Are you tired of your backpack weighing down your shoulders? Today, many of us have to carry around textbooks, laptops, personal items, etc., in our backpacks. All our daily gear can make the best backpacks have a weight distribution problem. What’s the solution? It’s a rolling backpack. Rolling backpacks allow you to carry a large load of supplies without putting a large burden on your shoulders or back.
The chart above is a summary of the “Top 10 Rolling Backpacks” on the market. The list is comprised of the average customer review score and the price. Use this chart to find the best rolling backpack available for you and your needs.
Benefits of Rolling Backpacks
A good rolling backpack is a necessity for everyone especially younger kids. Today, many kids are being diagnosed with back problems related to an overloaded backpack. Rolling backpacks are a preventive tool that can help decrease your child’s chances of developing a back problem. This is not the only reason to switch to wheels.
Here are some of the main advantages to using a rolling backpack.
- Can Carry A Larger Load. Most schools are too big for lockers now. Many students have to carry all their textbooks, notebooks and laptops throughout the day. Rolling backpacks can carry larger loads, because they are designed bigger than other backpacks, and the wheels make it easier for students to carry them around all day.
- Highly mobile. It’s easy to carry around and maneuver with a rolling backpack.
- Saves Energy. Kids save energy by using a rolling backpack. They will not be worn out in the class because they had to carry a 30 pound backpack around on their back all day.
- Works as a carry-on. If you are traveling, you can use the rolling backpack as a carry-on bag. It fits perfect on any aircraft space.
My Experience with Rolling Backpacks
I have owned two rolling backpacks in my lifetime. When I was sixteen, the doctor diagnosed me with scoliosis, he believed the weight of my backpack was a contributing factor so my grandmother bought me a blue rolling backpack. That backpack allowed me to carry my three science books, my math book, notebooks, binders, pens and pencils without any trouble. With my old backpack, getting on the elevator was tricky. Sometimes, I miscalculated how far my backpack extended outwards. When I entered an elevator, my backpack would sometimes hit other people as I turned around. It was embarrassing, and I had to apologize a lot. The rolling backpack ended my reign of terror. It is much easier to look out for toes than it is to control how my turning swings my backpack into people.
When I went off to college, I had to walk a mile or two from my dorm to my classes. At first, I started with the traditional backpack, because I went for fashion and not necessity. I soon learned that I needed my old blue backpack. Unfortunately, my mom gave it away to charity. I had to purchase a new one. During my hunt for a rolling backpack, I realized that I do not have to compromise fashion for convenience. There are some durable, yet fashionable rolling backpacks available on the market.
What to Look for When Buying a Rolling Backpack
When my grandmother bought my first rolling backpack, which was over ten years ago. Now, that the demand is high for rolling backpacks the options have increased. However, not all rolling backpacks are created equally. There are some things you should look for when on the hunt for a rolling backpack.
- Style: Style was a big factor for me when I looked for my new backpack. Rolling backpacks are great for organizing many different items. You should look for backpacks with lots of sections, but also have padding so that it can protect your gear. Most backpacks come with front pockets that are great for putting items such as your phone, keys or pens. Look for the backpack that has a double zipper. Double zippers are handy for accessing your backpack from any angle. Double zippers are also necessary for you to be able to lock your backpack.
- Convertible Backpacks: Some rolling backpacks are convertible. That means they can be carried on the back if you desire it. You might want to carry it once and a while on your back, make sure the straps are adjustable and padded. These are a great alternative to the standard carry on luggage with wheels that most people can be seen wrestling with in airports around the world.
- Sturdiness: Not all sidewalks and streets are free of bumps. You need a rolling backpack that can maneuver over the bumps without destroying your supplies. Most rolling backpacks have some kind of reinforcement gear. This can either be buckles inside your compartments or nets that will keep your items in place.
- Size: The size of your backpack should be big enough to carry your maximum load comfortably. You can decide what that is by measuring and weighing your textbooks, binders, notebooks, etc. Look at the maximum weight of your backpack can carry before purchasing it.
- Fabrics: Rolling backpacks have to endure bumpy sidewalks, wet grass, stairs, streets, etc. You need a fabric that does not tear easily and can be clean with little effort. Most synthetic fabrics are made to be durable enough to withstand these conditions. Also, synthetic fabrics have a longer shelf life than more natural fabrics. Synthetic fabrics are also waterproof.
