Advice plesae..... backpacks!

coolmum123 · Post by **coolmum123** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:09 pm

hi all,

I wonder if you could advice on the above please! DS is at new school and the backpack he has isn't suitable for the weight of all the books. I know I need to look for one which has a hard bottom to spread the weight across the bag and padded shoulders but are there any other things I need to look for in order for the bag to be good for his back, have enough space for all his stuff and be comfortable yet strong!!!!!! Does such a backpack exist?!!!

Thanks in advance for your replies

Coolmum

ElizabethB · Post by **ElizabethB** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:26 pm

I would suggest going to a specialist outdoors activity shop such as Blacks and get their advice as they will know what to look for in a pack that is to contain heavy items and be carried for lengthy amounts of time

solimum · Post by **solimum** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:32 pm

There is a charity called Backcare which highlight this issue and sell their own "approved" bags

http://www.backcare.org.uk/1183/Back-Packs.html

We bought a similar product when my boys were younger - of course as they got older and more "cool" they wouldn't use them any more, but hopefully they also got larger and stronger and better at organising their stuff.

suncrest · Post by **suncrest** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:37 pm

Hi Coolmum

We have had meltdown in our household this week regarding DS's school bag. DS has just started Y7 and the amount of books he has to take to and from school is enormous and that is despite having a large locker. The weight was too much for his exising bag and I have looked absolutely everywhere for a suitable one ...and found it! We got it in the end from staples and it is really a backpack designed to carry a computer - it is reinforced at the bottom with a 'faux' leather base, a comfy rubberised handle and it can expand to a large capacity to cope with all the books. The shoulder straps are really padded and angled so they don't fall off. there are 3 compartments and now DS seems chuffed (sighs of relief and we can all relax....the smallest thing is setting him off at the moment!) I have to say it was not cheap but having looked at all the supermarkets, Argos department stores AND specialist shops this was definitely the best. It is comfy enough so that when full he can also cycle to school (though not on the days he has to also carry is games kit/trombone and swimming stuff as well as a all his books!!!!)
Many of the ones we looked at were just too small - ok for two or three but no more. This one also stands up on its own so doesnt fall over when trying to dig things out from the bottom.
It also passes his trend test - ie not too geeky!

Milla · Post by **Milla** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:40 pm

I didn't even think of looking there! We got a fatface one which clearly isn't going to pass any ortho-tests but is padded, and sensibly arranged and seems to pass the cool test.

yoyo123 · Post by **yoyo123** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:13 pm

Animal do one with quite a good shoulder "harness" and it is advertised as being able to carry A4 files. No more squashed homework. It has teh approval of Mr Cool himself (aka Master Yoyo)

Bexley Mum 2 · Post by **Bexley Mum 2** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:43 pm

We've always used back packs designed to carry laptops - much sturdier than the sort of thing you might get in a sports shop. Usually have lots of handy compartments and padded shoulder straps. You can normally get them in currys/comet/whsmith.

stevew61 · Post by **stevew61** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:02 pm

We evolved to a laptop type bag with extra space called a messenger bag from a supermarkets own brand range. Surprising amount of well organised storage and well made, and well liked by DS. He did not like my choice of large rucksack it attracted comments about going camping.

steve

suncrest · Post by **suncrest** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:14 pm

Trouble is with the messenger style bag is they are so bad for the spine and posture - heavy loads on one shoulder really causes problems later in life. Also not that great if you are cycling.

DSs school are very strict on the style of bag they should have - it must have two straps ie a back pack...also dark coloured and no branding. Good really then everyone looks the same and no nasty comments - they all look like they are going camping

Burneth · Post by **Burneth** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:14 pm

Another one in favour of a laptop backpack - 3 weeks in and it has the thumbs up from DS. We got a Swissgear one, not cheap but worth it.