Best Wheeled Backpacks for Back to School and Travel

It seems like every year kids are required to carry around more stuff. More books, more supplies, more homework. When I was in school we carried around everything we needed in just our hands and arms, these days it seems like kids need a suitcase to carry their items to and from school and classes. This is probably why wheeled backpacks are becoming more and more popular and more and more companies are making them.

Besides being able to carry all the supplies our children need, backpacks with wheels also help save our children's backs from injuries caused by carrying around such heavy bags every day. Sometimes the injuries are not noticed right away and may even take years to develop. Injuries can range from pulled muscles to bad posture to even back troubles when they are older.

I have 5 suggestions for back packs with wheels, all varying in price from around $20 up to around $120.

If you have a small child getting ready for school and need a back pack for him or her, they will certainly love this backpack by J World and offered by Overstock.com. This backpack features wheels that light up! What child doesn't enjoy something that lights up? It can also be wheeled around or carried like a traditional backpack. The bottom of the backpack is also made of strong molded material protecting the bottom from tears and rips, making it perfect for children that are going to "abuse" the bag a little more than others. The outside is made of 600D polyester for easy cleaning. And, if you are going to be taking a trip on an airplane, this wheeled backpack will fit in the carry on requirements as it is only 17 inches.

The next backpack I would recommend for back to school or a trip on an airplane is the Korus Aca De Grande wheeled backpack. This backpack runs around $23 on Overstock.com and features many compartments to hold all your belongings and supplies. The backpack is constructed of newly designed, lightweight polyester fabric and comes with a manufacturer's 5 year warranty. It has a wheel to handle mold that provides strength and ease of use. It has a larger base to provide more storage in the main compartment, a large back pocket that hides the shoulder straps until you need to use them, pockets on both the left and right sides with Velcro closure and two pockets on the front that feature zipper and buckle closures. The handle is also extra long to make it comfortable for taller persons. The backpack comes in a variety of fashionable colors so everyone can find one that best suites their likes.

Sears offers the Wheeled Classmate StudyHaul Backpack for around $60. This wheeled backpack is perfect for children ages 8-14 and features a removable organizer pouch to keep school supplies neat and organized and ready for use. It also has 360 degree reflective trim to keep children visible and a hidden C-Shaped shoulder strap for carrying. Kids will also love the MP3/cell phone pocket located on the shoulder strap. Parent's will like the reinforced bottom with resin bumpers for added strength so they know it will last all school year. It also comes with a D-ring to clip your lunch box or keys onto.

High school and college aged kids may want to consider purchasing the High Sierra Overpass Wheeled Travel daypack. This wheeled backpack is like having 3 bags in 1! It has a removable day pack with padded back straps for comfortable and secure front style wearing. It has a removable padded shoulder strap with vapel mesh airflow and is stored securely in behind the back zippered pocket. Adjustable sternum strap with quick release buckles stabilizes the backpack. It also features a water bottle pocket, daisy chain for attaching gear, deluxe organizer with cell phone pocket, pen pockets and removable key fob, as well as having inline skate-style wheels and deluxe single tube telescoping handle.

Another option for the high school or college aged child is available at Gander Mountain and again features a wheeled backpack that can be wheeled around, carried on your back or separated and used as a daypack. It also features tons of pockets for storage, a pocket for your MP3 player and a multi-pocket organizer. The large main compartment features a side hinged door for easy access and the back of the backpack is padded for comfort. It also features inline skate-style wheels and a single tube telescoping handle.

Hopefully these suggestions will help you find the perfect wheeled backpack for your child or yourself.