Is an overweight backpack an injury waiting to happen?
Children suffer from back pain much earlier than previous generations and overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). A study by the American Physical Therapy Association found that 55 percent of the children surveyed carried backpack loads heavier than 15 percent of their body weight. Before purchasing your child’s next backpack, take precautionary measures to protect your child’s back and your pocketbook.
Nine tips to prevent back injuries caused by heavy backpacks
1. Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to lean forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders.
2. The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
3. A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.
4. Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
5. Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
6. Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
7. The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
8. If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
9. Try a roller backpack to prevent carrying the weight of the books on the shoulders and back.
For safety and durability, check for these backpack features:
• Lightweight, sturdy material
• Two straps to distribute the weight of the bag evenly, placing less stress on the shoulders and upper back.
• Backpacks with wheels reduce stress on the back. Check to see if your school allows wheeled backpacks.
• Wide double pads with adjustable two-inch shoulder straps
• Padded shoulder straps and back
• Waist belt and sternum straps to distribute weight
• Ergonomic-design
• Sturdy zippers, straps and bottoms
• Lifetime guarantee with no conditions
• Well-designed to hold books and supplies
• Reflective trim for walking safety
Ways to save money
• Before buying a new backpack this year, check to see if last year’s backpack is still in good condition.
• Wait until after school begins and shop sales.
• Buy backpacks with lifetime warranties. If the backpack does not hold up, it is replaced.
• Avoid fads.
• Do not take your kids shopping.
• Sew patches on a generic-looking backpack to make it unique.
Ten popular backpacks
Columbia Umatilla Cyberpack Features:
• Full length closed cell foam padded back with wicking knit polyester
• Padded laptop compartment
• S curve laminated shoulder straps with EVA foam
• 1 tubular haul loop filled with EPDM rubber
• Full-sized thumb loops
• Taped seams
• Abrasion resistant zippers
• Nickel-plated zipper sliders
• MP3 pocket with rubber cord port
• Acetal and nylon hardware
• Dual industrial mesh expandable water bottle pockets accommodate quart-sized bottles
• Hypalon reinforced daisy chain
• Two external zippered slash pockets
• Reflective safety accents
• Organizer panel
• Key clip
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.25 x 9
• Fabric: 600D polyester
• Full length padded back and EVA foam laminated straps for ergonomic comfort and support.
Four Peas School Backpacks and Toddler Backpacks
• Extra-sturdy
• 100% PVC free
• Main compartment with ample room for books, gym clothes and more
• Additional pockets ideal for smaller cargo such as cell phones, water bottles and other essentials.
• Cool designs from fairies to monkeys to motorcycles and more.
• For extra individuality, monogram your kids' backpacks for only $10 each.
• Size: 16" x 13" x 7.5" for the School Backpack
• Size: 12.5" x 10.5" x 5.5" for the Toddler Backpack
• Suspension contoured back straps aid in weight distribution making the bag comfortable when carrying heavy books and laptops.
• CD/MP3 pocket with headphone wire audio port
• Detachable cell phone holder on the back strap
• Laptop compartment with EVA foam padding
• Dimensions: 19" x 12" x 9"
• Size: h 18.75" x w 6.75" x l 14"
• Padded crossover shoulder strap with cell phone pocket
• One main compartment holds books, clothing or accessories
• Portable CD player pocket with molded headphone port
• Two side mesh water bottle pockets
• Adjustable bottom straps hold extra gear
• Organizer with zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets and removable key fob
• Padded back and grab handle
• Adjustable bottom straps
• Cell phone pocket
JanSport Air Juice Daypack Features:
• Includes an organizer compartment and a larger compartment holds all of your books, lunch, and other goodies
• Comes in lovely colors
• Airlift'® s-curved, ergonomic shoulder straps have shock absorbing technology
• One large main compartment and a front utility pocket with organizer keep your essentials handy
• liquid 2 go hydration system customizes any bottle for easy access to fluids
• bungee cord gear stash
• #1 selling school pack for students around the world for nearly 35 years
• 30 or more patterns and colors
• Size: 16.75" x 13" x 8.5"
• Weight: 12 oz
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Padded straps as well as a padded back for superior comfort when toting tons of books, gym clothes and other important gear
• Ergonomic AirCore shoulder straps with one large main compartment
• Front utility compartment with organizer keeps essentials handy with front zippered stash pocket
• Easy access V-Loft pocket and mesh water bottle pocket
• 2/3 padded back panel for cushioning comfort and Web haul loop
• Ergonomic S-curved shoulder pads
• One main compartment and a half compartment with an organizer
• V-Loft security pocket for quick access to your CD player and valuable items, and a cord port for easy access to your audio player
• Front stash pocket
• Side mesh water bottle pocket
• Web ergo handle with reinforced hold on the top of the pack
• Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 19 x 13.25 x 7 inches
• Fabric: 600D Poly, 420D Velocity
Lands' End FeatherLight Backpack Features:
• Sized for kids ages 5-14
• FeatherLight backpack is lighter than any other full-size pack we sell
• Exterior bungee perfect for stashing a jacket
• Padded back for added comfort
• Padded c-shaped shoulder straps sit just right
• Sternum strap keeps shoulder straps in place
• Mesh side pockets hold water bottles
• D-ring lets them clip on a lunch box
• Reflective trim
• Super-strong ripstop nylon
• External bungee system to attach a jacket
• Side compression straps keep the load stable
• Sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place
• 100% ripstop nylon with 600-denier polyester base for added strength
• Size: 18" x 12" x 7"
• Warranty: Lifetime guarantee is unconditional.
Targus Sport Backpack Notebook Case Features:
• Fits notebooks up to 15.4” screens
• Padded slipcase provides added protection for transporting notebook
• Standard Warranty Lifetime Limited
• Exterior Material Nylon
• Weight 2.75 lb
• Compartment Height 14.2", Width 2", Depth 11.6"
• Removable mobile phone pouch on padded shoulder straps
• Protective PVC material on bottom of case repels water
• Increased storage options include: New top front pocket with padding & protective nyflex lining to protect PDA or sunglasses against scratching
• Headphone line out jack for use when carrying CD or MP3 players
• Larger side pockets
• Side mesh pockets for water bottle storage
• Improved front pocket now includes business card holder, pen loops and key clip
• Carry your notebook computer with this backpack
• Padded computer compartment to protect your notebook
• Multiple compartments for your files and accessories
• Padded shoulder straps
The North Face Yavapai Backpack Features:
• Angled bottom panel and compression straps move the load close to your back to reduce strain
• Padded laptop sleeve holds a 17-inch electronic brain
• Shoulder straps and the padded foam back make the Yavapai comfortable enough to wear all day
• Mesh side pockets
• Airmesh back panel
• BackSaver bottom panel
• Waist-belt, sternum strap and hip strap
• Pockets: 1 front with water-resistant zipper, 2 side water bottle, 1 mesh on shoulder strap
• Lifetime Unconditional 100% Guarantee: We guarantee complete satisfaction and an unlimited lifetime warranty. If at any time - now, next month, in 30 years - you're not 100% satisfied, send your gear back for a full refund. No questions asked.
For more information:
Back pack troubles from back-to-school backpacks
Is your child's backpack making the grade?
Finding the right size for her
School backpacks: choose a backpack that makes the grade. What you need to know about choosing, packing and wearing school backpacks.
Even home school children can use a good back-to-school backpack
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