Getting Ready for School and Trips in Time: How to Choose the Right School Bag and Backpack for Outings

Articles
Author: Věra Maxová

Why should we be thinking about buying a school bag now? After all, we’re just starting to look forward to the holidays! But from the experience of parents and teachers, we know that if you want the best selection, now is the perfect time. In spring, manufacturers present the widest range of school bags, backpacks, and accessories. The closer it gets to the start of school, the smaller the selection becomes. And we all know what kind of problem it can cause if the bag doesn't have the right picture on it. By the end of August, you might not find a unicorn anywhere – and that’s definitely not what you want!

You can safely leave the design choice to the kids. Your job is to make sure the bag has the right features. What are they?

Correct Size and Weight

  • An empty bag should not weigh more than 1.5 kg
  • For grades 1 to 3, the ideal volume is around 18 liters
  • The backpack should not extend above the shoulders or below the lower back (sacrum area) when worn

Practically Designed Straps and Back Panel

  • A firm, anatomically shaped back panel, ideally with padding and ventilation channels
  • Appropriately wide and padded shoulder straps that sit well on the child’s shoulders and don’t dig into the neck
  • A chest strap that helps distribute the weight and prevents the shoulder straps from slipping
  • A waist strap is especially useful if the child will be walking longer distances
  • Height-adjustable shoulder straps can also be beneficial, allowing the bag to grow with the child

Well-Designed Storage Space

  • A main compartment with internal dividers
  • A front pocket for snacks and small items
  • Side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella
  • A waterproof bottom and good stability when the bag is placed on the ground

Practical Material and Safety Features

  • Waterproof material
  • Reflective elements on the front, back, and sides
  • High-quality zippers and buckles that are easy to use
  • Easy to clean or machine washable

Now you know what to definitely look out for when choosing a school bag. But there are plenty of extra features that, while not absolutely essential, can make your child’s bag much more practical, functional, and fun to use.

What Cool Features Can a School Bag Have?

  • Integrated rain cover
  • Thermally insulated pocket for snacks
  • Pocket for a chip or ID card
  • Flashing LED light for visibility
  • Headphone outlet or USB port
  • Matching accessories in the same design as the bag: pencil case, shoe bag, folder, lunch box, water bottle, and more
  • Expandable volume with a zipper extension
  • Detachable small bag or mini backpack – especially handy for kids who stay in after-school care or attend extracurricular activities

And Now the Key Question: School Bag or Backpack?We asked parents directly about their experiences, and here’s what they had to say:


"For first grade, I’d choose a school bag (satchel) again – my daughter knew exactly where everything was and found it easier to keep things organized."

"What I appreciate about the school bag is that it’s sturdy and stands upright. But by second grade, my son wanted a backpack like the 'big boys' have."

"My daughter and I chose a backpack for first grade because I knew she’d soon see a school bag as something 'for little kids.' Now in her class, I notice that those who started with a school bag already have a new backpack in second grade."

We already know how to get ready for school. Now it’s time to choose the right backpack for trips — not just for vacations, but also for school camps and outdoor learning. The selection criteria are essentially the same as for a school bag. However, with hiking or travel backpacks, the quality of the back panel design becomes even more important — including effective ventilation. A well-made hip belt is a must, especially for larger backpacks, as it helps distribute the weight and ensures greater comfort during longer walks.

What should the backpack’s capacity be? For preschool children, an ideal backpack volume is 10–12 liters. For younger school kids, 13–15 liters is usually perfect. If you're worried that everything might not fit inside — like a jacket or thicker sweatshirt — go for a backpack with a top flap and buckle closure. You can easily secure the jacket under the flap without needing to squeeze it inside. Also handy are straps designed for attaching extra items to the outside of the backpack — perfect for saving space and staying organized.

A brilliant feature for school bags and backpacks used on trips is labeling them with contact name labels. These stickers offer enough space to include the child’s full name as well as other important contact details. They can be incredibly useful — not only if the backpack gets lost, but even in the unlikely event that the child themselves gets separated from the group. A simple sticker can make a big difference in ensuring everything (and everyone) gets safely back home.

Is your little explorer heading off to kindergarten camp or an outdoor school trip? Or maybe you just want to have everything ready for September? Get ahead of the game with a value packs of stickers and iron-on labels — everything you need for easy, reliable, and most importantly, cheerful labeling of all your child’s belongings.

Wishing you the best of luck in choosing the perfect backpack, Your Mama Labels Team.