I bought this backpack for my 7 year old daughter. After struggling with a cheaper, smaller rolling backpack all last year, I went ahead and purchased this bag. I'm so glad that I did! Most importantly, it's big and roomy. It can easily fit her lunch bag, extra shoes, sweater - and yes, her homework too! No more struggling to get everything to fit. The zipper covers aren't a problem for us and my daughter loves all the pockets. I love how sturdy it feels - no wobbly wheels and no dragging shoulder straps (they fit nicely in their pouch without dragging from below). My daughter can easily use the extention handle, and while it's a big bag, she has no trouble carrying it in and out of the van/house. Definately worth the money!
I bought this backpack for my sixth grader who recently started switching classrooms and a regular one was too heavy on his back. I love the way everything fits, all the pockets help minimize the mess and the rolling wheels are a "smooth ride". Definitely a great product and a great buy.
I ordered the rolling deluxe bookbag for my son. He normally uses the shoulder straps rather than rolling it. He has used it for 6 weeks and the shoulder strap is only hanging by a thread. I have purchased a L.L. Bean bookbag in the past and had good luck with it. My sons books are really heavy and this just hasn't held up. I wouldn't recommend the rolling version if your planning on using the shoulder straps.
Every year I have to buy my daughter a backpack. By the end of the school year, they take such a beating they look awful, seams separate, straps fray or fall off... I finally got the nerve to spend the 'big bucks' on a rolling pack from LL Bean. And guess what??? We're on our 3rd yr with the same pack and it still looks and works great. Ultimately we have saved money by buying quality.
