Types of backpacks

Standard backpacks typically have a capacity of about 1,850 cubic inches or approximately 30 liters. Manufacturers often use both measurements to describe capacity; 1,000 cubic inches equals 16.387 liters. This size is a good choice for students in middle and high school who have a lot of books to carry, and the packs in this size range often have extra bells and whistles such as organizer compartments, mesh water-bottle pockets and other accessories.

High school students and adults sometimes need larger backpacks. A sizing guide published at JanSport's website recommends packs of 2,100 cubic inches or more if a student needs to carry more than four textbooks, several big binders, a laptop, lunch and gym clothes. These adult-sized backpacks often come with several pockets, lots of organizer compartments and even a special pocket for a cell phone or MP3 player. Laptop backpacks that have a dedicated padded compartment for a laptop are popular among older students and business professionals but are usually large and heavy. Some also include space for organizing power cords and other electronic gadgets. You'll spend more for a laptop backpack, with most costing $70 to $90. In comparison, you can find a good pack without a laptop compartment for less than $50. 

Backpacks for younger kids often lack these extra frills, but they're smaller and weigh less, too. Most have just one large compartment and a front pocket. Kids' backpacks start at about 800 cubic inches for ages 4 to 7, while backpacks for older kids in elementary school can reach 1,500 cubic inches. Experts like to see reflective strips (for increased visibility) and waist belts (which help take some weight off the shoulders) on kids' packs. The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids' backpacks shouldn't weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the child's weight, but the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends 5 to 10 percent. If you follow the ACA guidelines, a 90-pound child should carry no more than 9 pounds in his or her backpack.

Rolling backpacks are another option for kids; the American Academy of Pediatrics says they "may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load." However, rolling packs are more expensive -- often costing $20 to $40 more than standard backpacks -- and some schools don't allow them. Thanks to their wheels and handles, these packs can weigh 5 pounds more than regular backpacks. They also shouldn't be packed too heavy since they may need to be carried up stairs or over curbs.

Some schools require clear or mesh backpacks so the contents are easy to monitor. The JanSport Mesh Pack (*Est. $25) gets reasonably good reviews, including a rating of 9.1 out of 10 at eBags.com, where 97 percent of about 120 reviewers say they'd purchase it again. The padded straps are straight rather than contoured, but this mesh backpack does have a front pocket for small items. Total capacity is 2,000 cubic inches -- enough for most students. Owners reviewing backpacks at Walmart.com also give good ratings to the less expensive Eastsport Mesh Backpack (*Est. $10).

Experts suggest choosing a backpack for school or work with the following in mind:

  • Look for 630-denier ripstop or Cordura fabric for the best durability. The ideal is tough fabric that's also light, such as 630-denier ripstop nylon. Cordura is heavier but tough. (Denier measures the weight of a fabric; a higher denier represents a stronger material).
  • Some backpacks resist water better. Most backpacks have a polyurethane inner coating or use fabric impregnated with silicone, and a few include a built-in, tuck-away rain cover.
  • Two padded straps are important for comfort and safety. Some backpacks pad the straps with memory foam or air cells. Experts advise against single-strap bags or wearing a regular backpack by just one strap. Curved straps are designed to conform better to the body.
  • A waist belt helps shift some of the pack's weight to the hips, something experts particularly like to see on kids' backpacks. Padding and contouring add comfort, and most stow away when not in use.
  • Ventilated backs incorporate a mesh back and/or an airspace for ventilation across the back to make the pack more comfortable in hot weather or during heavy exertion. However, experts warn that suspending a heavy load away from the body could affect balance, so check fit and balance with the pack fully loaded.
  • Pockets for water bottles are nice to have. Many backpacks include mesh pockets on the sides to stash a water bottle or two. Reviewers really like this feature, and many packs without these pockets attract complaints from users.
  • Dual-zipper, panel-loading backpacks are best for books. A U-shaped zipper opens the whole cover for easy loading and searching.
  • Straps should be easy to tuck away on rolling backpacks. Quite a few owners complain that if it isn't easy to unhook shoulder straps and tuck them away, they drag on the ground as the backpack is rolled along.
  • Laptops need extra padding. Many backpacks include a sling or padded compartment to hold up to a 15-inch laptop. Bigger packs are designed for 17-inch notebooks.
  • Compression straps tighten a partly filled pack to hold contents in place and prevent the backpack from sagging below the waist.
  • The pack should fit snugly against the back. Experts also say the bottom of the backpack should be about 2 inches above the waist.

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