Types of School Bags

School bags can be both stylish and functional.

There are many different types of school bags, ranging from the conventional backpack to simple totes to rolling bags. Since each student will have different needs, these needs have to be taken into consideration in order to buy the right bag. If the student has many classes in one day, or routinely has a lot of homework, they would need a roomier bag than a student that only has one or two classes a day.

Backpacks

Padded straps make backpacks more comfortable to carry.

Probably the most popular school bags, the backpack combines function with comfort. Backpacks have one large compartment that can hold a number of school books and notes. Often, these bags also feature multiple compartments that are ideal for carrying pens, pencils or other school necessities. Adjustable, padded straps make the pack more comfortable to carry. Bags for smaller children may have their favorite movie characters, while packs for older children may be made from fabrics in popular patterns. Packs are also available in clear plastic or mesh, if that is what the school requires as part of their safety policies. It is important to get the correct backpack size for the student. If the books they have to carry are simply too heavy, consider a rolling backpack.

Tote Bags

Tote bags come in a wide variety of sizes and styles.

Extremely popular with high school and collage age girls, these bags are functional and often stylish. Totes have one main compartment and may close with a zipper or snap at the top of the bag. The handles may or may not be padded, or may be made from a contrasting material from the rest of the bag. They may have some pockets inside for carrying smaller items, but generally are designed to carry a few larger items. Tote bags are also made in clear plastic or mesh, as required by some schools.

Messenger Bags

Messenger bags usually have one strap.

Messenger bags combine the function of a backpack with the shape of a tote bag. These bags are known for having a decent sized main compartment, and often can fit a laptop computer. They also usually have multiple pockets for organizing smaller items. All the compartments close, which keeps items from falling out or from getting wet in inclement weather. Messenger bags come in a wide variety of colors and designs to suit most any personal style.

Rolling Bags

Rolling bags are good for heavy schoolbooks.

Rolling bags, also known as rolling backpacks, wheelie bags or trolley bags, are perfect for the student who cannot carry heavy schoolbooks. These bags can be hauled around by the handle, which often is height adjustable. Since it can be harmful to smaller children to carry heavier loads on their back, rolling bags are a good solution. These bags usually have a roomy main compartment and often have smaller pockets for extra storage. While these bags may not be the most stylish, they are very functional.

Warnings

Students need to practice safety when using backpacks. On online article from MassGeneral Hospital for Children states, "In 1998 alone, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, children made over ten thousand visits to a clinician because of backpack-related symptoms. Symptoms of possible physical problems caused by improper use of backpacks include pain or aching in one's neck and shoulders, headache, upper and lower back pain, numbness and/or tingling in hands, arms, and wrists and scoliosis." The article, listed under References, includes tip for proper backpack safety.

References

• Bnet: Atlantic City bets on transparent backpacks and ID cards
• MassGeneral Hospital for Children: Backpack Safety