Rolling backpack?

[eeyorefan74]

DD needs a rolling backpack for 3rd grade this year. I've seen the ones at Lands End for $40 and up. Does anyone know of anywhere else to get one that will hold up but not be quite that expensive?

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

I got one at Target on clearance for $20. I have not used it that much to know how it holds up. It is black, but you could add some patches to it to make it cute. That seems like a lot for third grade. Is she going to have that much homework, or do they not have a place to put their stuff (cubby, locker)?

 

[MomToOne]

I broke down and got my daughter one of the rolling Lands End ones for First Grade. It is still going strong - looks GREAT actually - and she is entering 5th. But unfortunately I guess it's not "cool" to have light up wheels in 5th grade , so I broke down and got her the LLBean one for $15 that was posted a few days ago.

Although the backpacks are expensive, they are great quality, and you get what you pay for in this case! We had a slight problem with one of the wheels when we first got ours, but Lands End sent a new one out right away and let us keep the old one until that new one showed up so that she would have something to use for school for those few days. We didn't have any other problems with it over the years.

When you figure I probably spent about $50 on that backpack for 1st grade, but would have spent about $20/year for a total of $80 to get to the end of 4th (if not more, my daughter can DESTROY backpacks quickly), I actually saved $30 by buying the more expensive pack.

 

[eeyorefan74]

I agree, it does seem like a lot for 3rd grade. Apparently her teacher uses a binder for every subject, so they have to bring these home a lot, as well as books. The backpack's not an absolute requirement, just suggested to make things easier. I just didn't realize they were so expensive!

 

[mhawk4]

My girls have had the LL Bean rolling backpacks since they were in kindergarten and have used them through this year (2nd grade). They will need a new one this year although they might be able to use it one more year. The backpack held up really well. Considering they used it every day and often on weekends for trip to their grandparent's house they have held up well.

You might find them on clearance at LL Bean. I did buy mine on sale and would buy another one again.

 

[Justsyd2]

I got one at Walmart 5 years ago for $20. I'm still using it for college.

 

[dzorn]

DD needs a rolling backpack for 3rd grade this year. I've seen the ones at Lands End for $40 and up. Does anyone know of anywhere else to get one that will hold up but not be quite that expensive?

I was at Pennys today and they had some nice ones for $30(sale price). I only looked at a few so they might have had some cheaper. They were on Sale for 1/2 off.

Denise in MI

 

[Swimalie]

I agree, it does seem like a lot for 3rd grade. Apparently her teacher uses a binder for every subject, so they have to bring these home a lot, as well as books. The backpack's not an absolute requirement, just suggested to make things easier. I just didn't realize they were so expensive!

Make sure the school allows them. I know ours doesn't since they don't fit in the cubbies.

 

[Jack&Ryan'smom]

Gap Kids has them. All there backpacks are 30% off right now.

 

[DisneyBill]

Make sure the school allows them. I know ours doesn't since they don't fit in the cubbies.

Oh yeah, make certain they're good to go with the school. The control-freak principal where our daughter went didn't like the sound, so she banned them. Well in to the school year (her 1st year there) after parents had spent the money, and students had used them for years.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

They are banned at DD's school because of safety issues with them on the stairs (kids trying to pull them down/losing control of them on crowded steps.)

 

[ohiotinkfan]

I agree with other posters about checking with your school or teacher first to be sure rolling backpacks are allowed. I teach second grade and we, unfortunately, added "No Rolling Backpacks" to our supply list this year. The reason we added that is because they will not fit in our cubbies very well and many students were falling or tripping over them while in the bus lines. I have seen some teachers, in other grades, tell kids they must use the regular straps and wear the rolling backpack when going to the bus due to the falling/tripping too. I think the rolling bags are nice but not always the safest with 20 other kids.

 

[cats mom]

I'd be pretty upset if DD's school banned rolling backpacks. That's actually what the majority of kids use. DD walks home 1/2 mile... all of it uphill, and with all the binders and books she has to have with her every day, I certainly wouldn't want her carrying all that weight on her shoulders/back. Of course since backpacks are left outside at her school, the cubby and/or space excuse doesn't really work.

We got DD's at Dicks Sporting Goods for a fairly decent price.