For many children, the first school backpack is a real highlight – and for parents, an important decision. In addition to colorful designs and cool motifs, it is mainly about ensuring that the backpack is comfortable, practical, and healthy for the little back. But how do you find the perfect school backpack? Let's clarify the most important questions!
- When to buy?
- What to pay attention to?
- How heavy can the school backpack be?
- What volume should the backpack have?
- Our top brands
When should you buy the school backpack?
Most parents start their search for the right school backpack in the spring before school starts – at this point, the start of school is still half a year away. Parents therefore have plenty of time to compare different models and prices. Additionally, there is the largest selection of school backpacks in spring, and many stores entice with discounts.
If the start of school is still half a year away, your future first grader's body size could still change. Therefore, opt for school backpacks that can grow with them, e.g., school backpacks with a height-adjustable carrying system.
Some parents wait for offers just before school starts. This is often cheaper, and you can adjust the fit of the backpack to your child's current body size. However, the selection may already be limited shortly before the start of school.
Are you still looking for a school backpack for the start of school? Discover current models for first graders from manufacturers like ergobag, Step by Step, Scout, DerDieDas & Co.
➡️ School backpacks for 1st grade
School backpacks – what should you pay attention to?
When choosing the right school backpack, parents should consider these 6 criteria:
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Ergonomics
In ergonomic school backpacks, the focus is on back-friendliness. To avoid overloading the spine, the school backpack should have padded shoulder straps, a reinforced back, and ideally a chest or hip belt. With the practical straps, your child can carry the daily weight of school books with minimal health strain.
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Visibility
Reflectors on school backpacks are a must so that your child can be seen well in traffic even in bad weather or darkness.
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Size
Many children experience enormous growth spurts during elementary school – nevertheless, the backpack should fit optimally from 1st to 4th grade. Therefore, make sure that the ergonomic school bag has a continuously adjustable back system and an adjustable chest strap. This way, the backpack can be adjusted according to the child's growth phase.
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Storage space
Pay attention to clever compartments and pockets so that your child can keep things organized. Ideally, the inner compartment should be larger at the back to store heavy books. The closer the heavy items are to the back, the easier they are to carry. An externally attached side pocket for drinks could prevent hastily closed drink bottles from damaging the inside of the backpack in case of leakage.
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Processing
During school time, the backpack has to endure a lot – after all, it is in use 5 days a week. Durable and waterproof materials protect notebooks and books from rain and snow. Closures with magnetic function allow your school child to open the backpack easily and quickly – even with one hand!
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Design
In the end, the school backpack should also appeal to your child. Let them help decide when choosing, as they will be carrying the backpack every day. Whether with dinosaurs, princesses, or cool color gradients – the design is just as important to children as the carrying comfort. Velcro patches in various designs can be attached to many models at will – this way, your school child can alternate their favorite motifs on the backpack.
How heavy can a school backpack be?
The weight of the school backpack is one of the most important criteria. Ideally, the backpack should not weigh more than 10–15% of your child's body weight – including contents. For example, if your child weighs 20 kg, the backpack should weigh a maximum of 3 kg. So when buying, pay attention not only to the weight of the backpack itself but also consider how heavy the school supplies might become in everyday life.
A small tip: Check the backpack regularly. Often toys or unnecessary notebooks sneak in, increasing the weight.
How many liters of volume should a school backpack have?
The volume of the school backpack primarily depends on the age and the number of required school supplies:
- For primary school (6 to 10 years), models between 15 and 20 l are sufficient.
- In secondary school, more books, larger notebooks, and additional materials are often needed, so the backpack should have a volume between 20 and 30 l.
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In the upper secondary, a backpack with up to 35 l can be sensible.
Buying a school backpack: Our top brands
With all the great brands, are you unsure which one is best for your child? Here are the advantages and features of our top brands at a glance:
ergobag
Ergobag combines ergonomic innovation with sustainable materials:
✓ Ergonomic school backpacks inspired by trekking backpacks
✓ Environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, often made from recycled PET bottles
✓ Long lifespan thanks to a growing carrying system for the optimal fit
✓ Interchangeable patches for individual design
➡️ Discover ergobag school backpacks now
Step by Step
Step by Step offers maximum safety and design variety for the perfect school equipment:
✓ Focus on safety and visibility in road traffic through reflective elements and bright colors
✓ Large selection of designs for different preferences and customizability through interchangeable motifs
✓ Expandable sets, often including accessories like pencil cases and gym bags
✓ Complete solutions with all accessories
➡️ To the Step by Step backpacks
DerDieDas
DerDieDas sets new standards for comfort and ergonomics with ultra-light school backpacks:
✓ Extremely light school backpacks, ideal for smaller or petite children
✓ Ergonomic back padding and adjustable straps
✓ Thoughtful, structured interior layout
coocazoo
Coocazoo stands for stylish, ergonomic school backpacks with an individual touch and a focus on safety:
✓ Ergonomic school backpacks for older children and teenagers
✓ Diverse designs, large color selection and personalization options, often with reflective details
✓ Plenty of storage space for books and leisure items
➡️ View coocazoo school backpacks
Scout
Scout is known for safety, durability, and child-friendly designs:
✓ A classic among school backpack brands with decades of experience
✓ Safety through generous reflectors and signal colors
✓ Great variety of designs with child-friendly motifs
✓ Proven quality and durability
Conclusion: Take your time to find the optimal school backpack to choose. The backpack should definitely be ergonomic and fit well – this way, the load on the back does not become a strain on health. With these tips, you are sure to find the perfect school bag, which not only protects the little back but also makes every school day a bit more colorful.
