We bought 2 of these when my kids started pre-K, they are entering 2nd grade now and the backpacks still look brand new. I've even put them in the washing machine, once, and they came out beautifully. We've used them for school and summer camps. My kids want new patterns, but I'm hard pressed to buy more until these are too small as they still look brand new!
I received an LL Bean backpack right before I began my freshman year of high school, and that was in 1992. To this day, I still have that same backpack. Nothing has broken on it EVER. I used it everyday in high school until I graduated and I have used it to pack for trips, taken it to the beach, etc. And it still looks good. I am going to order a backpack and lunch box for my daughter who is getting ready to start the 2nd grade. Definitely recommend that everybody should get one. You won't have to buy another one.
My son started using this backpack in September 2010 for Kindergarten and just finished up 3rd grade a few weeks ago and it is still in excellent condition. He still wants to continue to use it this coming school year for 4th grade. I would not hesitate to recommend this backpack to anyone. I am grateful for all the money I have saved by not having to by a new backpack each school year!
I had an LL Bean large backpack all the way thru college AND my masters program. When it came time for my daughter to start kindergarten, I immediately came back to LL Bean. I really debated what size to get her since she's a bit small for a 5 year old, but then I figured the original would last her all thru elementary school, even if it was a bit big for a couple of years. It's been thru a year of kindergarten, having been drug down hallways, tossed in closets and who knows what else! It wasn't too awfully big for her, not at all too much for her small frame. After an easy wipe-down w/ a wet washcloth, it still looks new. I'll be buying another next year when daughter # 2 heads off to kindergarten!
