Hello there!
When I was shopping for a school backpack for my kid, I had a few key things on my mind.
First and foremost, I wanted something lightweight. I only looked at models without a hard frame, because those can be super heavy and uncomfortable to wear.
Next up, I considered orthopedic models with a molded back, comfortable straps, and a focus on ergonomics - basically, a backpack that would be easy on my kid's back.
And finally, I looked at the materials, manufacturer, and price. I wanted a sturdy, quality product that wouldn't break the bank.
But the whole balance was thrown off by one little detail - the design.
I wanted something cute, but not too childish, so it wouldn't get old after a few months. I mean, who wants a backpack that's so bright it's basically a walking billboard?
After trying on a few and doing some research, we settled on the Grizzly RG-168-1 in a fun avocado color. I have to say, it's a great choice - the color is bright, but not too over-the-top.
The backpack came with a detachable keychain, which I think is a big selling point for a lot of people. You can easily attach a reflective strip to the keychain, which is a nice touch - especially if your kid likes to ride their bike or walk to school.This backpack has a dark background, which makes dirt and scratches less noticeable. Plus, the inside of the backpack is bright and fun, so it won't get boring over time.
I've already bought a Grizzly backpack for myself, and I can attest to their high-quality products - my backpack has been with me for three years, and it still looks great.
And indeed, this backpack looks like a well-made and sturdy thing. The outer fabric is moderately thick, has a water-repellent coating, and will protect the contents from light rain and snow.
I wasn't a fan of the lining material - it's super slippery and noisy. But, it's held up surprisingly well for five months now and still looks great. The hardware is pretty cool - those lightning-fast buckles have a distinctive 'bear's paw' texture. I hope I won't need to replace them anytime soon, as I'm not sure I'll be able to find matching parts. It would've been nice if the manufacturer had included a spare for repairs, but that wasn't an option.What really surprised me was the color of the buckles - they're a nice brown. At first, I thought it was a weird choice for a black backpack with bright green accents and lightning-fast zippers, but then I realized it's actually a great match for the avocado-green color.
The backpack has an ergonomic back panel with a soft layer and ventilated cutouts for airflow. This is a big deal for me, as I want my kid to be comfortable while carrying their backpack. I was really impressed with how the backpack felt on my back - it's super comfortable and hugs my spine nicely, distributing the weight evenly. Plus, the chest strap with a carabiner is a game-changer. It takes some of the load off my shoulders and helps the straps stay in place, even on slippery winter gear. The straps are nice and wide, with a synthetic padding that doesn't dig into my shoulders. They're also super adjustable, thanks to the buckles.I was a bit skeptical about the weight of this backpack - it's supposed to be under a kilogram, which is pretty light. But when I was shopping around, I found some other models that were even lighter, but they had super flimsy bodies and no real back support. This one, on the other hand, has a solid build and a proper back panel, so I think the weight is totally reasonable.
I'm also really happy with the number of pockets - there are three big ones on the outside, and one of them has a built-in organizer panel. In practice, I usually end up stuffing all my gear into one big pocket, but it's nice to have the option.
Inside, there are a few smaller pockets, including one with a zipper for valuables or my phone. And the side pockets are super convenient for stashing a water bottle. I was a bit surprised to find that the pockets are partially mesh, which makes the backpack feel lighter, but you can't stash anything valuable in them.One thing that really stood out to me during use was the lack of a small, easily accessible pocket or a zippered pocket for quick access to essentials like a bus pass or ID. If you can stash your keys inside and grab them when needed, it's not a huge issue, but if you need to get your pass or ID out quickly, it can be a pain. This backpack doesn't have that feature - we ended up rigging a makeshift solution using a cord and some elastic to keep our pass in a side pocket.
When you open up the main pockets, the backpack basically unfolds, making it easier to find what you need, although it's still easy to lose stuff.
The backpack has a reflective strip around the edges, which is a nice touch. I added some reflective strips to the front of the straps, which helps a bit.
The backpack does reflect some light from the car's headlights, but I think the reflective elements are a bit sparse. So, I added some clips and reflective badges to the backpack. Initially, the backpack came with a small plush avocado clip, but it disappeared after just a couple of days.It's been five months now, and I'm really happy with this backpack. It's lightweight, comfortable, and has plenty of pockets. The design is bright, but not too childish, and the fabric has a dark background that makes dirt and scratches less noticeable.
I was a bit worried that the backpack would get old fast, but it's held up surprisingly well. The color is still vibrant, and the fabric looks like new.
The backpack is relatively lightweight, although it does get heavy when loaded up. But overall, I think this is a great choice for a school backpack.
I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you're looking for something that's both functional and stylish.
Pros:
Lightweight and comfortable to wear Well-made and sturdy construction Multiple pockets for organization Reflective strips for visibility Adjustable straps for a secure fit
Cons:
Lining material can be slippery and noisy No small, easily accessible pocket for quick access to essentials Pockets are partially mesh, making it difficult to stash valuable items I've been using this backpack for five months now, and it's been a great choice for my kid. The design is bright and fun, but not too childish, and the fabric has a dark background that makes dirt and scratches less noticeable. The backpack is relatively lightweight, although it does get heavy when loaded up. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality school backpack.