Picking the right school backpack means more than just finding a bag to haul your gear for some students. It can also be a great way to make a style statement day after day.
And as manufacturers have gotten wise to the real-life cargo of 10-pound tomes and sweaty gym clothes, it's possible to find book bags that are both stylish and strong.
Backpacks can be used as accessories - proudly proclaiming school colors or glamming up jeans with a girlie-girl print - or to identify with a certain social group. Tech gadgets may not be allowed on campus, but some kids are still selecting bags loaded with pockets for their gear.
This fall, shoppers are seeing the return of the traditional double strap book bag, as opposed to the single-strap messenger bag that has been popular in recent years, says Sheena Smith, senior associate accessories editor at Teen Vogue.
"The backpack was seen on the fall/winter runways in a variety of materials - leather, denim, sequins and color block canvas," Smith says. "Whatever your personality, there's a style for you."
And you should choose wisely. "Things such as brand name, color, cost, size and functionality are factors to consider when buying a backpack at the beginning of the school year," Smith says. "Students should decide what they are looking for, how much they are willing to spend, and then shop around for brands and retailers that carry similar backpacks."
She advises shopping for a backpack in person, rather than simply online, to gauge the strength of the bag, how it sits on the shoulders, and whether important components like zippers and straps seem solid and easy to use.
It's not necessary to spend a fortune on a quality bag, but the cheapest options might not hold up all year. It's probably worth spending a little extra to ensure quality craftsmanship for that kind of durability.
