we bought our 8 year old this replacement backpack for the little critters one she has used for the last 5 years and she loves it!!! she had just turned 3 and was starting pre-school and we got her the little critter backpack and now that she is a 2nd grader, it just wasn't roomy enough, and this one is perfect!!!
My first grader was very excited to receive his new bookbag! It is a little bit big for him, but I am sure he'll grow into it and use it throughout elementary school! It looks great (and the fact that there are no cartoon critters on it is a big plus!) and for the bag to still look new three weeks into the school year is great - especially as it is dragged around a lot! I can tell it can withstand some boy wear and tear! We did have a problem with the zipper... It was constantly getting stuck on the fabric "strip" that "covers" the zipper area, resulting in some head aches while trying to unstick the zipper. Unfortunately after a handful of stuck zippers, one of the zippers ultimately broke. My younger son's junior-sized bag is functioning fine! Thankfully, L.L Bean has FANTASTIC customer service and another one will be arriving soon.
I actually purchased this backpack used for my first grader, not realizing what a bargain it was for how well it has endured. It looked brand new then, and after a year of abuse on the school bus and in her cubby it still looks new. I highly reccomend this product for its durability and good looks. She loves her backpack and is carrying it again this year and has plenty of room for more homework. I will definitely purchase a new one for each of my other girls when they begin school. Thanks L.L. Bean for a great product that withstands the hard knocks only a child can put it through.
