consider a messenger-style bag
A bag with two shoulder straps will provide a more even distribution of weight and is better for your back, but a messenger-style bag can also look stylish. Determine which advantage is more important to you.
Step 2. Look at the bag with the top opening and the bag with the full zipper
The classic backpack has a zipper that goes from the bottom of one side, through the top, to the bottom of the other side. Some other bags only have an opening at the top and may have a flap that can be folded to close instead of a zipper.
- Fully zipped bags make it easy to put in and take out large items or multiple items at once.
- Bags with a top opening can provide more room because the top flap can be buttoned to tie down dangling items, such as jackets.
Step 3. Consider a bag with wheels
In recent years backpacks with wheels that can be pulled out instead of lifting have become more popular. It can be a good choice for carrying heavy items.
- Keep in mind that bags with wheels will be heavier even before they are filled because of the added frame, handles and wheels. If this bag is for children, make sure they can lift it: when you have to lift it, it will weigh more than a regular bag.
- Bags with wheels can be more difficult to move in crowded places such as busy corridors at class changes.
- Bags with wheels are great for carrying heavy items like textbooks if you don't want to pick them up and carry them on your back.
- Some schools have regulations regarding wheeled bags and some do not allow their use so check before buying.
Part 4 of 4: Deciding Where to Buy It
Step 1. Decide whether to buy it online or in person
There are several advantages to buying it online but looking it up in person can give you better confidence in what you want.
- Buying it online can offer you more choices at a lower price.
- Shopping in person can allow you to try on the bag, make sure it fits, and inspect the inside for additional features.
Step 2. Choose a shop
Backpacks are available at various retail stores. Large sellers may offer lower prices but specialty stores have more skilled employees. Consider the following shops:
- Online stores, like Amazon, have a lot of choice and low prices.
- Online shoe stores like Zappos also sell bags and sometimes offer free shipping and allow you to try their product and return it for free if it doesn't fit.
- Great shops. Stores like Walmart or Target sell backpacks in their physical and online stores.
- Sports equipment store. Shops that sell sports equipment usually sell a lot of backpacks.
- Luggage shop. A retailer that only sells luggage is a good place to find backpacks.
- Custom bag maker. Some companies, such as Jansport, focus on backpacks. You can buy them directly from these companies online or find the bags in stores that sell backpacks.
- Outdoor activity equipment store. Retailers like L. L. Bean or North Face, which are focused on selling outdoor gear, also stock backpacks and often have specialist vendors to help you choose your bag and adjust it to get the right size.
Step 3. Try wearing the backpack straight away
It might be tempting to buy it online but it's best to try it in person to make sure it's the right size and you can see the other features.
- Try on the bag you want to buy to make sure it feels comfortable and can be adjusted to fit.
- When looking directly at the bag, open the bag to see the inner pockets and other features. often this is not visible in photos or online shopping sites.
