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If you are starting college in the next year or if you've been there for a while, you know the importance of a good backpack. The best kind of backpack can store your things without putting too must stain on your back. You will most probably need a different backpack than the one you carried throughout high school as you will have more things to carry and a larger distance to walk. College campuses can get pretty big. A backpack is not only a functional accessory; it is a piece of your style. Some people will choose brightly coloured backpacks and others will look for heavy duty backs. There are more than enough options for any scenario. There are some things to keep in mind when you're buying a backpack like your own taste, needs and budget. Here is your basic guide for buying a backpack that will make you happy and also serve you well.
Consider your load. You might have classes that require a heavy textbook. Some classes will require laptops for notes or other supplies. Are you going to be bringing your own lunch? A change of clothes? Think about the things you will carry from day to day. It isn't healthy to carry more than 15 percent of your body weight so consider this when you make your purchase.
Think about the average distance you'll be walking with your laptop. If you are not living on campus and you walk to class or bike, you should be looking for a sturdy bag that will be comfortable on your back. You might not need a heavy-duty backpack if you are close to your classes as you might choose to drop off your supplies in your room. If most of your classes are close together in a specific area, you will probably not be doing much walking.
Your backpack should provide you support or else you could end up with some back problems. You want a backpack to fit your torso length or else you could strain your muscles. It should generally start at the bottom of your neck and fall just above your hip bone. There are companies that create backpacks for specific body types like girls that have small proportions.
If your college is located in a hot and humid climate, you are going to want some ventilation system so your back does not overheat. You could also consider a water-resistant exterior if there is a lot of rain. If you rest your backpack next to your wet shoes or there is a lot of snow, look for a similar water-resistant backpack or washable fabrics. The weather which you live in will impact the conditions of your backpack.
Think about your own personal style. Do you want a minimalistic bag design or a colourful one. There are some that are sporty and some that are more on trend. Do you want one that will serve as more of an accessory to outfits or one for practicality?
There are certain additions to a backpack that can make it more comfortable such as adjustable padded shoulder straps which help to distribute the weight. There are other contours or back panels that can help support your ack. Some backpacks will have breathable mesh to help release the heat from your back. If you are carrying heavier loads, look for a backpack with a waist or hip strap to help move the weight from your shoulders to your hips.
If you are constantly carrying small supplies like pens, books, water bottles, you might want a backpack with lots of small pockets to help. Laptop backpacks should have a specific padded compartment for it.
The material of a backpack will also impact its durability. Cotton is one of the cheapest fabrics and it is lightweight but it will not be resistant against water or other weather. Polyester is good for water resistance and it is generally cheaper than nylon. However, it is not as durable as nylon is. Cordura and ballistic nylon are more durable options of nylon.