By ANNA WALLNER and KRISTINA MATISIC
It's that time of year again: Back to school! And whether you're starting a new year at college or high school or shopping for your little one's first day of a long academic career to come, you might be on the lookout for a new backpack. But a quick and easy purchase this is not. Today's backpacks range from the most practical and well constructed to the most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for your back. Here's what you need to know before you buy:
Fit is crucial. And the right fit depends on the size of the pack and the suspension. Not its capacity.
To find your pack size, measure the distance from your most prominent neck vertebra to the low point between the hipbones. If your torso is less than 18 inches, you will probably need a small suspension system. Eighteen to 20 inches, and you'll need medium suspension and 21 inches or more requires large.
Look for shoulder straps that are padded and contoured to fit the body. And make sure they're far enough apart that they don't pinch your neck.
Backpacks fit men and women differently, with women generally finding it more comfy to carry weight lower down and closer to the hips. Many packs that work for men don't adjust for a shapely woman's body. Be sure to try it on in store.
Look for a mesh panel on the underside. It will allow for airflow between you and your pack and prevent your back from getting sweaty. This is especially important if you walk a long distance to class or live in a warm climate.
Top-loading packs are stronger than front-loading packs (which have a horseshow shaped zipper across the front), but finding a particular item tends to be more difficult with a top-loader.
And don't forget to study hard.
(Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic host The Shopping Bags on Fine Living TV Network. Contact them at www.fineliving.com. For more columns visit www.scrippsnews.com)
