And it has to be practical, too. Kids from high school to college, grown up kids too, use them to carry everything from books to laptops, cell phones and i-pods.

So its got to have pockets and straps and netting and secret compartments to stash away the goodies.

We headed to Campmor in Paramus (www.campmore.com), which has a huge selection, and asked backpack manager Phil Brophy to tell us what’s good, popular and useful.  

Phil likes plentiful compartments inside and out, wide-ish straps, and snaps that secure across the chest and waist. Note: these last two features got a thumbs down as “nerdy” by our teen reviewer.

Phil says this season’s big sellers are courier packs, worn with the strap across the chest bandolier style. Watch our video for the selection.

Not liking the outdoorsy types?  Our other suggestions… the Skullcandy Link Street Pack (www.skullcandy.com)--so high tech it’s sold by educational software websites. Among the features: built-in speakers and a panel sewn into the strap to control your i-pod or switch to phone function. Or the Oakley Kitchen Sink http://oakley.com/pd/3088, which holds everything but the sink.

Strap on a Prada pack  www.neimanmarcus.com and you’ll be picking fashion over function.  But what a neat place to stash your lunch box.

We can hear those school bells ringing.