Backpacks Vs. Sling Bags

In a few weeks school supplies will be filling our sale papers and commercials. Just about every store will be advertising "Back-to-School" specials and of course the aisles will be filled with parents and children purchasing the latest school supplies. While their backpacks from last year may still be in good shape, many kids will probably want a new one. Whether it's one with their favorite Harry Potter characters or a theme from other movie or current craze, children like to get the latest gear to take back to school from supplies to clothes (if they don't wear uniforms of course).

When it comes to backpacks, the design on the outside isn't the most important thing. Naturally you have to get one sturdy and large enough to accommodate all of the school supplies and books that will have to go inside, but there's also another key element to consider when shopping for backpacks. Should you go with the standard two shoulder strap backpack or the one shoulder strap sling bag type of backpack?

All through my elementary and high school years, I stuck with the conventional two shoulder strap backpack. Mainly because sling bags weren't around then and if they were, they weren't being sold as frequently as they are today. I have to admit, I like the style and appearance of the sling bag more than that of most conventional style bags. Based on appearance and style alone, I purchased a sling bag when I first enrolled in college. Here is where I went wrong: it didn't occur to me that unlike in high school where most of your books could be kept away in your locker, in college you have to carry your books in your bag around with you all day (true for those of us who don't live on campus and commute to college). Many of my college courses required more than one book. Having two or sometimes three books for one class plus spirals, folders, paper, and other supplies, I quickly noticed that I needed a backpack with a lot more space. Not to mention, by the time I'd commuted on the train and bus ride home, my neck, back, and shoulders were killing me. The sling bag had absolutely no support for carrying heavy items. I'm sure the style diminishes quickly when you're slumped over from all of the heavy stuff inside. There were times when I had to take some books out and carry them in my arms just to lighten the load on my back.

It didn't take long for me to switch back to the conventional two shoulder strap backpack. I purchased one with two large zipper compartments so I could even out the weight of my books, papers, and folders. The front compartments had places for pens, pencils, staplers, etc, with a slightly larger compartment for calculators and other items. There was a built in iPod and CD player holder which was an added bonus since most of my commute to and from school was spent listening to one of these items. With two shoulder straps and more compartments to divide my books and supplies in, I quickly noticed the change in back and shoulder pain. Once I switched back to this backpack, the pain went away. There was less strain on my neck and back.

So what did I do with the sling bag? I gave it to my little nephew who is in elementary school. He hardly has any books to carry to and from school everyday and the ones he does have aren't that heavy. He loves the sling back since he slings his back pack right on to the floor as soon as he gets home from school. As he gets older and moves on to higher grades where more books and supplies will be required, he will start carrying a standard two shoulder strap backpack so that the weight will be evened out.

While I still think the sling bags look nice, I wouldn't purchase another one due to the lack of back support it gave me. This is not to say standard two strap bags can't cause any back pains either because there have been a couple of times when I've overloaded that bag and had some discomfort, but it is much more manageable that the one strap sling bags. For those who don't want any weight on their backs, they have the rolling backpacks now with a handle and wheels on the bottom so you don't have to put it on your back at all. The only thing I've seen people complain about there is carrying it up stairs. Whichever backpack you choose, rather than just considering style and appearance, make sure it will hold up during the school year and not cause you any pain when you're carrying your supplies.