The Evolution of School Bags: From Balance to Burden

That horizontal school bag was such a classic! It was simple, sturdy, and well-balanced—something today’s bulky backpacks often lack. There was a certain charm in the way everything fit perfectly: textbooks at the back, notebooks neatly divided, and those little front pockets that held small but essential treasures.

Carrying tiffin in the same bag was just normal back then; separate lunch bags were rare. And yes, schools in the ’90s usually had just one lunch break, so there wasn’t much need for extra storage. Those days, functionality mattered more than fancy designs.

Do you remember how these bags had those thick, almost unbreakable zippers? And sometimes, if the bag got too heavy, the strap would dig into the shoulder, leaving red marks by the time we reached home. But still, that bag lasted years!

Then came the vertical school bags, and honestly, they never felt as balanced as the 

old horizontal ones. All the weight gets concentrated in the center, making it harder to carry. The upper part near the shoulders usually stays empty, which means all the strain falls on the lower back. No wonder kids today are constantly complaining about back pain and feeling frustrated with the book load! These vertical bags just stack everything on top of each other, turning them into a heavy, sagging burden. Maybe that’s why so many kids now drag their bags instead of carrying them!

Those wheeled school bags seem to be designed for kids who never have to worry about bumpy roads, muddy paths, or even stairs. And yes, while many schools now have lifts, they’re still mostly reserved for teachers and staff. Back in our childhood, even teachers used to take the stairs—no complaints, no shortcuts. Maybe that’s why they still seem so fit and active today!

In those rich, air-conditioned schools where kids roll their bags effortlessly and take lifts instead of stairs, they’re completely missing out on the natural workout we had every day. Now, since they aren’t burning calories the old-fashioned way, they’ll have to go to the gym and jump up and down on a tire just to make up for it. Funny how times have changed—what was once a daily struggle for us is now considered a fitness routine!

The kids aren't to blame—it's really the design and trends of school bags that need to be reconsidered. The focus on style over practicality often leads to uncomfortable and inefficient bags. 

What’s needed is a return to well-thought-out designs that prioritize balance and comfort over aesthetics. It’s not just about looking cool—it’s about making sure kids are carrying their books in a way that’s healthy and sustainable for their bodies.