Probably the most personal back-to-school purchase a student makes is a backpack. Given the dozens of styles, sizes, colors and features from which to choose, shopping for one can be more than a little overwhelming. So we did some homework to help students find the right pack to hold all their stuff.

The first consideration, say backpack experts, is function. Josh Seats, who works at the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Chesterfield, says students should focus on how they plan to use their backpack before purchasing one.

“If you carry a lot of books and don’t like to use your locker then you want something with a large capacity and a lot of support for your shoulders,” said Seats, adding that some students opt for rolling backpacks that can be wheeled if the load gets too heavy. “If you aren’t someone that carries a lot of books then you want something smaller, more compact, and light,” he adds.

After three years at Dick’s, Seats has learned to match the right backpack with each student’s situation. “I’ve seen people have to replace their bag after a couple months because they were tough on it and didn’t buy the right quality backpack,” he said. “If you aren’t tough on it then you can get a less heavy duty material or zipper, but our bestsellers, North Face, Under Armour, and Jansport make high quality backpacks.”

Another consideration is fit. Brian Lunde, customer service representative for North Face, explains, “You want to select a pack that is the right size for the person who will be wearing it. The backpacks we recommend for high school students are the Surge, the Recon and the Borealis. We make unisex versions and we make women’s-specific versions, where the straps are placed and shaped in a manner that is usually more comfortable on the average female,” he says.

For students with smaller frames, such as ones in middle or elementary school, The North Face recommends the Slingshot or Jester. “A younger child will want something from our Youth Daypack Collection, such as the Happy Camper,” says Lunde.

Stella Peterson, director of public relations for High Sierra Sport Company, says proper fit is key and what her 32-year-old company excels in. “Our backpacks display weight appropriately on your back. That comes with the design of the pack and the quality fabric,” she says. ” People try other brands, their back starts killing them, so they come try High Sierra brand and notice a difference. Our bestselling backpacks are the Access, the Swerve and Fat Boy.”

Though fit and function may be the most important concerns in selecting a backpack, they are not the only considerations. “Students look at style and function first but then the features become an added bonus,” says Seats. “In the past year, the most important feature for students has been the iPod or iPhone compartments with headphone slots at the top. People look for different compartments to carry their keys, MP3s, laptops, and important belongings.”

Though extra features attract attention, they also add cost. It’s not unusual for a sturdy backpack, with lots of features to cost upwards of $80.

“As you go up in price, we typically add extra support and padding to the straps, and stronger materials,” Lunde explains. “A lot of the decisions about extra pockets and organization features are up to the student. 

“If you need a pack that will stand up to some abuse or last for a number of years, it is always worth paying a little more for those qualities.  But, we offer some packs that are lower in price as well, to meet the needs of parents and students where budget is just as important.”

Backpack selecting tips

Function: Select a size backpack that will hold all of your supplies and books.

Fit: Match your frame to the pack.

Features: Select a bag with compartments to suit your needs or wheels if you know your load may be too heavy.

Quality: Assess the uses of your backpack and select a pack that will withstand those uses.

Price: Choose only the features that are essential to stay in your price range.