I have never before written an item review, but this pack is so defective that I hope LLBean takes notice and does something about it! One month after buying this pack for my son, we had to send it back for a replacement because the bottom of one shoulder strap completely ripped so he could no longer use it as a backpack. And for the replacement, the VERY SAME THING happened, only 3 weeks after having it! He's only 6 yrs old, doesn't abuse it or carry much weight at all in it. Being that I end up carrying it for him to and from the bus, I'd say that it's used less often by him and more by me, and I'm not using it wrong! It's a totally expensive pack, and not worth the $ nor the headache in having to return it.
I bought this for my 7-yr old son for his school. By the end of the first semester the wheel had fallen off. Other than the wheels being a disappointment for the amount you spend, the quality of workmanship on the materials is far above anything I have purchased in the past for my children or myself.
We have three of these packs and use them for carry on bags when we travel. The kids are able to pull them through the airport without any help from mom and dad. They are VERY sturdy and stand up to getting trampled on and smushed when stored under the airplane seats. They have easy access for the kids to get out their games and iPods. They hold a lot, but aren't too cumbersome. Rolling packs get a lot of abuse and I HIGHLY recommend this one! The wheels are cool too! I'd give it more stars if I could.
My 6 year old loves this backpack - especially the light up wheels. However, it is pretty heavy on its own and his school has made a policy that disallows students rolling their packs because other children trip over them. In addition, about half way through the school year, we had to send the original one back and get a replacement when one of the connectors for the back straps broke. I think I will be looking for one that doesn't roll for next year.
