I bought this backpack for our daughter 2 years ago when she first entered middle school. She loves to read so her backpack is always stuffed and very very heavy! Up and down the bus and around campus she lugged this thing day and day out and after two years it's still in excellent shape! As with her first Backpack the Critter. In fact we still have the Critter backpack that she used for 3.5 yrs and now as her carry on when we travel. Our older girl is trying to figure out how to convince us to buy her the solid color this year when her patterned backpack is still in excellent condition. Apparently when you're in the 8th grade you only carry solid colored bags!
This is a great backpack, and based on our other LL Bean backpacks and lunch boxes, I know it will last almost forever and continue to look good. I have one suggestion-- a mesh pocket or loop for a water bottle would be a great addition. I added a carobiner and water bottle with a ring to attach to the handle to take care of this, but would like a pocket and then I would have given 5 stars
I purchased this backpack to replace a "cheapie" that my daughter was using for summer camp which had fallen apart. She is only 6 and going into the 1st grade, but after reading the reviews of how "indestructible" this pack is and how it has lasted for YEARS even with boys who are allegedly really rough on their packs, I thought this would be a no brainer. After <2 weeks of use by a 6-YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL, the corners of the pack are worn and holes are starting to form and the fabric color has "worn" from areas that rub against things on the front of the pack. I also understand that the hardwear on a rolling pack would add weight, but I have a carry-on suitcase that I use for business travel that is lighter than this! Unless the user is dainty and exceptionally light on their things - DO NOT GET THIS BAG... it is NOT worth the money. I can't imagine putting a load of textbooks in this bag if it can hardly handle a pool towel and lunch bag!! I am returning it - and the matching lunchbag, which is also showing obvious wear in the same period of time.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, rolling book pack deluxe
This was the second LL Bean pack I bought for my daughter through no fault of LL Bean. The first one was a regular back pack and the second a rollling one. I bought the rolling one because her middle school books were too heavy for her to carry walking to and from school. Both packs are very durable and require just a little bit of washing at the end of the school year.
I have 2 changes I would suggest to LL Bean is to go back to the solid reflective tape on the back of her regular one it rips a little because of the texture.
Also, a little more padding on the back portion of the rolling one for when they have to carry it on their backs.
I hope they continue to last through middle and high school. : )
