Backpacks: Ratings of Sources
Total of 17 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
Our Assessment
Consumer Reports tests 12 backpacks in its latest review, rating each model on construction, durability, rain resistance, convenience, comfort and safety features. Only two backpacks are recommended, but two others perform the best within their category. Full details are available to subscribers.
GH Tested: 5 Best Backpacks for Kids
by Amy Roberts
Our Assessment
Editors enlist kids to test 29 daypacks, picking five as the best backpacks for school -- though drawbacks are noted for four of these. Tests cover water resistance and durability as well as comfort and… organization. The 24 backpacks that didn't make the cut also get brief comments. The North Face Borealis, the Lands' End Cordura Studyhaul, the Kelty Riff, The North Face Recon and the L.L.Bean Original Plus are top-rated.
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Best High-tech Backpacks
by Jane Bianchi
Our Assessment
This review covers 14 high-tech backpacks, testing them to see if their extra features are worth the money. Tests are done by 24 kids ages 12 to 18. Both of the top picks provide iPod controls on a front… strap, but one proves more durable and water-resistant than the other. No details are provided about the other 12 backpacks that didn't make the cut. This review is somewhat outdated, and one of the two recommended backpacks has been discontinued.
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Cases & Carrying Gear
by Editors of PCMag.com
Our Assessment
Two laptop backpacks receive scores of four or five (out of five) in PCMag.com's review database, including the Speck AftPack and JanSport Boost. PCMag.com's reviews are very thorough, and they're some of the most detailed review sources available for laptop backpacks.
Daypacks
by Contributors to eBags.com
Our Assessment
This huge retail site claims to be the biggest retailer of bags of all kinds, and user ratings of 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. Among top-rated backpacks are the JanSport Big Student and the North Face Jester. This site is easily the best website for user reviews of backpacks.
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Gear of The Day: Ortlieb Velocity Dayback
by Joe Lindsey
Our Assessment
In this brief single-product review, Joe Lindsey reviews the Ortlieb Velocity, a backpack that gets high marks for commuters who ride their bike to work. Lindsey, who personally uses the backpack, reports his observations over a five-year period.
Head of the Class
by Jennifer Howard
Our Assessment
In this older backpack review, Jennifer Howard enlists the help of kindergarteners to test six basic backpacks. Each pack is rated overall, along with individual ratings for design, comfort and durability. Of the six packs, the L.L.Bean Junior Original and the Lands' End Classmate Junior get the highest ratings.
Heavy Load? Best Backpacks for Kids (of All Ages)
by Paul Hochman
Our Assessment
Paul Hochman, a contributing writer at Fast Company magazine and technology editor for NBC's "Today" show, picks a few of the best backpacks for kids in grade school, high school and college. The review is not incredibly detailed, and the packs weren't personally tested. Favorites include the REI Satellite, the Kelty Redtail, the Ortlieb Velocity and the Burton iPod Amp.
Best Back-to-School Backpacks
by Editors of The Early Show
Our Assessment
Paul Hochman, a contributing writer at Fast Company magazine, discusses backpacks with anchor Harry Smith. The reviews are brief and focus mainly on features and style. Hochman mentions some of the same backpacks he does in the "Today" show article, as well as a few others like the REI Acumen and the JanSport Mesh Pack.
We Test It: Kids' Backpacks
by Denise Foley and Tanya Beers
Our Assessment
In this outdated article, Prevention magazine editors load 30 backpacks with 5 to 8 pounds of stuff, then ask a dozen children (ages 6 to 15) to test them on a mile-long walk. A chart shows the features that make each pack comfortable for kids. Only one of the nine top-ranked backpacks is still available: the Kelty Grommet Kids.
11. ConsumerReports.org
July 2008
Backpacks for Kids
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment
We'd rank this brief article higher if it included any ratings, but it's basically a short buyer's guide to kids' school backpacks that doesn't recommend any specific packs.
The Best Backpacks, Age by Age
by Alisa Stoudt and Jennifer Sembler
Our Assessment
Stoudt and Sembler review a good number of backpacks, but some of them are included for "cuteness" rather than functionality. The packs aren't personally tested or evaluated by kids, however. Still, there are a wide range of backpacks covered, from a variety of manufacturers and brands.
Daypacks
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment
This retail site makes it harder to find the top-rated backpacks, though searching for more precise terms like "book bag" or "computer pack" helps. Of the hundreds of backpacks sold here, three stand out, including the JanSport Big Student and the JanSport SuperBreak. As at other sites, rolling daypacks get mostly lower ratings from owners.
Backpack Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Our Assessment
Buzzillions.com compiles owner-written reviews from a variety of online sources and retailers. For backpacks, it offers fewer reviews than eBags.com or Amazon.com, but it's still a good source to check out. Several backpacks get a good number of reviews, including several models from JanSport and The North Face.
Best Rated Book Packs
by Contributors to LLBean.com
Our Assessment
On the L.L.Bean website, owners can leave ratings for backpacks. Obviously, only L.L.Bean packs are sold here, and most get similar average ratings, but there are a good number of balanced reviews.
Top 5! Cool Backpacks under $40
by Amy Loeffler
Our Assessment
This brief article reviews five backpacks, but it's not based on any testing of the backpacks. The reviews focus on features, and no drawbacks are listed for any of the packs. We are left wondering why these five backpacks were selected.
Head of the Class
by Justine Lorelle Blanchard
Our Assessment
This slideshow article doesn't offer much in the way of details. In fact, there's no analysis or description offered for any of the backpacks, other than the fact that they will make your kid "the envy of the schoolyard." The backpacks seem to be selected for cuteness and style.
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