September 20th is National School Backpack Awareness Day, and while many of us are no longer in school, there are some good lessons to take away from the event. The American Occupational Therapy Association coined it to bring awareness to the proper use of backpacks for kids in school and teach them and their parents to always use them right. Namely:
- Backpacks should weigh no more than 10% of the student’s body weight
- Avoid pain from carrying heavy loads in their backpack
- Wear backpacks properly and not slung off one shoulder
- Backpacks should be packed and balanced correctly so that the child can stand up straight
So what does that mean for everyday carry? The day is a good reminder to reconsider our EDCs and try not to overpack. Comfort and ergonomics should also be core features for your everyday backpack, so be sure to utilize things like load lifters, sternum straps, and hip belts, and ensure your pack rides high and tight, especially when packed heavy.
But while we’re on the subject of backpacks and school, we’d also like to recommend some of our recent favorites to consider if you’re looking for one in the first place. Here are five bags across five price points we think would be good considerations for your next school backpack. And remember, try not to stuff them too much and employ the ergonomic features they have where you can.
- Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack: An affordable option with multiple compartments, dual mesh water bottle pockets, and can accommodate even extra large 17″ laptops.
- Mystery Ranch Catalyst 18: An EDC favorite brand that brings the versatile tri-zip opening to a more minimal everyday bag. It comes in three sizes and lots of colors, but the 18 is a great daily size and can fit up to 15″ laptops.
- Moment Everything Backpack 17L: Moment always wows us with their phone and camera tech, so if you carry a lot of those, their Everything bags are a great and roomy consideration for both daily carry and travel. You can fit up to a 16″ laptop and Moment’s array of inserts to dial in your carry.
- Thule Subterra 23L: Thule has long been a stalwart for robust backpacks and pouches, and the Subterra line is a nice and sleek option. It comes with a hi-vis interior, water bottle pocket, 15″ laptop compatibility, and nice comfort features like a sternum strap and a mesh padded back panel.
- Timbuk2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack: Work hard, play hard with this pack that can take on up to two 16″ gaming laptops (but we highly recommend you don’t carry that heavy) with room to spare for even an extra pair of gym shoes. Bonus that it’s made by Timbuk2, one of our favorite bagmakers as well.
Interested in more backpacks, bags, and pouches? Check out our other guides:
