Chiropractor-approved backpacks available in nine styles

The North Face decided to team up with Scott Bautch, who is certified in chiropractic spinal trauma and as a chiropractic sports physician, to make its backpacks a no-brainer. The new line of nine updated styles (including the Recon, $89) are the first ones ever to get an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association. They’re better for backs, Bautch explains, because the wide, padded shoulder straps are molded into a shape that’s comfy to wear, so there’s never any reason to sling the bag over one shoulder. The design contours to the body to prevent the spine from being overwhelmed by the load. And the interior is constructed to encourage kids to put the heaviest objects in first, which makes them easier to lug around.