When we first got the book packs, I thought they were great. (I bought 2.) We are in our second week of school, and will return them this weekend. My kids are sad, but, the zipper is a problem. The zippers have an overlapping piece of fabric. I'm sure it's there to keep rain from seeping through the zipper. But, it gets caught in the zipper. We now have one that we can't get out of the zipper, and the compartment is permanently sealed half-way shut. I know it is not because my 3rd grade daughter zips it wrong. I have a rain coat from LLBean, with a similar problem. There is an overlap of fabric, and it constantly gets caught in my zipper. I should have returned that years ago, but kept thinking I could figure out a way to always zip it without it catching. Alas, it never fails to catch, and it takes me a LONG time to release it. I can't release the book pack fabric. It's thick, and tightly jammed in the zipper. I'm returning both, because I think this is a serious design flaw, and I refuse to struggle with this all year. I certainly don't want my kids upset at school, when they can't get to their homework.
I use this for my work laptop, purse, and other gear. I'm 5' and the handle, smooth wheels, and size are perfect with plenty of roomy divided storage areas. The black plaid is a bit stylish but not too flashy for business use. The overall size is a perfect fit for my daily commuter train ride.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, maneuverable
We bought this bag for a seventh grader with a demanding courseload. Her previous backpack held everything, but left her in danger of being blown over by the slightest breeze. This rolling pack is easy to manage and still has room for all her supplies. I feel much better knowing she won't perish in a tragic textbook avalanche.
I saw this backpack on line and kept reading the reviews and finally decided that this would be an excellent purchase. His backpack just arrived today and had a great deal of space and we tried rolling it around in the house and it was perfect. I only wish that it had a snap to attach a lunchbox or waterbottle....well school starts on the 7th hopefully we will be lifelong LLBean Customers!
