Starting your back to school shopping now, versus waiting until the end of summer has a number of benefits. True, you might be met with some grumbling from your kids since the year just ended, but by starting early and spreading the shopping out over a couple of months, you’ll alleviate some of the stress that can come with doing it all at once, while also alleviating a bit of strain on your pocketbook. Where to start? With a new backpack. Because the school year just ended, your kids will know exactly what they need in a backpack for next year. Maybe they want more space, or more compartments and storage spaces, but regardless, High Sierra has ample options available to meet their needs.
For the multitasker
The 
High Sierra Swerve backpack is perfect for students who hustle back and forth between school and extra curricular activities. It features a large, front-load main compartment with multiple pockets so your child can keep their notes and books separate from their gym gear. It’s also got a leather lashing square so they can strap on extras like running shoes, cleats, or a jacket as needed, and padded shoulder straps that make toting a day’s worth of necessities comfortable.
For the fasionista
Can we talk about how adorably girly this flamingo, white, and ash High Sierra 19” backpack is? Like the Swerve, it too features a large, front-load main compartment that is ideal for things like textbooks or a laptop, as well as a front pocket for quick access to essentials, like a cell phone, and its bright, bold colours are ideal for girls of any age–or boys who like pink!
This backpack is also available in Pool/Black/Flamingo. Another great option is the High Sierra Loop 33L Backpack in Aquamarine/White/Ash – so cute!
Those are only four of the amazing line up of High Sierra backpacks new for 2016 and available on BestBuy.ca. But before you decide on which one is right for you or your kids, here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a backpack.
For the explorer
If you’re looking for a backpack to take you from class to day hike, then check out the Burton Annex 20” Daypack in Grey & Black. It can store your laptop or tablet in its dedicated sleeve, and still have space for a jacket and snacks for your hike.
The Burton Kettle 20L Backpack in Beige is designed especially for women and features shoulder straps that are padded and contoured to fit just right. This classic look boasts a large compartment for textbooks (or yoga gear!) and a smaller pouch for accessories like calculators and keys.
Backpack tips
- Shoulder Straps: make sure the straps are wide and padded so they help distribute weight evenly and reduce the risk of muscle pain or injury. This also means encouraging your child to wear both straps instead of just slinging their pack over one shoulder (is that still cool? It was when I was in school).
- Leave Room: Just because a backpack can fit a certain amount of items doesn’t mean you should cram it full. As a rule of thumb, its weight should not exceed 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. So for instance, a 100-pound individual should carry no more than 20 pounds on their back.
- Pack Right: A backpack should be packed properly so its load is distributed in a manner that positions most of the weight against the back, and heavier items should be placed in the centre of the back towards the bottom.
The great part about these bags from High Sierra is that they are durable, and will last for years to come. They are also ideal for kids and adults of all ages, and for a variety of needs. From school to hiking to travel, there’s a backpack to suit your needs.
Shop the full range of backpacks for back to school at BestBuy.ca.
Tips courtesy of Parents.com.
