Rolling Backpacks for Boys

There seem to be so many things to carry when you are young. School, for example, where you need to carry books, stationery, or your skateboard. Then there's lunch and gym clothes. And no one likes one bag for this and one bag for that. A bag should be compact while carrying but spacious enough to hold everything. It should be easy to wash and clean, and tough too so that it does not tear. It should be versatile enough for all usage, from school to traveling in a plane. Nowadays, the conventional backpack takes the pack off your back with the addition of wheels. Just pull out the handle, and roll away. With a rolling backpack, you don't have to hear "Mommy, Daddy, my bag is so heavy, can you carry it for me, please?" again and again.

Rolling or wheeled backpacks come in different shapes and sizes. Some backpack brands allow the straps or wheels to be folded away, when not in use, while some have a removable handle. When choosing a bag for boys, it is best to go with durable and lightweight models. Boys being naturally energetic, hate to be grounded by a weight on their back. And different ages have different choices, when it comes to rolling backpacks. If your youngster likes getting his hands dirty exploring (which boy doesn't), machine washable backpacks are a necessary choice. Design and patterns are also important. Boys are just as particular as girls when it comes to their accessories.

Rolling Backpacks for Older Boys

Let's start with boys between 10 to 15 years of age. This age group is less interested in design and more in functionality. Different compartments, computer sleeve, organized pockets, etc., are some features to look for. Here are some best rolling backpacks for boys above 10 years

1. Volcom Purma Rolling Backpack
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 2 lbs
   • 4 zippered compartments
   • Mesh bottle holder on side
   • Colors: Lime and black
   • Price: $75
2. Nike Kids Rolling Backpack
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 3 lbs
   • Nike swoosh design
   • Mesh side pockets
   • Padded straps
   • Colors: Black/magenta/yellow
   • Price: $75
3. JanSport Wheeled SuperBreak
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 6 lbs
   • Lifetime warranty
   • Tuck away shoulder straps
   • 2 designs and colors
   • Price: $45 to $75 (based on color)
4. L.L.Bean Rolling Deluxe
   • Tough nylon fabric
   • Weight: 5.5 lbs
   • Large capacity
   • Reflective patches for night visibility
   • Monogramming option
   • Colors: Black/carnation/red/blue
   • Price: $80
5. CalPak Awestruck
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 9.5 lbs
   • 2 side pockets, mesh and zippered
   • 5 different colors
   • Price: $60
6. Olympia 18" Rolling Backpack
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 4 lbs
   • Handles and straps can be hidden
   • Extremely spacious with zippered pockets
   • 10 year warranty
   • Colors: Black/navy/pink/red
   • Price: $30 to $60
7. High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Book Bag Backpack
   • Duralite ripstop material
   • Weight: 6.7 lbs
   • Front compartment has media and accessory pockets
   • Padded sleeve for 17 inch laptops
   • Roomy and broad interior
   • 5 different colors
   • Price: $45
8. Samsonite Wheeled Backpacks
   • Rip Stop Nylon
   • Weight: 3 lbs
   • Padded 15 inch laptop compartment
   • Organized pockets
   • Padded straps and back
   • Mesh bottle holder on the side
   • Colors: Red/blue
   • Price: $50 to $100
9. REI Wheelie Packer
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 4 lbs
   • 6 pockets and 2 main compartments
   • Removable day pack
   • Color: Eclipse blue
   • Price: $100

Rolling Backpacks for Boys Below 10

For this age group, color, pattern and lightness play a key role. In this age group, whatever movie or toy character they are a fan of, they must have everything emblazoned with it. And they have a more "He has one, I must have one too" attitude. Boys this age keep with the trends, today Pokemon's in, tomorrow it's out, so don't' go in for very expensive models. Also, young boys are extremely finicky about color, so avoid pinks and purples! For boys between 2 and 5, the standard size is 12 inches, while for ages 5 and up, the size is between 15 to 17 inches. Here are some popular wheeled backpacks for boys below 10

1. Iron Man 2 Large Rolling Backpack
   • Vinyl
   • Weight: 8 lbs
   • 2 side pockets, 1 zipper front pocket
   • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps
   • Original Iron man 2 design and logo
   • Price: $35
2. Transformers Optimus Prime Rolling Backpack
   • Double straps
   • Weight: 5 lbs
   • 3d transformer design
   • Price: $35
3. EcoZoo Cotton Kid's Rolling Backpack
   • Eco friendly animal roller backpack
   • Cotton canvas and rope material
   • Recycled plastic used for wheels and buttons
   • Non toxic coloring
   • 5 animal shapes: Pig/frog/puppy/monkey/panda
   • Price: $50
4. Stephen Joseph Rolling Monkey Back Pack
   • Vinyl
   • Weight: 1 lbs
   • Adjustable straps
   • Colors:Brown/Orange
   • Price: $30
5. GDC Thomas the Tank Engine Rolling Backpack
   • Polyester with Vinyl front
   • Padded shoulder straps
   • Weight: 1.5 lbs
   • Price: $25
6. Plush Pull-a-long Morrie Moose Backpack
   • Polyester
   • Weight: 1 lbs
   • Removable handle
   • Machine washable
   • Designs: Horse/bear/dog/giraffe/moose/leopard
   • Price: $25
7. Disney Cars Mcqueen Wheeled Backpack
   • Weight: 2 lbs
   • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
   • 2 side pockets with Velcro closure
   • Price: $30

Note: All prices mentioned are approximate and depend on various factors like location and offers available

The above rolling backpack designs are just some new examples. Nearly every cartoon character that ever existed has its own rolling backpack. So if your kid is a toy story fan and wants Buzz Lightyear on his backpack, don't worry. When buying a rolling backpack, consult your kid's teacher or counselor as to the school's rules. Some schools prohibit rolling or wheeled backpacks or impose size restrictions. Think what is going to go into the backpack and buy accordingly. Just because your boy has to carry a lot of books, he doesn't need a luggage trolley bag. Look for padded straps and check if the handle is long enough to avoid slouching when pulling the backpack. A rolling backpack can be used in a hallway or sidewalk but not through snow or grass. So check out your kid's school route and see if he really needs the wheels on his backpack.