I LOVE this backpack -- it was my son's big 1st-day-kindergarten present, and I expected him to use it for years (like I did mine all the way through school way back when!). It is ADORABLE -- a classic look, especially monogrammed. However, I found for my kindergartner it to be too small most days -- and my son attends a school with no take-home work until later grades. First of all, an ESSENTIAL item, for us anyway, is missing, and would be so easy to add (I almost took it to a local tailor to add): a water bottle holder!! Yes, preschoolers & K-1-2s also need to hydrate, and I ended up hanging a bottle from a carabiner, but my son hated that. Tried to put it in outside pocket, but bottle too tall and then can't fit any other small item. Can't put bottle in main comparment, tried that with several "leakproof" bottles, and they all tipped over and leaked. (Back to why diaper bags have bottle holders!) Secondly, if you live in an area that snows, your kid will need to bring snowpants and boots sometimes. Plus a lunchbox. These 3 items would squeeeeeeeeze in, but no room for a book then. So -- for water bottle desire, and room for light-but-bulky nylon lunchbox, room for a jacket OR snow pants, AND a book or some artwork to come home.... I'm upgrading to the "Original Plus." I cannot wait -- hope this one will last for YEARS!
brought this product for our kids 25yrs ago and now their kids are using it when they visit. Just ordered one for a baby present and it was delivered in 36hrs!-with monogramming-wow thanks
I bought my son this backpack when he was in 1st grade. He is going into 8th grade and the backpack is holding strong. With a nice washing it's good as new. It will take him to college. Now I am buying my third child her first backpack and I am not sure if the owl design will still be cool in 8th grade but I know we won't be replacing it because it's worn out. Thank you LL Bean.
They made it through 6 years of elementary school!
PostedJuly 10, 2013
Bought a junior original back pack for each of my twin boys when they started kindergarten and the packs survived all the way through elementary school and still look new. Of course they were $19.95 when I bought them way back when but have only increased $10.00 in 6 years. For the durability, they are still well worth the price.
The only issue I had was the top strap coming loose on one of the packs but I think that was due more to the abuse from my son. I stitched it back on to get us through the last half of 5th grade.
Just ordered their 'teenage' packs as they are off to middle school this fall. I will be happy if the new ones last through graduation, especially since they were quite a bit more expensive.. I highly recommend LL Bean packs and have purchased several others for nieces with the same results.
