How to Choose a Backpack?

Choosing the perfect bag for you or your child to take to school or college is a hard decision. Not only must it be practical, lightweight and comfortable to wear, but it also needs to look the part and be easily identifiable amongst other students’ bags.

Here’s what you really need from your backpack.

How do I choose a stylish backpack?

Style is always a matter of personal choice. If choosing for yourself, this should be far easier than buying for someone else. Kipling’s Backpack Finder has certainly made this a simpler selection process even if it only provides you with inspiration for what you might be looking for.

Complete this guide to find the perfect bag for you. Select what size bag you’re looking for and whether you’d prefer a neutral, colorful, metallic or print design. If shopping with your child for a school backpack for their needs, this can be a fun way to get them involved without having to trek to the store.

Once you’ve selected your size, purpose and color, you can choose specific features you might want, such as a water bottle pocket. This will help you find a pack that looks the part and meets all your needs.

Where should a backpack sit on your back?

If you are going to be carrying your backpack around a lot, especially if you’re going to be carrying a lot of heavy items around in it, it is crucial that you find a backpack style that fits you properly.

According to Very Well Fit, the majority of backpacks are modelled on an average adult male, so if you are smaller or larger than this average model, this is something you will definitely want to look out for.

According to their site, your backpack should sit two inches below the top of your shoulder and come down as far as your waist. It should only reach as far down your back as two inches above your hip bones.

As most backpacks are modelled on the average torso length of an adult male, buying packs that are designed specifically for women or children may suit you better if you are female or a child, as these will be designed to fit a typically shorter torso. You can find how to tell if you have a long or short torso here.

How do I know if my backpack is too small?

First and foremost, you will need an idea of exactly what you want to carry in your bag before you can determine whether or not it is too small.

If you will need to carry a lot of thick, heavy books around, we would recommend a large or extra large backpack, maybe even one with wheels. However, if you will only need to carry a few minimal items such as your laptop, a water bottle and your lunch bag, you could easily get away with a medium sized backpack instead.

RELATED: Are your school bags suitable for carrying heavy books?.

All of your items should be able to fit comfortably inside your bag, without putting any strain on the zipper when trying to get it to close. Your backpack may also be too small for you if you struggle to get your arms through the shoulder straps; if buying for your growing child, it might be time to look at adult sized bags for them if this is the case. We suggest measuring them properly to help you decide.

What is a good size for a school backpack?

This will all depend on exactly what your child is expected to carry to school with them. Some schools ask students to keep their books and stationery at school. If this applies to your child, you will likely only need to buy them a small bag, or maybe just a lunch bag if you’re planning on packing their lunch for them every day instead of sending them in with money to buy their own from the school cafeteria.

Other education establishments have bigger demands on what they expect their students to bring in each day. If your child is taking part in any kind of physical education, their bag will likely need room for extra clothing like their PE clothes and a water bottle. They may even need a separate bag or compartment to carry their sneakers.

RELATED: Everything you need to know about gym bags.

If studying at high school level or above, there is the likelihood that your education provider will require you to bring your own books to school and maybe even your own devices, like a laptop computer or tablet. Here is a standard list of what you may be required to carry, and some advice on what to look for in a laptop bag.

If carrying expensive technology to school every day, you will want to ensure that your backpack has a safe, secure pocket. This is where you can stow it safely away from potential pickpockets, as well as keep it in a padded pocket where it will be protected should your bag be dropped or accidentally kicked if placed on a floor.

When deciding on a backpack size, select a medium or large if you need to carry books or a laptop.

If you’re still struggling to decide what backpack to buy for your child to take to school, read on to find out everything you need to know about school bags.