School backpacks?

[DaisyDebbie]

I'm looking through an LL Bean catalog at backpacks for the kids. I"ve noticed that when I buy my kids backpacks at Walmart or Target they don't seem to hold up so well. Last year my Mom bought my dd a Gap backpack with a lunchbag that clipped on, it held up great. But, of course, she doesn't want to use it again this year, she's going into Middle School after all

Does anyone buy their kids backpacks from LL Bean or Lands End? I'm just wondering about the quality and how well they hold up.

 

[Auggietina]

HUGE LL Bean fan here-

I still have my LL Bean Backpack from when I went to college and that was 15 years ago

LL Bean stands by their products

 

[rhanditresmom]

I just bought backpacks from LL Bean, and lunchboxes, for the first time. They seem VERY sturdy and seem to be worth the money. I guess only time will tell.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Well my LL Bean backpacks are still all very useable, and they've been put through some serious abuse. I was able to carry around 30 pounds of books in one for 2 years straight (this past year I had a better locker location so I was able to get a messanger bag instead), and there are no holes in it. They've been dragged through snowy parking lots, shoved in gym lockers, etc. LL Bean will also replace backpacks if they end up in bad shape. I know some people who decided they needed a new color so they slashed their bag and got a new one for free. They hold up really well, and are fairly water resistant as well. I've stood outside waiting for a bus in blizzard conditions for 40 mins (no exaggeration), and when I finally got on everything inside was dry. Now things were damp when I stood outside in a tropical storm, but, not really wet. We've had nothing but good luck with LL Bean backpacks, even my stepsis hasn't destroyed hers yet, and hers have seen more abuse then mine have. I only got new ones because I wanted different colors, but I had LL Bean backpacks from 7-10 grades.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by monarchsfan16
LL Bean will also replace backpacks if they end up in bad shape. I know some people who decided they needed a new color so they slashed their bag and got a new one for free.

even though I don't agree with someone slashing it - I have to admit, LL Bean stands by their products...my brother went through 4 backpacks in 1 year, LL Bean kept replacing them (there was somethign wrong with one of the straps)

like i said in another thread...I use an LLBean back pack as a gym bag now...and I think I got this bag when I was a in college...I think like 97/98

besides it smelling like my sneakers, it's held up great...best $30 I ever spent.

 

[JESW]

Big thumbs up for LL Beane backpacks! DS9 has had his for a few years now and he is NOT kind to it! That thing gets dragged and thrown around and still stays in one piece. I highly recommend them.

Jill

 

[kaseyC]

My eldest DD has 2 LL Bean Back Packs. She has a smaller one from her pre-K - K years and a larger one she used thru 1st and 2nd grade. Each one has been monogrammed with her intials and they are in great shape. I will pass them on to my 2 younger dds. In fact the 3 yr old will use the smaller one for pre school this fall.
All 3 of my girls have the same initials HLC, so they can share mongrammed items.

 

[swanmom]

Another LL Bean fan here. My DD's is going on three years and counting............it has survived not only her regular daily abuse but countless washings!

 

[tkd lisa]

I'm the same way as the above posters with Land's End. Everything really lasts.

 

[snoopy]

We're going on Year 4 of my oldest son's Lands End backpack. They are worth the extra expense! Trust me, if anyone could rip apart a backpack, it would be my son. He tends to be very hard on his stuff. But this thing looks brand new. If you decide to buy a Lands End, I don't think you will be disappointed!

 

[Cindy B]

I decided to buy LL Bean backpacks when they went on sale at the LL Bean store nearby.

Last year, my sons $20 Walmart bag held up, but my Daughters $12 Target bag did not.

Hopefully, these backpacks will get lots of wear on them. One was a royal blue (my sons) and my daughter picked a teal aloha print.

These were on sale for $29 I think. It killed me to pay that much fro two school backpacks, but I have saved in other back to school areas so it all evens out.

 

[4greatboys]

I havent used one of those but ds had a Jansport backpack that held up like crazy. It was great. Lasted for years. We even took it to Disney to use there.
On the other hand Nike makes a crappy backpack. We got one that didnt even make it a whole school year.
I also think it depends on the material its made with. We bought one at K-Mart with the the rough canvass material that lasted a long time. Others made with softer materials like nylon didnt hold up well.

 

[mep319]

I got mine my senior year of high school in 1989-well I probably got it in 88 and I still have it. Went thru 4 yrs of college, many trips..I still use it when I go away for the weekend or as my carry on. I really don't like the color anymore...hunter green but hey. It's 16 yrs old and looks better than the one I got from target for my DD last year!

 

[piglet too]

Add me to the LL Bean fans. My packback from college is still in great shape, and it is now (gulp!) 13 years old. My oldest son got one two years ago and it too is in great shape. I will order my middle son one when he is 7, that way he has hit the age where what I buy him can last for several school years. I really think they are well worth the expense, and my oldest knows that this is the bag he will have for at least 4 more years. (I told him that he could "maybe" get a new one for high school.)

 

[Pooh93]

Gmta because I posted something similar today! I've ordered my first Lands End backpacks (for ages 8 and up) in striped colors instead of buying the typical character ones from Target. They've been shipped, so I am anxious to receive.

 

[Disneymomma]

I had mine for years and now DD is using hers for the third year in a row. They are the best packs you can buy!

 

[SunshineSis]

DS has an LL Bean backpack and it is wonderful. This will be the 4th year of this one. Next year he goes to middle school and we'll buy him a larger one, although the current one is still in excellent condition. He carries it every day to school, every day during the summer to day camp, and on every vacation. It'll last forever.

 

[Aurora63]

I have no experience with either of these brands, but as a former teacher, I just wanted to say that I really hate those "roll behind" backpacks that everyone seems to have now.

When I was teaching, they were a big headache, especially during dismissal. Kids are tripping over them, and the ones pulling them don't watch where they're going with them.

Just a vote for a regular backpack, not a roll behind, no matter what brand you go with!

 

[clh2]

DD is on her 2nd Lands End back pack. We got her a "wheeled" one because I don't like how heavy they become with homework. Both are in great shape. Definitely worth the money. No doubt about it!

 

[BrerMom]

Originally posted by Aurora63
I have no experience with either of these brands, but as a former teacher, I just wanted to say that I really hate those "roll behind" backpacks that everyone seems to have now.

When I was teaching, they were a big headache, especially during dismissal. Kids are tripping over them, and the ones pulling them don't watch where they're going with them.

Just a vote for a regular backpack, not a roll behind, no matter what brand you go with!

I think the rollers were a problem when they were first introduced. I noticed last year in the halls that the kids seem to have finally learned how to use them without being a problem for other walkers. This is at the middle school and elementary levels, anyway. High schoolers rarely use them in our district. DD does have to work to get her roller in her locker, so that might be a consideration for some.

Some of the bus riders have the rollers, but I'd say most of the walkers have them. The books are so heavy, I didn't mind getting them for my kids.