From young kids who lose things easily, to older kids with a half dozen sets of books and materials to keep organized, a backpack is an easy solution. Today’s bags are designed with multiple pockets and/or clips for pens, pencils and even cell phones and water bottles. Smaller pouches inside the bag can hold a wallet or other personal items. Unorganized students can easily turn smaller drawstring bags into bottomless pits of haphazard pencils and papers.
Backpacks were used by outdoorsmen before students, so it should be no surprise that a backpack that's properly cared for can survive a lot of wear and tear. A quality pack will be made of tear- and water-resistant woven materials. It can also be easily washed, in case today’s missing PB&J is found lining the inside of the bag tomorrow.
Doctors warn that the weight of a book bag can have terrible effects on a child’s posture and general health. However, when worn properly a backpack provides equal distribution of all that weight, especially compared to other bags, like totes, that are slung over one shoulder. Some backpacks even have wheels (similar to carry-on luggage) for easier mobility.
Drawstrings on kids’ sweatshirts and jackets have long been considered potential choking hazards—and now many kids are choosing nylon drawstring book bags with similar straps. But thicker traditional backpack straps are less likely to tangle around necks, limbs or the school bus door.
With school violence in the news all too often, many schools now require book bags to be made from clear plastic or vinyl, allowing staff to see potential weapons or other dangerous items. Manufacturers have specifically designed backpacks with these rules in mind. As a bonus, clear bags help students see what they need to find inside.