When it comes to backpacks, one size does not fit all. When shopping for a backpack, size is important depending on your needs and age. Basically, young kids shouldn’t be carrying around a backpack that weighs more than 20 percent of their weight. And a high school and college student, along with business people require a backpack that can carry their stuff (books, laptops, organizers, etc.).

Use the following helpful backpack size guide to determine the suitable size for your needs:

300 to 1,000 cubic inches
Commonly referred to as purse backpacks. Stuff this size will carry:
Paperback books | calculator | pens and pencils | bag lunch | cell phone | MP3 Player

Check out polka dot backpack purses

1,300 to 1,750 cubic inches
Stuff this size will carry:
2 to 3 textbooks | paperback books | 1 large binder | 2 to 3 spiral notebooks | calculator | pens and pencils | bag lunch | cell phone | MP3 Player

Check out polka dot backpacks in the 1,300 to 1,750 cubic inch size

1,800 to 2,050 cubic inches
Stuff this size will carry:
3 to 4 textbooks | laptop computer | 1 to 2 large binders | paperback books | spiral notebooks | calculator | pens and pencils | bag lunch | cell phone | MP3 Player | sweatshirt

Check out polka dot backpacks in the 1,800 to 2,050 cubic inch size

Polka dot luggage sets come in a range of colors and styles to match any taste. However, as important as it is in selecting the right polka dot color combo to match your personality, it’s just as important to remember to choose the right suitcase to fit your needs and handle your stuff.

Most polka dot luggage sets fall into three categories:

Hard case luggage

These guys provide the heaviest armor for your stuff. They’re durable and can take a beating at the airport and from overzealous porters. Usually they’re made of a variety of plastic and fiber composites, like polycarbonates and ABS materials. You’ll also find some suitcases made of metal.

• Pros for hard case luggage: Great for frequent trips; hard case polka dot luggage sets will last you a lifetime or until you’re ready for a new style. If you’re carrying breakable valuables, then go with these.
• Cons for hard case luggage: Hard case luggage sets are the heaviest and most unwieldy of all luggage types. However, they do generally come with wheels, so this might not be a big factor for most of you. Given the materials they’re made of, they don’t expand much, so if you’re a pack rat luggage packer, you might be in for a challenge. They’re also a bit on the expensive side, but keep in mind, these polka dot luggage sets will last.

Soft sided luggage

When you’re packing in a lot of stuff or think you’ll be squeezing your polka dot luggage into tight overhead compartments, then soft-sided luggage could be the right choice. Sometimes made of canvas or, for the higher quality luggage ripstop nylon, these suitcases seem to grow as you pack them. Very similar to polka dot duffle bags.

• Pros of soft sided luggage: Won’t weigh you down on your travels. And their expandable, so you might be able to squeeze one more souvenir in your back for your trip home. And these guys are easy to stow in tight areas.
• Cons of soft sided luggage: Basically, there’s no framework, which is great for the weight department. But not so great in the carrying fragile stuff department. So, If you’re traveling with potential breakables, then you’ll want to step up to hard cases or semi softs.

Semi soft luggage

The best of both worlds, soft side materials and a solid frame. Most polka dot luggage sets fall into this category. They protect your stuff and are light weight.

• Pros of semi soft luggage: Combines the lightweight of soft-sided luggage with the framework found with hard-sided cases.
• Cons of semi soft luggage: Heavier than soft-sided luggage. While resilient, they’re not as tough as hard sided luggage.

So, when choosing the right polka dot luggage sets, keep the following in mind. If you’re carrying fragile stuff (maybe a bottle of something from the Caribbean), then go with hard sided luggage. If you’re just carrying clothes and such, you can choose soft sided suitcases. Or you can go with the semi soft luggage to cover your bases (but pack that bottle carefully).