Backpack recommendations please

[TenThousandVolts]

I want something STURDY please. My kids (middle-school) have SO MANY books. I would like to keep it under $40 each. I was looking at LLBean- but am wondering if they are good or if I should look elsewhere.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

You can't go wrong with LLBean. Yes, they are pricey but will last forever. (I still have mine from HS and, well, that was many years ago )

If you have an LLB outlet near you, they often carry mismonogrammed bags for a bit less. They also have sales online, but not likely this time of the year...

 

[unionville]

LL Bean bookbags are the best. I had one that lasted 4 years of high school AND 4 years of college AND several years of graduate classes. We have two other LL Bean bookbags that we purchased just for travel. They are great! I'm a high school teacher and see lots and lots of LL Bean bags.

 

[Jeanne B]

And one great thing about LLBean is that they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so if the bags rips, zipper falls off, etc, etc, they'll refund your money in full (or give you store credit if you don't have the receipt).

DD15 has had her most recent LLBean backpack going on 4 years now and the only reason we replaced her old LLBean bag was because she really liked the messenger style bag but she still uses her old one on occasion.

 

[englishteacha]

LL Bean! My parents bought me discount backpacks, and they always fell apart. The upfront cost for an LL Bean bag was too high, though, so we kept getting the $5 ones. If you can spend the money on an LL Bean bag now, they'll have it for several years. Be clear with your kids that this bag will be their school bag for a while, and tell them not to write on it or anything like that, and if they do, they're stuck with it! Here in Maine you can often get an LL Bean bag at Goodwill, as Bean's donates their returned bags there. They have no guarantee like the new ones do, but they are very good quality all the same.

My DH has an LL Bean bag that went through 4 years of college, a semester abroad, and every vacation we've ever taken as a married couple. It's 9 years old and in great shape. I bought an LL Bean backpack at a yard sale this year and LOVE it. It's comfy to carry and really rugged.

 

[JimmyJr'sMom]

Bought PBK backpack last year for my son, the bag was HUGE- think Moon Pack, it was stiff -hard canvas and the pockets were really not functional.
This year we went with Deluxe LL Bean. It's sturdy but soft- like a rip stop fabric and a great size. Very IMPRESSED.

PS- sign up for the catalog and look at online coupon sites, I got free shipping and like 15% off- I think.

On another note- my husband and I have used the same Jansport red backpack every year at Disney since our honeymoon in 2000. I haven't been able to find another one like it, though. It has a really SAFE and useful right at the top zipper pocket for $$$, wallet, keys, etc. No one could access the pocket from behind us because they would almost be in my hair.

Now all the high up near the top pockets are super small for portable music players only.AARRGGHH.

 

[surfergirl602]

LL BEAN

LL BEAN

LL BEAN

LL BEAN
!!!!


I still have mine from freshman year!!! use it every day!! 15 years old!

 

[disney808]

North Face all the way... I've had mine since 7th grade! and its still going strong for my last year of college

 

[hildarumpole]

LL Bean packs may cost a little more, but they stand up to a lot of abuse and last forever. My DS14 has one that he's used since 1st grade and it's in great shape. We only bought a new one this year for high school, because he needs something larger.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Be clear with your kids that this bag will be their school bag for a while, and tell them not to write on it or anything like that, and if they do, they're stuck with it!

Great point- If your kids are used to getting a new one each year, be upfront with them that this is it for several years! Let them accessorize with key chains if they want. Easily changed when they are into something else next year.

I had a regular LLB backpack as a diaper bag for DD. She used it after for preschool and kindergarten, but did successfully lobby for a new one for first grade since she pointed out she hadn't chosen the color herself
(I still use it though, 2 years later. Was our WDW bag this year...)


And I'm glad a few non-Maineacs chimed it. Of course, LLB brainwashes all of us locally.

 

[surfergirl602]

And I'm glad a few non-Maineacs chimed it. Of course, LLB brainwashes all of us locally.

Absolutely. I remember doing the annual trip to Beans growing up as a kid. I still have my down vests from hard winters.... really don't have a need for them now in NY where the winters aren't as bad as back home on the coast, but I still wear them every now and then. Soooo comfy!

 

[MEM]

Another LL Bean backpacker here! And don't forget that they machine-wash beautifully (cold, gentle cycle) and air dry. DD12's still looks new after 2 years of abuse.

 

[IndayMichelle]

Dakine!

Guy's packs
Girl's packs

They have backpacks starting at $30 all the way to $90. I doubt they need a $90 bag unless they're going on a heli-skiing trip. But these are great! They have a lifetime guarantee and they LOOK awesome! There are so many styles and prints. VERY popular among teenagers. I bought my little brother one when he started high school and he got a lot of compliments on it. I have been using mine for 4 years and it's as good as new.

I also have two smaller ones that I've used at DLR and other theme parks. I'll definitely be using one of the mini ones for my upcoming trip.

They have them at Zumiez and other skate shops, but you can find them all over the internet too.

 

[mousetravel]

Go with LL Bean!! Every year by the time Christmas vacation comes, I'm having to search all over town for a book bag because the cheap ones I bought would always be damaged or worn out. So When my DD started middle school, I purchased a LL Bean one. It has been perfect and she will be using it again this year!!

 

[Jeanne B]

And I'm glad a few non-Maineacs chimed it. Of course, LLB brainwashes all of us locally.

I've been brainwashed?? Really??

 

[Aliceacc]

LLBean or Land's End.

Land's End is indestructable!!!

 

[FunkyDuck]

I just purchased a Jansport for DD and a North Face for DS. I'm hoping to get a few years out of these...I hope so. Fingers crossed.

 

[Melmac]

Another brand that I really like (aside from North Face and LLBean, both of which I own and are great) is Mountain Equipment Co-op (mec.ca). OP, not sure where you are from - it is a Canadian outfitting company that has excellent quality bags. I bought a backpack in high school and 12 years later, it still looks new! I have several messenger bags, duffels and a hiking pack from there too. I would highly recommend them but I don't know their policy about shipping to the US (or if you wanted to buy online).

 

[Coll0610]

Lands End. DS is ready to start his third year with his backpack and it still looks great. He used to go through a couple bags a year.

 

[heartsy77]

LLBean or Land's End.

Land's End is indestructable!!!

I agree!