How To Find The Perfect Backpack
It’s that time of year that is filled with so much anticipation, excitement and shopping! Back to school can also be chaotic and stressful. To make things a little easier, check out these must have tips for buying a backpack and rocking back to school in style. We’ve even included a few of our favorite geek pride backpacks.
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When picking a backpack there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are five tips for choosing a backpack.
Tip #1 – You want to ensure it is the right size. The bag I buy for a Kindergarten student is going to be a very different size from the one I buy for a high school student. Look for straps that are wide enough that they don’t dig into the shoulders, sit centered on the shoulder and that adjust to keep the bag comfortable while wearing. Also ensure it is big enough to hold everything they will need on a daily basis. This can include lunch kits, water bottles, crafts, books, homework and anything else they need to regularly carry back and forth to school.
Tip #2 – Ensure it is well built. I used to buy cheap backpacks and inevitably they would only last a few months before the zippers started breaking, the plastic bits started cracking or the stitching started coming undone. Investing in a quality backpack can save you a lot of money in the long run. We have backpacks that have been in regular use for over 5 years. Just make sure it is a style and design that will also stand the test of time. Quality construction of a backpack is vital to it’s functionality.
Tip #3 – Check out the pockets. One of the things I’m trying to instill in my kids is the ability to be organized. The easiest way to do this is to provide them with tools that make being organized simple. A well designed backpack with functional pockets is a fantastic way to do this. Look for pockets of various sizes and styles to accommodate things like keys, bus passes, pens, lunch and, of course, books. At the beginning of the year work with your child to assign certain items to specific pockets, then throughout the year encourage them to continue to use the pockets to stay organized. Once they learn how being organized reduces stress and chaos it will become second nature to them.
Tip #4 – Specialty features are something you may need to suit your needs. Some schools are now employing a “bring your own device” model where students need to bring their own computer or tablet each day. Ensure your choice in backpack has the appropriate pockets to safely transport these items. Tech should always be transported in a well padded and secured area to protect the items in case the bag gets dropped.
Tip #5 – Make it special to your child! A backpack is something that will be with your child every day and a big part of their daily routine. Find a bag that they will enjoy carrying and will have some pride over. If they are proud of their backpack and feel it is something special, they are more likely to take care of it. A little care can help a backpack last much longer.
