Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Y7 - what is a suitable backpack

29 replies

Betty1625 · 30/08/2025 22:59

Sorry posting on here for traffic!
It just dawned on me tags my DS needs new backpack as he's starting Y7 next week! Could you give me ideas of what is fashionable nowadays? My DS is ND and is not bothered what i will get him but im very conscious that it will be very different environment for him and he will need to fit in more than before

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
PurpleHiker · 31/08/2025 19:23

Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 09:57

Thank you all for advice!
Could you give me some tips on which trainers to get for PE please?

My boys have these for PE: https://www.sportsdirect.com/nike-air-monarch-iv-training-shoes-mens-131107#colcode=13110703

PurpleHiker · 31/08/2025 19:21

My year 7 boy has this bag: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hiking-backpack-23l-nh-escape-500/_/R-p-334344?mc=8649339&c=asphalt%20blue_smoked%20black

His year 9 brother has the same bag and hasn’t had any grief or comments about it. It has lots of compartments and is a very sturdy bag.

UnaOfStormhold · 31/08/2025 10:06

We have loads of backpacks for days out so he can use one of those for now - if that's not suitable we can get something different but I don't want to buy a new bag which turns out to be too big/small/uncool.

JammyDodgersandPeas · 31/08/2025 10:03

DS has a black and white hype bag. I've tried to convince him that he might want a plain Nike one but he's insisting that he likes this bag and doesn't want to change what he likes just because other people might disagree. Hopefully it won't be social suicide!

Original poster
Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 09:57

Thank you all for advice!
Could you give me some tips on which trainers to get for PE please?

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 31/08/2025 09:32

If you get a b&w Nike/Adidas put something on it to distinguish it from everyone else’s.

My DC both have Jansport, they got fed up of cheaper ones breaking.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 31/08/2025 09:32

If you get a b&w Nike/Adidas put something on it to distinguish it from everyone else’s.

My DC both have Jansport, they got fed up of cheaper ones breaking.

TheNightingalesStarling · 31/08/2025 09:03

Go to Sports direct, and find any plain sports brand back pack and the chances are dozens will have to same bag.

If the bag is too big, they will fill it with crap and lose vital things. Plus it will get too heavy. They have enough essentials to carry (books, equipment, food ingredients, oe kit, lunch, drink...) without unnecessary stuff.

As a rule of thumb... if you know how many lessons they have each day, thats roughly the amount of A4 books they need to carry in there.

Original poster
Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 09:02

Looloolullabelle · 31/08/2025 08:55

My DS is going into yr 7 and I’ve got him this one.
It’s got loads of room and different pockets.

www.sportsdirect.com/nike-brasilia-backpack-711017#colcode=71101740

Oooh perfect thank you x

OP posts:
Looloolullabelle · 31/08/2025 08:55

My DS is going into yr 7 and I’ve got him this one.
It’s got loads of room and different pockets.

www.sportsdirect.com/nike-brasilia-backpack-711017#colcode=71101740

Cedrabbage · 31/08/2025 08:48

Whatever's popular in JD sports. Usually Nike. At least half the kids will have the exact same bag and they last just fine even when stuffed full of crap.

Sometimeswinning · 31/08/2025 08:44

It’s Nike or Addidas at our secondary. As for space it suits my ds fine for whatever he needs. I’d listen to the majority of posts on here all saying the exact same thing.

AppleKatie · 31/08/2025 08:39

yes.

get the bigger black Nike rucksack if you’re worried about space.

if he doesn’t have a preference help him to fly under the radar with this one.

Original poster
Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 08:38

Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 08:37

Would there backpacks equal social suicide?
https://www.deichmann.com/en-gb/p/skechers-backpack-schwarz-80107/403727?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla_ggl_uk_en_ggmc_brand_duk-sea_shopping_brand-ns&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22790516874&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5c_FBhDJARIsAIcmHK-wHHrQEaSEQX4T49JKFk1pWMOyvjlCSdD03BGbQ-VZpCVcsPsYM6AaAsHkEALw_wcB

https://amzn.eu/d/ch4ERCD

Camo Print Boys Backpack for School, Camouflage Bookbags School Bags : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy Camo Print Boys Backpack for School, Camouflage Bookbags School Bags at Amazon Fashion.

https://amzn.eu/d/ch4ERCD?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5401747-y7-what-is-a-suitable-backpack

OP posts:
OP posts:
Original poster
Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 08:33

JMSA · 31/08/2025 00:07

Do your kid a favour and get them a Nike backpack. Black with the white swoosh.

Is it quite spacious?
My DS will be taking packed lunch with him and im not sure from the photos if there will be enough space for lunch and books...

OP posts:
Original poster
Betty1625 · 31/08/2025 08:31

Talkingfrog · 30/08/2025 23:51

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/fawkes-20-litre-rucksack-p16387.aspx/jet-black/

DD uses this one. Likes that there are lots of pockets to organise things.

Varies from some not taking a bag at all, girls with very small bags/ fashion handbags, to branded back packs and anything in between. Will vary from school to school - have you seen any of them walking to school and the type of bags being used. Are any friends from primary going to the same school? If so what are they using?

Thank you! I like this one, and that it has many pockets!
I didn't pay attention before at what older kids carry to school, only remember that everyone had plain coloured backpacks.
And was too embarrassed to ask other parents what their kids will be using 😀

OP posts:
JMSA · 31/08/2025 00:07

Do your kid a favour and get them a Nike backpack. Black with the white swoosh.

Talkingfrog · 30/08/2025 23:51

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/fawkes-20-litre-rucksack-p16387.aspx/jet-black/

DD uses this one. Likes that there are lots of pockets to organise things.

Varies from some not taking a bag at all, girls with very small bags/ fashion handbags, to branded back packs and anything in between. Will vary from school to school - have you seen any of them walking to school and the type of bags being used. Are any friends from primary going to the same school? If so what are they using?

Fawkes 20 Litre Rucksack | Mountain Warehouse GB

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/fawkes-20-litre-rucksack-p16387.aspx/jet-black/

MrsBungle · 30/08/2025 23:36

Agreed - black Nike backpack

Hankunamatata · 30/08/2025 23:35

Catcatcat111 · 30/08/2025 23:00

Black nike bag!

This

Moveoverdarlin · 30/08/2025 23:34

Nike. Black.

40andlovelife · 30/08/2025 23:31

Nike, under armour, adidas. My son had a PSG backpack in year 7. He has a new north face one for yr 8

Toogoodtowaste · 30/08/2025 23:14

Vans are great and last years in my experience. But for PE/sport days mine takes a swim backpack and that's the only kind big enough.

Original poster
Betty1625 · 30/08/2025 23:11

Thank you all!
@jeansgenie I don't think he will come back with preference unless there's a bid issue with what i get - he's just so laid back!
How i miss the days of putting away paw patrol bag to buy minecraft!

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread