School and college backpack

The volume according to school level

The volume of a backpack is measured in litres. A model of about twenty litres, like the Eastpak Padded Pak'r or the Day Pak'r, holds notebooks, a pencil case and a lunch, and is enough for most middle and high school students who have a locker. Students who carry everything with them all day benefit from moving up to 25 or 30 litres, with several compartments to separate their belongings. Mini-bags like the Orbit are suitable for younger ones and outings.

An oversized bag encourages overfilling, which goes against the intended purpose. The recommendation often mentioned by school doctors is not to exceed about one-tenth of the child’s weight, which is three kilos for a thirty-kilo student: a challenging goal, but it reminds us that a lightweight bag when empty and regular sorting of items matter as much as the selected model.

Laptop pouch and organisation

From high school onwards, a laptop or tablet goes into the bag. The Day Pak'r includes a padded pouch for a laptop up to 14 inches, placed against the back: this is where the heavy item should be, closest to the spine, to avoid pulling the shoulders back. The Day Office and Out Of Office models extend this logic with additional internal storage for cables, chargers and documents.

A front pocket accessible without opening the main compartment keeps keys, transport cards or phones within reach. On school bags, sturdy zippers and high-quality zip fasteners are the first parts to judge, as these are the ones that wear out first on a bag that is opened and closed multiple times a day.

Wearing and adjusting your bag

A backpack is worn on both shoulders, never on one, to distribute the load evenly. The straps are adjusted so that the bag is snug against the back and that the bottom doesn't drop below the waist: a bag hanging at hip level forces you to lean forward. Padded backs and straps, like on the Padded Pak'r, prevent the corners of books from digging into the back.

The materials affect longevity. Thick polyester canvases resist abrasion from playgrounds and lockers, and coated bags, like those from Rains, protect belongings from rain without an extra cover. A reflective strip or bright colours improve visibility on winter trips.

The brands in the selection

Each brand has its page in the back-to-school selection:

• Eastpak, the reference for school bags, from the Padded Pak'r to models with laptop pouches.
• Herschel for vintage-style bags, with flaps and straps.
• Sandqvist for Swedish bags with clean designs, often in canvas and leather.
• Rains for waterproof coated bags, suitable for rainy trips.
• adidas Originals for bags with the brand's sportswear codes.
• Reebok for simple, lightweight bags with the brand logo.
• Urban Classics for affordable streetwear basics.

The rest of the back-to-school items

The selection continues with the shoes for back-to-school, the junior lifestyle for rain jackets, fleece and children's trainers, and the sportswear for everyday outfits.

The training gear equips the return to sports activities, and the customisable textile enables marking bags and clothes with the student's name. The entire operation is gathered on the Back To School page.

Frequently asked questions

What backpack for middle school?

A bag of about twenty litres, like the Eastpak Padded Pak'r or the Day Pak'r, holds notebooks, a pencil case and lunch, and is sufficient for most middle schoolers. Those who carry everything with them all day benefit from moving up to twenty-five or thirty litres.

What backpack for a primary school student?

A primary school child needs a lightweight and compact bag, which should not exceed the width of their back or their lower back. Padded straps and a cushioned back protect their spine.

How to properly adjust the straps of a backpack?

The bag should rest against the back, the top at shoulder blade level and the bottom above the hips. Tighten both straps evenly and always wear it on both shoulders to avoid unbalancing the spine.

How to protect a laptop in a backpack?

Choose a bag with a padded pouch, placed against the back, which holds the laptop and absorbs shocks. Check the screen size accepted by the pouch before purchasing.

How to wash a backpack?

Most canvas bags can be washed by hand, using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Empty it, remove removable parts and let it dry open, in the air, before filling it again.