I bought 2 rolling critter packs last August for my 2nd grader and Kindergartener (boys). I was tired of replacing my older sons backpack half way through the school year so I decided to spend more for better quality. It is now the end of the school year and both look almost brand new and the kids will use them for the upcoming school year! These packs are very well made and durable! We also have the matching lunch boxes and they have also worn well and we will be able to use them for a second year! Definitely worth the money.
There's a big problem with the straps on this pack. Even though you can tuck them into the pocket while rolling the pack, they still flop out. The straps on my son's pack started to wear less than a month after he got it and finally broke this week. However, LL Bean is an awesome company and let me exchange it for another without additional cost. I wouldn't recommend this pack, but I'd always recommend shopping at LL Bean!
My grandson, who's 7, has been using this backpack since last September, and he just loves it!! He has the tarantula embroidered on it. It's very durable, but he won't be putting it on his back, because it would be too heavy. It rolls wonderfully. It's got lots of zippers, and lots of room. But the best thing, are the wheels that light up when they move. A great buy!!
We loved this bag for the 1st 1l2year, then realized that the straps literally wore off the bag because we didn't tuck them into the provided pouch. Good the pouch is there, but for those of us who are pouch-challenged, they need to be EMPHASIZED to be used when the straps are not. Sooo...if you plan on only rolling, tuck in the straps, because you will be disappointed when you change your mind and CAN'T use the straps. Also, one of the wheels' lights went out in year 2. The pack gets a bit jerky when you are walking fast. Overall--he enjoyed it, looked COOL, and most of the bag stood up well.
