Positive: The backpack is very sturdy and attractive. The handle works well and the idea is great.
Negative: It is too wide and stiff (due to the hard board in the back) for my daughter (who is 6 years old and only 42 lbs) to get on the bus and fit down the aisle so she can't use it. She also struggled to get the straps tucked in and they got stuck in the wheels and frayed (almost all the way through). It is really expensive.
The wheels were smooth and I purchased the bag with the guarantee that L.L. Bean is famous for, which is what gained it the 3 stars that I am allowing in this review.
However, L.L. Bean could seriously rethink who they have as a designer or engineer of sorts for this bag line.
The straps have to be unhooked and tucked into a pocket every time you decide to use the rolling feature. A more user friendly design would have a mechanism where you could clip the straps up or back, quickly and smoothly, to transition from carrying it on your back to rolling. Nobody has time to bend down and unhook straps and stick them in a pocket, then get them back out and rehook them, especially if you're a business person or student on the go.
The lack of a water bottle pocket was disappointing.
There is also the zipper flap/cover. The hard structure of the bag that extends to the zipper at the top (for the main compartment) prevents that flap from being folded backward. Therefore, every time you try to zip the bag closed, the flap gets caught in the zipper on both sides unless you really turn an angle to it. It's similar to how the zipper flap gets caught on jackets.
The number of pockets/compartments on the front of the bag was moderate, but nothing special. Two slots to hold pens or pencils and a few small pockets.
On a positive (SIDE) note, my husband has had his L.L. Bean Messenger bag for over 15 years. It hasn't messed up hardly at all, and the quality is great. He has carried it every day.
This is an amazingly sturdy backpack, especially for boys. I ordered one 3 years ago for my now 12 year old and he has put it through a lot lugging tons of books around and going up and down stairs.
He picked the Green camouflage pattern. It was a cool pattern because its one that boys always want. The bad thing was when I needed to return it to exchange it due to a small tear, they discontinued the green camouflage. So I have not returned it for repairs :( - which is another awesome perk because they have a lifetime guarantee!! I cannot believe they discontinued such a common and popular color!! They added an orange camo style - which I purchased for my 8 year old, but I really really hope they bring back the green camo so I can order another one!!! BRING IT BACK PLEASE!!!
Would definitely recommend product and exchanges and returns are always easy with this company!!!
I ordered this backpack after my tiny, petite 11-year old middle schooler complained of back pain after carrying her old backpack on her back. She was carrying 23# before a lunchbox & water bottle --- which was almost 30% of her body weight. Too heavy! This was the best backpack with the best reviews that I could find. She is using it and loving it. The only issue we note is there isn't a pocket for a water bottle. I don't know if this is a airline carry on luggage width issue, but after 7 years of having a pocket for a water bottle, it is missed! We also wish for more color choices as we have more kiddos to buy this for if it truly ends up a winner! (Prefer dark colors that will hide dirt as these will get used greatly) Otherwise, it rolls great, she had no problems with the telescoping handle and she liked the color. We live in the snowy northern Wisconsin area, so I will be interested to see how this holds up in the icy and snow packed parking lots and sidewalks this winter.
