Backpacks

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Today (mon 7/23) LLBean has the deluxe backpack in the Blue Wave Batik pattern for $14.99 as their deal of the day. Reg $40.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/510312

 

[momof3ds]

They are guaranteed so call the company directly. I have had the same thing happen with the water bottle holders. I called them and then ordered a backpack and when it arrived, I returned the old one and got a refund.
Check your school's policy on backpacks with wheels. Our school does not allow them.

Anywhere else folks go to shop for backpacks? My kids want backpacks with wheels and those are much harder to find (especially at a reasonable price).

For those who bought Lands End backpacks, how long do they usually last? Ours have gone through 2 school years and they are ready for the trash. The mesh water bottle holders ripped a long time ago (we stitched them up). I still don't get why the water bottle holders aren't made of sturdy nylon like the rest of the bag - sigh....ours ALWAYS rips - particularly on wheelies which are close to the ground and easier to snag. A zipper has gone and there are rips on the bottom. Still 2 yrs is GOOD. In the past we bought cheap character bags and they lasted about 6 months.

E

 

[libinatorsmom]

Check out Ebags! I just got a killer deal on a messager bag for my daughter! its a High Serria - Reg Price $70.00 Got it for $27.12 SHIPPED!!! So excited.

 

[elaine amj]

They are guaranteed so call the company directly. I have had the same thing happen with the water bottle holders. I called them and then ordered a backpack and when it arrived, I returned the old one and got a refund.
Check your school's policy on backpacks with wheels. Our school does not allow them.

Our school's fine with them - mny kids have used theirs for 2 years So even though I've used them for 2 years, I can call them and ask for replacement due to zipper issues and the mesh holders ripping? I would love that as I had really hoped the bags would last 3-4 years based on all the glowing reviews I had read. Overall, I was reasonably satisfied with them lasting 2 years though.

 

[momof3ds]

Yes, I got a replacement after a year. In fact, I got the new one and then returned the old one to sears with the packing slip from the new one to avoid the $7 return fee.

I'm debating doing it again in a year because of the water bottle holders again but it will have been 3 years.

 

[elaine amj]

Yes, I got a replacement after a year. In fact, I got the new one and then returned the old one to sears with the packing slip from the new one to avoid the $7 return fee.

I'm debating doing it again in a year because of the water bottle holders again but it will have been 3 years.

Those mesh holders drive me crazy! Sadly mesh is just not sturdy enough for my kids...even my DD who is rather more careful with her stuff than her brother.

I'll give Lands End a call. I do have to say last time I had a problem with a product, they were very good to work with. We bought a pair of trail shoes for my DS and it had a massive hole after just a few months. They sent a new pair out ASAP.

That said, DS is even worse on shoes than backpacks. I have resolved not to buy shoes from anywhere but Sears now as they have an awesome Kidurable guarantee. His Reeboks lasted just 4/5 months. The Fila's I bought to replace those 3 months ago are already giving way.

 

[elaine amj]

Well I called Lands End tonight. I inspected the backpacks and there were rips at the grommets where the handle is on BOTH backpacks plus holes at the bottom of both. They were very nice and said I could return both, no problems.

Only problem is I bought the backpacks on sale for $25 each. They are now $50, after the current discounts. My DH is not happy we're going to be paying double for the same items because they didn't last the way they were supposed to and then shipping on top of that. So for now, he's pushing hard for me to try a different brand. I'm not sure about that as overall, I like shopping Lands End and have been a loyal shopper purchasing mutiple items for the last few years. While browsing their site looking up return policies, I dropped another $60 there already!!

I guess I'll shop around and see if I find alternatives for the backpacks.

 

[Poohbug]

I have never been happy with the Lands End bags. They rip, zippers break, I can't get them to last half a school year. I can't figure out how they rate so high.

I have not tried LL Bean but I like their clothes and the sleeping bags are really nice. I would not be opposed to trying LL Bean but I just find it easier to look at the bags in the store so I can see what I am getting.

My older boys wanted messenger bags last year. The messenger worked fine for the 3rd grader but my sixth grader had a heavy load and it just was not able to handle it. Plus it was really hard on the back and shoulder. I think if you are going to be using a bag to carry heavy books and/or a laptop, the backpack is the way to go. This year he will have a IPad so the load will be lighter but we will have to make sure it is protected.

Swiss Gear has some nice bags that are really well made. They are $$$ but I have gotten some great deals on clearance if you wait until after school starts.

 

[elaine amj]

I'm finding Lands End products are not quite as high quality as they like to advertise. But they're decent enough and have amazing clearances that really makes their products affordable and at that price range - much better quality than anything else I can find.

My big problem is the kids want rolling backpacks - and those are rare to find, particularly in stores (went to 3-4 stores on the weekend and found none). Plus of course, they're more expensive.

E

 

[pugtails66]

I will add that last year I bought my daughter's backpack at PotteryBarnTeen.com and it has held up really well. They do have roller backpacks available, but they are pricey. If you catch it right, they will offer 20-25% off real soon and free shipping. If you can wait until October, you can pick them up for a song.