I purchased this book bag for my daughter in the fall of 2007 to replace one from a local chain store that lasted a month. Well into it's second year, it still looks and functions like new even though my daughter manages to destroy everything else in her path. I woudn't think of buying any other brand.
I bought this book bag/backpack for my son the summer before he entered first grade. He is STILL using it and he is now mid-year through 6th Grade!
I lead a walking school bus for my school district. There are about 25 kids in my group. I've been doing this for several years now and have observed legions of kids and their backpacks. Most packs last about 6 months with normal everyday school use. A backpack which last one year is a good pack. Even "fancy" packs made by big name brands rarely last for an entire school year.
Will's Bean pack is just now beginning to show signs of age (the strap lining is wearing through showing the stuffing underneath). The pack has been dragged through every weather condition imaginable on a daily basis, it's been washed at least 10x, it's gone on plane trips, it's gone to camp, it's gone on boy scout weekend campouts. I cannot believe this thing is still functional, let alone in good shape. I cannot recommend it enough for quality, comfort and usefulness. It is WELL worth the money!
Two tips: -if the waterproofing seems to fade, spray it with a fabric weatherproofing spray. -choose a style that's not too babyish! Your kid can use this thing for years, so don't saddle them with cutesy nickname monograms or little animal embroidery that's going to get them tormented in middle school!
I bought this bag for my daughter for kindergarten. It fits all her school items, including the big 'kanga pouch' her school requires all students to carry. The small canvas "loop" tore off right away, which was disappointing. I didn't bother to return it because to send it from Canada is expensive. Other than the defective item, I'm happy with the bag.
This is PLENTY big for my first grader, she could use it for a couple years. We have so many LL Bean backpacks and the quality is so great...they last a long time.
