Not all backpacks are created equal. Two backpacks that hold the exact same amount of gear will feel completely different to the wearer, and different people need different kinds of backpacks to carry everything comfortably. That means every list of the best backpacks for college will need to be adjusted for the end user. If you’re a linebacker on the football team, your backpack needs will be very different than someone that weighs 120 pounds.
Choosing from the lists of best backpacks for college isn’t just a matter of style. Many students suffer back injuries from carrying overloaded backpacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Here’s a handy list of features to look for when you shop for the best backpacks for college:
Get the Right Size for You
There is no single correct backpack size that works for all people. Your backpack should be sized to fit on your body, and not to carry more weight than you manage comfortably. Look through reviews on sites like educarelab.com for backpacks that offer a lot of adjustability, especially if you have unusual physical attributes. If you’re very tall, a backpack that suits a smaller person might dig in your back, and the straps might be too close together.
Distribute the Weight Evenly
You won’t appreciate this attribute of the best backpacks for college until yours is full of books, and you set out on a long walk. The shape of a backpack is just as important as the total volume it carries. In general, the higher up the weight is carried, the better your back will feel. Also, if your backpack extends out too far from your back, the weight you carry acts like a lever, which can cause a strain. The best backpacks for college will have compartments inside to keep everything from ending up in the bottom of the backpack and sticking out a long way.
Heavy Backpacks Should Have a Hip Belt
If you regularly walk a long way, and you carry a lot of weight in your backpack, consider purchasing a backpack with a hip belt. This will take a percentage of the weight off your shoulders and back, and it will also help you to keep your balance while walking, especially when traveling up and down hills.
Put an Upper Limit on the Total Weight You Carry
No matter how much stuff you want to carry, you should put an upper weight limit on how much you put in your backpack. Experts agree that you should avoid regularly carrying more than 10 percent of your body weight in a regular backpack. If your loaded backpack weighs more than that, try removing non-essential items to lighten the load.
Reinvent the Wheel
If you absolutely must carry a lot of separate items, or a lot of weight, it’s smart to change to a configuration that includes wheels. Many backpacks can be used like carry-on luggage, and wheeling it to and from classes is a lot easier on your back and shoulders than carrying it.