Comments on: My very strong opinions about kids’ backpacks

By: RookieMom Heather

RookieMom Heather — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 03:43:57 +0000

@Erin G, I don’t know which size I bought. That’s terrible, right?

By: Back-to-school checklist

Back-to-school checklist — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:59:22 +0000

[...] I have very strong opinions about backpacks. [...]

By: RookieMom Heather

RookieMom Heather — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:39:01 +0000

@Alissa, I’m so sad about the state of Laptop Lunchboxes. Here’s what’s so funny (ha!). My original (from when Holden was TWO) is still going strong but many of the cases we’ve had since have only lasted for a year. Zippers break, mesh frays, other weird damage occurs. Especially because I’ve been such a vocal fan, I feel especially disappointed that the carrying bags are falling apart.

When I call and complain to them within a year of purchase, they happily replace. After that, not so much.

My friend, and lunchbox expert, Wendy is trying to find from her avid community what high quality outer bag to use with the LL system. Stand by.

By: Alissa

Alissa — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:19:25 +0000

Heather, I went with laptop lunchboxes this past year partly based on a blog post I remember from you years ago. I feel like I spent years trying to find a lunch system that was well-put-together and wouldn’t get stinky like so many of the soft-sided lunch boxes do when stuff spills out into them, no matter how much you clean. Mark was aghast at the expense for 2 full sets and was sure the kids would lose parts, but I found they lasted all the way through the school year really well and I loved not having to hunt and peck all over our cabinets for stuff to put their food in. We just washed everything out overnight and started fresh (or washed in the dishwasher, top rack). I feel like we saved 100s of plastic baggies from ending up in the landfill too . . . so all in all we were really pleased with the bento boxes from Laptop Lunch. BUT, by the end of the year we had the same problem with the outer carrying cases. They weren’t even stinky (the bento boxes contain stuff so well!), but the zippers broke. So disappointing. I am buying new cases this year because the bento part is still like new, but I’ll be so bummed if they break again a second time. Wish they would fix/replace like LL Bean. Agree wholeheartedly about the backpacks. The cheapie Target one we bought Molly for Kindergarten didn’t even make it halfway through the school year. Often you can find the high quality brands (Jansport, etc.) at Ross or Marshall’s for much less than typical retail.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 04:07:17 +0000

My sister and I both had LL Bean backpacks in high school in the 90′s. The bags were stored at our parents house (unused) until a few years ago when I finally found them. All the seams and zippers were fine, but the waterproof coating on the inside was completely flaking off. I called them up and they happily replaced them. We both continue to use our (new) backpacks many years later.

REI has great return policies. My husband had a fleece jacket from about 10 yrs ago that looked brand new but the zipper was busted. Because we are members, they had all the purchase info attached to our account and replaced it and gave a $4 refund because the price of the jacket had gone down by that much.

I know that Lands End is supposed to have good return policy for defective items, but I have been less than satisfied with it when trying to return things (like a down jacket with multiple busted seams after 1 season of wearing). So I am sticking with LL Bean and REI for backpacks and anything else that they sell!

By: Jenifer Schmutz

Jenifer Schmutz — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:48:36 +0000

I never knew that Jansport fixed/replaced backpacks! I have had a few over the years that ripped and I just figured that came with the territory. Years ago I found a good one with a leather bottom which solved the tearing problem, but sadly an ex-boyfriend got it during the split (small price to pay…). I do have a cute Sesame Street Jansport backpack that I snapped up when the Sesame Street store went out of business years ago. My 2 year old loves it already, so hopefully when she’s older I can convince her it’s cool to use for school!

By: Erin G @ebum1101

Erin G @ebum1101 — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:34:05 +0000

Oh Heather I love that you posted this! I’m backpack shopping for my soon-to-be kindergartner. I love the featherlight from lands end. Did you get the small or the medium? I can’t decide which! I might order both and return the one I don’t like. You said yours seems a big big on him, so that’s why I was asking the size…

By: RookieMom Heather

RookieMom Heather — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:49:56 +0000

@Jennifer, oh yes, my kids LOSE their stuff a lot. I’m a huge fan of labels and always trying to figure out which stuff should be purchased in bulk and which should be built to last…

Disposable: sweatshirts, other clothes
Durable: shoes, backpack, lunchbox

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:46:21 +0000

@Jen and @Heather: I love love love the Built NY lunchboxes: http://www.builtny.com/lunch-kitchen-cat.html

I actually love all their products. The issue is they are kind of pricey ($20-$30). Washable, durable, adorable, and perfect for me. Not sure I’d get one for kiddos because their lunchboxes tend to get lost or left places. While I agree with durable, long-lasting backpacks, I would let the kids get what they want with a cheap lunchbox – but that’s just me!

By: RookieMom Heather

RookieMom Heather — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:40:12 +0000

My kids are very rough on their stuff.

@Jen I wish I had a good lead on lunchboxes that would hold up. I’ve been using the Laptop Lunchbox system for years but I keep having to replace it because the zipper gives out so I don’t think I can recommend them very strongly.

By: veena@littledinos

veena@littledinos — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:24:11 +0000

I totally agree with the fact that a sturdy bag which lasts the whole year is much more valuable. Plus adding some accessories adds to the personality.

By: Cristina

Cristina — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:56:44 +0000

Hear you on paying a bit more for quality. A good backpack will also provide padding and back support for little ones, compared to the flimsy “fly by night” backpacks. This is becoming increasingly important given all the books, materials, projects, etc. kids have to carry back and forth these days.

I love Lands End and REI. They have great quality products.