I am a longtime customer and a first time reviewer - I just received the original book pack for my 7yr old. I can't believe that it doesn't have drink holders on the side! Other name brand bags both do and it is a feature we can't live without. Also doesn't have an ipod pocket (something my son wants even though he doesn't have an ipod and wont' for some time!) I also don't think the straps are as comfortable as his last bag and that will be an issue when the heavy books are included. Unfortunatley I got it monnogramed so there is no returning it.
I first bought two of these in about 1995, after tiring of buying 2-3 packs a year for each of my two kids. They used them for about 8 years until graduating. I have since bought one for each of my two younger kids - going straight to quality this time! They each used them for 5 or more years before moving to a messenger bag this year. Three roughneck boys and a tomboy, and after all these years of daily school use all the packs are still in usable condition. Even all the zippers still work! If they start looking grimy, run them through washing machine, hang to dry, and they are nearly as good as new. This is the best value you will find in a school supply.
I purchased this bag for my son last year after his Kindergarten bag wore out. It held up so well and still looked near new at the end of the year. I though, didn't read the care instructions and washed this bag in a front loading washing machine. We now have a small section that melted on it. I can say that as much as I love this bag, my only wish is that it was washable. I think i am going to order a replacement for my son.
Backpacks after nearly 6 years of use. Still works great
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected
I ordered two of these backpacks for my elementary aged children over 5 years ago. This was the best investment I made! The zippers continue to work beautifully despite 5 years of constant use. The canvas still looks great despite being dragged around on bus floors and stuffed in dirty rough cubbies. I recently upgraded the children to bigger bags as they are going to need the room for their next adventures of middle school. I have been very pleased with LLBean products. My children tend to be pretty rough on backpacks and this one held up to them for the past 5 years and the bags still have plenty of life left to go!
