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How to Choose the Right School Backpack

23 June 2026

Choosing the right school backpack and carrying it properly can help prevent back, neck, and shoulder pain in children. When choosing a backpack, make sure it fits the child's back size, has wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, breathable back padding, and multiple compartments to distribute weight. Reflective strips are also important for safety in low-light conditions.

When carrying the backpack, make sure it is worn on both shoulders, the straps are adjusted to the same length, and heavier books are placed in the compartment closest to the back. A fully loaded backpack should not weigh more than 15% of the child's body weight.

To reduce weight, check whether the school offers lockers for storing supplies, and encourage children to carry only what they need for that day.

A wheeled backpack may be a good option when the walking distance is long and the route is easy to navigate. However, because of the wheels and rolling mechanism, it is heavier and may be less suitable for children who need to climb stairs or walk on uneven terrain.

It is not always easy for parents to know whether a backpack is truly a good fit for their child, especially when the child does not complain. And when children choose for themselves, they often prefer what looks good to them. That is completely natural, but it is worth checking a few things together before making a purchase.

The challenge begins when a child has to carry too much weight, such as on school days with many books and workbooks, or when the backpack is not designed to distribute weight properly. These factors can affect posture and lead to various aches and pains, even if they develop gradually. A few simple changes can make a significant difference.

Tips for choosing right

It is important to consider several backpack features before making a choice:

  • Size
  • Straps
  • Padding
  • Partition
  • Reflectives
  • Size: The backpack should fit the child's back and should not be larger than it.
  • Straps: It should have wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps.
  • Padding: Choose a backpack with breathable mesh padding in the back area.
  • Partition: A backpack with multiple partitions is recommended to help distribute the weight of books and notebooks.
  • Reflectives: Choose a backpack with reflective strips or badges to help keep the child safe in low-light conditions.

Carrying a backpack: important guidelines

There are a few points worth paying attention to regarding carrying a backpack on the back:

  • It is recommended to ensure both shoulder straps are the same length to allow proper weight distribution.
  • It is important that most of the backpack's weight is positioned against the middle of the back and not against the hips.
  • It is advisable to make sure the child carries the backpack on both shoulders.
  • The correct placement of heavy books in the backpack is in the compartment closest to the back.
  • It is recommended to ask the child to report if back, neck, or shoulder pain begins.

Preventing excess weight

  • Check with the school about storing supplies, including textbooks, in locked storage compartments (lockers).
  • Guide children to carry only the learning materials needed for each school day.
  • Instruct children to store learning materials that are not needed that day at home or in a locked compartment at school.
  • It is recommended to ensure that the full backpack weight does not exceed 15% of the child's body weight.

Wheeled backpacks - pros and cons

A wheeled backpack (trolley) is not carried on the back, but its wheels and mechanism add extra weight. Therefore, it is recommended only when the route from home to school is relatively smooth, without bumps, and the walking distance is long.

Because of its heavier weight, a wheeled backpack is not suitable for children who need to climb stairs or walk on rough or difficult terrain.