backpack

Everyday

1. A backpack is a bag with two straps that you carry on your back. tree →
2. To backpack means to travel or hike carrying everything you need in a big backpack. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday school life, children carry books, lunch and water in a backpack (also called a schoolbag or rucksack). In health lessons, wear both straps and don't make it too heavy (a common guide is no more than about one tenth of your body weight) to protect your back. In outdoor and safety lessons, a hiking backpack holds water, snacks, a jacket, sunscreen, a whistle and a first-aid kit. Phrases: pack your backpack, school backpack, go backpacking.

Examples

• Put your lunch box in your backpack. tree →
• Wear both straps of your backpack. tree →
• My backpack is too heavy with all these books. tree →
• We packed water and snacks in our backpacks for the hike. tree →
• Her backpack has reflective strips for the dark walk home. tree →
• They went backpacking around New Zealand. tree →
• He hung his backpack on the hook. tree →
• Check your backpack for letters from school. tree →

Note

One word: backpack. British English also says rucksack or schoolbag; Australians often say schoolbag or bag. In maths, if a backpack should be at most a tenth of body weight, a 30 kg child's backpack should weigh at most 3 kg.