I was in need of a quality made rolling backpack because I am attending nursing school. I can no longer carry a regular backpack. After reading nursingstudent2012 review (also a fellow nursing student), I decided to purchase this backpack. I am not disappointed. I do feel like I am traveling to the airport wheeling this to class, but I am saving my back and preventing a torn ligament in my arm trying to carry these hideously heavy books using a regular backpack. The only downside is that I WISH there was an outside side pocket for a water bottle like the Deluxe Book Backpack.
I wouldn't recommend this bag to a college student. It doesn't have enough room for more than 1 heavy book and a 2" 3-ring binder. Also the back straps don't fit well inside the back pocket. If you're getting this monogrammed be aware the letters are only 3/4" which is pretty small. The only good thing about this bag is quality of the material, and it has a few small pockets to keep items like pens, pencils, and a cell phone. It also has a special pocket to hold an mp3 player and a little hole for the headphones to go through if you want to wear your headphones while carrying the bag. In closing, I would suggest L.L. Bean make this bag in a larger size. The two sizes they have are designed for grade school students. Also it would be nice to have pockets on the sides to hold a water bottle.
We have always loved Bean's backpacks and thought the wheels would be a great addition since my daughter would be taking it to the airport. I have nothing negative to say about the pack, just be aware that with the wheels & bar this is no longer a "backpack". Now that she's going to college, we have to purchase another backpack that she can actually carry (LLBean of course!). I just wish I had thought it through more.
