Since 1946 Beckmann has developed schoolbags for children and youth, and today Beckmann is Scandinavia’s leading school backpack brand. Our head office is located in Norway; however, our school backpacks are sold in over 20 countries all over the globe. Different countries have different cultures, education systems, and school routes – but the need and desire for an ergonomic school backpack that is fun for children are the same across all markets.

Beckmann aims to be a good companion throughout the child’s schooling. To and from school, every day, for many years. One you can rely on, one that stays with you and takes care of your things – and your back! Remember – your back has to last a lifetime!

Manufacturing school backpacks that are ergonomically shaped and loved by children lies at the very core of everything that Beckmann does. Since 1946 we have focused on manufacturing backpacks that are comfortable to wear and adapted to the child in the best way possible.

Today, we offer a wide range of school backpacks, all with a starting point in Norwegian craftsmanship for schoolchildren of all ages. The unique combination of ergonomics and design, along with continuous focus on quality, has made Beckmann the preferred backpack for Scandinavian children.

Beckmann’s Ergonomic Principles

During their first 5-6 years at school, a child will grow a lot. Not just in height – also in width, general physique and the need for space. We have selected the adaptation functions that we believe are most important in order to ensure a good fit for each individual child, without adding weight. Therefore we have created the Classic series in three different sizes.

Some manufacturers have an adjustable back length on their backpacks, so that the child can keep the same backpack for many years. However, these adaptations add weight, and it is difficult to get the backpack to fit optimally throughout the entire period of use. Instead, we recommend a light,
optimally adjusted backpack that is replaced after 2-3 years.

The aluminium frame is adapted so that it fits most children in the target group. It is also possible to take out the frame and shape it by hand to further tailor it to the child.

Adjust the height of the backpack by tightening the shoulder straps. The back should sit just above the child’s bottom. The lower part of the hip belt should sit on the pelvic crest. Tighten the hip belt. The chest strap can be adjusted both in height and length. This strap should be at the same height as the armpits. The top straps are important – these pull the backpack in towards the shoulders.

The shape of the shoulder straps is made to fit many different children in the target group. These should fit properly over the shoulders and not feel uncomfortable on the neck.

We have designed the backpack so that it reduces strain on the shoulders, transferring more of the weight to the hips. The internal structure, the padded hip belt, chest strap and shoulder straps are important for tightening the backpack so that it stays close to the body – which makes it easier for the child to maintain a balanced, relaxed posture. (1)

A backpack that does not fit close to the body will mean that the child is forced to adjust his/her posture to maintain balance. (2) A natural consequence of this is that the child pushes his/her shoulders forward, which can eventually lead to pain in the neck and shoulders. This occurs more often if the backpack is heavy – particularly if the weight is at the top of the backpack and the backpack is too far away from the back.

A school backpack has different contents than, for example, a hiking backpack and the contents are often hard and rigid. Therefore the internal structure of the backpack is important. The S-shaped aluminium support in the backpack allows the backpack to sit close to the body (3), without feeling sharp against the bottom (4) or tipping away from the neck at the top (5). It is also important to pack the backpack correctly. The heaviest items should be placed at the bottom, in towards the back. We have therefore included a pocket for books/laptop innermost towards the back, with internal adjustment cords to pull the items further in towards the back.

Materials in the backpack have been selected carefully to make the backpack light and comfortable to wear. The shoulder straps and back panel are padded with a combination of soft padding and a slightly stiffer, pressure-absorbent foam.

When the backpack is attached to the shoulders and hips, it is best to have a short distance to the back (6). This allows the child to turn their back more freely. The back of the backpack is also designed to ensure good air flow, to prevent the backpack from feeling clammy.

With more than 70 years of experience in manufacturing school backpacks, we know what they go through and what they have to endure. School backpacks have a tough life, filled with heavy books; they are thrown around the schoolyard and even used as a seat cushion. It is important to us to reassure you that Beckmann backpacks undergo stringent quality controls and are thoroughly tested before they are carried on customer’s backs.

Therefore we are confident in offering up to 1 year warranty on our school backpacks.

We do not only care about your back! 

The best way to reduce the environmental footprint from the products we buy and use is to chose products of high quality and durability, and at the same time care good care of them. 

 With more than 70 years of experience in making schoolbags we know what the go through and what they need to handle of wear and tear. A schollbags has a though life. It is being thrown around in the schoolyard full of books, and maybe also as a seat cushion or a togobban. It is important for us to tell you that the Beckmann schoolbags go through strict controls and have been thoroughly tested before it ends up on the back of a customer. 

Children’s bodies are still under development and are more vulnerable for impact than adults. They are also more in direct contact with the substances in toys, as they put them into their mouth. For products intended for small children (kindergarten and 1st grade) we run tests according to an even stricter legislation: EN71-3, also called the Toy Regulation in Norway. We are continuously working to reduce the use of chemicals beyond what the regulations require.