I bought this backpack for my son when he started kindergarten. He used it all through kindergarten and first grade. He is now going into 2nd grade and the backpack is still in great shape and looks good. You can tell it's been used (a few scuffs and scrapes) but it still has a lot of life left in it. I can only guess how many times it's been dragged on the floor at school or on the bus.
This backpack is the perfect size for an elementary school student who only carries a folder and lunchbox back and forth to school. Once my son gets to the upper grades and has to carry a huge binder (school required), I'll be upgrading him to the LL Bean 'original' pack like his brother has.
I work outside and I needed something to carry my personal items. After looking around at many mini backpacks, I came back to LLBean and found your Junior Original Book Pack. It is the right size and the right price.
i LOVE llbean. We have boat and totes, windbreakers, canvas storage bags and lunch bags. i love all of those. I do NOT however love the "original book pack" backpacks. We own 3 and are currently researching other options for the upcoming school year. THE PROBLEM WITH THE BACKPACKS IS THAT THERE IS A PIECE OF MATERIAL ON THE BACKPACK THAT COVERS THE ZIPPER. Inevitably the zipper gets caught in that fabric. Sometimes I am able to get the zipper unstuck. On 2 occassions I was not and the zipper broke making the backpack unusable. I love many llbean products, but I do not recommend this backpack in any size.
My husband and I both have LL Bean Packs that are years old and well abused but look nearly new. My daughter requested a pink backpack and lunchbox for Kindergarten and I knew just where to go. Last month, I checked the website to order a pink pack and to my dismay there wasn't a girly color to be had. I called LL Bean and they informed me that a pink pack (carnation) would be available in July. So, I pre-ordered the pack and its matching color in the lunchbox. I was surprised to see it on the doorstep last week! It is a great pack with more features than I expected for the money and size. Padded back, cushy straps and quite roomy. I fully expect this to last size-wise until the start of 3rd grade when the real homework begins. The monogram looks great and the pink color is a true pink but dark enough to not show dirt. I really feel that this is a great investment in money and resources since discount-store backpacks have to be replaced so frequently. Can't wait for the first day of school!
