Comments on: How to Choose a Backpack for School

on 7/7/2009 Great article! I found some other deals at this link: http://stought.com/back to school specials.html

on 4/22/2008 Check out Ivar - backpacks designed with an internal shelf design, creating ideal weight distribution, comfort, and organization. http://www.ivarpack.com is their website. It's a new company based on a patented/innovative concept that was created by a high school student!

on 8/23/2007 -

on 8/8/2006 I don't like having backpacks with too many pockets - one pocket isn't enough, and four or five is just way too many. The more pockets you have, the less wide each pocket will be, the harder it will be to open the smaller pockets, and the more chance you have of piling rubbish up in your backpack. I suggest getting a simple Jansport - it has two pockets. One for books, binders, etc. and one for smaller items, like pencils.

Overall, I'd suggest to anybody: buy a Jansport! They are comfortable, sensible, and look nice as well.

on 12/30/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 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!

on 11/22/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 Before you buy a backpack, stretch the material near the main zipper. Often when overloading your back pack, the zippers will separate from the material. If the material seems to stretch, or you see the seams coming out of place, bypass that backpack!

on 11/22/2005 When buying a backpack, look at how far apart the shoulder straps are. If they are too close together they can be very painful.

on 11/22/2005 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).

on 11/22/2005 When purchasing a backpack (especially for a child), request that the salesperson provide full documentation as to the authenticity of the product. Many retail stores have been known to mismark used equipment or sell a damaged backpack. This is a safety hazard. My nephew was boarding a boat while wearing a shoddy backpack and the strap broke, causing the backpack to plunge into the water. He was upset about this, of course.

on 12/23/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 These bags are higher priced for a reason: better quality. My brother had the same Northface backpack since he was in high school. He's 22 now. I've had mine since I started college in 2001. The thing about Northface backpacks is that they continue to look good for years and provide great support for years. Check out thenorthface.com.

on 11/22/2005 Don't spend $40 on a backpack! Go get yourself a North Face or MEC (www.mec.ca) for $60-120 that's guaranteed for life! One holds more than enough - like 3 loads of laundry in mine! Carry books? With extra padding, it's lightweight no matter what goes in!

on 11/22/2005 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.