Backpack bliss

Himawari: The best bag your hard-earned money can buy
By Jessica Berget, Editor-in-Chief

So, I caved and bought a $100 large Himawari backpack.

I know what you’re thinking: $100 for a backpack? Are you crazy? Well, I was thinking that I needed a new school bag, so I splurged. It may be a little pricey, but this is honestly the best knapsack I’ve ever had the privilege of owning.

For one thing, its organizational compartments are off the hook. This bag has pockets for anything and everything you could possibly need—and then some. For instance, some backpacks may only have one or two pockets on the sides for your water bottle or umbrella. This pack has two pockets on the outside, and two on the inside. This feature is great for those times when your umbrella is wet and you don’t want to put it in your bag, or when you have no room inside your bag for your water bottle. It also has a front pouch on the outside for small necessities, and when you unzip the bag open, it has tons more organizational compartments. I could honestly write a full review just about how great these pockets are. The only qualm I have about this is that sometimes I forget where I put my things because there’s so many compartments—but that’s more of a me problem.

Another great feature of this backpack is how roomy it is. You can comfortably store so much stuff inside it! I have a large 16-inch laptop that I travel with often, so it’s often hard for me to find a bag that fits it comfortably and safely. My computer fits perfectly in the laptop sleeve, and there is still a bit of room, so it doesn’t feel stuffed in or too heavy. This backpack may be big, but it doesn’t feel heavy or look clunky like some other bags do.

The straps are also something to write home about. They’re made wide and thick with a lot of cushioning, so they take the pressure off your shoulders. The padding in the straps also makes for a comfortable fit; the straps almost feel like they’re hugging your back. This is refreshing when you’re carrying your computer, textbooks, binders, books, and everything else you take to school weekly. It may break the budget, but it definitely won’t break your back. The only issues with the straps is that it seems you can’t adjust them as much as other backpacks, as far as I can tell, but that doesn’t bother me all that much. The bag is also complete with a handle on the top so you can carry it in your hand if needed.

Not only is this bag incredibly well designed structurally—it is also practically designed. The material is waterproof, so the contents inside won’t get wet from the rain (perfect for Vancouver weather). It’s also scratch-proof, so it won’t wear and tear as easily as other knapsacks. The padding is also not only for your back, but additionally for the things in your bag so they won’t be damaged easily. There are many colours and sizes to choose from, but unfortunately the larger backpacks have fewer colour options than the miniature ones. Still, there are some great colours to choose from.

A hundred dollars may seem like a lot, but I think there are some things you should not cheap out on—and backpacks are certainly on the top of that list. Himawari’s large knapsack is an incredibly comfortable and good-looking bag, and also has got all the organizational features and practicality a student could ask for.