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Top 6 Back to School Backpacks and Daypacks

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 21, 2011

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Carrying your essentials throughout the school day or work day requires a well-designed pack, just as you would want for a day hike. Don't settle for thin, uncomfortable straps. You want straps that are padded and designed to distribute the load weight properly. For walking in the low light of morning and afternoons, you want reflective trim for safety.

1. The North Face Yavapai Backpack

North Face YavapaiPricegrabber.com

A great school pack with technical backpack features. Carry the load right with well-designed shoulder straps, sternum strap and hip strap. The back is ventilated for comfort. Organize your stuff in its pockets. Carry along drinks in the mesh pockets. Reflective stripe for safety. Compression straps to keep the load tidy.

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2. JanSport Big Student Pack

JanSport Big Student PackCourtesy of Pricegrabber

This pack is designed to fit textbooks and notebooks.  It comes in solid colors or fun patterns such as plaid. It has a padded back and padded, curved shoulder straps. There is a side pocket for a water bottle.

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3. Targus Sport Backpack Notebook Case

Targus Sport Notebook PackCourtesy of Pricegrabber
Carry your notebook computer with this backpack. It has a padded computer compartment to protect your notebook, multiple compartments for your files and accessories, and padded shoulder straps for superior comfort.
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4. REI Big School Pack

This school organizer daypack is made with recycled PET. It has three compartments and a padded back and padded, curved shoulder straps.  It has mesh pockets on each side for a water bottle or other items. I like the reflective trim for better safety in low light.  This model can go from school to a day hike with ease.

5. JanSport Wasabi

JanSport Wasabi Day PackCourtesy of Pricegrabber
S-curved shoulder straps for comfort. Has one main compartment and a half-size compartment with organizer and a front stash pocket. V-Loft pocket with headphone port. Side mesh water bottle pocket Full padded back.
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6. Osprey Jet Daypack - Kids'

This pack can take kids age 5-10 from school to after-school activities. It has organizer pockets inside. On the outside it has mesh pockets for a water bottle. The straps are padded and made to ventilate well.

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User Opinions: Backpacks and Day Packs

Have you got an opinion on backpacks for walking or for school? Come discuss day packs, and see what other walkers have to say about packs.

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