School backpacks?

[monarchsfan16]

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 have to agree. As a shorty I have to be looking up at all times to not walk into an open locker (I've had black eyes from them). So since I'm looking up I'm not looking down. I've been taken out by those rolling bags. I seriously think that people need a license for operating rolling backpacks because I think they think it entitles them to go flying around corners not caring who they might trip. I have been tripped, fallen, and been trampled while changing classes.
But I still stand behind what I said before. LL Bean is a great brand. I'm just agreeing with Aurora. Get a regular backpack.

 

[LScot]

DD's had both. K-2 red LLBean that she still uses for other things.

In 3rd we bought a Land's End rolling backpack. She starts 5th grade in less than 2 weeks and she'll use it again.

I chose to spend a little extra in case a zipper or strap or in the case of the rolling one, the wheel thingee broke. So afr, nothing has happened to any of them but I know these two comapnies stand behind well made products!!

BTW, we chose a rolling back pack because there is so much homework nowadays that kids end up bringing home very book almost every night! Too heavy! My DH's best friend is an Ortho doc and talks about how carrying these heavy backpacks around is really hurting kids' backs!

 

[tar heel]

My oldest son got his first Lands End backpack in fifth grade and carried it until 10th grade. He's had his second one since then and he's starting his junior year of college.

Last year, I got my two younger children skateboarding backpacks -- World Industries brand if you're in to brands. They looked great and the fabric is still in almost new condition. Unfortunately, the main zipper is broken in both of them. I'm lobbying for Lands End packs this year, but my high schooler is insisting on something cooler so far.

 

[FreshTressa]

I can't say enough about LLBean backpacks....my kids carried theirs all last year and still look brand new!!

 

[Pooh93]

We just received our Lands End backpacks this afternoon via UPS. They look very nice. I think they will be worth the money.

 

[tar heel]

Rolling backpacks are not allowed at our elementary school.

 

[Pin Wizard]

LL Bean here! I wasn't sure which it was...they both start with L! DS says they're LL Bean, and he's ALWAYS right! This coming year he has to have one with wheels. Hmmm...think they're in the $50 and up range.

 

[mckryan]

Unfortunately, our middle school requires clear backpacks, and both LL Bean and Lands' End have stopped carrying them. None of the other clear backpacks are made as well, and the mesh bags offer no support at all. So, DD is using her clear Lands' End bag for the 3rd year in a row, much to her dismay.

 

[cruisnfamily]

LLBean here too!

We bought DS one when he started kindergarten and he used it for K, 1 & 2. One of the zippers is going bad now and I didn't know they would replace it for free Maybe I should follow up on that! I just ordered a new backpack....he's done with the "boring green" one anyway. This time we ordered the critter pack(or something like that). It's cobalt blue with a gecko on it. Not babyish or anything and fine for a 3rd grade boy. I told him this will have to last him until middle school so that would be 3 years...shouldn't be a problem. The backpack was $29 so if it lasts 3 years that's the same as buying one $10 one each year.

DD still has a perfectly wonderful "patch pack" from LL Bean that is blue with a soccer ball but she's "outgrown" the style. She used it for 3 years and it's brand new looking. In kindergarten she went thru 3(yes I said 3) cheap backpacks in one year so I bought quality after that and it was worth it. Last year we got a messenger bag from Gap and that thing didn't last and was nasty by the the end of the school year...it went right in the trash. This year I invested in the "super deluxe backpack" from LLBean for $45. This is a backpack she can use for middle school(she's going into 6th) and beyond...hopefully thru the remainder of her school years. Even if it only last thru middle school that breaks out to only $15 per year so it's still worth it.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by mckryan
Unfortunately, our middle school requires clear backpacks, .

One of the middle schools in our area requires clear backpacks too and Walmart carries them. They look really cheap, like they're not gonna last the school year but they're only $10 a piece. A friend's mom bought 3 because she figures she won't be able to find them in January if they rip or whatever. I'm glad DD's school doesn't have that requirement!

 

[mckryan]

Beyond cheap, they offer no support and have crappy straps. I'm just so aggravated that no one carries a decent clear backpack.

 

[DaisyDebbie]

Thanks for all the positive comments. LL Bean it is