Rolling Backpacks

Whether you're searching for a book bag or a travel pack, rolling backpacks transfer the load from high on your shoulders to an easy low to the ground pulling position.

The advantages of rolling your gear include avoiding carrying heavy backpacks, more storage capacity, easy content access and the ability to use it as an airline carry on.

For children, rolling bags help to take the strain off young bodies. Too many kids carry more than the recommended weight limit of only 20% of their body weight to prevent injuries, a fact validated by increased visits to emergency rooms.

For business or vacation travel, a rolling backpack serves to store a few days worth of clothes and office gear, plus it makes it easier to stroll through airports, buses and trams without having to check the bag in.

And when the weather gets nasty, just slide down the handle and unzip the shoulder straps for normal backpack carry off the ground. So the benefits are really twofold: no stress on your back and travel convenience.

Rolling Backpacks: Factors For Selection

Wheel Quality - When your pack moves with wheels, you'd better be sure to buy the best quality rollers. Cheaper wheels made from rubber tend to wear out, whereas polyurethane in-line wheels used in rollerblades take more punishment and lasts much longer. Without durable wheels your pack won't function right, so don't settle for the cheap kind.

Retractable Handle - A telescoping handle with multiple length click-in options that also retracts and self-locks provides the best choice. For adults, make sure the longest handle length is suitable to prevent bending over, clipping heels, or rolling the pack at an awkward and uncomfortable angle.

Ergonomics - Rolling backpacks give you two options: move with wheels or backpack carry. Both methods need to be comfortable and functional. The wheels should rotate with ease and not stick with heavier loads, while the handle should be long enough for students to stand upright. Straps should be well padded and wide for extra comfort and the pack should ride a few inches above the child's waistline for carrying in crowded conditions.

Carry On Potential - If you need your rolling backpack to double as a travel pack, then make sure the measurements comply with most airline carry on regulations. Some packs come with an attachable daypack that may add too much size to fit under an airplane seat. Do not lose the advantage of a carry on rolling bag by having to check it in baggage.

Balance The Load - Rolling packs are also prone to be overloaded with school books or heavy office equipment. Sometimes the weight distribution gets out of sync or the material fails to hold the contents in place. This results in an unbalanced load with excessive tipping over - a major problem to try to avoid in crowded schools or airports.

Rolling Backpacks: Tips For Buyer Satisfaction

Strap Storage - Good rolling backpacks come with a storage space for the straps to keep them out of the way. It's preferable for this compartment to zip close instead of just stuffing the straps in an open slot that may get loose later.

Acceptability Factor - Despite the advantages of function, the coolness factor needs to be considered so your child doesn't feel or get embarrassed by using a 'geeky' rolling bag. For business, choose an appropriate style and color that is acceptable in your industry circles or choose to distinguish yourself with an alternative style pack.

Rolling Limitations - Wheels work well on smooth sidewalks and cement pathways, but sometimes the terrain gets a little rough. Know the primary route for going to school and take into consideration snow, mud and rough surfaces that will quickly wear out your wheels or turn rolling into dragging. Also narrow aisles on buses and in crowded places makes rolling more of a chore than stroll.

School Rules - Check with your child's school for their policies on using rolling backpacks and any restrictions on size or type or other concerns. Some schools view a hallway full of rollers as a tripping hazard, especially if they are difficult to fit in lockers or hung out of the way. Before you spend the cash, do your backpack homework.

Rolling Backpacks: Popular Brands and Models

	JanSport Driver 8 - The JanSport Driver 8 is a full-size wheeled backpack, complete with a padded laptop sleeve. Perfect for light overnight travel or wheeling across campus. Tuck away shoulder straps and a quick-grab handle provide easy carry options when you need get the pack off the ground. Storage features include a large drawbridge compartment with organizer and zippered stash pockets.
	eBags Router Wheeled - Students and professionals alike can appreciate the features such as the side-load, well padded laptop storage for quick access away from the main compartment and a sturdy mono-pole handle that zips away when not in use. Zippered shoulder pockets store network cables and adapters and the S-curved straps adjust from 16 to 32 inches. The back panel also folds down and covers the wheels to keep your back clean.
	Olympia Rolling Backpack - Perfect for daily use with it's easy-to-roll design you can protect your child's back and haul all your school supplies. The wheel system uses 2x2 inline skate metal ball bearings and glides for a quiet ride. Other features include a locking retractable handle, padded shoulder straps and zippers that self repair.
	High Sierra Fast Forward - Ideal for work, school or travel, the Fast Forward features a deluxe single tube telescoping handle, mesh padded backpack straps that tuck behind the back panel and a zippered front pocket with organizer. The main section holds a 17" notebook and a media pockets keeps your MP3 player or sunglasses safe and accessible. For safety, the pack has reflective accents for attention.
	CalPak Grand Stand - Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, the Grand Stand combines good construction with standard features for a very reliable backpack choice. High legs provide more stability for heavy loads and the padded wheel cover makes converting to a backpack a snap.
	Kipling Sausalito - A highly portable choice for frequent travelers requiring quality carry on luggage. It features a one-touch telescopic handle and in-line skate wheels with protective housing to avoid damage. High impact polycarbonate bumpers surround the wheels for added protection and it fits in most airplanes.