Not every first grader wants a satchel. Some children prefer a more flexible cut and sporty design of a backpack. Our offer includes two proven approaches to children's school backpacks: the German Step by Step GRADE series with AGR certification and the anatomical system of the Czech brand Bagmaster with a health assessment.
Both types of school backpacks for children have ergonomically shaped backs, waist and chest straps, and reflective elements, but they differ in construction, design, and price.
What should a quality school backpack for a first grader meet?
No matter which brand you choose for a school backpack, for children's school backpacks, look for anatomically shaped backs that follow the curvature of the spine, low weight (an empty lightweight school backpack should not weigh more than about 1 kg), a waist strap, reflective elements on all sides, and clear internal organization so that the first grader can get used to order on their own.
Step by Step GRADE: ergonomic backpack with AGR certificate
GRADE combines the clear single-chamber design of a satchel with the more flexible construction of a backpack. With a weight of only 950 g, it is one of the lightest school backpacks available and thanks to the Easy Grow system, it grows with the child from 1st to 4th grade.
It has an AGR certificate (developed in cooperation with therapists and doctors from the AGR and BAG organizations), an ultralight fiberglass back, a detachable chest strap with a YKK buckle, a padded waist strap, and a spacious main pocket with an internal pocket for heavier items. It is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, is vegan, bluesign® certified, and comes with a 4-year warranty. Thanks to its low weight, it is also a good choice as a school backpack for small children.
You can purchase it separately or as a school backpack set, specifically a 5-piece set (backpack, fully equipped Eberhard Faber pencil case, pouch, gym bag, and interchangeable 3D Magic Mags pictures).
Bagmaster: a Czech brand for healthy children's backs
Bagmaster is a traditional Czech company that develops anatomical school backpacks and satchels in cooperation with physiotherapists. The construction is confirmed by an independent health assessment. Model lines for first graders (ALFA, BETA, DOPI, LUMI, VEGA, and others) share the same basis, only the motif changes:
- School backpack with reinforced back thanks to a light aluminum frame that maintains its shape and supports the back area.
- Waist and chest strap and three-chamber construction with an organizer and side pockets for drinks, and for many models (e.g., BETA) also a compression pocket for A4 folders and a stable bottom with plastic feet.
- Volume around 23 l, weight around 0.94 kg, child's height approximately 125–135 cm (1st to 3rd grade). Specific models come with a 3-year warranty, the exact duration can be found with the specific product.
You can purchase them separately or as a small or large school set (backpack, two-flap pencil case, and fabric bag for indoor shoes or gym clothes).
Step by Step, or Bagmaster?
Step by Step GRADE will be appreciated by parents who want a backpack that grows with the child up to the 4th grade, has a German AGR certificate, and complete ecological features. Bagmaster is an excellent choice if you are looking for a quality school backpack with a Czech health assessment and a three-chamber arrangement for easy insertion of folders and notebooks.
Both options are among the best school backpacks for the first grade and are healthy school backpacks with the same basic assurances: anatomical and reinforced backs, a waist strap, and reflective elements. A complete overview of parameters is always available for each school backpack for children in the description of the specific product.
How to properly wear and choose the size
Always wear an anatomical school backpack on both shoulders, always fasten the chest strap, and pack the heaviest items as close to the back as possible. The weight of a filled backpack should not exceed 10 to 15% of the child's body weight.
A school backpack should correspond in height to the child's back length, from the shoulders to the sacrum. Step by Step GRADE, thanks to the Easy Grow System, serves children from 100 to 150 cm, while Bagmaster lines for 1st to 3rd grade are designed for approximately 125 to 135 cm.
If your child prefers a sturdy satchel with a flap, check out our satchels from 1st grade or backpacks with a back system for older students. For younger siblings, we have children's backpacks, backpacks for up to 3 years, and backpacks from 3 years. Don't forget proper school footwear, such as children's slippers or children's sandals.
Not sure? Come and try out quality school backpacks at our store in České Budějovice (Matice Školská 4), or call us at +420 724 093 155.
