What is the difference between a backpack and a schoolbag?

For several years, the debate between backpack and school bag has been raging in playgrounds. There are the followers of lightness and the uncompromising on practicality. So, even if these two pieces of luggage have a common origin (the famous wicker bag of the eleventh century) and many similarities, they each have their characteristics. What is the difference between a backpack and a schoolbag? Form, structure, use, style and evolution, we tell you everything in the article...

Shape and structure: what is the difference between a backpack and a schoolbag?

Two models opposed in their form

A first distinction is perceived in the visual. It will not have escaped anyone the verticality of the backpack and the horizontality of the schoolbag. Higher than wide, the first imposes a storage all in height. It perfectly fits the back of its owner following the same curve.

On the contrary, the second imposes a rectangular frame, wider than high, ready to accommodate stationery and any other fragile school material. Like the flexibility of the backpack, the schoolbag offers a rigid structure. This frame contributes to the protection and safety of business during transport.

Specific clasps

Another difference concerns the closure of luggage. The backpack has zippers in want you here. Each pocket is provided with them, thus guaranteeing the security of internal affairs. Robust, this device seals the accessory in a jiffy. The slightest loss of business during travel is then impossible.

The good old school bag with flap comes with metal or PVC clasps. One or two in number, these safe systems designed to open and close the accessory are simple to handle even by the youngest little hands. By completely covering the interior compartments, the flap ensures optimal protection of school supplies against loss and bad weather.

> A luggage brand stands out by offering school bags with original clasps or zippers. Discover the pretty models of Kipling binders ! Colorful school bags that always make a noticeable entrance into playgrounds...

At the level of the luggage port, same fight. Both accessories have shoulder straps that are often wide and adjustable to provide maximum comfort. These straps cling comfortably to the back of the individual thanks to a uniform weight distribution on the shoulders and hips.

As far as the materials used to make these bags are concerned, they are now substantially similar. Leather that is too heavy and canvas that is too fragile have been abandoned in favor of a polyester material (recycled plastic or not) robust and waterproof.

> Discover our article on The history of the schoolbag ! What is it? Why this name? A fascinating subject that would almost make you want to go back to school...

The use of bags: versatility or not?

Versatile model par excellence, the backpack adapts to all situations and all ages. Sometimes a school bag or a sports bag, it is also a travel bag to accompany its owner in his daily life as an adventurer. Indeed, this flexible container promises to accommodate all kinds of objects: from the rigidity of notebooks and school books to the clutter of sports equipment through the softness of a change of clothes, etc.

The schoolbag, on the other hand, has only one function: to accompany the young schoolboy. Official baggage of the primary school student, it offers practical compartments to store all the school materials requested by teachers. Notebooks, books, binders (small and large format), kit, ruler, calculator... Each supply finds its place in this specific luggage.

> Did you know? The schoolbag and its clean rectangular shape are very popular in France (especially in primary classes). Yet this model is virtually unknown to foreign students. Spain, Italy, Germany, etc., the binder format is very little used elsewhere in Europe. It is even less so on other continents... This is the backpack that young learners take to school!

The style: really so different?

The backpack, a luggage for life

Everyone has one (and even several) backpack at home! Indeed, he is the partner of the professional, the traveler, the student, the hiker, etc. As you can see on a daily basis, it is of all fashions. He dresses in various colors and adopts different designs to address all generations.

It emphasizes everyone's style on a daily basis. It brings a chic or casual character to an outfit. Some like it simple and monochrome others always choose it adorned with many compartments. The accessory can be found everywhere, in town or in the countryside, at school or on a trip, in museums or by the sea, etc. Unquestionably timeless and of all situations, this luggage designed to carry equipment on the back still has a bright future ahead of it.

> The backpack really established itself in the school environment (and especially in French colleges and high schools) in the 1980s. It gradually replaces the schoolbag of students before reaching a younger audience: kindergarten and primary schoolchildren!

The schoolbag, a must for school

The Ring binder embarks on another world: that of the school environment. More rigid (this is the very essence of its structure!), undoubtedly more institutional, it imposes a serious, thoughtful character. The baggage is reasonable, it was made to accompany the daily life of students in full development. For them, it becomes the ideal companion throughout schooling.

And then, each supply imposed by teachers finds a dedicated place in the number 1 accessory of young students. Discover how the 30 cm ruler invests the long pouch under the flap! Or how the calculator slips into a front pocket. Pens, on the other hand, often have specific locations...

The list is long as manufacturers are full of tips to house all the objects necessary for a good schooling. It's simple, they have thought a lot about the organizational potential of children's luggage, its robustness and style! Because yes, today, the schoolbag is trendy and modern.

And to make it a real companion, choose the accessory to your child's taste! With the effigy of a superhero, a doll of modern times, an animal, a particular theme ... It doesn't matter, as long as the schoolbag (like the backpack for that matter) presents itself as a nice toy to carry with enthusiasm every school day!

> The leather goods manufacturer Tann's made the schoolbag its trademark in the 80s. Then in leather crust, these accessories marked the young students of the time. Today, the brand claims the vintage look of its children's luggage, but has revised the design. Now, the Tann's binder is made from recycled plastic bottles. A real asset at a time when ecology is at the center of all concerns! Parents and children applaud...

Evolution: what future for both luggage?

What is the trolley device that backpacks and school bags are adorned with?

The line between the school bag and the backpack has blurred considerably since 1970. Influencing each other, they experience an almost similar evolution at certain levels. For example, they both get rich in wheels. Like the suitcase, these accessories adopt a trolley system consisting of a telescopic handle and wheels (two or four in number). This device makes it easy to tow the luggage without bearing the weight of the belongings.

Thus, since the early 2000s, students have set their sights on two new models that promise practicality, comfort and style:

• the backpack with wheels;
• The school bag with wheels.

What is the best model of bag for school?

We dare to hope that at this stage of the article you have a little idea. Indeed, the answer is not absolute. It depends on the age of your child, his needs, his desires.

In kindergarten, it is the backpack that makes the law. Whether it is equipped with wheels or not, it offers young children a perfect container to carry change, a cuddly toy and a snack. It is also the privileged baggage of middle and high school students who see in it a flexible and lightweight, multifunctional accessory to take everywhere without a hitch.

However, the schoolbag remains the preferred baggage in primary school thanks to its organizational capacity. But even if the backpack loses its beauty with children from 6 to 11 years old (and especially their parents!), it deserves to be studied. From CP to CM2, it will be carefully chosen according to the following criteria:

• several compartments to easily store (and find!) each supply;
• rather rectangular in shape so that the notebooks do not get damaged;
• with wide and adjustable shoulder straps to ensure optimal comfort for the child when travelling;
• with the effigy of a character, a color or a theme that appeals to your child.

To the question: "what is the difference between a backpack and a schoolbag?" you now know what to answer! Form, style, function... These iconic luggage no longer hold any secrets for you! So which team are you from? Unconditional of the schoolbag or addicted to the backpack?

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