Opinion
"I’d rather eat something sweet on my outdoor adventures than insects"
by Siri Schubert
Expensive school rucksacks: loaded with unnecessary bells and whistles
7.7.2023
Translation: Eva Francis
School rucksacks for kids cost a small fortune. Why? That’s exactly what I wanted to know from a leading manufacturer. After a year with a schoolchild, I’ve experienced that a school rucksack isn’t worth its hefty price.
That was the one she wanted and no other. The purple one with pink dots and – of course – magnetic glitter stars. My daughter had seen this school rucksack and was adamant that this was the one for her.
With the oversized thing on her back and glowing eyes, she strutted through the shop. I looked at the price tag and was in for a surprise. Almost 300 francs. Ouch.
A hefty price, but no exception. These days, a regular school rucksack costs between 250 and 350 francs. Of course, there are cheaper models by less famous brands. But kids usually want what their peers have – and the vast majority doesn’t have a no-name rucksack.
As a parent, godfather or godmother, you’ll get out the big purse without resistance.
The Galaxus sales figures are proof of this, as the best-selling school rucksacks for kids are by Step by Step and Ergobag, followed by Satch, Beckmann and Herlitz. All these models have one thing in common – they’re super expensive. Nevertheless, as a parent, godfather or godmother, you’ll get out the big purse without resistance. After all, you want your kid’s first school rucksack to be something very special. And new.
Only the best for our kids
You spend a small fortune and what does your child get? Well, the very best and healthiest rucksack – and tons of bells and whistles. In our case:
That doesn’t sound like a school rucksack. That sounds like a miracle machine.
I read the product description and can’t help but laugh. That doesn’t sound like a school rucksack. That sounds like a miracle machine. And it kind of is.
150 individual parts assembled by hand
OK, you’ve won me over. I understand why such a rucksack would cost a lot. But I still don’t get why it needs all those features.
Too light and too big
In other words, do kids need such sophisticated school rucksacks? My daughter has just finished her first year at school and from what I’ve seen so far, I dare to say: not at all. All the high-tech and add-ons aren’t necessary.
According to Ann-Christin Becker from Step by Step, this is a cultural difference between Switzerland, Germany and Austria. «In Switzerland, kids don’t seem to have to carry a lot of things to school.» «In Germany and Austria, it’s not uncommon for the little ones to be carrying over five kilogrammes of things around with them.»
The only things my daughter is lugging around quite regularly (aside from some featherweight assignment sheets) are a few stuffed animals, sweets, rubbish, and lucky stones. How come? Well, she has so much empty space in her rucksack that she stuffs it with things that don’t belong there. She’s turned her school rucksack into a smuggling vehicle. And I’m her secret declutterer.
She’s turned her school rucksack into a smuggling vehicle. And I’m her secret declutterer.
Objections? Well, you might say she’ll be getting more and more homework in the coming years and will have to carry more things to school and back. Indeed. But it’s likely that she’ll have a new school rucksack by then. I’m told by other parents that they last about three years. That’s when kids want a new, hipper model. Or a regular rucksack. Long live longevity.
Retro school rucksack in great condition for sale
When I chose my own school rucksack more than 30 years ago, longevity was the main criteria. It couldn’t be pink («That won’t be your favourite colour for long») nor feature childish motifs («You won’t like that anymore when you’re older») So I decided to go with a timeless, but incredibly boring red leather school rucksack.
It served its purpose. And I actually still have it. Apart from a few spots and wrinkles on the leather, it’s aged gracefully. It would serve well for a few more years. Should I give my second daughter... Alright, let’s not go there.
Out of curiosity, however, I checked whether these high-tech-free retro rucksacks from back then are still made. Yes, they are. But they also cost a small fortune – about 300 francs. Well, then I’d rather get one with an Easy Grow System and ergonomically shaped back padding for the same price.
Header image: Katja Fischer
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
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