EmailTypes of backpacks
Backpacks for school typically have a capacity of around 1,850 cubic inches or 30.3 liters. Manufacturers often use both measurements to describe capacity; 1,000 cubic inches equals 16.387 liters. High school and college students sometimes need bigger backpacks. A sizing guide published at JanSport's website recommends backpacks of 2,100 cubic inches or more if a student needs to carry more than four textbooks, several big binders, a laptop computer, lunch and gym clothes. To carry that much stuff, it's not surprising that rolling backpacks have gained in popularity. Kids' backpacks start at around 850 cubic inches for ages 4 to 7.
School backpacks are usually panel-loading models, with U-shaped zippers that unzip all or most of the way to make it easy to sort through the contents. Most have a big main compartment for binders and books, plus an organizer pocket for smaller items. By age 10 or so, most students need another compartment for notebooks. Some of the best backpacks include pockets for cell phones and MP3 players, headphone cord ports, as well as padded sleeves or suspension devices for laptops.
Experts suggest choosing a backpack for school or commuting with the following in mind:
- Check school regulations. Some schools ban wheeled backpacks, which can damage floors and pose a tripping hazard. A school may also require that backpacks be clear or mesh, so adults can monitor the contents.
- 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. Look for reinforcement at points of wear.
- Some backpacks resist water better. Most backpacks have a polyurethane inner coating or use fabric impregnated with silicone, and a few include a 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 weight to the hips, and often contains handy pockets for small items like a cell phone or camera. Padding and contouring add comfort.
- Ventilated backs incorporate a mesh back and/or an airspace for ventilation across the back to make the backpack more comfortable in hot weather or high exertion. However, experts warn that suspending a heavy load away from the back could affect balance, so check fit and balance with the pack fully loaded.
- Dual-zipper, panel-loading backpacks are best for books. A U-shaped zipper opens up 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 backpacks are designed for 17-inch notebooks.
- Compression straps tighten a partly filled pack to hold contents in place.
- Hydration is featured on many backpacks now, with a place for a hydration bladder and drinking tube and/or at least one pocket for a water bottle. Be sure you can reach the bottles while wearing the pack.
Experts recommend taking a typical load of books and other items to the store so you can try on a backpack fully loaded. Some backpacks are sized for a certain height or kids' age. Look for adjustability. Experts say the bottom of the backpack should be about 2 inches above the waist. At the same time, experts say to limit weight of the backpack and its contents to 10 to 15 percent of the user's body weight. Err on the low side for children or anyone with potential back or balance problems.