Brilliant blue is a gorgeous color, and we love this backpack. We have used it three times, and the front zipper came right off. The reflector also scratched pretty easily. Not sure if I am going to get a new one or just get credit for something else. We had a zipper problem with the Jr. Backpack where it got stuck. That was only after 4 months of use. So disappointed.
Response from L.L.BeanBy L.L.Bean Customer Satisfaction Team, May 23, 2016
We are so sorry for the issue you experienced with the zipper on our Original Book Pack and will look into the product based on your feedback. One of our Customer Satisfaction representatives will reach out to you so that we can help you with a return or exchange under our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Thank you for your feedback and for being an L.L.Bean customer.
Overall rating
4/ 5
MrsH927
fromMiami, FL
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?Occasionally
When did you purchase this item?Over 1 Year
Great! But could use a little more
PostedApril 23, 2016
We have loved this backpack. Purchased for my daughter in 2014. She was entering first grade and her current one could not hold a folder completely, this was the perfect size for her (although she is tall for her age). Pros: Comfortable.. I never hear complains on comfort Lightweight Washes well..put through washing machine over Christmas, Spring, and Summer breaks- always came out clean and new looking. Capacity..Holds her 1.5'' Binder, 2 Workbooks, 2 slim books. Plastic pencil case with room to spare.
Cons: Wear/Tear.. I read these reviews of people that have these bags for all of Elementary school.. ours has lasted 2 years. There are holes on the bottom side and need to be replaced. Maybe it is my child and her rough nature :/ but I expected for it to last longer. Bottle Holder...or lack of. I knew this when i purchased it, didn't think it would matter then but it would be nice to have it.
Overall I would recommend this for the kiddos. I considered buying two more, one to replace my daughter's and one for my soon to be pre-K student. We decided to go with a different brand for the pattern selection. I still feel this is an excellent product and a great price for what you get. I've seen backpacks at local superstores for similar price and I know they could not last through a full school year.
LLBean, please consider adding a bottle pocket at this size, maybe having a selection with and one without the bottle pocket. :)
We've been LL Bean shoppers for years now. We have four children (all rough boys) and wanted the best back packs for them! The LL Bean line is some of the sturdiest around. However, the color choices are less than appealing. One of my children was in need of a larger back pack for school (his junior size one is still in fantastic condition but is no longer large enough to meet his needs). He was SO EXCITED when we discovered there was a green option in the original size. When it arrived in the mail today we were both really disappointed. I guess we both assumed it was the same shade of green as his junior back pack, but it's more of a neon green/yellow. He'll use it because he has no other choice, but he's not very happy about the color. I'm not very happy either. I know in the grande scheme of things back pack color isn't the biggest deal, but when you have a little boy who wants to have his favorite color just like his brothers have theirs it really matters!! LL Bean needs to seriously consider getting better colors!!!!! I mean, seriously, no classic green in the back packs??? They don't even have the lime green they used to offer. Big bummer!
After buying two $10 or less bookbags within six months I was done with it!! This is an amazing bookbag. It is sturdy for the abuse my little one is going to give it. The straps are tough and padded and the inside of the bag is padded also. The colors are vibrant and beautiful and the reflective strip is a nice touch. I know some compained there was no other pocket for water bottles. However since there are three outer pockets, I am going against the others and saying I am fine with that. I have no problems with finding a place for the bottle. This is an amazing purchase and worth every penny it costs.
