YUUschool Ergonomically Designed Backpack Review.Age 8-12

YUU are a Dragons Den backed company founded in 2010 by two Mums who saw their children carrying heavy backpacks and realised that it wasn't good for their growing spine and that a reported 1/3 of children suffer neck and back pain as a result (see bottom of post for the Science).

The YUUbag has been a huge success and this Summer they have added the YUUschool - a school version of the backpack for children aged around 8-12 (or over 120cm tall). It's ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and support for your child's spine, including tons of deep pockets and compartments to stop bag contents moving about and causing weight to be unevenly distributed around the bag.

Our almost 9 year old has been sent a YUUschool backpack to review (and YUU have also offered one as a giveaway prize for one of my readers). He was genuinely very happy with what he saw when he removed it from the packaging and couldn't wait to get a good look at it.

They might not be able to help reduce the amount of stuff your child has to carry, but YUU backpacks will help position it well and reduce the strain on your child's body, as well as being pretty darn cool and having loads of pockets and pouches to store everything securely.

My son counted 6 zip close areas on his bag, the first of which opens the front stationery pocket. This has space for pens and it's own internal zip up pocket, as well as a keyring which unclips with one hand when you want to use your keys.

The second zip opens a small pocket on the front top of the bag, the 3rd a handy side pocket and the 4th is a huge thick based pocket covering the bottom of your bag, ideal for gym shoes. The 5th is the actual main body of the bag itself, which is full of clever touches.

There's a padded laptop/tablet pouch at the back, then an A4 book pocket and a removable mesh zipped bag. It all feels incredibly secure and safe. There's a final inside zipped pocket tucked inside the main front opening, which opens right out for you to get your things easily.

Impressively this bag is perfectly sized for an A4 ringbinder or folder - several in fact. I cannot tell you the number of times I've handed over money for a schoolbag and a teenager has then discovered it doesn't even fit their work in it without a struggle - beware because it is really common.

There's also a mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle - ideal OUTSIDE in case of spills - as is the reflective tape which is amply distributed on all sides, yet doesn't detract from the really nice look of the bag, The material is wipe clean and should easily survive a bit of Manchester rain...

If that wasn't enough, on the back the YUUschool has the last zipped outside pocket no.6 - which no-one can get into while you are wearing the bag. There is also genuine thick padding which is shaped to sit nicely and comfortably against your child's back without adding any pressure. It's incredibly lightweight and really lush. This is not going to jab into anyone's back.

The straps themselves are thick, wide, padded and really nicely shaped. My son was delighted with his bag. It may be a school bag, but we'll be taking it to Just So Festival this weekend to test it out when it's actually full of stuff...

The straps clip together at the chest, meaning that the bag is worn correctly, distributing weight evenly evenly and symmetrically over the child’s body. It is securely attached to your child and it won't do that embarrassing over-the-head thing when you forget and bend over.

1/3 of children report neck or back pain from heavy bags - my own teenagers have all suffered at points. YUUSchool Backpacks are available to buy now priced £40.00. That is more than I would have previously thought to spend on a bag for a 9 year old, but actually I feel it represents really good value and you can see where your money has gone - it could even save you money.

As well as being better for your child's spine and posture, YUUschool has features which make it less likely to be dropped or stolen, or stolen from, at least while it's being worn. It is strong enough that it could last even a boisterous schoolchild 2 or 3 years - you could easily get through 4 or 5 cheaper bags in that time. That big base pocket protects the real bottom of the bag from shredding when they throw it across the floor, as well as being a place for stinky trainers. YUUschool could save you money, time and frustration ....

You can order the YUUSchool Backpack on the YUUworldHQ website (rrp £40), where you can also find lots more information about back care, including a 10-step backing better backs checklist. Regularly there are also Bundle Offers on the website. 

The Science:

Research carried out by the British Chiropractic Association found a third of parents reported that their child has suffered from some form of back or neck pain in the past.  UK Studies have shown that up to 4 million children are walking with school bags that are too heavy for them and could potentially be harming their spines. Experts believe a child should be able to carry up to 10% of their own bodyweight without causing any damage, but a survey by charity BackCare UK highlighted that this is often exceeded, with 11-12 year olds being the highest risk group found to be carrying on average 13% of their body weight and up to 60% in a few cases.