Rated 1 out of 5 by Towerhillmom Not the quality I expected from LL Bean
Very very disappointed with LL Bean when it comes to their backpacks! I have one from 20 years ago and it is still going strong. The bottom of this bag is so thin a pencil could poke through it. You can hold it up to light and see through it! This is the 2nd year my now 7yr old has had it and I just had to order another one. She is not rough on her things at all but this bag couldn't hold up for two school years. The bottom is so thin it hasn't held up and now the back has a large rip in it. I will send it back along with a lunch box that is tinted green on the inside after using for one school year.
I also had purchased a larger version if this backpack and haven't let her use it for school because it is the same poor quality with the bottom and overall bag being so thin.
I just purchased the Original Bookpack Plus which has a black bottom that is a little more rugged so we will see how this holds up.
May 6, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by ibmom Didn't hold up..
I got this for my son when he started kindergarten; he is now in 1st grade. From my experience with my own LL Bean backpack (18 years, including 4 of college, and still going strong!), I expected his to last for many years. Unfortunately, it has not held up at all. I really wanted to make it last thru this school year, but will have to get a replacement before then. We have had the zipper issues others are describing, plus the pocket for pencils/keys is unusable - the zipper and fabric have separated. I gave it 3 stars instead of 1 because of LL Bean's customer service and usual attention to quality. I hope they fix the issue of the zippers!
March 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ciel250 Quality bag
The Original Book Pack is definitely a quality bag. I was replacing a (competitor's) product that I'd used for 35 years; this is better. It's a lighter bag; the padding in the back gives the pack structure as well as padding; it carries more; there's more padding in the straps. Fit and finish is Bean's usual excellent. I've had it for about a month -- so far, so good.
March 6, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Maedlers Durable Back Pack
This is my son's first big boy back pack for 1st grade. He loves it and it is light weight yet very durable. I believe it will last all thru his elementary school career. It has many little pockets inside the front to keep his supplies he may need.It's nice that it matches his lunch box also to keep them organized as to who's is who's in school.
November 28, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by shopperD LLBean Bookbags in general
This review explains why I bought an assortment of Bean book bags for my rough and tumble grandchildren. I bought the "Original" for the small fry and the "Deluxe" for the older boys. All of them are in constant grueling use and standing up to the stress in stellar fashion. The assortment of available colors ensures each child can have his/her favorite.
November 20, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by StaleCrackers A little disappointed
I bought this backpack for my Kindergartner in August after hearing great reviews. We were happy with the backpack until November when the zipper repeatedly got stuck in the fabric. Currently, I am unable to dislodge it. While I appreciate LLBeans customer service, I'm concerned that the zipper will continue to be a problem after reading other reviews. As expected, LLBean will exchange the backpack with no hesitation; however, I wonder how many times I'll be out >$6 shipping for a replacement. I'll give LLBean one more chance on this bag, then I'll spend my $6 shipping somewhere else.
November 13, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by astjohn Blue Shark Book Pack
I ordered the blue shark original book pack for my son for kindergarten. However, he only had the book pack less than two months and it started to rib at the shoulder strap. I had read a previous review that stated they felt that the patterned book packs were not as durable as the solid colors. In this case, that review seems true. I am in the process of returning this pack and replacing it was a solid color; hoping for longer durability.
October 16, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by GAmomof2girls Zipper problem
My daughter LOVED this backpack when we ordered it for her to enter Pre-K. The pink flowers print was gorgeous and it is very well made. The problem we had was that the flap of fabric over the zipper kept getting stuck in the zipper. We bought the backpack in July for school to start in August and by October, the zipper was broken. Please LL Bean take the flap off! We called and LL Bean customer service is AMAZING! We were very upset that the pink flowers pattern was sold out, but we were able to order the Pink Butterfly Critter backpack for the same price even though it originally was a more expensive backpack. Now the lunch box doesn't match, but LL Bean has excellent customer service!
October 9, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by JuniperJenny So cute!
Wow! This backpack is stylish and durable. My first grader loves it! It's roomy enough for her folder, lunchbox, and jacket. My only complaint is that there aren't pockets for a water bottle.
October 7, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Applepies manufacturing problem
We have had issues with two of these backpacks. We returned the first backpack, and unfortunately the replacement backpack has had the same issue and now needs to be returned. There is a manufacturing issue with the width of the fabric over the zipper. The fabric repeatedly gets stuck in the zipper, to the point that the backpack becomes unusable. If not for this issue I would recommend the backpack, because the fabric is sturdy and kids like the patterns. Perhaps an adult who can maneuver zippers would not have an issue, but it is not a good fit for a kid who is rapidly zipping and unzipping their backpack
October 6, 2012
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