Backpacks: To Pack or Not?

People tend to think that fashion is all about those new designer shirts, skirts and jeans, and forget about other aspects of fashion like accessories. But backpacks happen to make a statement about the person hauling it around. Whether is has a designer sense or is just there to shove everything in, never forget that beauty is pain.

For decades, backpacks have been evolving. Even from a time when there was no such thing, people were creative enough to tie belts around books to form a way of carrying belongings.

Today, on most college campuses, there is an assortment of bags carried. Whether it’s the back-breaking bag filled with every book, a rolling suitcase bag or the messenger bag that hangs to the side of one’s hip, every student seems to choose a style and comfort that fits each personality best.

Backpacks were first fashioned in the early 1900’s, making it easier for people to transport belongings back and forth. Eventually, they weren’t just used on school campuses, but the military found use for them as well according to John Kitchling from “Big Fashion Online.”

Without the invention of backpacks, there would be no simple way to carry around property. Backpacks don’t necessarily have to carry just books. People put everything in backpacks from books, cell phones, computers, keys, mp3 players, clothes, and so on.

“I have learned to carry my backpack everywhere with me because it holds all my things- Ipod, keys, phone, books, pens, pencils, jump drive, notebooks, etc,” said student Ben Boggess, a freshman at University of the Cumberlands.

Since being created, backpacks have become a necessity around campuses. After many decades backpacks are still the number one item on a school shopping list.

Around a college campus, different styles and varieties of backpacks can be spotted while walking along. Varieties include the L.L. Bean backpack with initials or a name stitched on, the backpack that really looks like an oversized purse, the messenger bag that hangs on a hip and looks like someone is delivering newspapers, and the joke-worthy rolling backpacks people roll through campus. Some people decide to carry expensive name brand backpacks as well.

“Backpacks have undergone a radical evolution in recent years and now many are designed to be ergonomic while remaining fashionable,” stated Robert Longley in the article “US School Children at Risk from Heavy Backpacks.”

The original style of backpack, two straps and one big pocket for belongings, is considered to be dangerous because it can carry more books and belongings than the other styles causing back injuries and problems throughout a person’s life. Since there are so many designs and styles, people get to choose the style that fits their personality as well as comfort. The American Chiropractic Association offers many tips that people would give to someone looking at buying one. Some of these tips include:

1) The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
2) Wear both straps to use more support.
3) Wide, padded straps should be taken into consideration because they give more comfort to the person wearing it.
4) Remember, bigger isn’t better. The more room in the backpack, the more someone will put in there causing more discomfort for one’s back, neck, and all the muscles in between.
5) Straps should be adjustable so one can conform the bag to his or her body type.
Considering there are many items that can be carried within backpacks today, it can be very painful and back breaking to one’s body. All of these tips should be taken into thought and a decision should be made around these factors.

In 2001, over 7,000 emergency room visits were because of back pains and spasms caused by carrying too much weight within a bag said the ACA. These are only some of the negative aspects given about backpacks.

The invention of the backpack is one that anyone can use to their benefit, and has been a trend for as long as anyone can remember. Not only are backpacks chosen on comfort, but as well as designs and colors. “The backpack I chose this year was chosen based on comfort and style. It is a normal style bag, but has the design and colors on it that I tend to choose,” said Courtney Ward, junior at University of the Cumberlands.

Backpacks will never go out of style. They are a strong factor for students from campus to campus. They have negative aspects, but if used correctly and appropriately, they can be the most helpful tool taken to school. Decisions should be made on comfort and style, with both positive and negative aspects overviewed.