Need backpack recommendation please.

[disney4us2002]

My boys (middle and high schooler) have lots to carry. The regular backpacks we've purchased from Walmart and Penney's have had mishaps w/broken zippers, broken straps, etc. I need to replace these with good backpacks that can handle near 20lbs of books & crap w/o breaking. Any suggestions? I wish there was a college campus closeby as the one I had in college was excellent and lasted til about 3 yrs ago (all total 20 yrs). It might have been jansport? Maybe?

 

[stinkerbelle]

LLBean - totally worth the investment. if it EVER breaks - return it and they'll replace it. the large book pack works well for the 20lb load.

 

[The Princess]

I agree LL Bean!! Worth the investment.

 

[swanmom]

Completely agree with the LLBean recommendation. The only disadvantage is that my DD's backpack has lasted so long (3 1/2 years!) that she wants a new one, not because it's worn out but because she's tired of it!

 

[Annette_VA]

Lands End or L L Bean

 

[debster812]

LL Bean or Lands End all the way. DS is 7, and has a Lands End one that is in the midddle of it's second school year, and survived a summer of day camp at the Y. It still looks almost Brand New!!!

 

[Pin Wizard]

LL Bean. DS actually managed to break a wheel off the bottom of one this year. They had no problem replacing the backpack for me.

I'm amazed it broke! Those things are indestructable from what I've seen.

 

[Lynn CC]

LLBean...DS has been using his two for school for 8 years. They replaced the zipper on one, free of charge. They hold everything and he's got a lot of things!

 

[ADisneygirl]

I suggest a Jansport. You can find them in Sports Authority or a similar store. They cost more than the average backpack, and at first I was wary about spending so much -- they start around $39.00. But..... if the handle breaks, they replace your bag. My son was going through three - four cheaper packs a school year because the handles would tear off from the weight of the books. He had his Jansport all of last year, and the handles never broke. He got a new one this year just because he "wanted" a new one for high school.

Go with Jansport.

 

[Megster]

I had an LL Bean backpack all through high school, and it still looks brand new. When I went to college this fall I decided it was time for a change and got a NorthFace bag. A lot of my friends had them and they are pretty comparable to LL Bean in price. I'm not sure how the quality compares since I've only had mine for a few months, but all my friends had really good luck with theirs. So I would suggest LL Bean or NorthFace!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

LL bean Deluxe book bag. OUr 2 DSs still have theirs from HS. Even with their initials on it. It is the rage around here still.

 

[clh2]

I'm a Land's End Back Pack fan here. And yes, we have the "I'm sick of this color" problem, not the "it wore out." Lands End also has an excellent repair/replacement/customer satisfaction policy too.

 

[aprilgail2]

Kids should not carry more than 10-15% of their weight over thier shoulders
and on their backs so unless your kids weigh almost 200 pounds each they should not be carrying anything that heavy on their backs. Here the school now issue a second set of books for hte kids to keep at home so they don't have to carry them. I know other districts you have to ask for the extra books to keep home. My daughters Dr writes right on the physical forms that we have to submit to the school "Child should not be carrying more than 4 pounds in her backpack at any time" since my daughter is only 33 pounds!

 

[Pam]

My two teens use Jansports. They have lasted from middle school all through high school.

 

[disney4us2002]

Thanks all for the replies. I will check out LandsEnd and LL Bean. I have purchased other items from LE and I know they're quality is good but haven't dealt with LLBean so I'm glad to hear all the positive reviews.

Incidentally, I've heard about the no more than 15% of weight in the backpacks. The kids are 95lbs and 140lbs and so far their backpacks haven't crossed the 15% mark but I will keep an eye out.

 

[cherylp3]

ebags.com has some great reviews and also lower prices.

I was looking for a new disney backpack and found a timberland there.

Cheryl

 

[Momof2]

Another vote for LL Bean. DS is on his 4th year with the same one - 3 years in high school and now off to college. DD is on her 3rd year. Both bags in excellent condition still. Free shipping and monogramming if you get an LL Bean Visa.

 

[grlpwrd]

I vote for LL Bean or Land's End, too.

I bought each of my girls 2 backpacks so they can switch when they get bored or trade with each other, but I'm eccentric.

 

[sharbear]

We have had good luck with LL Bean and Eddie Bauer backpacks. They have held up really well. Make sure to check the size, as my kids have transistioned to HS, they needed bigger backpacks. For HS I bought my DD a North Face, it has held up well. My DS is getting a North Face for Christmas, North Face is the brand to have in HS.

 

[Disney Doll]

LL Bean