How to Find the Best Rolling Backpacks
A great rule of thumb to remember when you buy a rolling backpack is that you get what you paid for. Many of the less expensive rolling backpacks can easily tear. It can tear from the bottom or it can tear from the handle at the top. My second backpack tore at both ends. That’s why I can’t stress enough about picking the right fabrics and upping your price point to make sure you get a durable quality.
Take the time to read some of the customer reviews. Looking at the reviews will let you know if other customers have had any problems with their backpack. Reviews are also a great way to learn the pros and cons of any backpack. They help you make an informed purchasing decision. Amazon allow customer reviews on all of their products – look for the “Verified Purchase” tag to make sure you’re reading a review by someone who has purchased the item.
Reviews of the Top 5 Rolling Backpacks
J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack
This fashionable rolling backpack comes in one size and 27 different polyester fabric designs. Some of the main features include a push button that controls a recessed three stage locking handle made from aluminum, a slip-in system, a pair of mesh cushion padded shoulder straps, and soft, noiseless wheels. The wheels allows for stable and controlled motion.
One of the best features is the rubber bottom that protects the backpack from all the dangers of sidewalks, streets, etc. It also comes with an organized front pocket and mesh water bottle pockets. The backpack is only 10”high and 14” wide. It is great for younger kids, but it is too small for students who have to carry big heavy textbooks. The zippers are also poor quality. They can easily break or stick.
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High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Book Bag Backpack
This backpack is great high school and college students. It comes with a 5-year warranty. The Freewheel Backpack comes in 7 designs, and it is made from Nylon. It measures at 13.5 by 20.5 by 8 inches (WxHxD). Therefore, you will be able to fit up to a 17-inch laptop into the cushion computer sleeve. Some of the main features include a triangle clip for locks, reflective accent for night safety, Vapel mesh shoulder straps that fit into a padded back panel, protective zipper pocket for handle and a headphone port.
The wheels are inline style that is made for smooth rolling. It has a telescoping handle that makes it easy to maneuver. Lots of thought went into the construction of the backpack. It is constructed with Duralite Ripstop, Waffle Weave and 600-denier Duralite materials. These work to reinforce the backpack and prevent it from tearing when taking on some of the tough terrain you’ll find in the urban environment.
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California Pak Impactor
This rolling backpack is 18” high and 12.5” wide. It is designed with a front utility spring and has double zippered front pockets. It uses inline skate ball-bearing wheels for easy travel, and it comes with a reinforced wheel bottom. The single-pole handle is retractable, and it’s controlled by a push-button.
The design is very sturdy, and it is big enough to carry medium size loads. You can carry one large 400 page text book in this backpack, but there is not really enough room to carry two. Some owners of this bag report issues with the front zipper jamming, but this only tends to happen when the bag is over loaded.
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California Pak Grand Stand 17 Inch
This rolling backpack is 17″ high and 7.5” wide and made from polyester. It is great for small loads. It has a padded wheel cover that works to easily convert your rolling backpack for a traditional carry. It has a zippered front pocket, and inline skate ball-bearing wheels. The handle is a retractable push-button.
It has two legs in the front that make it easy to stand the bag up with a prop. This backpack is not great for people who like to store things in lots of smaller pockets, as it only has two compartments – but this means there’s less chance of placing something (like some change) in one of the smaller pockets and forgetting about it for months as I have done before.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and find the best deal.
Outdoor Products Sea-Tac Rolling Backpack
This top rated rolling backpack is great for the outdoors and traveling. It’s made from polyester, and it only comes in black. Some of the features include inline skate wheels with a retractable handle, CD pocket, pouch to stowaway padded non-slip shoulder straps, and expandable main compartment. The main compartment can be divided into five subdivisions.
The backpack measures at 14 x 21 x 9 inches so it can hold a nice size load. It also comes with a 3 year limited warranty. The main drawback of this backpack is the tendency for it fall forward because the front feet are too small. This bag doesn’t have a reinforced base which makes it more comfortable to carry on your back – unlike some of the other bags in our top 5, it is designed to be worn more than wheeled.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and find the best deal.
