Mesh Backpack or Military Backpack - What is Right For the First Day of School

The start of school every year means that kids need new backpacks, so the question always arises, which backpacks are best. Do you kids need see through mesh backpacks or can they get anything they choose. There are some important things to consider when buying a new school backpack.

You need to figure out if your child’s school has any specific rules about what type of backpacks their students can carry. Some schools require the use of see through bags. These can be transparent plastic or mesh backpacks. They are used to reduce the risk of kids bringing contraband to school. Not a nice thought but contraband is unfortunately a big problem for inner city and suburban school alike. Anything that can make your kids safer is a step in the right direction. Schools that do not require see through backpacks probably use some type of scanner system.

You also need to consider how much your child will have to carry. Are they in kindergarten and basically limited to a few small items that must be carried between home and school or are they in high school and being forced to carry a laptop and numerous books. Each situation will require a significantly different backpack.

After you have determined what kind of backpack you need then it is up to your child to have some input. It is a good idea to let your kids choose what they like and let them form their own identity in but it is also a good idea to steer them towards things that are practical and useful. The commando backpack is probably not the best choice for a first grader that is required to have a mesh backpack for school.

Do your research. Backpacks are not cheap and a school bag takes more abuse than a dog chew toy at times. You want to get them something that will make it through the school year but you don’t want to break the bank. Shop around and see who has the best prices. Look for tax free back to school sales. These can save you 8-10% on school shopping which can add up to a lot, especially if you have more are getting more than one kid ready for school.

Looking into the manufacture and brand of a particular bag is also a good idea. Many companies offer life time warranties on their products. Most companies that offer these warranties very rarely actually are actually requested to fulfill warranty issues and they are usually happy to satisfy a few warranty customers for positive PR. Taking advantage of warranties can save you a boat load of money in the long run.

Keep in mind that a school back pack will be used a lot. Ergonomics must be taken into consideration. Students are required to carry a lot of weight in books and other nicknacks and this can have a lot of impact on their growing bodies. Developing spines can be very susceptible to injury and shouldering 30-40 pounds in a cheap backpack can cause some serious long term damage. Make sure that backpacks have good shoulder straps and a good support system that spreads the weight out and transfers some of it to the hips.

I suggest not buying the most expensive bag you can find but not skimping and getting something cheap either.

Focusing too much on the style of a backpack can be a dangerous proposition. School age kids change very quickly. What may seem like the greatest bag in the world at the beginning of the year can embarrass a kid by the end of the year. Give your child some leeway to choose something they like, but stay away from over stylized bags that will loose their cool quickly.

Examine the durability factor of a bag. Mesh backpacks tend to wear out quickly while military backpacks tend to be build to last. Check zippers, stitching and any clasps or buckles. A good heavy material is also important you want this bag to last.

Teach your child to use a backpack properly. Show them how to adjust any shoulder straps or hip belts. Getting a good quality backpack and then having them use it wrong is a waste of your time and money. Take the time to show them how to properly organize the things that they will need for school and then let them have at it.

If it be a military backpack, a mesh backpack, or a roller pack take the time to make a wise choice that will benefit your child.