I just received my bag and absolutely love it! I was a little nervous that it was going to be too small for me, in which case I would pass it on to one of my kids and get another, bigger one, but this one seems to be the perfect size for a mom going back to college!!
The year was 1983 and I was 14. My family was preparing to spend the summer in Sun Valley, Idaho where I was going to figure skate and the rest of my family would indulge in all the other great activities Sun Valley had to offer. > >My mom bought me an LL Bean backpack to take back and forth to the rink. Little did she know that the backpack would not only accompany me for the summer, but it would continue to accompany me for over the next 25 years. My backpack carried my books, and whatever else, through high school, under-grad, law school, and finally, the bar exam... 25 years later. Thank you LL Bean for more than a quarter century of dependability.
I bought this bookbag to use for college. I wanted a bag that was roomy enough to hold my books and materials, but I was a little unsure whether I should buy the Original or Deluxe. The customer reviews varied from saying the bag is too small for even grade school materials to being an appropriate size for heavier workloads. I ended up choosing the Original because it was cheaper.
In my opinion, this bookbag is good for moderate workloads. As a college student, I am currently carrying two full-sized textbooks, a zip-around trapper keeper, a couple of notebooks and folders, pencil case, and various items like a stapler and snacks, all with room to spare. I would recommend going with the Deluxe if you plan to carry 4 or more full-sized textbooks at any given time. This bag is certainly roomy enough for elementary or middle school.
The quality is outstanding - no sign of wear and tear or discoloration (I chose lime green, looks very vibrant). The zipper has yet to get caught in the fabric, but I do fold the flap back when zipping or unzipping. I chose not to monogram my bag. I can see this bag lasting a long time. My three young daughters like my bag so much that I've promised to buy them all LL Bean bags next year. It is absolutely worth the price, and is a much, much better quality material than the kids' department store bags that rarely make it through the school year. I highly recommend LL Bean bags - just make sure you take your workload into consideration when choosing the size you need!
This is the best backpack I have ever owned. I purchased the Royal Blue and had my initials monogrammed on it. Everyone on campus likes my backpack and I receive a ton of compliments on it, as well. L.L. Bean makes great quality products for LIFE! Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!
