We wanted to add a word about backpacks as our kids head back to school weighted down like camels: Padding. We got pretty excited about this Swiss Gear Soho pack we found over the weekend at Kohls for the teenager. It’s 18+ inches tall and 7″ wide, making it roomy enough for those endless binders and textbooks that must somehow be crammed inside. More importantly, it’s got cushy straps and a padded back with mesh fabric that acknowledge the rigors of just getting to school. And yes, they remembered to include an MP3 pocket inside, also padded, as well as a pencil holder and key ring in a separate compartment. Kohl’s had a lot of other great packs too, JanSport and Columbia brands, that were bigger and better equipped than ever.