Kids backpacks

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I don't want to seem like I am pushing a product and this is probably 4 months early before "back to school shopping" but we used to have to buy a backpack for our son 2x/year - we would always buy a frugal cheepie for like $30.

AFter 4 months of it knocking around with a kid who throws it around and drags it, there would be a hole in it.

We bought a L.L.Bean one 3 years ago for $69 (we had his name inscribed for some extra), deciding this may be quality over price, and it's still going strong. It's definitely dirty/grungy but no holes or any sign of serious wear.

I definitely recommend spending the extra if you can afford it.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Hurray for good products.

I learned on this forum that Jansport stands behind their bags and will repair or replace them. Actually LL Bean does, too, don't they?

My cheapie backpack from Target has lasted a lot more years than it looked like it would. Just luck to get a well sewn one, I think.

[momof1in150]

LL Bean will replace any product if you are unsatisfied or it fails. We only buy our backpacks there because they stand up well and they offer different sizes based on your child's age. I like that I can make sure they aren't using a backpack that is too big for them.

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If you have girls, this may be a non-issue but we have boys and they knock the heck of their stuff.

Toy Story did right by having the human character be a boy, portraying the way they treat their stuff.

[momof1in150]

I would be very careful about putting your child's name on their backpack. A stranger may call their name because they read it on the backpack and the child may go with them because they know their name so they must know them. We usually put initials but have realized that LL Bean backpacks last so long and wash well that I wanted to use them for each child and no longer put anything on them.

[Spud]

We bought a L.L.Bean one 3 years ago for $69 (we had his name inscribed for some extra), deciding this may be quality over price, and it's still going strong. It's definitely dirty/grungy but no holes or any sign of serious wear.

When I read your first paragraph, I thought, "That guy needs to go to LL Bean!" Then I realized you had. They really make a quality product. I never worry about quality with The Bean.

I bought my husband an LL Bean Sportsman Deluxe Briefcase the first year we were together, and monogrammed it for him. He LOVES it, carries it around every day, and is very glad it isn't leather, which makes a very heavy bag without anything in it.

I definitely recommend spending the extra if you can afford it.

There is definitely something to purchasing based on value, not just on price alone.

[PrincessPerky]

I still have the backpack my mother bought me when I was 10...which is far longer ago than I care to recall, an it is still used constantly (I don't carry a diaper bag or purse or briefcase, I just carry a backpack-means I can dump it on my husband or son with them not thinking it looks odd.)

I really want to get one for my son...but the one part that has worn out is the name!

Prolly will look into LL bean or Jansport instead. (could be one of them anyway.)

[Broken Arrow]

You know, my aunt bought me a L.L.Bean bag when I was young. It was, by far, the sturdiest book bag I've ever had.

[disneysteve]

LL Bean will replace any product if you are unsatisfied or it fails.

This is true and for real. DD has an LL Bean backpack that we bought 2 years ago. One of the straps ripped out this year. We took it back and they gave us a brand new one, no questions asked.

[irmanator]

another vote for llbean, my daughters zipper failed after a year they gave her a brand new one and because they were doing a special with free pencil case she got one of those even though that wasn't part of the original deal.

[Compulsive Debtor]

What a timely topic

I was just looking at my daughter's backpack today and thought to myself that the thing might fall apart before the end of the school year. She's had it since starting kindergarten (she's now in 1st grade), so I guess we got our money's worth out of it.

[irmanator]

if it was a yardsale backpack you probably did but my daughter is a senior and has had hers since freshmen year and carry's like 50 # of books and its still in good shape.

[disneysteve]

She's had it since starting kindergarten (she's now in 1st grade), so I guess we got our money's worth out of it.

Depends what you spent. Two years isn't very long for a backpack to last. I'm 43 and still use the backpack I got in high school. It has lasted through high school, college, medical school and a fair amount of traveling as an adult. I have no idea what it cost back in 1980, but I know it wasn't a lot and I've certainly gotten my money's worth.

[PrincessPerky]

Does anyone know if Jansport/ll bean replace backpacks bought on ebay? or do you need a reciept?

[aevans1206]

LL Bean...sounds good

Hmmm...Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like LL Bean has some good bags. I whole heartedly agree that sometimes extra money spent is worth it in the long run, just depends upon the product, etc.