The inspired design of a modern school backpack is credited to Dick Kelty with his Kelty Pack in 1952. Some of the safety, comfort and convenience features found on the original Kelty Pack included: padded shoulder straps, waist belts, and zippered pockets. These features continue as practical design elements in modern backpacks today. Over time backpack designs have adapted to include features such as additional straps, pockets, and padding to safeguard electronics as can be seen on laptop bags.
Backpacks come with a variety of features that make being and staying organized easier as well as easing the burden of a heavy load. Some examples of backpack features include a cell phone pocket, water bottle pouch, a key lanyard, waist and back strap clips, extra padding, waterproof material, separate storage compartments, and extra padding or straps.
Types of Backpacks
The major types of backpacks to consider for middle school children include sling-style backpacks also known as messenger bags, rolling backpacks, traditional shoulder strap backpacks, sport bags, and laptop bags. Some brands of backpacks include L.L. Bean, JanSport, The North Face, and High Sierra. Backpacks come in an assortment of colors, patterns, and designs making it easy to find a look that a middle school child is happy with.
Finding the Right Backpack
Consider the purposes the backpack must serve and the size of the child when choosing which style is best suited for a middle school student. In some instances, a child may be better off having two bags to allocate different items into. For example, one for class-related materials and items and another gym bag for sports-related items.
While style is important, there are some trends in backpacks that experts warn against. For example, Dr. Hennrikus, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Chairman of the orthopedic section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, cautions parents against the use of sling style backpacks as the weight pulling onto one shoulder from this style of bag can potentially cause pain. Finding the right backpack value involves picking one with the right mix of style, features, and durability. The weight of the backpack empty is an important consideration as the American Occupational Therapy Association recommends that a filled backpack does not weigh more than 15% of the child's weight.
Saving Money on Backpacks
According to the 2013 Backpack Index a parent of a middle school age child would spend an average of $763 for school supplies for the 2013 - 2014 school year. With such a high dollar expense saving money where possible makes sense. Since backpacks are a necessary school supply knowing money saving tips on finding middle school backpacks can ease this burden. Some tips include: purchasing a quality backpack that will last so another one is not necessary due to the first one breaking down, being open to buying a variety of brands and color choices, timing a purchase to coincide with sales and people clearing out their children's unwanted backpacks, and searching for older or more basic style backpacks.
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