We always buy this one - holds up for at least 2 years. Perfect size for carrying multiple binders, notebooks, textbooks as well as gym clothes, snack, and other personal items. Highly recommend for middle and high school students.
I bought this bag for commuting on a bicycle. And, sure enough, when I got it, it was exactly as I expected in appearance.
The lower compartment is perfect for those emergency supplies like tire patches, tools, bungee cords, and the like (as well as certain work tools). There, they are out of the way from the main compartment. I also like the other compartments to store things like locks and spare parts (like batteries).
The main compartment is very roomy. I had a bag from a mass-market store, and it was taller but much shallower. This bag had a somewhat shorter main compartment, but was much deeper and fit things easily that would not fit in the mass-market bag.
Since this bag sees all kinds of weather (and is often parked outside while I go to a store), I expect a certain amount of wear and tear on it. However, in the 4 months I have had this one, I have seen none (which is typical of high quality products).
One more indicative feature: Unlike mass-market bags, I have not noticed excessive thread shedding from this bag. Very often, the bag will lose threads from the seams on the inside of the bag, which have to be trimmed periodically to prevent tangling and losing even more threads. This one has, so far, not had that issue.
This pack is a great pack for children who have physical education and want to wear a different type of shoe to school and has the option to carry the gym shoes in the bottom of the pack. It is versital enough for back carry option or hand carrying option. Large enough for school books and sturdy enough for weight of school books.
This backpack takes a licking and keeps on ticking. My son's back lasted 2 years and when the zipper started separating, LL Bean stood by their guarantee and replaced the bag. My daughter will be using her Mountain Red bag for the second year and still loves it. Best bag ever!
