Raleigh, NC – Back to school day is approaching. Wake County Public SchoolsThis means one thing for parents and students: back-to-school shopping.
Each year, students are sent a list of supplies they need to complete a successful school year. In addition to pens, pencils, note cards, and tissues, many students need a new backpack.
We’re here to recommend Raleigh families the best backpacks for teens in a variety of price ranges. If you have been following our consumer reports, You know we’re facing high inflation and smart shopping is a must.
Read our guide to shopping for backpacks for teenagers and how to find the best ones in your price range.
How to choose a bag for young people
First, let’s talk about what to look for in a backpack for young people. They may only be thinking about fashion, but they know there are other things to consider. Ultimately, if the bag isn’t the right size, doesn’t have the right compartment, or isn’t made to last, it’s no good.
Think about what they need
What does your child bring to school every day? When we were students, backpacks were needed to hold a few textbooks and notebooks, and maybe a pencil case or accordion folder. Now, many students are expected to bring all that and a laptop or tablet.
They may also need to pack a packed lunch, water bottle, and extracurricular activities supplies. Before you start shopping, specify how much should fit in one bag.
Look for strong and adjustable straps
If your child is carrying a heavy backpack all day, you’ll want to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible. This means avoiding things like straps that cut into their shoulders or flimsy straps that might break after a few uses. It is best to look for a backpack with adjustable straps so that the backpack does not sit too low or too high on the back.
The best bag straps are easy to adjust and have enough padding. Companies like JanSport and LL Bean have been some of the leaders in comfortable and usable bras.
Consider your school supply budget
Parents across the country a A big increase The cost of sending their children to school. The district’s budget deficit and increased extracurricular activities both place a heavy burden on parents. Keeping your purchases on a budget isn’t always fun, but it’s often necessary, and it might be time for your teen to learn that lesson.
Bonus tip: If you’re shopping for a bag on a tight budget, ask your child about a few different acceptable color options. Even inexpensive bags come in a variety of colors, meaning you and your child can consider fashion in addition to function.
Best Bags for Teens: Shopping on a Budget
If you’re looking for a bag that costs $50 or less, we’ve got a few tips. One of them is tracking sales hosted by name brands like JanSport, Nike, and Eastpak, all high-quality companies that fall into the mid-range price range. When looking at brands like Herschel Supply Company, be sure to double check the measurements. HSC sells a ton of mini bags for under $50, but these mini bags are really small.
If you’re looking for high quality at a low price, our favorite is the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack. It comes with a laptop sleeve and USB charging port, plus a water-resistant fabric to protect your child’s school supplies. Color options are lacking, but you can choose from red, black and a few grays.
If fashion is a must, the stylish yet affordable Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack comes with a laptop sleeve, USB charging port, and multiple pockets for pens, pencils, and other small items. The faux leather straps on the front are more for looks than functionality, but they sure look good.
Best backpacks for teenagers: more expensive (but still reasonable) options
Paying more for a bag doesn’t just open up your options to different brands and designs. It also means that your child’s bag will last longer. As long as you’re willing to use it again next year, you can consider it a worthwhile backpack investment.
You’ll find plenty of great options with all the brands we’ve already mentioned. From the Herschel Classic XL to the JanSport Core Campus, these brands know what they’re doing when it comes to bags.
What if you’re looking for something outside the box?
If there’s one moderately priced bag that never seems to go out of style, it’s the Fjällräven Kånken waterproof bag. Find it online to access all 40 colors or at Nordstrom. Your child will love the minimalist Scandinavian look and how the waterproof material can protect a 13-inch laptop and many other school supplies.
Another option is the Gootium Canvas Backpack, perfect for toddlers with a more rugged, outdoorsy vibe. This bag (which is like a backpack) has one large pocket for books and electronics and three outer pockets for small items. The best part is that this bag seems to go on sale quite often, which means if you get it at the right time, it can fit on a tight budget.
