We bought the regular youth backpack for kindergarten, when a backpack sporting an animated character was unbalanced and uncomfortable to wear. He loved the 3 letter monogram, identifying his bag without enabling strangers to call him by name. Well, he's still carrying that backpack into second grade, when his classmates have declared themselves too sophisticated for character themed bags! The critter track print still looks great, the bottom hasn't given out, and the Junior Original back pack in the same pattern is what the preschooler in the family wears to the bus stop to see his big brother off. We love these bags!
Ordered this for my son to start kindergarten in this year and it was the perfect size for him. It was so hard finding a backpack for him, because most are so big and bulky. I was very pleased with the quality too. Thanks LLBean for thinking about the "little guys & gals" that also go to school and have to have a backpack.
I purchased this for my pre-K child with the intention of passing down to siblings, as I do with all durable LLBean products. However, I don't think this will be one of them. The material is thin, and there is no reinforced bottom. There were also bits of thread sticking out of the seams. The straps and back are well cushioned, though (but why not the bottom?). Sizing is appropriate PreK to Kindergarten. It will fit at least the standard 8.5x11 size papers. I like the product and will use it, but it seems pretty average.
I ordered this backpack for my first-grade son. I love the blue digital camo pattern and the monogram looked great, but it is too small for his needs. He brings a homework binder home each day plus lunch, snack, gym clothes and in the winter he will be wearing boots and bringing shoes. We just need more room. And funny, my 2 1/2 year old son tried it on and it was a perfect fit for his body! But definitely too small for a first grader. I am ordering the Original Plus Backpack instead, so we will see how that one goes.
