The book bag is huge. I currently have two one-inch binders, four notebooks, two folders, three text books, three paperbacks, a pen case, and a planner in it with room to spare. The back pack straps come off easily and tuck away into the back of the pack so that they won't be ran over by the wheels. The handle is comfortable to hold and doesn't go down without pressing the button. The monogram looks beautiful and the color (Ice Blue) is very vibrant. The only problem is that if you want the monogram in the correct order (first initial, middle initial, and last initial) you have to put the middle and last initial in backwards with the "Flare" monogram. I wanted mine in order (INT), so I put in I for first, T for middle, and N for last and it came out perfect! I love the reflective stripe on the front, I'll be going to a University in two weeks and walking around campus with this bag will make things much easier.
The only problem I had is that the pack was shipped UPS. It came in within a week, but the box was dented (the bag was fine) and delivered at 6:00 p.m., which is rather late.
Overall this pack is amazing and I can't wait to start using it!
The bag held up pretty well through 4th grade. Only thing that needed to be replaced is the straps with the hook so it can be attached to the bag to be worn on the back. The bag is it gets pretty dirty especially during the winter with all the snow and mud,and when things get spilled on or in it. The unfrtunate part is there's no real way to was it. Unless you use laundry detergent and a hose or the shower. The other drawback is since she is going to a school within walking distance this year with it's base weight of 5lbs, I don't see how a 10 year old 5th grader will be able to carry that plus books etc comfortably on a bike. Even though I told her she wasn't getting a new one until the start of Jr High when I ordered it last year,I am ordering her a regular deluxe backpack so she can ride to school when the weather permits. It is a great bag though. Her figure skating coach uses the rolling bag for her rink bag and her skate team uses and abuses the regular deluxe bag as a mandatory bag for all team competitions.
Traveler here. The size is right. The wheels needed and appreciated. The handle is too short for anyone over 5'4". The straps do tuck in but if you travel like it do--roller to through the airport and then on the shoulders for boarding because of the tight squeeze in economy--you'll want to get the straps out sooner. Water bottle compartment would be okay, but more importantly little zip compartments for small items (hand sanitizer, dental floss, a small comb) would be very helpful--you know how it is in an airport. LL Bean should know that what we adults want is to come way under the flight size requirements--largest size computer s/b a netbook,w/ power cord, charger, crushable clothes, mini-bottles have to fit in and come out easily. I should be able to travel to India for two weeks with this bag. As a scholar, I will bring one dictionary and digitize all other sources. Will try this later in the fall. I'm 5' 3 3/4"; the handle just makes it. Any shorter and I'd have sent it back.
