Students have a lot to carry on their backs, and it's not just textbooks anymore. With advances in technology, more and more kids are bringing digital devices back and forth to school. 

With this common trend, backpack manufacturers are taking advantage of this marketing opportunity by creating "smart backpacks" that are "specifically designed not only to protect our smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones and game players, but also to recharge them and track their whereabouts," according to an article on NYTimes.com.

"For those who need power as well as protection, Tylt’s $170 Energi Plus Backpack includes a 10,400 mAh battery, which can charge three devices simultaneously," the article said. "Though it can hold up to a 15.5-inch laptop, it can’t charge one. The battery is intended for smartphones and tablets only."

According to the article, "the battery takes about seven hours to charge; once it’s 50 percent done it can begin to charge devices."

"There’s enough power to fully charge an iPhone 6 more than five times. If not used, the battery will retain its charge for around one year. Pass-throughs embedded in the bag allow charging cables to be secured and then routed through to most pockets," the article said. "The bag is attractively designed, constructed of heavy artificial material, including an exterior pocket for a water bottle, a hardened one for glasses, and others for small business items. Numerous USB cables are included, as well as an older-style Apple 30-pin connector. The company says it’s working through its inventory before it will switch to a Lightning connector, like those used for the newest Apple mobile devices."

According to the article, there is also a SmartBackpack made by Ampl Lab for $299, "expected to arrive this year, has even more charging ports. And any of the bag’s six ports can be routed to any pocket."

"The included 5,000 mAh battery can charge a smartphone three times, or three smartphones simultaneously one time. Fast-charging technology allows the bag’s batteries to be charged to 80 percent capacity in one hour. The bag can be reserved on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo for $250," the article said. "With an additional specialized battery, the SmartBackpack can also charge laptops and tablets. The tablet battery is $59; the laptop battery costs $139, or $179 for an Apple version."

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Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor