Are they worth the hype? I work in a school and one of the students in my class has a Smiggle bag. It looks sturdy and supportive. DS2 has a cheap backpack from Shoezone currently that pulls down when it's full of his lunchbox etc so it looks like it's really dragging his shoulders iyswim? Bought as a quick replacement when the zip on his old one broke during the school day.
DS1 has a school branded one that is huge, but it seems much more supportive. DS2 doesn't want a school one which is fine, but I'd really like to get rid of his current one. Are the Smiggle ones worth it please?
DS2 is 6 by the way. I encourage them to carry their own rucksacks on the school run (of course I share some of the weight out if they have a lot, eg PE Kits at the end of each half term which I will carry). Generally it will house reading book/record, home learning book, lunchbox, water bottle and whatever light paraphernalia he has decided to carry that week.