Picking the right school backpack means more than just finding a bag to haul your gear for some students. It can also be a great way to make a style statement. And as manufacturers have gotten wise to the real-life cargo of 10-pound tomes and sweaty gym clothes, it’s possible to find book bags that are both stylish and strong.

Backpacks can be used as accessories – proudly proclaiming school colors or glamming up jeans with a girlie-girl print – or to identify with a certain social group. Tech gadgets may not be allowed on campus, but some kids are still selecting bags loaded with pockets for their gear.

This fall, shoppers are seeing the return of the traditional double-strap book bag, as opposed to the single-strap messenger bag that’s been popular in recent years, says Sheena Smith, senior associate accessories editor at Teen Vogue.

“The backpack was seen on the fall/winter runways in a variety of materials – leather, denim, sequins and color block canvas,” Smith says. “Whatever your personality, there’s a style for you.”

And you should choose wisely. “Things such as brand name, color, cost, size and functionality are factors to consider when buying a backpack at the beginning of the school year,” Smith says. “Students should decide what they are looking for, how much they are willing to spend, and then shop around for brands and retailers that carry similar backpacks.”

She advises shopping for a backpack in person, rather than simply online, to gauge the strength of the bag, how it sits on the shoulders, and whether important components such as zippers and straps seem solid and easy to use.

It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on a quality bag, but the cheapest options might not hold up all year. It’s probably worth spending a little extra to ensure quality craftsmanship for that kind of durability.

Find your bag online

Looking for a distinctive backpack? We saw some on these sites.

Chasing Fireflies: Spikeasaurus packs feature soft fabric spikes ($28-$60). Plus, they come in bold colors such as lime, hot pink and orange. www.chasing-fireflies.com

Neiman-Marcus: Beatrix NY packs ($47-$63) with images from peace signs to a pink-bowed owl to a ladybug and a recycle symbol. www.neimanmarcus.com

Miquelrius: If you’ve got a fashionista, check out this affordable Spanish line, with a wide range of prices. www.ebags.com

Dabbawalla: Colorful and sweet bags ($40) for your littlest ones, with plenty of room for snacks. www.dabbawallabags.com

Four Peas: We like the lime polka dot and the space bot designs ($35). www.fourpeasonline.com

You’re no mule!

Overloaded backpacks are a health and safety issue for students who have to carry them, experts say, because they tax the spine and create a balance problem that could lead to a fall. It’s a good idea to check how a backpack fits your child if he or she will be carrying a lot of heavy books, musical instruments or heavy tech gear such as laptops. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these tips:

Pack light. A backpack should never weigh more than 10 percent to 15 percent of the student’s body weight. Only carry items you need on that day.

Organize the book bag to use all the compartments. Pack heavier items closer to the center of the back. Position the backpack evenly in the middle of the back, near the wearer’s center of gravity. Don’t extend it below the lower back.

Adjust the shoulder straps so the backpack can be taken on and off without difficulty, but make sure the straps aren’t too loose.

Choose a pack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Always use both straps to distribute the weight and promote a well-aligned, symmetrical posture. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder could increase curvature of the spine.