I hate backpacks! No offense but I think backpacks do more damage then they do good. Have you ever felt a typical school backpack? I swear they weigh more then my kids do.
I’m constantly weeding through both my kid’s backpacks to remove unnecessary weight and junk. I also tell my kids if need be to hold huge binders or heavy books in their arms rather then stuff them in their backpacks, to help ease up on the weight of the backpack.
We used to joke that my son was going to land on his back one day and not be able to get up, similar to a turtle when it’s on it’s back. That might sound funny at first, but when you think about it that is really bad.
Did you know that if a backpack is overloaded, carried over one shoulder (like a lot of kids do) or is carried incorrectly on the back the soft tissues in the back become strained. If this continues on a daily basis (such as a typical school week) the spinal column can become damaged and create a muscular imbalance. Carrying a heavy backpack on just one shoulder can actually significantly alter posture and gait too!
It’s important that your child’s backpack does not weight more then 10% of the child’s overall weight. That means if your child weighs 80 pounds the backpack should not weigh more then 8 pounds with everything inside of it. Or 10 pounds for a 100 pound child.
Do not let your child wear his/her backpack on just one shoulder, or use a gym bag, as this will cause serious damage in the long run. Children needs to wear a backpack with TWO straps so it can distribute the weight of the contents evenly.
You should also routinely have your child’s spine evaluated to protect against serious long term damage.
I know the you can easily find backpacks at department stores for $10.00. Trust me, we have purchase plenty of those backpacks over the years. These are also the same backpacks that rip, fall apart and need to be replaced in a couple of months. When it comes to backpacks it’s better to purchase a quality one, not only for long term use, but also because the better the quality chances are it’s made in a way that is better for your child’s spinal health. Most quality backpacks are made in such a way that they help distribute weight better, have better straps to ensure even distribution of the weight and often other features that will protect your child.
My number one pick for the best backpack I have ever seen – IVAR! (http://www.ivarpack.com/). Hands down these are THE BEST backpacks I have ever seen. I am forever going to be an Ivar fan.
Ivar backpacks have “shelves” on the interior of the backpack. Instead of just piling books and binders in the bottom of the backpack your child can slip the books and binders into “shelves” so when the backpack is zippered closed the weight of the contents is more even.
My kids are NOT in the “picture taking” mood today. But I did an experiment and filled a backpack my daughter used this past school year (she used it up until June) with a bunch of the back to school supplies we have purchased. When she put it on her back you can see the weight of the contents pulling the backpack backward and downward. You can also notice that my daughter hunches forward a bit to compensate for the weight pulling her backwards. That is exactly what you DON’T want to happen.
When we removed the contents and put them in the Ivar backpack, utilizing the various shelves and compartments. She put the backpack back on. Mind you it was the SAME contents and SAME weight, but she didn’t hunch forward like she did with the other backpack. She also told me that it didn’t feel as heavy (even though the contents were exactly the same). With her other backpack you can see everything bulging from the bottom because that is where everything sat. With the Ivar the contents had their own shelves and compartments which made the backpack seem more “slim” (for lack of a better word) because everything was not resting on the bottom to make it bulge out (hopefully you can visualize what I am describing).
I LOVE the shelves in the Ivar backpack. It’s a great way for kids to keep organized. There is even room for a laptop! Not that they take them to school but if you have a child in college or who is allowed to take a lap top to school this backpack is great! The computer compartment fits a standard laptop perfectly. If you don’t take a laptop to school the compartment is great for books, binders and folders.
I LOVE the straps on the Ivar backpack too! They are thick and padded and don’t cut into the shoulders like the thin straps do. They are padded and very comfortable (as per my son and daughter who both tried the backpack for me). Even along the part of the backpack that rests on your child’s back is padded too for more comfort.
According to the company’s web site (http://www.ivarpack.com/) here are the key features of the Ivar backpack we have (the Zug G2).
– Shelf System (as I mentioned earlier in the post)
– Laptop compartment (also mentioned)
– Multiple compartments for organization (LOVE IT!)
– Adjustable sternum strap
– Adjustable waist belt
– Side compression straps
– Headphone port (get for those who love to take their iPods to school)
– Clear plastic ID compartment (great for school ID’s and bus passes)
– Reflective Piping
I think the reflective piping is an EXCELLENT idea! That is great for kids who might walk to/from school in the wee hours of the morning when it’s still dark out or late at night if they are coming home from a study date or a friends house. The piping is all around the backpack. When you look at it in the light of day you don’t really notice it. I noticed it the first night. The backpack is hanging from the back of a chair in the dining room. I was in our living room and I glanced over and noticed that the backpack was “lit up”! I thought that was so cool! It’s REALLY noticeable in dark light. It’s not like there is a patch or two of reflective material. It’s all over the backpack. There would be way someone could miss this.
As far as the Ivar backpack goes I am giving it a 10+, A++ and two thumbs up for every feature, form, fit, comfort, quality and the most important fact – it’s better for my kid’s backs and shoulders. I cannot rave enough about the Ivar backpack. Like I said, I am going to be a forever fan of their backpacks. Even my kids love the different shelves and compartments and the fact that it feels more comfortable then their “old” backpacks.
The ONLY “downside”, if you can call it that, is the price. They range in price from about $60 – $95. True, they are pricey, but I have seen other “quality” backpacks selling for $40+. Without naming names we purchased “quality” backpacks for both my kids last spring after their cheap $12 ones ripped apart and the Ivar is MUCH better. So to me it’s worth the $20+ to get the best possible backpack. Plus the Ivar is made exceptionally well so I know this will last the entire school year, and beyond.
To learn more about the Ivar products you can visit the official web site http://www.ivarpack.com/. Check out this great (brief) video show casing the backpacks too.
Ivar backpacks are available on their web site, Amazon, and various retail locations. There is a store locator on their site.
* I received a backpack free to do this review. I received no other compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.