The more you know about a graduate's plans for the future, the easier it is to come up with a cheap graduation gift. However, the suggestions below should work for most any grad and cost less than $25.
Kids' Rolling Backbacks
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Mid-range
High end
$20
$35
$60...+In this review:
Rolling Backpacks Features
Rolling Backpacks Fabric.
The body of a backpack is usually made of some type of polyester.
) is described as "supreme polyester" and on the CalPak Awestruck Double Compartment Rolling Backpack (starting at $24, Amazon
) as ripstop polyester. The Travelers Club Metropolitan Rolling Backpack (starting at $33, Amazon
) and Port Authority Wheeled Backpack (starting at $28, Amazon
) both feature 600-denier polyester.
Adults' and kids' rolling backpacks come in a variety of designs and colors. School children can choose among special kids' rolling backpacks that feature popular cartoon characters, such as Pokémon or The Little Mermaid, and among colors such as sky blue, purple, pink, orange, and camouflage. Then there is Bag Republic, which offers the Clear Backpack with Wheels (made from clear PVC, and starting at $28, Amazon
Wheeled Backpacks Zippers.
One of the most critical components in any type of luggage, but one that's often overlooked, is the zipper. Think about it -- you won't get very far with a wheeled backpack that won't zip. Luggage experts at Howtoadvice.com stress the importance of choosing a backpack or piece of luggage with self-repairing zippers, which have the ability to repair themselves even when a bag is overstuffed. Traditional metal zippers may buckle under the strain, but a self-repairing zipper is made of synthetic components that can accommodate the stress, with teeth that can be realigned by pulling on the zipper tab. Both the CalPak Awestruck and Olympia 18-inch are equipped with self-repairing zippers.Wheeled Backpacks Handles.
The handle used to cart around a rolling backpack should retract and open easily and lock into the open or closed position. Some cheap wheeled backpacks come with a single-rod handle and others feature a double rod. One is not necessarily better than the other -- user preference should be the guide. For example, the Travelers Club Metropolitan Rolling Backpack has a single-rod telescoping handle and the CalPak Awestruck has a double-rod retractable handle; both get excellent user reviews.Pay attention to the length of the handle. A handle that's too short could trip you up at your heels; one that's too long could be difficult to control. Few adults' or kids' wheeled backpacks specify handle length, but user reviews occasionally provide guidance. Better yet, test out the rolling backpack at a store.
Rolling Backpacks Wheels.
The handle alone won't get you very far, so this is where the wheels come in. They should roll and glide smoothly, and for this task, in-line skate wheels are the best choice. In-line skate wheels have become the standard on most rolling luggage, including rolling backpacks. All the rolling backpacks we researched feature in-line skate wheels.
Wheeled Backpacks Straps.
Although wheeled backpacks are intended to roll from place to place, there are no doubt times when you must carry your load. Kids' rolling backpacks should come with a shoulder strap and/or traditional backpack straps; most models include the latter. The Port Authority wheeled backpack, for example, offers two carrying options: the handle on top lets you carry the bag as a briefcase and the double straps put you in backpack mode. For extra comfort, look for padding in the shoulder area to cushion some of the weight. The Travelers Club Metropolitan, the CalPak Awestruck, and the Olympia 18-inch all feature padded backpack straps; the Travelers Club Metropolitan also has a padded carrying handle at the top.
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Read user comments below
Best Cheap Rolling Backpacks
Travelers Club Metropolitan Rolling Backpack
Users really like the Travelers Club Metropolitan Rolling Backpack for its high-quality construction, roomy dimensions, separate laptop compartment, and two-year warranty. It features durable 600-denier fabric, a single-rod telescoping handle, and in-line skate wheels. Read more »Rolling Backpacks Deals
CalPak Awestruck Double Compartment Rolling Backpack
A low price, ripstop fabric, and self-repairing zippers define this wheeled backpack. Users say its in-line skate wheels glide over tough terrain and manage curbs without a hitch. Read more »Rolling Backpacks Deals
Good Cheap Wheeled Backpacks
Olympia 18-inch Rolling Backpack
Despite a few reports about the Olympia 18-inch Rolling Backpack falling over when standing, most users consider this a good cheap backpack choice, with excellent maneuverability and durability. It's made of "supreme polyester" and features self-repairing zippers and a double-rod retractable handle. Read more »Rolling Backpacks Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Rolling Backpacks
Port Authority Wheeled Backpack
Problems with the wheels and bare-bones online specifications drag down ratings on this model and outweigh pluses like a shell made with 600-denier fabric and multiple transport modes. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Bag Republic Clear Backpack with WheelsPort Authority Wheeled Backpack
Olympia 18-inch Rolling Backpack
Travelers Club Metropolitan Rolling Backpack
CalPak Awestruck Double Compartment Rolling Backpack
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