It’s back-to-school season, which means our days are busier, the weather is colder and our bags are getting heavier. So, what better time than now to switch out that go-to bag you’ve been using since fifth grade?

Hot tip: the Bentley store in Midtown Mall currently has a sale going on for most of their bags. Some of these backpacks include name brands such as JanSport, High Sierra and Adidas. Their bags are in the $40 to $60 range — a good price considering brand-name sport bags are usually in the hundreds.

If you are shopping with friends, check out Sportchek, with locations in the Centre Mall, Midtown Mall and Confederation Mall, as they are having a buy one, get one 50 per cent off sale in stores. This is definitely something to look into if you want to buy more than one bag for less.

Fjallraven Kanken is one of the most popular backpacks on the market.

You can look to the big department stores for their end- of-summer clearance sales for a new bag now, or wait until August is over, and snatch up the items left over from these summer sales — just be prepared for a limited selection.

Usually, these items are sold for much less than previously listed, as stores are preparing for the upcoming season and are ready to stock up their shelves with new products. If you’re not one for switching over to a brand new bag, check out the local thrift stores! A simple trip to Value Village might yield something more unique.

You’re bound to come across a couple of bags at even more affordable prices second-hand, and in a small way, you’re helping to save the planet by reusing someone else’s donated item. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Thriftier than thrifting, another place to search for a reliable bag is at any local garage sale. The summer is coming to an end, and many are looking to sell all the items they’ve been storing in the back of their closets since winter. Take a walk around your neighborhood or search the internet for ads for garage sales in your area.

Buying a practical and efficient bag is important. Making sure your backpack fits comfortably and snugly around your shoulders will ensure you will make it through the day without complaining about back pain or asking your friend to carry your books for you.

Or — if the thought of becoming a backpack person still gives you shivers — another way to maximize space without sacrificing your body to muscle pains is to rent a locker at school. There are plenty of storage spaces all throughout the University of Saskatchewan campus. You can rent a locker from most college student associations, or just join a club or student group — chances are, there’s at least a coat rack.

Keeping all your notes in one place, such as on your laptop or on Google Drive, is a valid alternative to carrying around three or more notebooks and another way to keep track of things without taking up too much space.

These are just a few tips to help you get back on track for the coming school year. Don’t doubt the importance of a handy backpack — it’s a staple of a successful university experience.

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Jenna Leung

Photo: Riley Deacon / Photo Editor