School Backpacks: Why it’s time to purchase a quality pack for your children.

This past week, my niece and nephew excitedly showed me their backpacks full of school items in preparation for the upcoming school year.  Upon looking at their bags full of supplies, I was shocked: the fully loaded bags weighted a ton.  Even though both are still in grade school, the bags easily tipped the scale at over 15 pounds.  That’s a lot of weight to be put on the backs of our children.  According to a study conducted by Consumer Reports, the average American sixth grade student’s backpack weighs 18.4 pounds.  That’s a big factor to consider when purchasing a new backpack for this upcoming school year.

There are plenty of reasons to purchase high quality packs over cheap bags, but to save time, I’ll cover the top three reasons:

1.  Comfort.  By far, this is the number one reason to spend a few more dollars on a well designed, quality backpack.  As mentioned earlier, our children are carrying heavy loads, often for extended periods of time if they commute to school on foot.  With anatomically designed straps, high density foam padding, dedicated lumbar support zones, and moisture wicking fabrics, bags from brands such as The North Face and Patagonia do a much better job at carrying heavy loads.

A Patagonia pack versus a lesser quality bag.  Notice the lack of padding and anatomical straps.   Photo: Michael W
A Patagonia pack versus a lesser quality bag. Notice the lack of padding and anatomical straps.
Photo: Michael W

2. Quality.  The old adage of “you pay for what you get” is never truer than when buying a backpack.  High quality packs use nothing but the most robust materials: Cordura ripstop nylon, ballistic nylon, heavy duty zippers, etc.  In comparison, cheap bags are almost always constructed of polyester, a material that is both thin and prone to premature wear.  Seams that should be sewn with heavy duty threads are instead sewn with flimsy thread, and are often the first things to go with very little use.  Other features nice packs have that poor quality bags don’t?  A warranty!  Most of our backpacks from The North Face and Patagonia have lifetime warranties.  Further, most offer light rain protection, reflective safety features, and are produced by companies that promote fair labor with safe working conditions (for an example of this, click here –> http://www.patagonia.com/us/footprint)

3. Value.  Value you say?  How can a $80 backpack be a better value than one you can get from a big box store for $20.  Simple.  Spend $80 on that good quality bag and it’ll likely be the last bag you’ll need to buy for multiple school years.  I recently sold an old North Face bag to my wife’s brother I purchased in the 1990’s and it’s still going strong.  Alternatively, you can spend a minimum of $20 each school year, and hope you don’t have to buy a second midway though the year.  You’ll be money ahead by purchasing the nicer bag, and you won’t have to spend extra on Ibuprofen nursing sore backs either.

We currently have a great selection of back to school bags to prepare your child for a happy and comfortable return to school this fall.  Swing down and check them out today!

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Back to Campus Must Haves

Did your stomach drop when you saw the school supplies going up in stores all over town?  As crazy as it seems, the time has come. Now’s the time to make your shopping list and get going… move-in day and the first day of classes will be here before we know it!
Luckily, Shep’s has your must haves for heading back to campus. Grab them before you go.
What’s your look going to be this fall?
(Guys, we’ll set you up, too. :)) All these items are in stock at Shep’s. Come on down & make your statement this fall.

Summer Fun Checklist

What are your plans for the 4th of July? Ready to enjoy a day of grilling out, playing on the beach, hitting the water and get up on those waterskis? If you’re celebrating in any of these ways, take note. Below is a gear checklist and a little eye candy. Shep’s has everything on the list. (The only other stop you’ll have to make? Grocery store for hot dogs!)

If you’re spending any time outside, you’ll definitely need these things:
Sunscreens (Banana scented….. 🙂 )
Sunglasses (Oakley, Native, Chili’s)
Bug Spray
CamelBak bottle

Packing a Picnic?
Toys; foam guns, hacky sacks, paddle ball
Frisbees & Discs
Sun Dress & Accessories (PrAna & Patagonia have looks you’ll love.)
Button Ups & Shorts (Guys- same thing for you!)
Flip Flops (Ever worn Teva’s? Now’s the time.)
Bag from Sherpani


Going Boating?
Tube (One rider or four? That’ll help you choose the tube!)
Wakeboard/Waterski/Kneeboard/Wake Surf/Wakeskate (Hyperlite & H.O. take the cake)
Ropes
Vest (Nylon or Neoprene available for the family)
Towel
Swim Suit (Kids, men’s & women’s suits in stock)

Hitting the Beach?
Swim Suit (Choose your cut & your pattern from Patagonia or PrAna!)
Sun Hat
Sunglasses (patterned, sporty, and everything in-between.)
Towel
Sunscreen & Aloe (Did we mention how great SunBum smells??)

Love to Hike?
Backpacks (from The North Face, Burton, Dakine)
Salomon Trail Shoes
Smartwool Socks (they’re a necessity.)
CamelBak bottles
Bug Spray (yes, more!)
Headlamp

This is just a summary. You’ll find accessories and extras that will help make your summer outings the very best they can be. Stop in at Shep’s and let our experts set you up with the gear you need.