First, EXCELLENT ROLLERS - SMOOTH!! This seems to be as good quality a backpack as the "Jr" size my daughter used for kindergarten & 1st grade (except even I have trouble with the zipper on this one). This bag's just waaaay to heavy for my 2nd grader to lift up onto the bus - and it's only got one book and one folder in it (no lunch, notebooks, etc.). Even her 5th grade friend said she wouldn't be able to lug this backpack. Unfortunately, we'll have to save this one for later years. We did like the "Jr." alot and it is in super shape for 2 years old (just a bit too small to fit this year's books) so we've ordered the non-rolling "Critter Pack" which is slightly bigger and has a water bottle holder on the side we'll love. p.s. LLBean, WHY DON'T YOU ADD A WATER BOTTLE HOLDER TO THE REST OF YOUR BACKPACK LINE?
I've had the same dark blue LL Beane backpack for 20 + years, so I bought my 7 yr old this one, last year ( I didn't want to waste money buying her for a younger age when I knew it would last a long time). I let her choose the lime green color, figuring it was a mistake because it would show the dirt, but it doesn't. She's used it for travel, (which we do quite a bit), and for school. She is able to wheel through airports carrying her own luggage. It looks like it's a week old, not a year. Dirt doesn't seem to stick to it. It's indestructable and neat. I don't plan on buying her another backpack until high school, when the rolling device will be too short for her, and we can pass this to someone else. I just bought my kindergartener one, and I'll by my infant one as soon as he can walk.
We buy a LLBean bookbag each school year. They last all year and could go longer, but tradition has us getting a new one each year. This one came in with a defective handle, replacement shipped right way and should receive in about 7 days. Hopefully this one will be ok.
I highly recommend the LL Bean brand of backpacks. I bought this rolling one, along with the non-rolling type. Prior to buying the LL Bean roller I had bought three other rollers for my two boys in elementary school. Two of the rollers had broken straps within the first month and the third was so heavy and cumbersome we found it impossible to use on a regular basis. We're now entering our second year with the LL Bean rolling backpack and fourth year with the non-roller. These packs are used year round by my family and serve as our carry-ons when we travel. They still have not shown any wear. They are worth every penney! Thanks LL Bean for truly making a quality product.
