The Best Backpacks
Backpacks are used both by kids and adults as a convenient way to carry items at school, to and from work, on hiking trips, etc. However, as useful as backpacks can be, they can sometimes cause unnecessary spinal stress and neck pain, back pain or even future spinal problems. The good news is that some simple tips about backpack use may help minimize the chance of these complaints.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has developed a list of recommendations to minimize back pain in children caused by the use of backpacks. However, as these recommendations can often benefit adults as well, some of them are outlined below.
The ACA recommends that, for kids, a child's backpack weigh no more than 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. This prevents the child from having to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight of the pack and decreases the stress placed on the spine.
Further, the ACA recommends that a backpack not hang more than four inches below the waistline of a child. A lower hanging backpack will increase the weight on the shoulders and cause a forward lean when walking. In adults it can, of course, hang proportionately lower; however, too low will cause the same problem.
Backpack size is also something to consider. Although a bigger backpack may seem to be a better choice due to the option of being able to carry more items, the better choice may actually be a size that only allows you to carry the items you NEED. This simple consideration to reduce spinal stress from backpack use applies to both children and adults.
Backpacks are usually designed to be worn with both shoulder straps around the shoulders. For convenience, some people choose to only use one strap. Limited use in this way is typically not a problem; however, doing this on a regular basis can lead to neck and back pain from the disproportionate weight distribution that must be offset by posture modification and muscle involvement.
The straps of a backback should be wide as well as padded to avoid digging into the shoulders. This is especially important for kids as they have less body tissue padding the area and will be more prone to developing shoulder pain or even arm discomfort due to pressure on nerves that travel through the front of the shoulder area and down the arms.
Straps on the backpack should not be so tight that there is excess pressure or pinching on the body but not so loose that the backpack is allowed to dangle and cause spinal misalignment or unnecessary stress.
So, in light of the above basic guidelines, lets see which backpacks are the best choices and best value for the money.
It's not always easy to recommend a "perfect" backpack for kids as their size changes so quickly and, even if we get the ergonomics correct, we have to find one that they will like - colors, look, etc. Considering these factors, I believe the "Adidas Kids Affiliate Backpack" does a pretty good job at combining ergonomics, functionality and style and is appropriate for both boys and girls. Reasonably priced and one of the highest rated backpacks for kids, I believe this one is worth considering. Click on the link provided for additional information to help you decide if this one is the best choice for your child.
The Amazon Basics Travel Laptop Backpack is a basic backpack from Amazon that offers some very good features both from an ergonomic and functional perspective. From adequately wide, padded shoulder straps, to multiple compartments and laptop capacity it is advertised as "perfect for professional office work, business travel, weekend getaway, serving as a laptop carrying bag and business bag". At this price range, I think it would be difficult to find a better backpack for the money.
The North Face brand is well known for their quality products and this backpack does not disappoint. Although more expensive than the above choices, I believe it is a superior product and a better overall value than most other backpacks in this price range. This is a great backpack from an ergonomic perspective and even has the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association. This is a good multiuse backpack choice suitable for most adults.
Here is another great backpack from The North Face brand that many women may prefer due to its smaller size. With the same quality and with the same ergonomic advantages as the above North Face backpack, this one is also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and worth considering for those with a smaller stature for whom a smaller backpack may be more appropriate.