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How to equip yourself well for back to school?
Those of you who have already returned from vacation are certainly wondering how you will equip yourself for the start of the new school year. Gone are the days when, just before classes resumed, our parents took us shopping, scrupulously following the instructions left by the school. Yet there was something pleasant in this ritual, we felt that the year was already beginning to play out: we had to choose between a stick of glue or liquid glue (cheat sheet or rubber balls?), between notebooks 24 x 36 cm or 21 x 29.7 cm (one day someone will have to explain to me why these two sizes exist); but above all, it was necessary to choose the right eraser (which would serve, quickly, as a compressed air pellet launcher). Then came the question of the backpack. Those who opted for the traditional Eastpak did not seem concerned. For the others, it was often necessary to leave with regret the backpack of previous years, that of good and loyal service, the one that gave up the ghost. Today, we have replaced our notebooks with computers and the quality of Eastpak bags has been largely exceeded by some brands... Also, here are my tips for choosing the right backpack for back to school.
Define the volume of your backpack
Start with a precise inventory: what are you going to store in your school or work backpack? Everything must go there: computer (13, 15 or 17 inches?), charger, mouse, notebooks, magazines, newspapers, books, binders, diary, notebooks, kit, pencils, calculator, ruler, headphones, earphones, touch pad (with cover, without cover?), wallet, passport, glasses, water bottle, food, clothing... Will your bag also be used as a sports backpack, or for walks in town? Think about everything you will need to store in your backpack comprehensively, for all of its potential future uses, and complete your inventory. Then it's very simple: you just have to make a compact pile with your things and measure it. Then multiply the width by the height and by the depth, and you will obtain a value in cm3, which you will only have to convert into liters. For example, if I realize that I need to store my things 17 x 40 x 25 cm = 17,000 cm3 = 17 L, this means that I need a backpack with a capacity minimum of 17 liters. You can also take into account that the clothes compress. If it's easier, you can also put all your things in a shopping bag, or in another backpack before taking the measurements.
Define the main material of your backpack
Once you have an idea of the volume of your future backpack, ask yourself how you will use it: as a city backpack (urban backpack), for cycling or just for work? Are you going to use it in open, closed places? Will it be in high demand? These questions will allow you to choose the interior organization best suited to your uses and habits, but also to know if you need a waterproof backpack (or simply water resistant), a backpack ergonomic or a solid backpack. By “solid backpack”, I mean resistant to abrasion (friction) and/or tearing. For good abrasion resistance, bags made of Cordura® or 1680D polyester should be preferred. For good tear resistance, bags made with ripstop fabrics or X-PAC™ should be preferred. Choosing a backpack made with these types of materials is relevant if you put your bags to the test. For a work backpack or a school backpack, there is no need to opt for these technical materials. For example, the bags that I have selected for you right after will be very suitable for everyday use.
My selection
Here is a selection of four backpacks, specifically designed by their manufacturers for the work, school or typically as urban backpacks.
1 / Transit Line Travel Pack – Heimplanet
The Transit Line Travel Pack backpack from the German brand Heimplanet is the perfect compromise between a work backpack and a travel backpack. It has plenty of internal storage, including a dedicated compartment for a 15-inch computer. Its sternal strap, its removable belt and its foam back make it an ergonomic backpack. On one side is an expandable pocket (to store a bottle for example). Thanks to its Dyecoshell fabric, the Travel Pack is robust but also durable, because compared to conventional production it requires significantly less water, CO2, energy and chemicals during its manufacture. You can carry it from the top, but also from the side. Access to the interior is via a very large zipped pocket, which is therefore very easy to access. Also, the lining (inner fabric) is light in color: this makes it easy to locate your belongings. Some parts are reinforced with Hypalon® (an extremely resistant material). Be careful though, its 34-litre capacity will suit the heaviest of you. For "daypack", it is better to favor a capacity of less than 20 liters. Do not hesitate to take a look at the Heimplanet page of our site, some smaller models could also satisfy you.
2/ Hajo Stealth – Ucon Acrobatics
The Hajo Stealth backpack from the German brand Ucon Acrobatics is one of their classics. I really like this bag because it is very minimalist on the outside and yet very functional on the inside. In fact, there are 2 pockets in stretch mesh fabric, an expandable bottle holder (very practical for holding your bottle upside down), a key clip and a slot with a very soft fabric to slip a 15 inch computer; all in a light gray, again allowing you to easily find your belongings. There are also 3 pockets located on the front, and a side pocket allowing access to your computer, or inside the bag without opening it from the top. The rolltop closure of this backpack makes it water resistant, but not 100% waterproof (due to its seams, in particular). On the other hand, if you like this model, know that it exists in a "welded" version (by high frequency, therefore without seams) completely waterproof.
3/ Gion Small – Horizn Studios
The Gion Small backpack is made by the Horizn Studios brand. Originally, this German brand manufactures wheeled suitcases. Having tested one for several months, I can assure you that they are minimalist, resistant, ergonomic and technical. Their backpacks follow exactly the same direction. The color of this model is called "cosmic halo", its material gives the strange impression that it reflects its environment by deforming it, a bit like a work of Jeff Koons, which makes you want to take a picture of it all the time ! This backpack has been very well designed: first, two large zips provide very easy access to the main compartment. On the top there is also access to the computer compartment (you can store a 13-inch one in the Gion Small version and a 15-inch one in the Gion Medium version), but above all: in the upper back there is a small “secret” pocket, in which it is very easy to store your wallet, passport or mobile phone. As this pocket is only accessible from the back (and is not particularly visible), your belongings are carefully guarded. This bag also exists in less conspicuous colors, in a material similar to silicone: very soft to the touch and very matte in appearance. Little additional tip to finish: in the back of this bag is fixed an extensible strap which allows to maintain it on the handle of a suitcase.
4/ Duo Totepack – Bellroy
Bellroy is an Australian brand, renowned for its high quality and above all very clever products. The Duo Totepack is no exception to this rule. Very simple in appearance and not very spacious (15 liters only), this bag is full of compartments in which you can store as many things as possible: a 15-inch computer, clothes, a tablet, magazines, a water bottle, glasses, a kit, a phone, a wallet... Thanks to its press studs and removable straps, you can vary its volume according to your desires and use it as a backpack or as a tote bag. This backpack is made with DWR (rain resistant) treated polyester fabric and AquaGuard® YKK zips. Finally, it is guaranteed for 3 years. Below is a very interesting video made by Chase Reeves* on the Bellroy Duo Totepack; as well as another made by Bo Ismono*, in which he compares the Duo Totepack to Mr Groove (tote pack from Crafted Goods).
There, I hope you enjoyed this article, as well as this small selection for the start of the school year! Do not hesitate to share it, to react to it by writing to us at this address: contact@keus-store.com and to follow us on our Instagram account. Many of you have asked us for accessories for North St brand backpacks. Know that we should receive them during the month of September to equip the interior of Flanders, Davis bags and even a few others. Welcome back everyone and see you very soon!
Thomas.
*renowned testers, backpack specialists.