A: We design backpacks for kids of all ages, from preschool to grad school. Our Small packs (up to 20 liters) are perfect for kids just starting out in kindergarten or elementary school, while our Medium (21-30 liter) and Large (31+ liter) packs will take students through middle school, high school, college and beyond.

A: We size packs for each age and stage, making sure younger kids have enough room for lunch and extra layers, and older kids have dedicated laptop storage, space for binders, and dual compartments to separate school stuff from extracurricular gear.

A: Students have different needs depending on their age and grade, so what they carry to school will vary, but all our backpacks can comfortably carry a lunch box, books or binders, an extra layer and a water bottle.

A: We’ve been designing school backpacks for over 40 years, so we understand what kids need in a pack. Parents and kids both love our packs for their roomy main compartments and thoughtfully designed pockets. All L.L.Bean backpacks include smart built-in organizational features, plus a key fob for added security. We also include laptop and/or tablet storage in our campus packs for older kids. And, as requested by customers, every pack includes one or more water bottle pockets.

A. We build every pack with versatility in mind, because we know they go from school to sports to sleepovers to summer camp. Some of our backpacks can double as hiking day packs – look for features like ergonomic shoulder straps, waist and sternum straps, and breathable mesh back panels. Other packs have helpful travel features like extra grab handles, trolley sleeves, padded laptop storage, and sizing that meets airline guidelines. Looking for packs with hiking and travel features? Comfort Carry Packs are your best bet.

A. Many of our packs provide dedicated storage for tablets and laptops. Options include separate laptop/tablet sleeves, padded laptop storage and even side-access laptop pockets. Some packs also include a fleece-lined pocket that’s perfect for stashing a phone. Check the product description to learn more about tech storage features for each pack. Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Explorer and Comfort Carry Laptop Packs all include laptop storage.

A. Yes! All of our backpacks include one or more pockets designed for storing water bottles. We added this important feature to all our packs by customer request.

A. Every L.L.Bean backpack includes reflective details on front and back to help increase visibility, a feature that’s especially important if kids are walking or biking to school.

A. Many of our backpacks can be monogrammed – just check the product description for details. Monogramming is a great way to make a pack both easy to identify and uniquely yours, and we have lots of personalization options. Popular monograms include initials, a single initial, or a fun phrase or inside joke. You can even choose your own thread color to match school colors or a favorite color.

A. The L.L.Bean Pack Shop has over 80 styles with a literal rainbow of colors and exclusive prints! We use a rigorous QA process to ensure we’re displaying colors as accurately as possible, though some screens may show slight variations.

Some things never change! Besides a great backpack, parents often get a lunch box (sometimes in a color that coordinates with the pack), water bottle, and organizer pouch. Many families also look for a new first day outfit, light jacket or raincoat, and gym sneakers.

A. Yes – L.L.Bean backpacks have padded straps that feel comfy all day. Straps are fully adjustable for a great fit and designed to distribute weight evenly for comfortable carrying.

A. At L.L.Bean, we designed hiking packs for many years before we started making school packs, and we brought all that expertise to the table – so you can count on our school backpacks to fit comfortably and feel great. We include padded back panels on all our school packs, and some of our bigger packs feature mesh back panels for extra ventilation.

A. Our Medium and Large campus packs often include waist straps and sternum straps for better weight distribution. This helps stabilize and reduce the sway of the load, especially helpful when students are walking or biking to school.

A. Age recommendations are largely determined by our rigorous lab testing. Our packs are tested in two groups: one with packs for ages 12 and younger, and one for ages 13+. We design packs with features and capacity appropriate to different school grade needs.

A. Look for a backpack that’s been rigorously tested for durability. At L.L.Bean, we use our own in-house testing lab to ensure every pack meets our standards for exceptional quality. We test breaking strength, tearing strength, abrasion resistance, zipper quality, and seam strength, and the fabrics are thoroughly tested for cold resistance and water resistance.

A. Unlike some packs on the market, L.L.Bean backpacks are built to outlast the school year and beyond. We make our packs with rugged weatherproof fabrics, extra-strong stitching and extra-tough zippers. Some customers report using them for decades! So be sure to pick a color you love, because our packs hang around for a long time.

A. While not fully waterproof, our school packs are made from durable, water-resistant materials that help keep contents dry (helpful on drizzly mornings at the bus stop).

A. All of our school backpacks are easy to spot clean – just wipe with a damp cloth.

A. This customer quote shows how long some people end up using their L.L.Bean packs: “What can you say about a piece of kit that saw you through high school and college, and now accompanies your 14-year-old on her first day of high school?” Every backpack has a story, and some pack stories go on and on.

L.L.Bean backpacks are built to last with rugged materials and thoughtful features, so they’ll stand by kids every step of the way. Because a backpack is more than just a pack – it’s a constant companion for kids as they grow up. And if you do happen to run into an issue with one of our packs, just let us know. We stand behind all our products and are confident that they will perform as designed.