I’m a backpack addict, and trust me: The wrong backpack means you’re stuck with an uncomfortable, awkward bag, all day. A few simple choices will make sure you choose the best in comfort, style, and convenience. I’ve found some common ground through my many, many backpacks that can help you choose yours.
Strap Comfort 101: Never Ignore the Seams
Have you ever worn a backpack that sagged on your back and just didn’t rest nicely as you wanted it to? Padding can help, but bags often sag because of how their straps are sewn onto the bag. Adjustable straps can help here, but you also need to pay attention to how the bag was built.
Most backpacks have adjustable straps, and you shouldn’t buy one that doesn’t. Unfortunately, those straps loosen with use and you’ll have to readjust them regularly. To make sure you get it right every time, mark the straps where they’re most comfortable.
Fill it up to your usual carry, put it on your back, and then adjust the straps to a place where you feel comfortable walking around. Before taking the bag off, mark the location of the straps with a marker or, if you dare, cut a small notch in the side. (See below for an example.)
I like the notch better because you can’t see it easily and therefore won’t harm the look of the bag, plus you can feel exactly where to adjust the straps. That’ll save you some neck strain. As you carry your bag around, you can mitigate some slack by carrying your backpack short distances by its top handle, and you should definitely buy a backpack with a top handle.
Gear Up for School With a New Backpack
Each summer I carefully plan activities the kids and I can enjoy together. We visit our local pool and museums. We eat popsicles on the porch, blow bubbles and sometimes try to catch fireflies at dusk. It’s fun for the first eight weeks of summer, then August rolls around.
I spend almost the entire month imagining my children as pretzel sticks. Pretzels sticks I could dip in chocolate and roll in multi-colored sprinkles and devour. By August we’re all kind of tired of waking up each morning, looking at one another and saying, “What are we going to do today?” And when I say “we” I actually mean that by August I am a little tired of waking up and facing the “What are we going to do today?” question.
But the end is near and I have a supply list from our teachers to prove it. There’s not a lot I love more than the first day of school, it’s like Christmas only with more free time.
