Lifestyle

How To Help Your Child Avoid Back Pain With A Backpack

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2022

Most children use backpacks for school. However, they can cause back pain and problems if certain guidelines aren’t followed. Remember the tips mentioned here so your child is comfortable throughout the day!

Look For Features That Reduce Back Pain

There aren’t a lot of studies that agree on the features that backpacks should have to reduce back pain. But parents can look for the following backpack features to ensure that the product won’t hurt the child’s back:

The material used for the backpack should be canvas, which is the lightest material.
The back should be well padded so it sits comfortably on the child’s back.
There should be several small compartments inside so everything stays organized.
New backpacks often have wheels and a retractable handle so the backpack can be wheeled around.
If your child has a laptop, consider using a separate bag so they don’t need to have too much weight on their back.

Teach Child How To Wear And Load

Buying a backpack with the proper features will usually help the child avoid problems. But wearing and loading the backpack correctly ensures they will stay comfortable. Some tips include:

The child should use both straps and wear it on their back, not slung on one shoulder. Putting too much weight on a single shoulder can lead to discomfort and pain over time.
Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the backpack so the weight is distributed evenly.
Make sure the straps are snug on the child’s back so the load doesn’t move around as they walk.
The child should lift the pack with their legs. Bending over to pick it up can injure the back.

When Is The Backpack Too Heavy?

Even if you choose an ideal backpack for your child, there comes a time when the bag may be too heavy. Some doctors recommend limiting the weight of the pack to 10% of their body weight.

If the child weighs 100 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than 10 pounds. Of course, these rules are often ignored by parents and students. But students who carry the heaviest backpacks are often the ones who complain of back pain.

Here’s a helpful graphic that shows what a heavy backpack can do to a growing child’s back and neck.

The good news is that even if the backpack is too heavy, it probably won’t cause long-term damage. But it’s uncomfortable, so that’s a good enough reason to keep the weight and size down.

If it seems your child carries a lot of weight every day in the bag, talk to their teacher about how to reduce the load. Perhaps you can keep an extra copy of heavy textbooks at home, etc.

Be Proactive About Backpack and Back Pain

If you remember the tips highlighted above, your child should have a comfortable backpack void of discomfort.

However, it’s important to check in with your child often to find out if they are dealing with any back pain from their backpack over the weeks and months.

Also, remember to help the child select the smallest backpack that is large enough to fit everything they need each day, but not so big it hurts the back.

You also should talk to teachers to find strategies so the child doesn’t need to carry a lot of heavy books every day. Perhaps having a set of books in class and heavier ones at home might work.

Some parents scan copies of pages from books and assignments for home use, so not so many need to be carried home every day.

Your child probably needs a backpack for school, but remembering these guidelines will ensure their back doesn’t hurt all day.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

1 day ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Duravo

By: Mae Cornes

When Matt Muhr and Dan Cooper founded Duravo, they started with something other than luggage design. Instead, their journey began unexpectedly: the world of tactical and anti-ballistic gear. This unconventional background led them to discover a self-reinforced composite material used in professional sports equipment, military gear, and automotive components.

Working closely with a German engineering team, Muhr and Cooper developed Flexshell™, a material that combines strength and lightness. “We saw an opportunity to bring advanced materials science to an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in decades,” Muhr explained.

A Lightweight Contender in a Heavy-Duty Market

Duravo’s entry into the luggage market came at a time when established brands dominated the landscape. However, the company’s focus on material innovation sets it apart from competitors.

The Duravo International, an expandable carry-on, weighs just 5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than many competitors’ offerings. This weight reduction doesn’t come at the cost of durability or capacity. The suitcase expands from 37 liters to 46 liters, providing travelers with flexibility without exceeding airline size restrictions.

Cooper noted, “Our goal wasn’t just to make another suitcase. We wanted to change how people think about luggage durability and weight fundamentally.”

Rigorous Testing: Proving Durability in the Lab and on the Road

To validate its claims about Flexshell’s durability, Duravo invested heavily in product testing. The company reports subjecting its luggage to weighted tumble tests, extreme drop tests, and thousands of handle yanks.

The company does not publicly share specific test results, but it states that Flexshell provides five times the strength of traditional plastics used in luggage. This claim would represent a significant advancement in luggage materials if independently verified.

Technology Integration: Beyond Basic Storage

Duravo’s products incorporate several tech-friendly features, reflecting the changing needs of modern travelers. The luggage includes built-in USB access for charging devices, a hidden sleeve for tracking devices like AirTags, and compartments designed to protect electronics during travel.

These additions address common pain points for travelers, such as keeping devices charged and preventing lost luggage. However, it’s worth noting that some of these features, such as USB charging ports, are becoming increasingly common in premium luggage offerings.

Market Performance and Customer Reception

Since its launch a year ago, Duravo reports generating over 1,500 customers. While this number suggests steady growth, it’s modest compared to established brands in the luggage industry. The company currently limits its market to the U.S. and Canada, indicating potential for expansion.

The company reports positive customer reviews, a critical factor in the luggage industry, with an online star rating of 5 out of 5. However, independent verification of these ratings and a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Competition in a Crowded Market

Despite its inventive method, Duravo faces significant challenges. Established brands like Away, Monos, and Tumi command substantial market share and brand recognition in a highly competitive luggage market.

Duravo’s focus on high-end materials and manufacturing in Germany will likely result in higher production costs. This could make it difficult for the company to compete on price with brands that manufacture in regions with lower production costs.

Environmental Considerations and Future Directions

Duravo emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of its products, stating that Flexshell is recyclable. However, specific data on the material’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle is not readily available. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for consumers, more transparent and detailed environmental information could benefit the company’s market position.

Duravo’s success may hinge on its ability to scale production while maintaining quality, expand its product line, and effectively communicate its value proposition to a broader audience. The luggage industry’s recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic will also play a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory.

As Duravo continues developing its brand and product line, its story is an interesting case study in bringing materials innovation to a well-established consumer goods category. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with market demands and effectively compete with more prominent, established brands.