The consumer portal Imtest has now tested five school satchels for primary school children and surprised with one result: Because the school satchel from Scout, the brand of many 2000 kids, came in last. Here we show who is the winner in the satchel test and who sees Stiftung Warentest at the top.
“Wow, the children’s satchels are heavy!” Decades ago, our parents complained about the burden on our backs. Today it is similar: folders, books and pencil cases belong in the satchel despite digitization. But which backpack collapses under the load of books? Imtest found a schoolbag winner among five models in the practical test: the school backpack from Ergobag.
The testers noticed the great variety of designs in this model: the satchel is available in over 29 looks. Quite apart from that, the satchel convinces in terms of ergonomics in the test. It sits in the middle of the back, and a drinking bottle and lunch box can be easily stowed away in waterproof outer compartments.
So that everything stays in place, children can lash their books and folders thanks to the drawstring . The backpack closes magnetically, but according to the test experts, the closure occasionally opens in the event of a fall. That’s manageable, because everything else is stuck in the satchel. A handful of reflectors distributed over the satchel ensure safety. Despite a fairly high weight of 1,400 grams (without contents), Ergobag wins with an overall rating of 1.7.
Fun fact: Not only Imtest chooses Ergobag as the test winner. In 2019, the brand won in the large satchel check by Stiftung Warentest. At that time, the test magazine compared 22 satchels with each other. The “Cubo Neo Illumibär” turned out to be the winner, but it is no longer on the market. The model is identical in construction to the Imtest winner 2023. It scored plus points thanks to its great visibility, top wearing comfort and the infinitely adjustable back part.
In the school satchel test by Imtest, it quickly becomes apparent that no product is completely negative. With the worst grade (2.2), the best-known brand in the race ended up in fifth and last place. The “Genius” scout backpack gets a few deductions in the B grade because its accessories are smaller than those of its competitors. Instead of an outside pocket for a drinking bottle, a small space behind a zipper has to suffice.
Everything else like ergonomics, handling, safety, water resistance
When looking for a suitable school bag for primary school children, the high purchase price immediately catches the eye. The satchels in the test all cost over 200 euros. This is just too much for some families, even if all models are durable and ideally have more than four years of daily use.
Alternatively, there is the Belmil Amazon bestseller for around 120 euros. The inexpensive alternative to the test models is available in over 40 designs. The set includes a pencil case, a gym bag and a beautifully designed pencil case. The satchel with chest strap is peppered with reflectors – the item is lightweight (990 grams). This makes the satchel ideal for petite children. Amazon has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars for an attractive price-performance ratio.
The satchel test at Imtest showed one thing above all: all tested models were good. Here the decision stands and falls primarily with the design. Children and parents can let off steam here. In the best-case scenario, children will try out the satchels to find the perfect model for their stature and everyday life. It doesn’t always have to be premium brands, there can also be cheap alternatives .
Note: This article first appeared on rtl.de
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