Comments on How to Choose a Backpack for School

Backpacks with a lot of pockets are a good idea. Also, don't go for the cheaper ones. They may look good enough, but they're not. More expensive ones will last longer and probably will end up saving you money in the long run.

Backpacks with a lot of pockets are a good idea. Also, don't go for the cheaper ones. They may look good enough, but they're not. More expensive ones will last longer and probably will end up saving you money in the long run.

These are not ideal for people who walk or take transit. Many places have no sidewalks and many of these bags don't last long distances.

These are not ideal for people who walk or take transit. Many places have no sidewalks and many of these bags don't last long distances.

Look at the zipper first. Some backpacks have immensely beefy zippers, others would be more suited to a pair of dress-slacks. Beefier is better. For fabric, go for a thick Cordura, anything else will give way from the strain. Look at the straps. Thin ones won't be at all comfortable when the pack is weighed down, and thickly padded straps usually have better reinforcement. Look at the place where the strap meets the bag. A small area of reinforcement won't hold up under the strain! Rubber-reinforced (sneaker-like) bottoms are heavy, but if you live in a snow-state, rain-state, and/or commute a lot by bus, being able to drop your 30+ pound pack off of your shoulder into the slush without repercussions is priceless, especially with the usual $500 of books, essential papers, and a $200 calculator or $2000 laptop inside!

Even with a very strong backpack, try not to make it too heavy. Even if you use both straps on both shoulders, too much weight is a strain on your back, and can cause problems down the road. Try to keep the weight of your bag less than 20 lbs.

Make sure to get a backpack that's big enough to fit all of your stuff.

Padded shoulder straps are your best friend. ... When June rolls around, there's nothing worse than shoulder straps digging into skin (if you're wearing a tank top.

If you have to carry heavy books that hurt your back, maybe you should consider having a rolling backpack or even small roller luggage, which should fit in your locker also.

If you absolutely have to have all those heavy books with you, carry most in your bag, but carry a couple traditional-style in your hands. You'll be carrying the same amount of weight, but it won't feel like it.

When buying a backpack, look at how far apart the shoulder straps are. If they are too close together they can be very painful.

When you go to a store to choose your new backpack or school bag, it's a good idea to take your old one (filled with all the regular items you need) with you. This way you can physically check to see that all your supplies fit into the new backpack and that it's still comfortable. I find it helps me avoid jumping in buying a temporarily trendy, but too small and way too expensive backpack.

Although messenger bags are very trendy (and if you buy a quality, fashionable bag you can use them outside of school), they aren't as durable when carrying heavy text books and binders. I found this out with the ones I bought - Point Zero and Billabong. With the Point Zero bag, the straps and the interior were both ruined within the first 2 weeks of school. The Billabong bag is still usable (after maybe 5 months of school), but the interior lining is torn. Also, they both make even light loads seem heavier because all the weight is on one shoulder. If you're bag is really heavy it may even make you walk funny (sort of with a limp).

When buying a backpack, look at how far apart the shoulder straps are. If they are too close together they can be very painful.

Padded shoulder straps are your best friend. ... When June rolls around, there's nothing worse than shoulder straps digging into skin (if you're wearing a tank top.

Purchase a backpack with an elastic mesh pouch on the side for your water bottle.

If you have to carry heavy books that hurt your back, maybe you should consider having a rolling backpack or even small roller luggage, which should fit in your locker also.

Even with a very strong backpack, try not to make it too heavy. Even if you use both straps on both shoulders, too much weight is a strain on your back, and can cause problems down the road. Try to keep the weight of your bag less than 20 lbs.

Make sure to get a backpack that's big enough to fit all of your stuff.