This is a impressive rolling backpack. Having previously used several other brands over the years, I can attest to the high quality of this product. I cannot find a single mechanical fault.
My only issue is that the telescoping handle is too short; it is about four inches shorter than those of other brands. I am only 5'7" with my shoes on but I really must stoop and adjust my stride to use this item. My first week of use, I found my heels continually kicking and turning over the bag. Finally, I found a way to successfully pull the bag off to my side, rather than directly behind me, holding only the nearest end of the T handle, while shortening my stride.
After about six weeks of use, I have finally given it up. I'm suffering back pain. If I cannot find a way to extend the telescoping handle, I'm going to sell or give the bag away.
This item is advertised for ages ten and up. I am the same height I was at age eleven. Many, many eleven year olds are my height or taller. Given this, the bag needs a regular-sized telescoping handle.
I bought this for my 11 year old grandson and he fell in love with it. However when he measured hiss locker at school he discovered that no way would it fit inside. He was so disappointed. Now I'm searching for one that will fit and sadly will have to return this super well made and comfortable rolling backpack.
This is the exact same design of rolling backpack (except for the absence of water bottle holder) as the one I threw away about seven years ago, with the same advantages (durability), but also the same problems -- i.e. it is much too heavy and too expensive! Too heavy when it's empty to lift up and downstairs as I have to do, just to get it out of the house or into the trunk of the car, and WAY too heavy when it's loaded. Something that requires as much energy to lift in short spurts as a shoulder bag with the weight more evenly distributed requires over the long haul isn't worth it to me -- the annoyance of having to lift this heavy weight up and down steps and curbs and in and out of the car and take a circuitous walk to school to try to avoid as many of those steps and curbs as possible, plus the noise it makes, all outweigh its advantages for me. The frame needs to be much lighter. Plus, it's extremely expensive!
I purchased this for my son when he started 4th grade, as the homework load increased-so did the weight of what he was bringing home. This is our 5th year using the SAME book bag - it is great! He just began 8th grade and it is still accommodating all of his his work, lunch, drink bottles, calculator, etc. I bought a 2nd for child number 2 and he is on his 3rd year w/ it and am getting ready to buy a 3rd one for my daughter. They are built to last, durable, the adjustable handle makes it easy for them to navigate, zippers have never broken and it carries everything they need! Highly recommend!
