The Perfect School Backpack: Tips for Choosing Design, Ergonomics and Size
For many children, the first school backpack is a real highlight – and for parents, an important decision. Besides colourful designs and cool patterns, what matters most is that the backpack is comfortable, practical and healthy for little backs. But how do you find the perfect school backpack? Let's clarify the most important questions!
When should you buy a school backpack?
Most parents start their search for the right school backpack in spring before school starts – at this point, school enrolment is still around six months away. This gives parents plenty of time to compare different models and prices. In addition, spring offers the widest selection of school backpacks, and many shops attract customers with discounts.
If school start is still half a year away, your future first-grader's height might still change. That's why it's a good idea to choose school backpacks that grow with your child, such as school backpacks with a height-adjustable carrying system.
Some parents wait for deals shortly before school starts. This is often cheaper, and you can adjust the fit of the backpack to your child's current height. However, the selection may already be limited shortly before the start of school.
Are you still looking for a school backpack for the start of school? Discover current models for first-graders from brands such as Step by Step, Scout, DerDieDas & Co.
-> School backpacks for 1st grade
School backpacks – what should you look out for?
When choosing the right school backpack, parents should consider these 6 criteria:
Ergonomics
With ergonomic school backpacks, back-friendliness is the main focus. To avoid straining the spine, the school backpack should have padded shoulder straps, a reinforced back panel and ideally a chest or hip strap. With these practical straps, your child can carry the daily weight of school books with minimal strain on their health.
Visibility
Reflectors on school backpacks are a must, so your child can be clearly seen in traffic, even in bad weather or darkness.
Size
Many children experience enormous growth spurts during primary school – yet the backpack should fit perfectly from 1st to 4th grade. Make sure the ergonomic school bag has a continuously adjustable back system and an adjustable chest strap. This way, the backpack can be adjusted to the child's back after every growth phase.
Storage space
Look for clever compartments and pockets so your child can stay organised. Ideally, the inner compartment close to the back should be larger, so heavy books can be stored there. The closer heavy items are to the back, the easier they are to carry. An external side pocket as a drink compartment could help prevent hastily closed water bottles from damaging the inside of the backpack in case the bottle leaks.
Workmanship
The backpack has to withstand a lot during the school year – after all, it's used five days a week. Durable and waterproof materials protect notebooks and books from rain and snow. Closures with a magnetic function allow your child to open the school backpack easily and quickly – even with just one hand!
Design
In the end, your child should also love their school backpack. Let them help decide, since they'll be wearing the backpack every day. Whether with dinosaurs, princesses or cool colour gradients – design is at least as important to children as wearing comfort. Velcro patches in various designs can be attached to many models as desired – so your child can swap their favourite motifs on the backpack whenever they like.
How heavy should a school backpack be?
The weight of the school backpack is one of the most important criteria. Ideally, the backpack should not weigh more than 10–15% of your child's body weight – including its contents. For example, if your child weighs 20 kg, the backpack should weigh a maximum of 3 kg. So when buying, don't just consider the backpack's own weight, but also think about how heavy the school supplies might become in everyday use.
A little tip: Check the backpack regularly. Toys or unnecessary notebooks often sneak in, adding extra weight.
How many litres of volume should a school backpack have?
The volume of the school backpack mainly depends on age and the number of school supplies needed:
- For primary school (ages 6 to 10), models between 15 and 20 l are sufficient.
- In secondary school, more books, larger notebooks and additional materials are often needed, so the backpack should have a volume between 20 and 30 l.
-
In upper secondary school, a backpack with up to 35 l can be useful.
Buying a school backpack: our top brands
With so many great brands out there, are you unsure which one best suits your child? Here are the advantages and special features of our top brands at a glance:
Step by Step
Step by Step offers maximum safety and a wide variety of designs for the perfect school equipment:
✓ Focus on safety and visibility in traffic through reflective elements and bright colours
✓ Large selection of designs for different preferences and customisability through interchangeable motifs
✓ Expandable sets, often including accessories such as pencil cases and gym bags
✓ Complete sets with all accessories
-> Browse Step by Step backpacks
DerDieDas
DerDieDas sets new standards for comfort and ergonomics with ultra-lightweight school backpacks:
✓ Extremely lightweight school backpacks, ideal for smaller or petite children
✓ Ergonomic back padding and adjustable straps
✓ Well thought-out, structured interior layout
Coocazoo
Coocazoo stands for stylish, ergonomic school backpacks with an individual touch and a focus on safety:
✓ Ergonomic school backpacks for older children and teenagers
✓ Diverse designs, a wide range of colours and personalisation options, often with reflective details
✓ Plenty of storage space for books and leisure items
-> View Coocazoo school backpacks
Scout
Scout is known for safety, durability and child-friendly designs:
✓ A classic among school backpack brands with decades of experience
✓ Safety through generous reflectors and signal colours
✓ Wide variety of designs with child-friendly motifs
✓ Proven quality and durability
Conclusion: Take enough time to choose the ideal school backpack. In any case, the backpack should be ergonomic and fit well – so the load on the back doesn't become a burden on your child's health. With these tips, you're sure to find the perfect school backpack – one that not only protects little backs, but also makes every school day a bit more colourful.
