We originally purchased this backpack for my older son before he entered Kindergarten... then purchased one for my younger son and 3 neices because we were so impressed with it. Tough, spacious and safe... it's great for school. We had one small problem with a zipper... probably our fault... but LL Bean did a great job of exchanging the pack for a new one. I continue to smile when I purchase from LL Bean.
I bought one of these when my child was entering kindergarten. She is now in 2nd grade, and the pack is still in almost new condition, with no fraying, fading or stains! I highly recommend this bag.
I have purchased two backpacks from LL Bean for my son. He used the Junior backpack for PK2 and PK3. Then we moved up to a regular pack. It held up through PK4, Kdg and 1st grades. It washes up well and has no rips or tears and the zippers work well. It lasts. Now we are on to a 3rd backpack. We are ordering the Regular plus. I have absolute confidence that it will last. We never wear them out, we just want new ones!
I did have a small problem with the hang up hook on a junior pack, but LL Bean service was oustanding as usual. Told me to send it back (even though it was monogrammed) and sent me a new one monogrammed. Will always order packs from LL Bean!
I purchased the Junior blue flower print backpack for my daughter when she started kindergarten. That was 2 years ago and the pack is still perfect. She is using it for 2nd grade this year and I intend for her to use it until middle school (just to get the bigger size). The junior is a great size for her now though, holds her folders, books, lunchbox and other items quite well without being too bulky. I had no problem with the purple monogram like others have mentioned, it must just depend which part of the fabric you get. I'm about to order the original pack for my son, his department store backpack fell apart. I'm now sticking with LLBean packs only!
