Choosing the Right School Bag: 7 Tips from Expert Parents

Back to school is just around the corner, and with it, the infamous shopping list. If there's one item you shouldn't choose lightly, it's the school bag. This bag will accompany your child every day, carrying everything they need to learn, play, and grow.

But how can you make an informed choice from the multitude of models available? As a parent, you want a bag that's comfortable, durable, practical... and that your child will enjoy carrying.

So here are 7 concrete tips , based on what wise parents like you are really looking for.

On the menu for this article:

1. Choose a bag that fits your child’s body shape
2. Prioritize comfort: padded straps and back
3. Check the quality of the straps and fasteners
4. Choose a well-compartmentalized bag
5. Focus on durable and easy-to-maintain materials
6. Don't neglect safety and visibility
7. Think about the actual daily use of the bag
Our school bag recommendations

1. Choose a bag that fits your child’s body shape

A good school bag should never be chosen based solely on design or color. It must first and foremost fit your child's size .

Here are some simple guidelines to keep in mind:

• The bag should not exceed the shoulders or fall below the buttocks .
• Its width should not exceed that of your child's back .
• It should be spacious enough to hold the essentials… without excess.

Ideally, you should have your child try on the backpack (or compare its dimensions to a model they have already used). A backpack that is too big will quickly become too heavy; a school bag that is too small will become unnecessarily bulky, as everything will overflow.

This advice is especially important for younger children, whose posture is still developing.

2. Prioritize comfort: padded straps and back

A child who complains every morning that their bag is uncomfortable… that's a clear sign that comfort has been neglected.

Here are the things to look for:

• Wide, padded straps , at least 5 cm wide, to avoid pressure points.
• A padded back , which fits the spine well and softens contact with heavy objects.
• An easy adjustment system, which you can readjust over the months .

Remember that comfort also influences posture. A well-designed bag will encourage your child to walk straight, without leaning to one side or rounding their shoulders .

3. Check the quality of the straps and fasteners

A well-fitting school bag makes all the difference, especially when your child is carrying it for several hours a day. That's where straps and fasteners come in.

Here's what to look out for:

• An adjustable chest strap helps stabilize the bag and prevents it from slipping off the shoulders.
• A waist belt , often found on more advanced models, helps distribute the weight between the shoulders and hips, which is very useful if your child has to walk for a long time.
• The fasteners should be easy for small hands to handle , but strong enough to withstand repeated handling.

While not every child will use every strap every day, simply having them increases the overall comfort and stability of the bag.

4. Choose a well-compartmentalized bag

When everything has its place, it's easier for you... and for your child. A good school bag should offer clear organization without being overly complex.

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• A large main compartment for books and notebooks (ideally placed near the back).
• A front pocket for small items like a pencil case or homework book.
• Side pockets , especially for the water bottle (avoids damage in the bag!).

The goal is to make it easy to quickly access essentials while keeping the weight evenly distributed . A bag that's too compartmentalized can become complicated to manage, while a bag that's too simple quickly turns into a disorganized tote.

5. Focus on durable and easy-to-maintain materials

A school bag lives an intense life. It drags along the ground, faces the rain, gets thrown, pulled, and stuffed with everything and anything. In other words: quality materials aren't a luxury, they're a necessity.

Here's what you should prioritize:

• Sturdy, water-resistant and washable fabrics , such as quality polyester or durable synthetic canvas.
• Strong seams , well reinforced in stress areas (base of the bag, straps, handles).
• Thick, easy-to-use zippers for little hands.

By choosing a durable bag, you not only limit the risk of breakage during the year, but you also avoid having to buy a new one each time school starts. It's a practical and responsible investment , especially if your child is the type to "test the limits" of their bag on a daily basis.

6. Don't neglect safety and visibility

Your child's safety on the way to school is a priority, especially during the fall and winter months when daylight is scarcer.

A good school bag should incorporate reflective elements to ensure optimal visibility from all angles .

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• Reflective strips on the front, shoulder straps and sides.
• Reflective patterns integrated into the design of the bag (some models make them almost invisible during the day, but very effective at night).
• A bright color can also help make your child more visible, although it is not a mandatory criterion.

These details may seem secondary to the purchase, but they play a crucial role in your child's safety when walking or using school transport.

7. Think about the actual daily use of the bag

Even the best bag can become a burden if misused. Comfort, posture, and durability also depend on how your child uses their school bag on a daily basis.

Here are some good practices to adopt:

• Lighten up as much as possible : no need to carry unnecessary books or accessories every day.
• Place an empty water bottle in the side pocket to refill at school. It's lighter and prevents mess.
• The lunch box should be carried by hand , especially if it is heavy or bulky.
• Clean out your child's bag every week. It often contains unnecessary surprises that weigh him down!

Finally, don't hesitate to discuss with your child how they feel: is the bag too heavy? Is it easy to handle? They are the best indicator of what works... or not.

Our recommendations: school bags adapted to your needs

Louis Garneau

This brand offers a solid value. It's a Quebec brand recognized for over 20 years for its durability, comfort, and the quality of its components. Well-padded shoulder straps, adjustable straps, and sturdy fabric make it an excellent choice for intensive use over many years. Louis Garneau school bags are also approved by the Quebec Chiropractors Association.

Execo

An ideal choice if you prioritize the eco-friendly aspect. Execo school bags stand out for their use of fabrics made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, while offering practical, durable, and well-organized designs.

Gazoo

Designed for preschool and daycare, Gazoo backpacks are smaller, lighter, and easier for toddlers to handle. The designs are playful and perfectly sized for the first few years.

Ready for back to school? All that's left is to choose!

Choosing a school bag is more than just a back-to-school purchase: it's laying the foundation for a comfortable, organized, and back-ache-free year for your child. By keeping in mind aspects like fit, comfort, safety, and durability, you'll make a thoughtful choice that meets everyday needs.

At Trippin Store, we know how important every detail is. That's why we offer a selection of bags designed for families: durable, practical, and suitable for all stages of school life.

Discover our school bag collections now and find the perfect model for your child.