Wheeled Backpack Recommendations - Rick Steves Travel Forum

Hello all, I am thinking of finding a wheeled backpack for my upcoming Italy trip. I usually like to roll my bag, but doesn't always work so well on cobblestones or all those steps in Cinque Terre! Does anyone have any experience with these? I am concerned that by getting a bag with both options, both options are compromised...

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If you have used one and would recommend one, which would you recommend? I am hoping to get one at REI or my more local outdoors store, so mostly looking at Osprey, Eagle Creek, Granite Gear, and REI brand. The bummer about the ones at REI is that most of them are not carried in stock at my local stores, so I would need to order online before checking them out in person.

I have previously seen good reviews of the Osprey Ozone, which is similar in price to the Osprey Meridian, both of which are available at REI, but not at any of my local stores. REI also has the stratocruiser in the 22" size, which gets mostly good reviews and is slightly cheaper. At my local store, they have the Eagle Creek Morphus, Eagle Creek TNDM, Eagle Creek Warrior, and Granite Gear Crosstrek in stock. I just called to see what they have and still need to check them out in person.

I am not really interested in the zip-off daypack, since I already have a lightweight Osprey pack I was planning on using.

Most of these bags are $200-300. Is it worth the money to have something like this when I already have a nice wheeled suitcase?

Thanks!

Backpacks are a key back-to-school item that every student needs. They keep supplies like textbooks, folders andstationery in one place so your child always knows where to find what they need. But various classes and extracurriculars can mean lots of textbooks and supplies — and the weight of these items may be overbearing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a student’s backpack should not exceed 10% to 15% of their body weight due to concerns of discomfort and risk of injury to muscles and joints. “Our backs house some of the strongest muscles in our body. But add food, schoolbooks, electronics and an assortment of other items, and the weight can add up quickly,” says Shai Karpf, the owner and directing physician at North Broward Chiropractic & Wellness.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional backpacks with shoulder straps, rolling backpacks can take the weight off your child’s back. We consulted experts on how heavy backpacks can impact children and whether rolling backpacks is safer.

SKIP AHEAD What are the health effects of carrying around a heavy backpack? | Are rolling backpacks a good alternative? | How to wear a backpack to avoid back pain

The best rolling backpacks for students

We rounded up the best and most highly rated rolling backpacks, all in line with our experts’ guidance. We also note the dimensions, capacity in liters and the age recommendations for each option.

Best rolling backpack overall: J World

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

Designed for kids ages 8 and up, this J World rolling backpack is our overall pick thanks to its durable ​​ripstop polyester fabric and rubber bottom that can withstand being dragged on hard floors and pavement, according to the brand. It also comes with two mesh side pockets for water bottles and its front pocket organizer has a key clip, pen holders, card slots and an internal zip pocket to keep small items safe. The highly rated backpack, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 8,400 reviews on Amazon, is available in 40 kid-friendly designs and patterns, including Safari, Garden Purple and Color Dots.

Dimensions: 18 in. H x 13 in. W x 9 in. D | Capacity: 34.5L |Age: 8 years and up

Best budget-friendly rolling backpack: Rockland

Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack

If you’re looking for a good-quality rolling backpack on a budget, this Rockland option is made from durable polyester and equips a heavy-duty plastic stand on the bottom to keep it upright. You can choose from several patterns and designs, including polka dots, pink chevron, multi-colored hearts and leopard prints. The backpack has a 4.2-star average rating from over 2,400 reviews on Amazon.

Dimensions: 20 in. H x 12 in. W x 8 in. D | Capacity: n/a |Age: 5 years and up

Best rolling backpack with laptop compartment: High Sierra

High Sierra Freewheel Pro Wheeled Backpack

For students who carry tech like laptops and tablets, this option from High Sierra comes with a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, according to the brand. Kids can store supplies in the backpack’s organizer compartment with multiple pockets, including a zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets, a media pocket with a USB port and a key fob hook. You can also tuck the padded shoulder straps into a dedicated back compartment, and when they are in use, the handle can be fully zipped away and out of sight. The backpack has a 4.5-star average rating from over 4,000 reviews on Amazon.

Dimensions: 20.5 in. L x 13.5 in. W x 8 in. D | Capacity: 34.5L |Age: 13 years and up

Best durable rolling backpack: Everest

Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack

The backpack has a 4.2-star average rating from over 2,700 reviews on Amazon and is made from water- and mold-resistant canvas material that keeps it in good shape despite long days at school, according to the brand. Its spacious main compartment has a double zipper closure for extra security and a double-zippered front pocket with a mesh pocket, a built-in organizer and keyring to keep smaller essentials in one place. The backpack has four additional pockets on the front and three side pockets for even more storage. It’s available in eight colors, including navy, burgundy and black.

