- A loaded backpack should never weight more than 10% of the student’s total body weight (e.g. for a student weighing 100lbs, this means that the backpack should weigh no more than 10lbs.
- About 55% of students carry a backpack that is heavier than the recommended guideline of 10% of the student’s total body weight
- Studies have found that 64% of children ages 11 to 15 years have back pain related to heavy backpacks and 85% of college students self-report pain and discomfort associated with backpack use.
- The way backpacks are worn can affect your health. The height of the backpack should extend from approximately 2 inches below the shoulder blades to waist level or slightly above the waist. It is recommended that individuals always wear the backpack on both shoulders so the weight is evenly distributed
