I am pleased with this backpack for my five year old daughter. It is sized just right to hold a lunch box, papers, and the occasional jacket if need be. The backpack is a nice weight for a small child to actually carry it themselves.
My eldest son was about to start Kindergarten and instead of tossing money away on cheap imitations and the hot character du jour backpacks, I decided I wanted my son to have a backpack that would stand the test of time. I looked in the LL Bean catalog and web site to decide on the best size pack. My son is very tall for his age so I wondered if the Junior size would be too small. But I went with the LL Bean recommendation and decided to purchase the Junior Original Book Pack in Royal Blue. I got it monogrammed since it is easier than hoping your label doesn't fall out! My son loves the Royal Blue color and is very proud of his initials. I would recommend getting only initials or a monogram for security purposes. It also helps the kids learn their initials. I was pleased that the quality was consistent with what I have come to expect from LL Bean. the padded back of the backpack helps keep things from poking through and is more comfortable for the student. The size is perfect for those early elementary years when mostly artwork, library books and a few notebooks are all that is carried home. Do not get me wrong; this pack is roomy and well planned. There are outer zippered compartments for smaller objects like toys or school supplies, mesh pockets for notes or other items and places for pencils and kid stuff. There is a smaller zippered pouch for anything that you need easy access to as well. The inside pocket even has a tethered clip for securing keys. Everything has been thought out for this pack and contains amenities usually reserved for the backpacks of elder children and adults. The reflective material gives us extra protection during those time of year when we are at the bus stop in the dusk. The monogramming is top quality and has not snagged or come unfurled. With all the rough tossing of the pack into cubbies and bins, the bus and home, it has stood up very well to wear and still looks very good. The pack is easily cleaned in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dried. Overall, I expect this pack to see my son through at least his first years of school. I may only need to replace it when the books he needs to carry no longer fit, not because the backpack has worn out. I then hope he'll convert the pack to a bag for sleepovers, camp and short trips. I HIGHLY recommend this product for people who like to buy things once. It may be a little more than a backpack on sale during back to school, but you can rest assured you'll get lots of life out of it and it will be money well spent.
I bought the Junior Original Book Pack for my son who will be starting Kindergarten soon as to avoid buying a new character bag every year. It is the perfect size and rugged enough to last him through elementary school. The gecko print is colorful and the personalization is perfect. He already loves it and school doesn't start for 4 months yet!!
I've had a hard time finding a backpack to fit my 5 year old; until now. All the packs in the stores are just huge on her, but this Junior Book Bag fits her GREAT! We still have room to adjust it as she grows. I'm hoping this will take her through a few more years. Lots of POCKETS, lots of SPACE! Can't say enought how GREAT this backpack is!
