Fitting a School Backpack

An ordered fitting procedure: the 10-15% body-weight rule, strap adjustment to the 5 cm waist position, and volume by age band.

Pediatric associations advise that a loaded school backpack should weigh no more than 10-15% of the child's body weight. Weigh the pack loaded, with books, lunch box and water bottle inside; an empty pack tells you nothing about the fit.

The pack should sit with its bottom about 5 cm above the waist, with both shoulder straps used. A single-strap carry shifts the load to one side and is not a fitting method.

Backpacks for children aged 4-8 commonly hold 10-15 litres. Volume beyond what the week's school load needs adds weight for no reason.

Start the fitting with the child standing and the pack loaded. Set both straps so the bottom edge of the pack sits about 5 cm above the waistline.

Check that the straps sit on both shoulders and the pack does not hang below the waist. Re-weigh the loaded pack whenever the school load changes.

The weight rule is the hard limit. If the loaded pack passes 15% of body weight, remove items or choose a lighter configuration before adjusting straps.

• Weigh the child and calculate 10% and 15% of that weight in kilograms.
• Load the backpack with the actual school items and weigh it.
• Put both straps on and set the bottom of the pack about 5 cm above the waist.
• Check both shoulder straps are in use and the pack does not hang below the waistline.
• Re-weigh the loaded pack when the school load changes.

Further reading

• Clothing Size Tables
• Rain and Winter Gear Ratings