Rolling
Backpack
Why should you consider a rolling backpack for
your school age children? More than ten years ago, nearly 3,500 children were treated in emergency rooms for
injuries related to backpacks, (Consumer Products Safety Commission 1999). That figure has not deceased; in 2001,
there were more than seven thousand (7,000) ER visits.
 Backpack Weight
Today, Orthopedic surgeons are strongly
encouraging parents to limit the weight carried in backpacks to no more than 10% to 20% of the child’s body weight.
With the heavy load of school books that are now required by schools for children of all ages, it only makes sense
to be able to pull your book backpack rather than carry it and put unnecessary stress on soft, growing
bones.
Backpack weight has
become an increasing problem with studies by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) showing that heavy
backpacks are the cause for both poor posture, and back pain. Many times, the backpack is stuffed full, creating a
pack weighing more than 25% of the child’s weight. Let’s see – if you were a 200 pound man - that would be like
adding an extra 50 pounds on one or across both shoulders.
 New
Design Rolling Backpacks
Fortunately, backpacks have
been radically redesigned in the last few years. Many are designed to be
ergonomically practical while still remaining fashionable. With so many different colors and patterns available,
you might have a hard time making a choice.
More and more of the traditional backpacks are
now
wheeled backpacks which makes them more versatile for
carrying heavy loads while not overburdening the youngsters by putting too much weight on their
shoulders.
 Electronic
Storage
Our children carry not only their heavy school
books, but many also carry band instruments and/or running shoes plus the very popular electronics. You know, the
required laptop, cell phone, and MP3 players; so the latest version of
rolling backpack must be designed
with special pockets for all the little things that are to be carried. It is much better to see a bulging wheeled
backpack than one hanging on the back of a youngster.
When shopping for a rolling backpack, you
should look for a strong frame with sturdy wheels; the pack itself should have an opening large enough for
easy loading and unloading, with multiple pockets, a retractable handle and straps that are easily folded out
of the way.
 Healthy
Choices
Don’t forget water bottle pocket(s) for the
all important hydrating liquid. The wheels should be nice and sturdy and placed on the four corners (spinner
bags) or the popular type of inline skate-style wheels. Think about the terrain over which the pack will be
pulled.
There should be some padding and wide shoulder
straps so when the load is light, your child can carry the backpack. The material of which the pack is made should
be fairly light but made from something that is extremely durable.
You will most likely be looking at a
heavy-duty polyester or ballistic nylon. There is a great variety of
rolling book bags so choose one that is the right look for your
student.
The bottom line is this: from the youngest to
the oldest, it is a good idea to switch your children’s carrying habits to a rolling backpack.
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