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Szewczyk concluded by stating that most students today are looking for versatility and durability.
“More students are transporting their laptop computers along with the usual books and papers. That’s why items such as our Field Tech case and our briefcases are selling well alongside traditional backpacks,” said Szewczyk.
THE CONTINENTAL TOUCH
Sturm European Military Surplus (Cartersville, Georgia) supplies rucksacks, duffels, pilot bags, bread bags and combat packs to students. Back to school business picks up in late summer, according to Sturm’s Jeff Daniel.
“August is when retailers usually begin stocking our bags and rucksacks. The action starts with the summer ASD show,” Daniel said.
The biggest scholastic sellers in Sturm’s line include a German small mountain rucksack in black with two outside pockets and a vinyl bottom, and a NATO rucksack in OD with three pockets and a canvas bottom.
Combat packs and bread bags appeal to students as shoulder bags. Duffels include German, Dutch and East German bags.
ENGINEERING A SOLUTION
John Ottaviano of Rothco notes that students now prioritize bags that are adept at carrying and protecting laptops.
Our vintage M-51 khaki engineer’s bag is ideal for the tech-savvy student, since it features a large laptop compartment and pouches for cell phones, writing utensils, documents and plenty of other items,” said Ottaviano.
Made from stonewashed cotton canvas, the M-51 also features an adjustable shoulder strap and is built to withstand the weight of carrying all those books and all that technology.
For more casual duty, Rothco’s vintage olive drab messenger bag with an understated Marine Corp or US Army imprint is popular with the student crowd that is looking for a lighter load to carry. It includes a large main compartment, an adjustable shoulder strap and four outside pockets.
For even more casual use, especially with the grade school student in mind, the basic canvas tote bag seems to be in style. Ottaviano described two totes, one a zippered Woodland camo item and another no-frills natural canvas tote bag that is a price leader.
