I love LL Bean backpacks. I am sure the quality of this one is great but I sent it back without using it because the color combinations are horrible! The print is beautiful...purples and blues...but the zippers and straps are camo green! And the monogramming is hot pink! All together it just looked ghastly. What a disappointment...
I have purchased this backpack twice for my daughter, once the junior version for Kindergarten and now this version for First grade. Within a month of starting to use this backpack, the top loop strap started to fray and pull out from the seam where it attaches to the pack. LL Bean replaced it free, which I appreciated.
Now, the replacement pack has started to have the same problem a year later. The LL Bean customer service agent was very nice and replaced it, but warned me that the loop is "not meant for hanging the pack from a hook" and that if this is done when the pack is heavy with books, the loop may pull out. She said it was only intended for children to use for grabbing the pack to carry it by the loop.
I didn't see any information on this site recommending against using the top loop as a hanging loop, and I would venture that most parents would assume the loop was for hanging (inside a locker, in a cubby, etc.) If the loop isn't intended for hanging, it should clearly state that on the website so parents are aware of what the loop strap can handle. And really, if the kids are carrying it by the loop, that's just as much weight as if it were hanging on a hook. So this seam needs to be reinforced better.
A bit disappointed with the quality of the strap but otherwise the pack itself and LL Bean customer service have been great! Let's see if pack # 3 is the charm!
I bought this book pack for my daughter when she just turned 4, she is now 6 (getting ready to turn 7 in 2 months). This book pack looks just as good as the day it was bought. It gets a little dirty I just spray it with shout and put it in the wash on delicate. One of the absolute best investments I have ever made. The only drawback is she will run out of room before the book pack actually wears out. Highly recommend this to anyone, no doubt in my mind you will be impressed, just as I am. Thanks again for making an excellent and extremely durable product.......you people continue to impress!!
