How to choose the size of a backpack for school

Before buying a backpack for school, it is important to consider its size, as this indicates its capacity and limitations.

The choice of school backpack size essentially depends on your child's stature. Indeed, a backpack that is too small or too large means that the weight of the load will not be evenly distributed across your child's shoulders and body. Ultimately, it is your child's entire body structure that will be unbalanced.

Over time, this will cause severe pain in the neck, shoulders and spine, as well as muscle tension.

It is therefore better to be cautious from the outset and pay close attention to the ideal size of your child's school backpack. Remember that you are spending money, so it is better to invest it in comfort and ensure your child's safety.

Take measurements and find the backpack size

To choose the perfect backpack size, bear in mind that it should not extend beyond your child's back. To easily find the right size, simply take two different measurements using a measuring tool and consider them the maximum length and width of the backpack.

Measuring torso length

The key to finding the perfect backpack size is measuring your child's torso length.

• Step 1: First, your child should tilt their head forward as far as possible to locate the bony bump. This is called the 7th cervical vertebra (or C7) — the starting point for measuring torso length.
• Step 2: Find the top of the hip bones by sliding your hands along the rib cage. Place your thumbs on both sides at the top of the hip bone and imagine a horizontal line joining the two thumbs. Now imagine a vertical line from the top of your neck (or C7) to the horizontal line, keeping the angle between these two lines at 90 degrees, or imagine perpendicular lines.
• Step 3: Your child should stand upright so that you can measure the length of the imaginary vertical line. This measured height corresponds to your child's torso length.

Measuring width

To find the perfect backpack width for you, measure the distance between the edges of the shoulder blades. This measured width should be the width of the school backpack. However, you can add one or two extra centimetres.

Find the perfect backpack size using torso length and width

The torso length you have already measured corresponds to the backpack height. You have also already found the width.

Therefore, you must now choose the perfect backpack size to match your torso length and width.

School backpack size according to the child's age

Which backpack for which age?

Once you have identified the height and width in the table, your choice depends on how the backpack will be used. In nursery and primary school, the back is still developing: choose a short format with two wide shoulder straps — this is where Satchel Bags come in, particularly Tann's Satchel Bags, designed for younger children. From middle school onwards, capacity takes priority, and the backpack also accompanies journeys and sports activities: explore our Eastpak school backpacks or our full range of backpacks. A simple guideline valid at any age: when loaded, the backpack should not exceed 10 to 15% of the child's weight, and its bottom should rest in the small of the back, never on the buttocks.