ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, original junior backpack
We bought this backpack as a replacement for a discount store backpack with a cartoon character that fell apart after only a few weeks--the zippers broke, the stitching was coming loose, etc. It had become too frustrating for my son to use.
I was worried about how my he (a kindergartener) would feel about it, since it was just a simple red backpack and all his classmates have "cute" ones, but he loves it. It has his name on it, so he can find it, plus, the zippers are easy to use and it's comfortable to carry.
He has carried it now for 6 months, every day, dragging it along sometimes (he is a 5-year-old boy, after all), and it looks brand new. The zippers still work perfectly, and it's holding up just great!
As for size, it's plenty big enough for his folders, a library book and his bulky lunch bag, and it doesn't overwhelm him like a larger one would.
When he outgrows this one (and I'm sure he'll outgrow it before it wears out), I'll definitely be buying another LL Bean backpack. I've already bought one for his little brother so he'll be ready for his first day of kindergarten!
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, just the right size
I have three girls and they each get/will get a Junior Backpack on their 3rd birthday before entering preschool. My soon to be 3rd grader's backpack is still going strong 5 years later and she will use it until she needs a bigger one. I feel bad for all those parents who have to buy new backpacks for all their kids every year because they fall apart. I do wish there were more girly color options. I would prefer my girls to have different colors. We have pink and light blue. I think my soon to be 3 year old might get stuck with a primary color. They have light purple in other backpack models and I wish they offered it in the Junior Backpack model.
I bought this backpack for my 4 yr old special needs child. He can actually wear it on his back with no trouble! It has held up very well! With that said, we don't carry anything heavy in it yet so I don't know first hand how well it holds up to a heavy load. We bought it in that bright green color and LOVE IT! Great backpack!
I bought this backpack for my 3.5 yr old daughter and it is perfect! At first I thought it might be a little on the small side, but it actually holds all her things for daycare just fine. The color (carnation) is really nice and my daughter just loves it! Good quality!