Dimensions: 18.5 in. H x 13.5 in. W x 7 in. D | Capacity: 27.9L |Age: n/a

Best rolling backpack for toddlers: Yodo

Yodo 3-Way Toddler Rolling Backpack

This small dinosaur backpack can be carried by hand, strapped on the back or rolled around using the telescopic handle. It has one large compartment and a smaller padded front pouch, as well as two mesh pockets on either side to hold a water bottle. The back panel is padded for comfort and it has two zippers to allow you to open it in either direction, according to the brand. The small size makes it ideal for toddlers up to three years old.

Dimensions: 15 in. H x 11.8 in. W x 6.1 in. D | Capacity: n/a | Age: 18-36 months

Best rolling backpack for elementary school: Twise

Twise Side-Kick Rolling Backpack

The Twise Side-Kick is designed for young children between the ages of 3 and 9 and comes in several animal-inspired designs, including dinosaurs, penguins and unicorns. It has a padded grip handle, two side pockets for water bottles and a front pocket organizer with a pencil holder, key fob and zipper pocket. The backpack, made from water-resistant polyester, also equips a cushioned back for comfort when used as a traditional backpack, according to the brand.

Dimensions: 16 in. H x 16 in. W x 5 in. D | Capacity: 15.7L |Age: 3 years and up

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Best rolling backpack for middle and high school: JanSport

JanSport Driver 8 Backpack

The JanSport Driver 8 is the brand’s classic backpack silhouette on wheels to help relieve some of the weight from your child’s back. It comes in several colors and patterns and has a padded grab handle, a padded back panel and shoulder straps that can be tucked away when not used. It also has multiple compartments, including two main ones to store larger supplies, a laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket with an organizer for pens and pencils, a front stash pocket for smaller items and a side water bottle pocket.

Dimensions: 20 in. H x 14 in. W x 8 in. D | Capacity: 36L |Age: n/a

Best personalized rolling backpack: Pottery Barn Kids

Mackenzie PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Backpack

This rolling back from Pottery Barn Kids — which makes some of our favorite kids’ backpacks and weighted stuffed animals — can be personalized to display your child’s name, which can help teachers, school staff and other students identify them during the first few days of school and return their backpack if it gets lost. It’s made from a durable and water-resistant polyester material designed to glow softly in the dark for approximately 3 to 4 hours, according to the brand. The Mackenzie collection comes with various additional patterns like unicorns, dinosaurs and multi-colored hearts, and you can purchase matching items separately, including a lunch box and water bottle.

Dimensions: 18 in. H x 13 in. W x 7 in. D | Capacity: n/a |Age: Children over 48 in. tall

Best rolling backpack with lunchbox: Tilami

Tilami Rolling Backpack 19 inch with Lunch Bag

This matching rolling backpack and lunch box set comes in 16 fun designs for kids — including mermaid, galaxy, and camouflage—and the lunch box has a handy strap that attaches to the backpack’s handle. The backpack has multiple compartments, including a main pocket, a middle pocket, a front pocket to store stationary and a small top-front pocket for smaller items like glasses and headphones. The highly rated set has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,000 reviews on Amazon.

Dimensions: 19 in. H x 13 in. W x 8 in. D for backpack, 10 in. H x 7.5 in. W x 10 in. D for lunch box | Capacity: n/a | Age: 4 years and up

Best eco-friendly rolling backpack: Pottery Barn Teen

Pottery Barn Teen Gear-Up Quarry Recycled Backpack

This backpack from Pottery Barn Teen, which sells some of our favorite dorm room essentials and bean bag chairs, is made from water-resistant 100% recycled polyester for a more eco-friendly option. You can also personalize it with your teen’s name or initials. The rolling backpack has four exterior pockets, a laptop compartment, a cinch mesh pocket on the side to hold a water bottle and a durable plastic base to keep it from getting scratched and damaged, according to the brand. It has multiple designs and patterns, including interstellar, tie-dye and ombre.

Dimensions: 20.5 in. H x 13 in. W x 7.5 in. D | Capacity: 28L |Age: n/a

Best rolling backpack for travel: Matein

Matein Rolling Backpack

This backpack, with a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,500 reviews on Amazon, is small enough to serve as a carry-on for most airlines. It has four zippered compartments, two water bottle mesh pockets and an internal laptop sleeve. The bag has a water-resistant panel on the bottom, corner guards and a kick plate to help it hold up against the wear and tear travel can cause, according to the brand. The adjustable straps can also be tucked away when not in use and the aluminum telescopic handle can be adjusted according to our height.

