Backpack questions for back to school

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I've gotten Jansport backpacks for school, one about every 2-3 years...not because they were broken, but because I begged my mom for a new one!

I would definitely recommend them...just like others, I believe they have a lifetime (or pretty long) warranty.

I also liked them because we would go to department stores before school started, and we could see them all in person and try them on to make sure they fit/ were comfortable!

I'm in college, and I still have my Jansport from 5th grade

 

[themooch]

We love LL Bean! My son got a backpack when he started kindergarten in 2001. He is using the same backpack for summer camp currently. It is in great shape although a bit on the dirty side. It has also made tons of trips to WDW! But, since he is going into 5th grade this Fall, I agreed that he could pick out a new one from LL Bean. My daughter has had hers from LL Bean since she was 4 years old for day care, preschool, and now she is in first grade. She had the smaller one and now needs a larger size. It still looks new. I think you get what you pay for as far as backpacks go. Mine have begged for the character ones which I would reluctantly buy and they would never last 6 months.

Anna

 

[mskani]

I totally agree DO NOT BUY THE CRAPPY BACKPACKS FROM WALMART!!

I bought bags for my kids last year, and I swear before Christmastime, both of packs had holes in them! I made the decision to get good bags this year and told both of my kids (10 and 8) to pick a color that you can live with for the next 8 and 10 years, respectively!

I appreciate all of the comments about LL Bean and Land's End. I have both catalogs and I am trying to decide which one to go with. It appears (so far) that most people on this site prefer LL Bean.

I am considering the Land's End Classmate and the LL Bean Original. The LE is slightly larger and has a water bottle pocket on the side. The LLB has the reflective material on the back. The LE is $5 more. Other than that, they are pretty much similar and both can be personalized.

 

[pjlla]

My kids want a new character or color or style most years, so I have never tried to invest in a "good" one. As long as it lasts one school year, I am happy! That said, DD did get a little more than two full school years out of her Old Navy backpack. Zippers intact, no fabric tears... but she wants a new style this fall. ................P

 

[kaysmommie]

The Land's end ones look nice and sturdy. Though DD wanted the Tinkerbell one from DS with the wheels on it and matching lunchbox for $35. So far we buy one every year. Next year we might get one from Land end. The Disney one is so big for her IMO.

 

[mom2my3kids]

My oldest two I purchased Jansport, my youngest is starting preschool this fall and I bought a lightning maquine from cars backpack.

 

[gymnasticscoach TX]

Can you believe that our school district has made it mandatory for all students to carry only clear or mesh backpacks! (Texas) I am against this because the backpacks are not going to hold up to the demands of a highschooler. And my younger child is disapointed because she looks forward to buying a new colorful, or character backpack each year. If anyone has had good luck with these types, I love to hear something positive. If we could have it our way, we would pick Jansport.

 

[rparmfamily]

I ordered my DD5 a Jr backpack from LL bean. It was $19, plus I used the free shipping code someone posted here and I'm in Florida so it was tax-free. WHOO HOOO!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I bought a $35 MUDD brand backpack for $18 on sale at Kohls.

Never again.

At the end of the first month, the inside divider was ripped and DD didn't have much in it at all. NOthing heavy. Two books max.

 

[sandiegosusie]

I love Jansport back packs!! I just bought my daughter one at Costco for $15. I checked ebags and the same one was $25+. My big boys, college Sophmore, uses Jansport as does my H.S. Junior. I have the mini that I use as a purse sometimes...at least for Disney!

 

[macfamily]

I'm sorry if this has been mentioned already; I didn't read the whole thread. But my daughter has an LL Bean backpack (We're in Maine, of course she does! ) and the nice thing about 'em is that if they get ripped, zipper broken, strap broken, LL Bean will always replace 'em for you at no charge. With a BRAND new one. Gotta love it!

And they have some really cute ones out now, funky designs and whatnot

 

[Zoemakes5]

Can you believe that our school district has made it mandatory for all students to carry only clear or mesh backpacks! (Texas) I am against this because the backpacks are not going to hold up to the demands of a highschooler.

I can somewhat understand the clear or mesh to prevent unlawful items being brought into school, but really makes you wonder what the teenage girls are going to do for personal items?! I would have been SOOOOO embarrased at that age if it would have been visible to the world!

 

[Tiggerific711]

I think Jansport is the way to go. I used to buy my DD11 inexpensive ones from Walmart or Target and she contantly destroyed them. One year she went through 4 backpacks. For 5th grade I finally bought her a Jansport and she got 5th and 6th grades out of it. It's still in good shape but I'll get her a new one this year because she doesn't want a pink backpack anymore (but it's going to Disney in October). My DS5 went though 2 backpacks this year even though he only brought home some papers and a library book occassionaly. I plan on getting him a Jansport this year too.