Can you answer Bag Addict’s question about Luggage?:

I’ve been looking everywhere for a great laptop bag, but can’t seem to find anything I like, does anyone have a suggestion on a good place to buy a trendy bag for a college girl?

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Not all backpacks are created equal. There are the basic backpacks that simply carry your books to and from school and then there are the backpacks that can handle the extreme, outdoor elements when camping. Some backpacks are designed to hold special gear such as laptops or mp3 players. What are some of the new backpack styles for going to school? Here are several styles to consider when choosing a new backpack.

Rolling Backpacks

While rolling backpacks are not exactly new, each year they look less and less like suitcases on wheels and more and more like sleek backpacks. With the newest rolling backpacks, the wheels and the telescoping handles are designed to be less noticeable when not in use. However, when students are walking to and from school, they are easily accessible, keeping the stress of a heavy backpack off kids’ backs.

Laptop Backpacks

As more and more students, particularly high school and college students, have begun to take their laptop computers with them to school, new styles of backpacks have emerged which are designed to securely carry a laptop. When searching for a laptop backpack, form should definitely follow function. While there are many attractive laptop backpacks on the market, a laptop backpack should first keep the computer secure, and then it should be stylish. Fortunately, it is not difficult to find one that does both.

Laptop backpacks should be well padded to absorb any shock should the backpack hit the floor while the computer is inside. Higher quality backpacks also have a separate padded sleeve to slip the laptop into before putting it into the backpack. There should also be ample storage for cables and other computer accessories as well as a student’s books. The backpack itself should be lightweight because the addition of the laptop can increase its weight significantly.

Gadget Backpacks

Gadget backpacks are often designed with specific pouches or compartments to carry small electronic devices such as mp3 players or handheld gaming systems. A backpack that is designed to carry an mp3 player usually has a specific compartment for the device and a hole in front of the compartment to allow the headphone cord to emerge from the backpack. This enables the wearer to listen to their music while it is in the backpack. Some mp3 backpacks even have speakers so others can listen to the mp3 player, too.

Backpacks that are designed to carry gadgets like handheld gaming systems also have compartments to hold the systems and a variety of game cartridges. Often, one backpack is designed to hold both mp3 players and gaming systems. A student who is considering a gadget backpack should also make sure that there is ample room for books and other school supplies as well as the right compartments for their gadgets.

Small Backpacks

Many studies have been done on the effects of backpacks on the back, and most studies will say that younger students need a backpack designed to fit them. That means smaller and lighter weight backpacks should be used for students in pre-school through somewhere around junior high (depending on the size of the student, of course).

In recent years, many backpacks have been designed with this in mind, and it is now possible to get backpacks in a variety of sizes. Some of these smaller backpacks also come with designs that interest younger students like cartoon characters, TV and music personalities, or camouflage (both traditional camo for boys and pink camo for girls).

These backpacks are designed to carry just the basics – books and pencils. Sometimes they come with matching lunchboxes that attach on to the outside of the pack.

Sports backpacks

There are now backpacks that are designed to carry a student’s sporting equipment. For example, a backpack that is designed for a student who plays soccer may have a large mesh pocket on the front to hold a muddy soccer ball. It may also have a ventilated section to place cleats and socks.

There are backpacks that are designed specifically to carry baseball bats and gloves and ones designed to transport basketball equipment. For most sports that a student can play, there has been a backpack designed to help carry the gear.

Student backpacks are now designed to do more than cart books and assignment calendars to and from class; they are also designed to cater to a student’s personal interests. A backpack with a pocket for holding an mp3 player is an excellent choice for a student walking to class. If you are into sports, you can find a backpack with enough pockets for holding your sporting gear as well as your books. When choosing a new backpack, it is best to determine what is going to be carried in the backpack, and then find a something designed for those items. Chances are one is out there for you.



Thanks to Joanna Brown for contributing this article to our Luggage blog:

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Bags are an essential accessory for most people, there seems to be a style for every occasion. The difficulty comes in finding the right one for you at the right price.

Sometimes the purpose of a bag and its practical application is more important than how it looks; this is often the case with a backpack. The backpack has many advantages, but the most obvious one is the fact that it leaves both hands free. Below we will review the whys and wherefores of a good backpack.

Why Should You Buy A Backpack?

Using shoulder bags, worn either on one shoulder or across the body will still leave the bag free to move and slip around. If you are hiking or walking over rocks or mud, the swing of your bag can be enough to off balance you. A backpack would be securely fastened to you and would be less likely to cause a slip. If you are not used to carrying a backpack there is a simple test you can do which may be quite an eye opener. Next time you are out shopping or commuting to work take note of which arm/shoulder you usually carry your bag on. On the return journey try to carry the bag on the opposite side of your body, this will probably feel quite uncomfortable - the reason for this is that either you have developed stronger muscles on one side of your body, or in the case of shoulder bags, you have learn to hold the bag on by moving your shoulder up and down. Both of these options could suggest that you are walking in a lopsided manner; this potentially can damage our spines. So the carrying of an uneven load can be harmful and should be avoided if we want to keep our back in good order. The design of a backpack should allow one to carry your load evenly, you will probably also find that you can carry a heavier weight without straining any muscles

What Should You Look For When Buying A Backpack?

First you need to establish when you will be wearing your backpack; will you be using it for long periods of time? If you are hiking and will be carrying it all day, it is best to choose a backpack with wide supporting straps. If you are simply carrying your book and house keys when commuting to work, you can go for backpack with thin straps which would be quicker and easier to slide on and off. If you are going for a backpack with wide straps, make sure that these are fully adjustable; you will need to be able to adjust the backpack to fit not only your build, but also be able to adjust it depending on the weight you are carrying. It is important to make sure that you try the backpack before buying it and also wear clothes that will be worn when you are using the backpack the majority of the time; for example, if you are buying your backpack for hiking, make sure that you can fit any waterproofs underneath comfortably.

What Do You Need It For?

You should also consider what you will be carrying in your bag. Firstly for weight purposes and secondly to make sure that you have enough pockets and compartments laid out in suitable positions. If you have small children, you may want to make sure there is a section where you can put their spare clothes or snacks in, which is easily accessible.

Where will You Be Using Your Backpack?

Although you can never guarantee the weather it is worth thinking about how waterproof or water resistance you need the backpack to be. Another consideration worth bearing in mind when deciding what size of backpack to buy is that warm winter clothing takes up a lot more space than lightweight summer waterproofs.

Good luck with choosing your backpack, remember, if you are not sure it is the right one then keep trying on more of them until you are happy with your choice.



Thanks to Jon Kelly for contributing this article to our Luggage blog:

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Can you answer anc876’s question about Luggage?:

I’ve used my standard military duffel for deployments in the past, but was considering using it for leisure travel because it’s light and can hold more than a standard suitcase (I’m trying to avoid the extra fees for a second checked bag). I know the checked baggage allowance is 62 linear inches. Will I end up paying over-sized baggage fees if I check it?

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Can you answer RemixOne’s question about Luggage?:

I am trying to find a good laptop bag that isnt slim and is also a messenger bag. I want one that is black. I am looking hard and not finding anything. Any ideas?

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