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How to Pick the Best Backpack for Back to School

Expert Advice

How to Pick the Best Backpack for Back to School

Aug 19, 2024

The end of summer usually means helping your kids pick out all kinds of back-to-school essentials, from notebooks to sports equipment. Of course, they’ll need a way to transport all of that cool new stuff, too — which is why back-to-school is the perfect time to choose a new backpack.

What should you and your kids look for when selecting a backpack for the new school year? We have a few simple tips on picking a backpack to keep in mind as you shop. First, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular styles.

Sprayground Backpack

Best Backpacks for High School

High schoolers usually carry the most books and gear, which can often include tech devices like laptops and tablets. The Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training XL Backpack is a great choice for a high school backpack thanks to its combination of a sleek style with tons of storage space and organization features. Other kids might prefer the endless storage and minimalist charm of the adidas Originals Utility 5.0 Backpack or the athletic design of the Under Armour Hustle Backpack.

Best Middle School Backpacks

Middle schoolers may need that extra storage space, too, but in the world of developing personalities, you want to find a good-quality backpack that perfectly fits his or her emerging style. The Jordan Air Patrol backpack will provide the storage they need with the standout graphics they want. For that clean yet glamorous look a tween or teen girl may desire, consider the Nike Utility Speed Graphic pack. Then, stock their bag with all the back-to-school essentials they need and — voila! — they’re ready to roll.

Nike Backpack

Backpack Styles for All Ages

Here are a few different types of back-to-school bags your kid might need before, during and after school:

Academic Backpacks

Padded straps, a large main compartment and two smaller accessory pockets often distinguish academic backpacks that are designed for heavy-duty book-moving. To help determine how much storage your student will need, consider their workload. Your high schooler with eight class periods will likely need a more spacious bag than your third-grader. Is your student going to be working from a tablet or laptop? Look for a back-to-school backpack with a specific space for this technology.

Sack Packs

Drawstring sack packs are ideal for slinging over shoulders before a swim meet or track practice. Built with thinner and more flexible construction materials and light-load-bearing string or rope straps, sack packs aren’t ideal for carrying around heavy geometry books or fragile laptops. However, they’re great for storing P.E. uniforms, practice attire and workout clothes.

Sport Backpacks

After-school activities, like basketball and cheer, often require a little extra baggage. Protective equipment, bats, balls, cleats or special shoes often won’t fit in an academic bag or sack pack, which is why sports packs exist. With roomy pockets, these backpacks are crafted with sport-specific storage spaces, such as zippered pockets for cleats, slots for baseball bats, mesh side pockets for water bottles, and even rounded compartments for balls, so you’re ready for whatever season comes next.

Features to Look for in a Back-to-School Backpack

Your first grader might be OK with buying a bag simply because it’s sparkly and purple, but you’ll probably want to look a little deeper into how to pick a backpack. Consider these factors when shopping for the best backpack for school that’s both fashionable and functional:

Quality

You don’t want to buy a cheap, poorly-made backpack for your kid, so how can you know how to pick a backpack that’s high quality? Start by inspecting the quality of the materials used and the bag’s craftsmanship. Ask questions such as:

  • Are the seams well-sewn? 
  • Do you see any frayed edges that could lead to tearing or holes in the near future? 
  • Do the shoulder straps have a decent amount of padding? 
  • How well does the main zipper work?

Remember, a lower-priced option may not get as much mileage as a premium brand with a lifetime warranty and well-made materials

Fit

It’s important to make sure your child’s back-to-school backpack actually fits. Keep your child’s height in mind when selecting a backpack since shorter-statured students require smaller bags to get the right fit. A properly fitted pack should sit no more than an inch or two below the waist or above the shoulders. If the backpack has waist or chest straps, make sure those sit at the right part of the body.

If the straps hang too low or are up too high even after adjusting, consider going with a different size. You don’t want the backpack to be either too tight or too loose, so spend some time noting how the backpack hangs on your kid’s frame and make sure they’re able to adjust it to the right height.

Comfort

When we talk about fit, we also need to talk about comfort. Backpacks are hoisted onto the bus, through the school halls and on and off class after class. To make sure your kid is comfortable all day, look for a backpack with padded straps, a padded back and extra straps that allow them to distribute weight on their body more easily. Some type of ventilated padding on the back can also be a game-changer for reducing sweat on hot days.

Storage and Weight

You want to make sure there’s enough room in the pack for your kids to easily stash all of their school-day essentials. Leave room for books, devices, writing tools, notebooks, and anything else they keep with them.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 15% of your child’s weight when packed. If you know your kid will be toting a good amount of weight in school supplies, it can be smart to choose a lighter backpack to reduce the overall load.

Shop Hibbett’s full selection of backpacks to find the best high school backpacks, middle school backpacks and even options for the little ones. We’ve also got all kinds of back-to-school fits on deck, from shorts to hats to sneakers, so check your local Hibbett for the good stuff, or shop our full selection online.

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