but still hasn't managed to break this backpack. No holes, frays or splits to report. Aside from the fact that it's pretty dirty and scuffed up, the bag is in good shape. Everything still zips and rolls as it should. It's still early in the school year though, so we'll see.
The wheels on this thing are great! They're smooth and durable, and they maneuver like buttah. I know this sounds crazy, but I saw a bunch of other kids at school taking turns and running around with it. Looked like they were running an obstacle course or using it as a wheelbarrow or something. My kid reports that everyone digs how well it rolls and steers.
I got lucky and got this backpack at a deep discount, so for me, this purchase represents an unbelievable value. I'm not sure if I'd buy it at regular price, though. The deciding factor here will be the bag's durability. If it makes it through the whole school year, it's absolutely worth full price and I will gladly buy another.
PS: The kid will be in fourth grade next year, and will definitely need the larger capacity model.
Just got this for my son entering the 3rd grade. It is the right size for him now but I imagine it may be too small for higher grades when he will have more books/binders to bring home. We were hoping to get the Critter Pack with the shark but it's no loger offered so this is the best next thing. Great for travel - just enough room for his carry-on items. The flap over the zipper is a little annoying but it will keep rain out so it's good to have. With the Bean guarantee, you can't go wrong if you buy it for younger users.
I chose this backpack for my 3rd grader & the rolling deluxe backpack for my 4th grader. By the time I packed a folder, lunch box & water bottle into this backpack, nothing else would fit! I will be returning this one for another rolling deluxe backpack! At 20% off, it's the way to go!! :)
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, best school backpack ever
We bought two of these for our kids last year, and for the first time, they have backpacks that were able to accompany them intact into the next grade. Not just intact, but in great shape!
Buying a new backpack had been a yearly thing for us, from kindergarten onward, but these survived third and fourth grades and just started a new school year for fourth and fifth grades.
These backpacks are tough, roll well, hold a lot of books, clean up easily, have strong handles, I just have zero negatives for them. The only thing my kids would change is my oldest would rather have purple than blue :-)
