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In this report

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Backpacks: Ratings of Sources
Total of 15 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
July 2009
Backpack Ratings
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests six backpacks in its latest review, rating each model on construction, durability, rain resistance, convenience, comfort and safety features. Only one backpack is recommended, but two others perform the best within their categories. Full details are available to subscribers.
2. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
Best Kids' Backpacks
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn its latest backpack review, Good Housekeeping tests 32 packs and evaluates each one on comfort, practicality and durability. Only six score a recommendation. A related video names the Land's End Lightweight 200 as the best backpack for younger children and the High Sierra Fat Boy for older kids. Analysis is reasonably balanced and includes tester feedback, but the backpacks aren't rated or compared to each other. We also don't see testing comments for any of the packs that aren't recommended.
3. EBags.com
As of Aug. 2011
Daypacks
by Contributors to eBags.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis huge retail site is easily the best website for user reviews of backpacks. It claims to be the biggest retailer of bags of all kinds, and customer ratings for some backpacks number in the thousands. Each pack is rated for appearance, organization and value, and the site also tells how many owners say they'd buy it again. Unfortunately, the backpack ratings aren't displayed on the main page, so you have to click through to each detail page to see ratings and reviews. The North Face, High Sierra and JanSport backpacks are highly rated here.
4. Luggage Online
As of Aug. 2011
Backpacks
by Contributors to LuggageOnline.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis luggage retailer allows consumers to post reviews and rate products. Hundreds of items are included in the backpack category, but narrowing a search to a specific group like laptop backpacks makes the results easier to navigate. The High Sierra Access backpack, JanSport SuperBreak backpack and JanSport Driver 8 wheeled backpack each earn top ratings in their respective categories.
5. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
Kid-Friendly Backpacks With Wheels
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping recommends seven out of a dozen rolling backpacks for kids evaluated in this roundup. Backpacks undergo rigorous tests for durability, storage capacity, water resistance and hands-on testing by a group of children for ease of use. Unfortunately, editors don't share which wheeled backpacks didn't make the cut. A brief analysis discusses key lab findings, tester opinions, and overall pros and cons for each recommended pack. Backpacks from L.L.Bean, Land's End, California Pak and High Sierra earn recommendations.
6. PCMag.com
As of Aug. 2011
Cases & Carrying Gear
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com is one of the most prolific reviewers of laptop backpacks. Reviews are very thorough and each backpack is rated on a 5-point scale. Although no pack tested within the past two years earns an Editors' Choice award, about 10 models receive 4-star ratings or better, including the Case Logic Security Friendly Laptop Backpack and the Overland Acadia Laptop Backpack.
7. CNET
Aug. 23, 2010
Best Back-to-School Laptop Backpacks
by Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe authors of this review reluctantly admit that backpacks remain the most convenient way to transport books, laptops and other essential gear, especially when wandering around a university campus on foot. Seven packs are recommended and accompanied by a detailed description of storage features, convenience and style.
8. Amazon.com
As of Aug. 2011
Backpacks
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis retail site makes it harder to find the top-rated backpacks because products are dispersed throughout various categories such as apparel and outdoors. Of the hundreds of packs sold here, many stand out, including the JanSport Classic, High Sierra Fat Boy and High Sierra Loop. Among wheeled backpacks, the High Sierra Freewheel earns positive reviews.
9. Buzzillions.com
As of Aug. 2011
Backpack Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBuzzillions.com compiles owner-written reviews from a variety of online sources and retailers, including Cabela's and Dick's Sporting Goods. For backpacks, it offers fewer reviews than eBags.com or Amazon.com, but it's still a good source to check out. Several packs attract a substantial number of reviews, including several models from JanSport and The North Face.
10. CNET
As of Aug. 2011
Cases & Bags
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET hasn't evaluated any laptop backpacks since 2010. While its testing is thorough and well-documented, this source ranks lower because it publishes fewer reviews. Each laptop backpack is rated on a 5-point scale, and one, the Booq Boa Squeeze, earns an Editors' Choice award. A newer model, the Booq Boa Flow, doesn't earn this distinction but is compared to the Squeeze and praised for its abundant storage space.
11. Today
July 13, 2009
Heavy Load? Best Backpacks for Kids (of All Ages)
by Paul Hochman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis useful buyer's guide provides shopping advice and safety tips for packing and carrying backpacks in the safest way for the back. Packs are recommended in four age categories and include the REI Satellite, Kelty Redtail, Ortlieb Velocity and Burton iPod Amp.
12. Complex magazine
Jan. 12, 2011
The 10 Best Backpacks for Winter 2011
by Soo-Young Kim
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Complex magazine offer their picks for the 10 best backpacks for winter 2011. Only brief descriptions are offered for each recommended pack, and editors don't provide much justification for their selections.
13. Parents.com
Not Dated
The Best Backpacks, Age by Age
by Alisa Stoudt and Jennifer Sembler
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAlisa Stoudt and Jennifer Sembler review a number of backpacks, but some are included for cuteness rather than functionality. In addition, the packs aren't personally tested or evaluated by kids. Still, there are a wide range of backpacks covered from a variety of manufacturers and brands.
14. About.com
Updated Aug. 18, 2010
Top 6 Back to School Backpacks and Daypacks
by Wendy Bumgardner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, picks six of the best back-to-school backpacks. While the packs are recommended for school, all of them are sized for adults and could be used as hiking daypacks as well. Bumgardner's picks include The North Face Yavapai and the JanSport Wasabi. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
15. LLBean.com
As of Aug. 2011
Backpacks
by Contributors to LLBean.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentOn the L.L.Bean website, owners can leave ratings for backpacks and other products. Obviously, only L.L.Bean packs are sold here, and most get near-perfect average ratings, but there are a good number of balanced reviews.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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