Recommendations for a Good Backpack (Kids)

I have 2 boys going into 1st & 4th grade. Can anyone give recommendations on a good sturdy backpack for their ages? One that would actually make it through the entire school year? The 4th grader is the hardest on them.......so many heavy books!

thanks!

 

I've bought DS two from LL Bean. I highly recommend them. They were both used for years. He won't need a new one this year either. The only reason I replaced the first one is because he outgrew the pattern on the backpack. They aren't that much more than a regular one from Walmart, and well worth it.

 

I bought my two an NC State one, made by JanSport, in the 2nd grade....
they are about to go to 6th grade and it is still in outstanding shape....one has a slight wearing in the left shoulder strap that started this past year, and thats it....I wash them and hang to dry at the beginning of each school year....

 

NOT the ones with wheels on them.....hate those freakin things!!!

 

We, too, buy ones from LL Bean. Learned that the others wear out quickly and LL Bean's do not. My daughter was a sophomore in high school last year and we weighed her book bag. Darn thing weighed either 42 or 47 pounds and the LL Bean book bag held up all year and still looks great.

I would think the younger child could get one from Target or somewhere like that.

That is just way too much weight on anyone's back but DD told me that she did not have time to go to her locker between classes.

Sherry

 

I second LL Bean! We got one for my daughter last year, yes it has wheels and she did well with it. It's still is such good shape that I won't be getting a new one this year, she can use it again. We got the lunch box to match as well. It was expensive, but if I can get two school years out of it, then it was worth it to me.
Sheri

 

I don't think they are allowed at the schools either, yet parents seem to ignore this rule every year.

I would purchase a nice one for your 4th grader with padded back/straps. LL Bean, Jansport, Eastpack, etc.

For your first grader, whatever cartoon character pack they like that is on sale.

 

As far as I know they still allow them at Mcgee's. I asked the teacher last year and she said a lot of the older kids abused having them, by swinging them around and hiting others with them. Even in 2nd grade my daughter had a lot of stuff in it. I can only think what will be in it for 3rd grade.
I will ask again this year to make sure.
Sheri

 

My daughter's bag does not have wheels. You can buy them with or without.

Sherry

 

We buy our back packs at the luggage store at the outlet center in Smithfield.

They actually have a lifetime guarantee on them! The zipper on the backpack broke last year, we took it in, they looked at our receipt and went and got a brand new one from the back! No charge!

Yeah, we intend to use them from the 4th grade to the college years, lol.

 

yes, you can buy them with or without wheels....but the schools, ALL SCHOOLS ask you not to use them...they are a nuisance to everyone.

 

Yep, I was told the same thing when mine was younger. I even bought the separate luggage roller but neither were/are allowed at the school(s) my daughter has attended or is attending now.

Sheri...you better check again.

Sherry

 

And absolutely UNNECESSARY IMO. I know they were NOT allowed at Cleveland, at least when Ferguson was at the helm.

 

I will ask again, last year it wasn't a problem..it really helps her out when she has one and I don't see the problem with them. I can get the same one with out the wheels this year anyways..it's really not a big deal for me. I know they have good book bags. As soon as I can ask I will. She wasn't the only one with one last year.

 

I think the children should be able to get the wheels on the back pack. If there bags get to heavy they should be able to use them. I got my son a 10 dollar backpack last year and he is going to use it this year because it is in great shape.

 

they weren't allowed at McGee's or Dixon....but like you said....some still do.....:neutral:

 

I asked at the start of school before I spent the 70 bucks on it, and it wasn't a problem. I never saw a letter or nothing saying that they were not allowed. I will make triple sure this year so not to upset the other parents that have a problem with them.8)

 

Girl, you get that baby whatevva she wants....I am no longer at McGee's Elementary.....LOL.....I am over at the middle school this coming year....


seriously, the DO NOT USE always came from the teachers list that gets sent out by the teacher, asking for supplies....

 

lol, I promise I will look.
ok, off to go puppy supply shopping :lol:

 

<-----been hit with em!! Hate those things!!!! :evil: