Starting School: Tips for Choosing a School Bag

What to Consider Regarding Size, Weight, and Safety

Text last updated: 2026-08-05

Which backpack should I choose for elementary school?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a school backpack. The backpack should not only appeal to your child visually, but also meet several important criteria. Find out here what parents should look for when making a purchase.

Weight

Doctors and TÜV experts recommend that a school backpack, when full, should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent of your child’s body weight. The empty weight should therefore not exceed approximately 1.5 kilograms. After all, books, notebooks, a pencil case, a lunchbox, and a water bottle will be added to that.

Visibility and High-Visibility Features

The backpack should have sufficient reflectors all around so that your child is clearly visible on the way to school, even at dusk and in the dark. Bright, high-visibility colors further contribute to traffic safety. The DIN 58124 standard requires reflectors to cover at least 10 percent of the back and side surfaces of the school backpack. Ideally, at least 20 percent of the backpack should also consist of fluorescent colors that glow brightly at dusk.

Fit

The back panel should be ergonomically designed and well-padded. A hip belt distributes the weight and relieves pressure on the spine. The backpack should not extend past your child’s buttocks and should end at shoulder height. The ideal model is no wider than your child’s back.

Design

This isn’t the most important factor. But your child should like the look of the backpack. After all, they’ll be carrying it every weekday.

Straps

Ideally, the shoulder straps should be at least 4 centimeters wide and padded. It’s important that they be infinitely adjustable. Shoulder straps and carrying straps should not fit too tightly around the neck to prevent chafing. Make sure the shoulder straps are adjusted symmetrically. You should check the adjustments depending on the season and adapt them to your child’s clothing (thick winter clothes or light summer clothes).

Fitting

It’s best to seek advice from a specialty store. Try out different models together with your child: Does the backpack fit your child’s height and build? Does your child feel comfortable with it? Does it allow enough freedom of movement?

Material

The school backpack has to withstand a lot over the course of the first four years. That’s why it should be sturdy. Materials made of plastic and synthetic fibers are lightweight, waterproof, and more durable than leather and heavy fabric.

Interior

Compartments help your child stay organized and keep notebooks and books neatly sorted. As a general rule of thumb: Heavy books go toward the back, and light items go in the front compartments!

What do the quality seals mean?

Quality seals such as the GS mark and the DIN 58124 standard certify that a model meets traffic safety and weather resistance requirements. DIN 58124 specifies requirements for the safety and characteristics of school backpacks, such as reflective and fluorescent materials, shoulder straps and carrying handles, water resistance, and the closure flap. In addition, there are also specifications for labeling, such as information on the empty weight and the volume of the interior. You can tell whether the backpack meets these specifications by looking for the TÜV seal or the “Tested for Safety” (GS) mark.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Financial Assistance for the Purchase of School Supplies

Eligible parents receive a 195-euro subsidy per school year

Can we get financial assistance to buy a backpack?

Buying school supplies for the first time—such as backpacks, writing, math, and art supplies, as well as sportswear—is expensive. Parents who meet the eligibility requirements can receive grants for these items through the Education and Participation Package. Listen to our short podcast to learn more!