Getting all your essentials for school always seems to be the hardest part of preparing for University, especially if you want the ultimate back to school look. Even though we’ve been doing it since 1st grade, the questions remain the same.
What colours should my pens be? What type of pencil case should I get? What about those notebooks? I could get the plain Staples ones, but the Mini Fashion Notebooks (that are three times the price) are way cuter. Teachers are already boring enough, right?
However, it is what will be carrying all these necessities that is the hardest thing to find. We want our school bag to be fashionable and spacious. But most importantly, we want our bag to be comfortable, even when we need to carry, not only our heavy laptop, but our 3-pound schoolbooks.
Many collegiettesTM have turned towards designer totes, whether they’re by Michael Kors, Kate Spade or Longchamps. However, having been one of those girls for three years, I can promise you it’s not as convenient in University as it was in High School, since books are much heavier.
Having to lug around what seems to be a bag full of bricks all day long is bound to create tight knots in your back. Also, only carrying a bag on one side of your back can create problems such as muscle imbalances or even worse, curvature of the spine. Therefore, put messenger bags aside.
As much as it sucks to admit it, the classic backpack is the way to go. They are made for students, therefore they answer our basic needs and follow the latest trends. Furthermore, they’re usually much cheaper than satchels. However, like any product on the market, some are good and some are not so good.
When you’re shopping for your next school bag, make sure it has thick back padding, wide shoulder straps and a tough, firm base. Also, having a laptop sleeve will make it a lot more convenient if you intend on bringing your computer to school, especially since it will protect your dear machine from getting scratches.
Some excellent brands are Herschel, Timbuk and Hurley. The good news is that you can find some of their exclusive models on the Apple online store at affordable prices. You might also want to check out Fossil, Jansport and Diesel who are known for their quality backpacks.
Some common stores that carry great backpacks are Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as Bentley and Sports Expert. If you want something unique, Etsy is a great website to go shop on for their extensive amount of fashion forward items.
I recommend staying away from American Apparel backpacks. The support on these bags is horrid and the same could be said about their durability.
If you have a bigger budget, Meredith Wendell makes amazing leather backpacks (see cover picture of this article). The Henry backpack by Mulberry is also quite a catch. However, knowing how cruelly we treat our school bags by constantly throwing them on the ground, I wouldn’t recommend that sort of investment just yet.
After doing much research, I absolutely adore the Slim backpack by Belkin in the photo above. Even though this carry-all isn’t the most fashionable backpack available, its futuristic look makes it perfect for school, because it still looks professional without being too serious. Moreover, the reviews are excellent and the price is even better ($49.99). You can find it online on Amazon and on Hookbag.
When using your backpack, make sure you follow these tips to prevent back problems (Trust me, weekly physiotherapy appointments aren’t enjoyable).
- Wear your bag the traditional way, both straps on both shoulders;
- Place heavy items in the bag first so they rest on your back;
- Make sure your bag doesn’t hang loose so there is no strain on your lower back, i.e., adjust your straps correctly to wear it high, not low;
- Don’t overfill your backpack;
Also, you might want to personalize your backpack, so nobody mistakes it for their own, especially if you have a common bag like Herschel or Jansport. You can decorate it by adding pins and using a sharpie or a white out pen to write and draw. It’s a great way to make your school bag trendier and unique on a small budget.
Knowing how to correctly wear your good quality backpack is an essential skill to have. This will prevent you from having poor posture and you will save tons of money on medical expenditures in the short and long term. Been there, done that. Don’t do as I do, do as I say.
Happy shopping!
Photo Sources:
http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2013/02/08/back-pack/
http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F8N057
http://teddythotz.blogspot.ca/2011/01/rugged-backpacks-made-from-recycled.html