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Frequently asked questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our backpacks.
Active Air FLX, Classic, and Classic Maxi are all durable, ergonomic school backpacks designed to give children a great start to school life.
All models feature comfortable padding, adjustable straps, back support, a chest strap, and a hip belt to help distribute weight evenly and improve carrying comfort. Water-repellent materials, reflectors on all sides, and an included rain cover make them ready for the journey to school in changing weather.
Classic and Active Air FLX are recommended for children approximately 116–140 cm tall, while Classic Maxi is recommended for taller children around 122–150 cm. Beyond height, the choice comes down to which fit your child finds comfortable, how much space they need, and which type of opening they prefer:
Active Air FLX – 20–25 litres: The extra-ergonomic and flexible companion.
A structured backpack featuring an ergonomic air cushion that works together with the padding to provide outstanding carrying comfort for little backs. The zip opening offers a clear view of the contents, while the FLX expansion system provides approximately 5 litres of extra space when needed.
Classic – 22 litres: The lightweight companion.
Our lightest model, with a soft, flexible construction and a traditional lid and buckle closure. Its low weight and flexible design make it a popular choice for children who prefer a softer backpack feel, including those with a slimmer build who are starting school.
Classic Maxi – 28 litres: The larger companion for taller kids.
Everything parents love about Classic, with more room to grow. Designed for taller children starting school, it offers a larger fit for longer backs and extra space for school essentials.
Height alone does not determine which model fits best. Children of the same height may have different body proportions, such as back length and shoulder width, and comfort is individual. The best choice is a backpack that sits close to the back and allows the hip belt and chest strap to be adjusted correctly. If you are unsure which model is best for your child, we recommend trying the backpacks in a physical store. Find our retailers here.
There isn't one backpack model that is universally the best choice for slender or small-framed children. Every child is different, and factors such as back length, shoulder width, and individual comfort all play a role in finding the best fit.
That said, many customers have shared that they particularly like the Classic model for children with a slender build. Its lightweight and flexible design is often perceived as a comfortable fit. However, this is based on customer feedback rather than a general recommendation.
If possible, we always recommend trying the backpacks on in a physical store, as this is the best way to determine which model feels most comfortable. Find our retailers here.
All Beckmann school backpacks are made from water-repellent materials, but they are not fully waterproof. In rainy weather, we recommend using a rain cover to protect the backpack and its contents. All our models for schoolchildren come with a rain cover.
Our school backpacks are made to withstand everyday use, being dropped, dragged around and used outdoors. With 80 years of experience, we know what it takes to make backpacks that can handle an active everyday life. All Beckmann school backpacks are designed for daily use by children, using durable materials and meeting strict quality standards.
Beckmann backpacks are built to last for years of daily use and come with a 4-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects. You can extend their lifespan even further with affordable spare parts if a buckle or strap wears out.
Yes, all our school backpacks for 1st-2nd graders have multiple reflectors on all sides, helping your child be seen from different directions on the way to and from school. All models also include a rain cover with a large reflective area that provides extra visibility in the dark when illuminated by light, such as car headlights. The rain cover can therefore also be used on dark days, even when it isn’t raining.
We recommend washing your backpack by hand with a mild liquid detergent. If you choose to use a washing machine, remove the rain cover, aluminium rib, decorative buttons, flashing light, and air cushion where applicable. Place the backpack in a pillowcase to prevent the straps from getting caught, and select a gentle cycle. Air-dry the backpack and do not tumble-dry it. Please note that damage caused by machine washing is not covered by the warranty.
You can read more about how we recommend to wash your backpack here.
An ergonomic school backpack helps distribute weight evenly, improves carrying comfort, and supports your child’s back and shoulders. Our school backpacks are designed to ease the load on the back and shoulders, with adjustable straps, back support, and comfortable padding. The hip belt helps transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips, while the chest strap helps keep the backpack stable.
Beckmann’s school backpacks are recommended by chiropractors and experts in children’s health and ergonomics. Read more about our work on ergonomics and these recommendations here.
We have also worked with NORCE Research, with support from the Research Council of Norway, to test how school backpacks distribute pressure during movement. In a laboratory test simulating running, our Active Air FLX backpack for children starting school distributed 62% of the measured pressure to the back and hips and 38% to the shoulders. The test also showed that using the hip belt reduced the share of pressure on the shoulders. Read more about the laboratory test here.
To get the most out of the carrying system, it is important that the backpack fits your child’s size and is adjusted correctly. Pack the heaviest items closest to the back, and use the hip belt and chest strap for good support and comfort.
The backpack’s weight alone does not determine how heavy it feels to carry. Fit and the carrying system play an important role. Beckmann’s padded back panel, adjustable straps, chest strap, and hip belt help distribute the load more evenly and keep the backpack stable and comfortable. Some ergonomic features may add a little weight to the backpack itself, but they are designed to make the load more comfortable to carry.
There is no single weight limit that suits every child. A suitable carrying weight depends on your child’s age, size, strength, and individual needs.
To help reduce the load, pack only what is needed for the school day and place heavier items closest to the back panel. If possible, fill the water bottle at school instead of before leaving home. The water in a full 400 ml bottle adds around 0.4 kg to the load, so filling it at school can noticeably reduce the weight your child carries.
The backpack should sit close to your child’s back and suit their size, without extending too far above the shoulders or below the hips. Try it with the items your child normally takes to school so you can assess the fit and comfort with the backpack packed.
Adjust the shoulder straps so the backpack sits snugly against the back, and position the hip belt around the top of the hips to help take the load off the shoulders. Fasten and adjust the chest strap to keep the shoulder straps in place. The straps should feel comfortable without being too tight or rubbing.
Practise putting the backpack on and taking it off, opening and closing the buckles, and adjusting the straps together with your child. With a little practice, they can become more independent. An adult should help with the initial fitting and check the adjustments regularly as the child grows.
Watch a video here.
Yes. Our materials are tested against strict chemical requirements based on regulations such as REACH and POPs. Textile materials are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and products for younger children (kindergarten and the first school years) are also tested according to EN 71-3 (Toy Safety). We continuously monitor chemical compliance and restrict substances such as PFAS, phthalates, BPA and heavy metals.
We use certified materials and follow requirements for chemical safety and responsible production:
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Our rPET material is certified. This verifies its recycled content and sets requirements for traceability, chemicals, environmental practices and working conditions.
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Our textile materials are certified and tested for harmful substances.
- REACH and the POPs Regulation: We follow EU regulations that restrict the use of harmful chemicals in products. These are legal requirements, not certifications.
- EN 71-3: Products intended for preschool children and pupils in grades 1–3 are also tested according to this standard, which sets limits on the amounts of certain substances, including heavy metals, that materials can release.
- Fair Wear Foundation: Beckmann is a member and works to improve working conditions at its suppliers. This is a membership, not a certification of individual backpacks.
For you, this means verified recycled material, textiles tested for harmful substances and ongoing work to improve conditions for the people who make your backpack.