Childrens Backpacks Materials II

Like nylon, polyester is a polymer product derived from petroleum. It also has similar qualities such as elasticity, durability, ease of washing and light weight. However,

nylon absorbs water while polyester is hydrophobic. This makes nylon absorbs sweat and stay wet for a long time (and when saturated, affects breathability) while polyester repels sweat and stay dry. Similarly, the hydrophobic nature of polyester makes it take in only the colour and not water during dyeing. As a result, colour in polyester does not fade easily even with regular washing.

Polyester backpacks are also lighter than nylon, but also less durable in terms of physical attributes due to its less dense fibres. Polyesters have a problem with odour; its hydrophobic nature repels water but makes it prone absorbing organic particles such as sweat and other bodily smells.

Note that some people are also allergic to polyester materials, so take care to observe if your child suffer from any rashes in places where skin comes into contact with the backpack.

Vinyl

Vinyl material in backpacks can be easily identified by their 'plastic-like' or 'wet-look' appearance. Vinyl is also a polymer from petroleum products and is used commonly for table cloths or as a blend in synthetic leather. Unlike other polymers which are woven as fibres, vinyl is often used as a coating and produces a smooth surface.

Vinyl is not used as a standalone fibre in backpacks. It used together with other fibres for backpacks to create a glossy look, especially in character themed backpacks. It is difficult to print character themed images onto common woven fabric because the image may look distort due to the weave direction of fabric.

These childrens backpacks are also produced in mass quantities, making it easier to print the image directly on a vinyl coat. Others create a poor quality print and cover it with a vinyl coat to prevent colour runs. Over time, as the vinyl coat falls off, the colour breaks off in bits and pieces.

However, vinyl backpacks are ideal for young children whose preferences change every year or every few months. They are cheap and unlikely to be used for a long enough time to see the cracks appearing.

Microfibre

The latest development in fabrics is the introduction of microfibre. Microfibres are actually polyester or nylon, but each fibre is made thinner and smaller. The micro characteristics of the fibres make it absorbs and releases moisture easily like cotton, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. At the same time, it retains the elasticity of polymer fabrics.

At the moment, microfibres are only used as a blend to common fibre materials for backpacks. They are relatively expensive and would be difficult to weave an entire backpack out of microfibres alone.

Backpacks are unlikely to be made using only a single type of material. They are usually made from a blend of various fibres/fabrics. The higher percentage of whichever material, the more of the properties of that material the backpack will contain.

Cotton provides breathability, nylon and other polymers gives elasticity and resistance. Depending on your child's needs, various mix of materials will provide you with more suitable childrens backpacks.