Please or to access all these features

Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Backpack for secondary

38 replies

PipnJo · 25/02/2018 09:24

Just to distract myself from the upcoming allocation day for DS1's secondary place.
I'm wondering if anyone has any good backpack recommendations. Something with pockets to make sure phone and keys are kept safe within the main part of the bag.
Not that i'm already having thoughts of older children trying to take his things off him....honest Blush

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
PipnJo · 25/02/2018 10:44

He would totally get a hard time with a wheeled back pack around here. Although he'd probably love one!

He has ASD , is very much a rule follower and quite vulnerable. I just want to make it as easy for him as possible to get on with school life.

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 25/02/2018 10:39

My three have all had Superdry ones and they seem pretty sturdy.

Bluedoglead · 25/02/2018 10:37

I bought DS a sensible backpack for going to the grammar.

I made him button up his shirt and his blazer. I even sewed the buttons back on the blazer (was his cousins old one).

None of these things were “how it was done” and I made him look like a dork.

Fekko · 25/02/2018 10:36

Remember that they carry so much stuff with them! They have ones now with proper padded backs. Don’t forget all the sports kit too!

Some kids as DS school use those wheels backpacks. Not cool but the kids at his school don’t seem to give anyone a hard time (unless they tick their shirts in - or wear the school scarf - socially suicide apparently)

PipnJo · 25/02/2018 10:32

That's what i'm thinking @bluedoglead. DS isn't fussed by brands etc I like practicality so want something that's 'in' but suitable.

OP posts:
Bluedoglead · 25/02/2018 10:14

Find out what the rest of the kids are using - what’s “in” - and get them that.

Otherwise they might get the piss ripped clean out of them and it’ll make the transition harder than it needs to be.

These things matter in terms of helping to fit in.

flissfloss65 · 25/02/2018 10:12

Yes to Herschel bag with laptop section. Really sturdy.

PipnJo · 25/02/2018 10:09

Thanks, will have a look at all of those.

@greathat I'll have absolutely no worry about that, DS is the least sporty/get muddy child. If this were DS2, different matter completely! Grin

OP posts:
TheSecondOfHerName · 25/02/2018 10:02

Have four teenagers at secondary school, who've tried several brands.
Best for their backs: North Face recon
Most durable: Jansport

greathat · 25/02/2018 09:57

You need to worry less about other kids taking stuff and more about it being dumped in mud and used as a goal post

TeddTess · 25/02/2018 09:47

Herschel backpacks are great - especially the ones with a padded laptop area, my ds keeps his workbooks etc in there, away from water bottle and nicely compartmentalised.
More expensive than many but the straps are super padded and strong.

Rewn7 · 25/02/2018 09:35

Superdry are good size and come in cool designs.

Good luck for Thursday. I was waiting last year and it’s a tense time hoping for your most preferred school.

StripySocksAndDocs · 25/02/2018 09:27

Jansport are a great make (hey last decades!!). You could start with that and have a look what style you like.

Swipe left for the next trending thread