Dimensions: 29.6 in. H x 13 in. W x 9 in. D | Capacity: 36L | Age: n/a

How we picked the best rolling backpacks

When shopping for a kids’ rolling backpack, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Size and storage: Rolling backpacks should offer a main compartment and multiple pockets to help kids store their school supplies, water bottles and smaller essentials like keys, pencils and more.
• Comfort: Our experts say that rolling backpacks might be hard to take up and down the stairs or on uneven surfaces, so consider a multifunctional option that your child can roll or wear on their shoulders. Also, look for padded shoulder straps, padded backs, a grip handle for comfort and an adjustable handle that can conform to your child’s size and height (though keep in mind the manufacturer’s age recommendations). 
• Durability: Look for backpacks made from durable, water-resistant fabrics like polyester, canvas and nylon. And because kids are dragging around their rolling backpacks for hours each day, you should consider a rubber bottom that helps prevent it from getting torn, scratched or other damage.

What are the potential health implications of carrying around a heavy backpack?

Heavy backpacks are all too common, and they can take a toll when students carry them around for eight or more hours at school every day. Carrying a heavy backpack can put strain on the spine and shoulders, potentially causing short-term effects like soreness and fatigue and long-term bad habits like slouching and poor posture.

Other health implications include lower and upper back pain caused by wearing the backpack on one shoulder and thus trying to offset the weight by leaning to one side, according to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Traditional backpacks can also lead to bad posture, especially in girls and younger children carrying heavier backpacks that aren’t proportional to their body weight.

However, the experts we spoke to say there’s limited evidence that suggests carrying a heavy backpack can cause significant back pain or have major long-term effects on children. In fact, in a systematic review of five prospective studies, backpack characteristics like weight and carrying method were not associated with increased risk of back pain in children and adolescents.

“The back will compensate for any load applied to it for an extended period of time,” says Dr. Jill Noble, the interim division director of general pediatrics at Michigan Medicine, and Dr. Ingrid Ichesco, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Michigan Medicine, in a joint response. “There is no evidence that structural spinal deformity can result from backpack use. There is little chance a child or teen will be permanently injured by carrying a heavy backpack.”

A variety of factors can contribute to back pain that aren’t necessarily related to a heavy backpack. These include sports participation, soft bedding, back flexibility and psychosocial distress like depression and anxiety, according to Noble and Ichesco. Always check with a physician to assess the reason for any back pain.

Are rolling backpacks a good alternative to regular backpacks?

Rolling backpacks can be a great alternative to traditional backpacks since they “put the weight on the wheels instead of on your musculoskeletal system,” says Karpf. This is helpful for children experiencing discomfort from lugging their backpacks at school every day. It can also be a good option for those who do extracurricular activities or walk home from school, which results in additional time carrying around extra weight.

However, there are some drawbacks to rolling backpacks that parents and students should consider. Not only are they difficult to carry up a flight of stairs, but some school policies also don’t permit them since they “may clutter hallways and be a tripping hazard to other students,” says Dr. Richard Lichenstein, adjunct professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. These backpacks can also twist, “causing wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries,” Noble and Ichesco say.

How to wear a backpack to avoid back pain

Back pain can be avoided if a backpack is used properly: It should be appropriately sized, feature multiple compartments to evenly distribute the weight and have a padded back and padded straps that are tightened so the bag sits two inches above the waist, according to Lichenstein. To spread out the weight in the backpack, place heavier items at the bottom of the bag right in the center and use a harness whenever possible, he says.

“Books should be only transported when needed and stored in lockers when possible,” Lichenstein says, adding that “digitized content [and] a light laptop are excellent alternatives for a student lugging a backpack.”

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Shai Karpf is a chiropractor and the owner and directing physician at North Broward Chiropractic & Wellness in Coconut Creek, Florida.
• Dr. Jill Noble is a board-certified pediatrician and the division director of general pediatrics at Michigan Medicine.
• Dr. Ingrid Ichesco is a board-certified pediatrician and a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Michigan Medicine who specializes in sports medicine.
• Dr. Richard Lichenstein is the medical director for child welfare in Maryland and adjunct professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Why trust Select?

I am an editor at Select who has written about a variety of back-to-school topics, including lunch boxes, dorm storage essentials and gifts for teachers. For this article, I spoke to four experts about the benefits of rolling backpacks and how to shop for the best one for kids.

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