Rolling Backpacks

Best wheeled backpacks

Rolling backpacks are one solution to the problem of heavy loads. The wheeled backpacks sized for school use can double as carry-on travel bags, though they're on the small side. They convert to backpacks but vary in comfort and convenience, and because of the extra hardware, the packs themselves are heavier. In addition, some schools do not allow rolling backpacks, so check with your child's school before you buy.

In 2001, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) changed its recommendation that students avoid back stress by using rolling backpacks. Apparently, the proliferation of wheeled backpacks was causing a different type of injury -- from tripping over them. Now the ACA recommends rolling backpacks only for those children who can't physically carry a traditional backpack.

Among rolling backpacks, the JanSport Wheeled Superbreak THE9 (*Est. $65) gets the best reviews. It's recommended by Paul Kochman on "The Early Show," and it receives above-average user reviews at eBags.com. The JanSport Wheeled Superbreak backpack has a capacity of 1,900 cubic inches, and it offers a retractable handle and tuck-away shoulder straps. The design of the backpack itself is pretty basic, with just one main compartment and one front pocket. Owner-written reviews at eBags.com indicate that the JanSport Wheeled Superbreak is durable, although a few parents report holes developing in the bottom after heavy use. Still, most owners are happy with this backpack and find it easy to roll and carry. The JanSport Wheeled Superbreak is also very light for a rolling backpack; it weighs a little more than 1 pound, so it's not much heavier than traditional packs.

The CalPak Awestruck 5060 (*Est. $35) is another option, but at 8 pounds, it's much heavier than the top-rated JanSport Wheeled Superbreak. The CalPak Awestruck backpack does have more compartments, including several front accessory pockets and a side mesh pocket. At eBags.com, the CalPak Awestruck backpack receives good marks for appearance and organization, but its durability score is average. Several owners report problems with zippers breaking after only a few months of use.

The JanSport Driver 8 TN89 (*Est. $85) also receives good reviews from owners at eBags.com. The JanSport Driver 8 includes a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, and the shoulder straps tuck away so they don't drag -- one of the most frequent complaints about rolling backpacks. The Driver 8 provides 2,175 cubic inches of space overall, with side compression straps and typical organization: two compartments plus a front pocket with organizer. One side mesh pocket can hold a water bottle. The JanSport Driver 8 gets high marks at Amazon.com, with one satisfied owner raving it was "worth every penny." Reviewers say it rolls easily (even when fully loaded), and most owners report no problems with durability. However, a few owners at eBags.com have problems with the handle breaking, making the backpack useless.

Designed for ages 10 and up, the L.L.Bean Rolling Deluxe (*Est. $80) backpack is a little bigger at 2,350 cubic inches, and weighs a little over 5 pounds. It lacks the laptop sleeve, and the lower shoulder strap adjustment belts can drag when the backpack is rolled along. One owner-written review reports a handle-extension problem but says L.L.Bean promptly replaced it. Comparison reviews of rolling backpacks find it reasonably durable, and most owners give it good ratings. For this rolling backpack, L.L.Bean recommends a maximum load of no more than 25 pounds.

L.L.Bean makes several other rolling book bags. The L.L.Bean Rolling Critter (*Est. $70) is designed for ages 7 to 10, with some unusual features that include multicolor light-up LED wheels and two zippered side pockets, one of which also includes a mesh pocket. (Most wheeled backpacks lack side pockets.) However, owners report slightly more quality-control problems with this rolling backpack, including wheels that fall off. Reviewers also say that the tuck-in straps do not stay put while rolling.

For teens and adults, many rolling backpacks are available, but few get very good reviews. Kipling makes two well-reviewed models, but they're very expensive. Though most buyers use them as travel carry-on luggage, some report that they're more durable than most wheeled backpacks for school use. At eBags.com, about 94 percent of the owners rating the Kipling Sausalito 18\" Wheeled backpack (*Est. $150) say they'd buy it again. The Kipling Alcatraz Wheeled Backpack (*Est. $165) gets slightly lower ratings, but it has more pockets for organizing items. Each rolling backpack comes with a one-year warranty.

The less expensive eBags Router Wheeled (*Est. $100) carries a lifetime warranty, but the handle only extends to one length -- too long for most kids and not right for some adults. It's also pretty heavy at about 8 pounds. Otherwise, owners seem to like it, and about 92 percent of reviewers at eBags.com say they would buy it again. It has a side-loading compartment that fits some 15-inch laptops; a chart at eBags.com lists the notebook computers that fit. When the Router is converted to a backpack, a back panel folds around the wheels to keep them away from your back, and the padded straps are S-shaped for a better fit.

Owners say less expensive wheeled backpacks don't hold up long. The Olympia 18-inch Rolling Backpack (*Est. $30), however, is a top pick in older comparison tests of durability and comfort for school kids. It's small (1,500 cubic inches) but includes an organizer pocket plus a side mesh pocket for a water bottle. It's also relatively light at 4 pounds. The shoulder straps can be tucked in, though some parents report problems with kids letting them drag. Owners reviewing the Olympia at eBags.com give it a lower overall rating than the Kipling and Router Wheeled rolling backpacks. Despite the 10-year warranty, quite a few owners report durability problems. Several parents also report that the backpack tips over easily.