The Best Backpacks of Fall 2005
Aug. 17, 2005 — -- Increased competition has driven the average cost of a backpack from $41 in 2001 to $34 in 2004, according to the Ernst & Young Back-to-School Market Basket. But with all the choices, it can be hard to decide which backpack is best for your child.
The Good Housekeeping Institute tested 19 new packs from top manufacturers for strap strength, water resistance, abrasion resistance and packing. It narrowed the field to four of the Best Backpacks of Fall 2005, and offered some backpack safety tips for "GMA.":
The Backpacks
Kelty Juniper, $35: This mid-sized backpack is perfect for elementary and middle schoolers, receiving the top mark in the Good Housekeeping Institute Tests for strap strength, water resistance, abrasion resistance and packing.
There is room to store an MP3 player, CD player or cell phone and there are two mesh pockets on the outside for drinks. It comes in slate blue/charcoal, silver/charcoal, green chili and charcoal.
Burton Youth Day Hiker, $49.95: This bag was a top-performer in the abrasion resistance, packing and strap strength tests.
Kids liked it because it held a lot of stuff and had buckles for a skateboard or snowboard, in addition to a case for CDs and a sound pocket with a headphone cable port. It also has a rubberized bottom, good for kids who drag their backpacks.
It comes in gray/new brick, true black and true black/empire yellow/granite.
High Sierra Pace, $14.99: This is especially popular for small children just starting school. At less than a pound, it suits younger children's frames well, and tested high in strap strength, packing and abrasion resistance tests.
It comes in black/silver, cyber blue/silver/black, lilac/silver/black, blossom/silver/black and glacier/silver/black.
Timberland Dogwood, $59.99: This backpack performed well on the packing test, and is capable of holding a laptop computer. The large size is best suited for older children.
The bag comes in coal, burnt orange, river blue and petal pink.
Backpack Safety Tips
Never let a child carry more than 15 percent of his or her weight on their back -- 10 percent is better.
Arrange items so they won't slide around when the backpack is worn or moved. If the backpack is too heavy in one part, the child could be knocked off balance or may twist his back.
Make sure your child always wears both straps to reduce pressure on their shoulders and back.
The backpack should be snug against your child's back. The bottom of the bag should align with your child's lower back. The backpack should not be more than four inches below the waist.