Spider-Man School Backpack

The two eyes of the mask are not simply printed white. They are backed with a film that shimmers silver, pink or turquoise depending on the light, and that is the first thing children show off when they unpack the bag. Because the film sits under the moulded surface, it is protected and cannot be scratched off. The mask is shaped as a relief, so the front is three-dimensional rather than printed.

The front pocket is the practical gain over simpler backpacks. Pencil case, keys, snack or phone stay within reach without opening the main compartment every time. The main compartment takes books, folders and gym kit and is designed for the school day, A4 books included. Keeping the two apart makes it quicker to spot what is still missing in the morning.

• 3D front with a moulded Spider-Man mask and holographic eyes
• Spider charm in silver and red on the front pocket zip
• Main compartment with a zip all the way round
• Front pocket with its own zip
• Two mesh pockets at the sides for bottle and rain jacket
• Padded straps with buckles, carry handle on top
• Medium size for primary school
• Dimensions according to the retailer: 32.0 x 42.0 x 15.0 cm
• Weight: 0.5 kg
• Outer material can be wiped clean
• Officially licensed Marvel product
• Made in Spain

The straps are padded and adjustable via buckles, and the carry handle on top helps with cloakroom hooks and with grabbing the bag out of the car. On the way to school the same rule applies as with any backpack: carry it close to the back and pack the heaviest items towards the spine, so the weight does not tip outwards.

The moulded front is robust but tolerates neither the washing machine nor the radiator, as both deform the foam permanently. The outer material wipes clean, so a damp cloth deals with almost any mark. Clear sand and crumbs out of the zips now and then: on school backpacks they are the component that gives up first.

It suits the start of school, the move from a nursery backpack to a school one, a birthday present or a week at camp, and it works as a second backpack alongside the school bag for gym kit or outings. Write a name inside, because two identical bags soon hang in the cloakroom. The water bottle belongs in a mesh pocket, not in the main compartment with the books. The spider charm is a decorative part and can be taken off for heavy use.

Do A4 books fit inside? Yes, the main compartment is designed for the school day.

How many compartments does the backpack have? Two with zips, plus two mesh pockets at the sides.

Do the eyes really change colour? Yes, they are backed with holographic film and shimmer silver, pink or turquoise depending on the light.

Is the backpack officially licensed? Yes, this is official Marvel merchandise.

Can the backpack be washed? Only wiped with a damp cloth. The moulded front does not tolerate machine washing.