Tips for choosing a backpack for college and high school

Your middle and high school years are certainly the ones that made the greatest impression on you, but now that you are the parent of a teenager, this period raises other questions. Whether it concerns future choices, friendships or your young adult’s mood swings, your everyday life can sometimes be hectic.

But as the new school year approaches, there is another point that is troubling you: choosing the backpack your teenager will carry.

You do not want your child to be the laughing stock of middle or high school because of a dated backpack, but at the same time, you do not want to compromise on the bag’s quality.

So, to help you make your choice, we have listed the main points to consider when choosing a backpack for a middle or high school student.

Backpacks for middle school

Make room for electronics

Backpacks for middle school students will probably need to have room for a laptop. Classic brands such as American Tourister now offer backpacks with special storage pockets for laptops or tablets.

For example, the URBAN GROOVE laptop backpack features a padded interior sleeve suitable for a 15.6-inch laptop.

With laptops and tablets, you might think that middle and high school students have fewer heavy books. However, digital trends do not necessarily mean lighter loads. They carry their whole life in their backpack—not just books and electronic devices, but also things for extracurricular activities. Just make sure that the backpack is not overloaded.

Look for backpacks that stand out

Remember the peer pressure of middle school, when you had to have the bag of the season or the rest of your life would be ruined? This generation is not like that.

Among younger students, in primary and middle school, we have seen trends such as colour-changing sequin backpacks in recent years. This group is looking for fun and is also drawn to unique looks.

Generation Z is more likely to want to stand out rather than fit in when it comes to fashion, and 77% of 13–17-year-olds tell us that they like dressing in their own style.

Comfort is key

When looking for the best backpacks for middle school students, do not overlook comfort. 54% of middle and high school students use the word “comfortable” to best describe their personal style, while 77% said that comfort was their number-one priority in what they wear. For this reason, sporty backpacks are a major trend for this age group.

These young consumers are more open to wearing logos than millennials, ushering in something of a return to logomania—if they are passionate enough about the brand. Favourite backpack brands among this age group include Eastpak and JanSport.

Backpacks for high school

Backpacks must go beyond the classroom

High school students are so busy that they often do not even have time to stop at their lockers. Their backpacks therefore need to hold several types of items.

One option is the PINNACLE backpack by Eastpak. Its durability and features have made it the best backpack choice for high school. With a capacity of 40 litres, it offers excellent storage capacity. There is also room for a 15-inch laptop, with dedicated spaces for a tablet and a cord, as well as two water bottles.

The best backpacks for high school students include features such as expandable front pockets, external elastic cords and spaces for electronics.

A trendy, sportswear-inspired and elegant backpack

Among high school students, sporty styles remain the preference, but we are also seeing designs that combine this style with details such as bright, bold colours and prints. Once again, Eastpak is certainly the brand that stands out the most, with a wide choice of designs. You can find fairly understated backpacks in solid colours, as well as more extravagant models with vibrant patterns and colours.

We are still looking at practical and, above all, durable backpacks that can accompany students from middle school through high school without any trouble.

Students should nevertheless use both straps on their backpacks. It may seem cool to carry a backpack on one shoulder, but this can lead to long-term injuries and spinal problems. Studies have also shown that carrying loads unevenly, such as when a child carries a backpack on one shoulder, can lower the more frequently loaded shoulder and cause lateral curvature of the spine.

So, however cool the backpack you choose for your teenager’s return to school may be, remember to remind them that it is essential to wear their backpack correctly.