Unlike other types of bags, backpacks are the most convenient for students, especially if they have a lot of things to bring, like thick textbooks, notebooks, and laptops. That’s why it’s essential for every student to invest in worthy backpacks. Thus, when it comes to choosing a backpack for college, it’s important to always consider the convenience you get from carrying it.
Although there are a lot of choices available, you should opt for a bag that doesn’t just suit your style but as well as sturdy enough to last your entire college life so you’ll not regret spending money purchasing it.
Aside from that, the right backpack will keep you and your gear organized and safe. Carrying heavy school supplies and wearing an overloaded bag will surely be inconvenient for you. It’ll possibly put strains on your neck, back, and shoulder to the point that it’ll cause back and shoulder pain.
Below is a guide on what you should look for in a backpack. In line with this, here’s a post by Bag Academy on college backpacks to help you pick the right choice.
1. Several Pockets and Compartments
Depending on the classes or activities they have, such as preparing for exams, regular classes, art classes, or laboratory activities, college students have different needs. That’s why it’s important to choose a backpack that has several compartments with various sizes and a space designated for every tool, like a place where you can put your notebooks, binders, pens and pencils, mobile phones, and even compartment for your lunch and water bottle. That way, the weight will spread evenly and it’ll surely keep your things organized and easier to find.
If you carry your laptop with you, you should go for backpacks that have laptop compartments or laptop bags so you’ll have adequate space for storing your laptop together with its charger.
Moreover, find a backpack with cushioned chambers to avoid surface scratches or a water-resistant zipper and sealed seams as protections against water damage. It would be better if the zippers are double-headed and heavy-duty for easier access and to ensure that it’ll hold up over time so that your necessities will be organized.
But, if you’re not fond of zippers or buckles, you can have magnetic flaps for easy to access pockets.
2. Durable
If you want a backpack that’s sturdy enough to last for a couple of years, choose a backpack that’s made out of durable materials. See to it that it has good stitching and the straps and handles are perfectly anchored to the main bag. If you like an eco-friendly backpack, you can choose one that’s made out of natural fibers, like hemp, since it’s more environmentally friendly, unlike synthetic materials.
However, backpacks made of synthetic fibers are the best choice because it’s both lighter and stronger. Non-synthetic materials, such as cotton, are lightweight and cheaper, but they’ll easily tear or scraped and it’s not water-resistant. On the other hand, leather can wear well but it’s expensive, heavy, and bulky. Nylon is water-resistant and lightweight, while Cordura and ballistic nylon are heavier. Dyneema is a durable fabric, but it’s commonly used in high-end bags.
Investing in a well-built backpack is the most advisable. Although strong materials are more expensive, the extra money will pay off since it’ll last longer.
3. Consider Wide, Padded Straps
Thin backpack straps can cause inconvenience because it can cut your skin, causing you pain. That’s why it’s better if you choose a backpack with broad straps and proper padding to have an even distribution of weight load and added support for your shoulders.
A padded back can also make a heavily loaded backpack feel lighter and can add extra comfort. If you’re carrying the backpack for too long, it can also pull heat away from the body.
Also, adjustable straps are better so that the bag will sit steadily against the strongest part of the back. A very dense backpack that sits too low on the back or sways around can be the reason for back pain and spine problems.
To avoid neck injuries and alignment problems for your spine, shoulder, or back, choose a backpack with two shoulder straps. If you carry heavy loads daily, a waist or sternum strap can help evenly distribute the weight. A lift on the top of the bag is also a good idea so you can easily grab it.
4. The Right Size
The backpack that you should choose should be appropriate for your size, which will depend on the length of your torso and your hips. Hence, you should not buy a backpack that falls below your hips because the waistband should support the weight.
Although there are options for men and women, always keep in mind that women’s backpacks are a little bit smaller to fit because of their typical smaller frames. Taller people can have the men’s option, while the petite ones will love the women’s backpacks.
5. Don’t Forget Modern Fashion
Backpacks before were all black and blue. Now, there’s a wide variety of prints that are fashionable. It can also be an extension of your personality and reflect who you are.
Consider the style of your backpack. Make sure that it looks good and alike to other backpacks that are currently famous. Solid color is the best because it matches a lot of outfits. If you prefer a sleek backpack that matches the crowd, you can never go wrong with black backpacks. If you want a simple yet professional look, black, navy blue, or grey-toned backpacks are suitable.
Conclusion
Having the right backpack that suits your needs can make your academic journey more convenient. You can be assured that your bag has ample storage for what you need and the money you spent is worth it because you can use it in the long run. Thus, you have to pay attention to these features – pockets and compartments, durability, wide and padded straps, the size, and its style – before buying your backpack.
