Backpacks are not only for kids or students; they are essential for making a teacher’s life easier. The not-so-secret fact is teachers, too, have to spend the same amount of time at school as the kids (sometimes even more!). Therefore, to make their travel stress-free and to help organize their things in an orderly manner.
What do teachers need a backpack for?
Backpacks are most commonly used for keeping laptops. Teachers like to plan their classes to the tee, and laptops are excellent options for storing their plans, notes, and ideas. Other than that, they require a backpack to be spacious, so they can keep graded or yet-to-be-graded papers of their students. Some do not like having a separate lunch bag and opt for a pack that can hold their food. In short, they need backpacks for the same reason as kids: to store the things they require at school. Books, laptops, pens, binders, and so on have to be kept somewhere. So, why not a backpack?
What kind of Backpack do Teachers require?
Teachers should look for medium-sized backpacks so they can keep everything they want in them but not face any difficulty carrying them. Large backpacks are often bulky and weigh people down. The last thing people want is to feel like shouldering a mountain instead of a packed backpack. However, if large backpacks are what they need, they can opt for rolling backpacks instead of the regular ones (bless the day wheeled bags were invented!) Backpacks that are compact but spacious are the best choice.
Backpacks with separate padded compartments for keeping laptops get brownie points, as they alleviate people’s worry about whether their possessions will be safe during the commute. Many people are horror-struck when they hear their laptops knock against something. For a heart-stopping moment, they don’t know what to do, and the color only returns to their face after they see that nothing is broken.
Some backpacks have USB built-in chargers and are helpful during emergencies; otherwise, their absence is not a deal breaker. Backpacks with bold patterns are suitable for fashion-loving teachers. Soft shoulder straps will not chaff the skin, so searching for packs with them is beneficial. Waterproof backpacks are highly recommended, as teachers may have to travel in the rain on many occasions.
Backpacks with several compartments and lockable pockets are the personal favorites of many, but unfortunately, most of them do not have anti-theft features. Some models have separate sleeves/compartments for tablets, mobiles, binders, and headphones besides laptops. The fantastic thing about such models is that the main compartment is still free and spacious enough to store other items.
A few models have in-built lunch bags designed to keep the food hot or cold for up to four or five hours if used to store the food. Unfortunately, they are not leakproof, and the user must be careful when packing breakfast or lunch in the backpack. The lunch bags can be taken out and carried separately to create more space for files, power banks, or magazines. Or people can keep them in the pack itself if it does not take up much space.
People always searching for the items lost in the bottom of their backpacks can opt for the models with steel framed bottom panels and reinforced edges; the frame keeps everything in place, and people will ding their belongings precisely the way they packed them. A teacher’s job is immensely stressful, so buying backpacks with headphone jacks will allow them to listen to music when commuting on public transport; this allows them to distress as music has a soothing effect on one’s mind.
If the teachers carry many things wherever they travel, backpacks with spacious main compartments alone will not be enough. The side pockets must be deep, too, so they can store small tools, trinkets, and accessories. Some models have reflective strips in the front that makes the wearer clearly visible when traveling at night or through not-so-bright areas. A few backpacks have RFID-blocking features and will be suitable for people who propagate constant vigilance.
Some backpacks have straps to attach them to other luggage, which is helpful when going on trips with students or colleagues. Traveling is a lot more fun when not worrying about losing one of the luggage. A few have ergonomic and three-dimensional ventilation designs; this helps eliminate heat and make carrying the packs more comfortable.
Students can be naughty, and sometimes their pranks may not be so innocent. Backpacks with anti-theft zippers and pockets will be a tremendous help in such cases. That way, no personal item or sensitive information will be accessible to the students. Various designs and styles are available for the teachers to choose from, whether they like minimalist designs or eye-catching ones. The important thing is the packs should look professional and not like a children’s backpack; a classic looking one will always be an excellent choice.
Teachers tired of zippers can select backpacks with latches; they are similar to zipper bags in all other aspects. The con of purchasing such models is that most are not waterproof and do not have anti-theft features. If that is not something the buyers are worried about, they will be happy with their choice. After all, it does not rain much in certain locations, and not all people are hyper-vigilant when it comes to their possessions.
What about Gym Coaches or PE Teachers?
They require much more versatile backpacks with front compartments or net sleeves for storing a ball and separate bottom compartments for keeping their shoes (athletes are not the only ones who need such packs). Their preferences vary from others as they predominantly use backpacks to store the gear and equipment they need to make a gym class go smoothly, which is no small feat.
Whistles, clipboards, and stopwatches are some of the things coaches keep in their packs. Coaches who are well prepared for emergencies keep glove repair kits, bandages, spare sunglasses, and so on. The packs must be able to hold all these things. Backpacks best suitable for coaches are lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant.
Some backpacks have similar features to a suitcase. They even have expandable compartments but are hard to find. Such backpacks are highly beneficial to coaches as they can pack spare sets of apparel along with their other belongings; this ensures that they are ready to move anytime, anywhere. The unique thing about these backpacks is that the expandable compartments can be zipped away when not required. On the downside, these backpacks do not have built-in chargers or RFID technology. If the coaches do not need such features, these backpacks are definitely the best choice.
Signs that a backpack is not suitable
If the backpacks have narrow mouths, teachers should avoid purchasing them. Many users find it challenging to slide their laptops in or out of such packs. Also, if the side pockets are not deep enough to hold water bottles, people must back away from them without a second glance. After all, a teacher’s job constitutes talking, so water is essential for them.
Backpacks with colors that do not hide stains well must be avoided, even if they are the most stylish bag one has ever seen. Teachers move from classroom to classroom, and there is no telling how messy a room will be. Spending an evening trying to get rid of a stubborn stain is not ideal.
No backpack will have all the features one requires; therefore, prioritizing the features the buyers are looking for is crucial. Once they prioritize, they will have no difficulty picking the backpack that offers them the most benefits. Backpacks are not merely the means to store one’s belongings; they aid in expressing one’s personality. So, people must think long and hard before deciding which one to purchase. Striking the right balance between stylish and professional is tricky but not impossible – people have to research a lot, though (time-consuming but essential).