Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean was perfect for kindergarten. Big enough to fit everything but still easy to carry. It’s still in great shape so definitely using it again next year. I don’t recommend Pottery Barn. I feel like their sizes are either too small or too big, unless you have a really big kindergartner.

Thanks! Do you mean the LL Bean Junior Original size?

NP. But this is what we have...jr original. My DS has used it since K and is now going into 3rd. Use has included summer camps. Still working great. Will probably be retired after 3rd.

Anonymous wrote:Same question - except can anyone recommend a backpack that has a separate zipped compartment to hold lunch away from all the stuff? Even better if that separate compartment is large enough to hold an insulated lunch bag like the PlanetBox.

Would this fit a lunch container? Either in the front zipped area or the laptop pocket.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/121114?page=beans-explorer-backpack-colorblocked-iii&csp=a&feat=128475-recsbottom.pdp&ri=rbpIFI2&pos=4&attrValue_0=Ocean%20Blue/Electric%20Orange

Same question - except can anyone recommend a backpack that has a separate zipped compartment to hold lunch away from all the stuff? Even better if that separate compartment is large enough to hold an insulated lunch bag like the PlanetBox.

LL Bean backpacks are tough, last for years, and they will replace it if your kids does wear it out.

For Pottery Barn, do NOT get the seersucker backpacks. Speaking as a teacher here: They are cute, but too floppy, so they don’t open well, and then kids can’t put stuff in the backpack independently. I have to hold the seersucker backpacks open for a kid to stick their lunch box in. 🙄

Anonymous wrote:The large Pottery Barn one served DC from pre-k thru grade 4. That’s 6 years. K teacher advice: get the largest one bc everything must fit inside it , like lunch box, winter coat, laptop, binders, etc.

I agree with this. For little kids (PK-2nd or so), they aren't very independent, so when their backpack is too heavy for them, you can carry it. As long as you can shorten the straps so it doesn't bang against the backs of their legs, a larger backpack means they'll be able to fit all their stuff back in the backpack at the end of the day, including whatever random crap they are being sent home with. This is much preferable to showing up at pick up and their lunchbox and water bottle are separate because their back pack is full from their coat and a folder.

I also recommend backpacks with minimal pockets. A water bottle pocket and one small extra pocket on the front is plenty. Some backpacks have multiple compartments and it's confusing for little kids and things get lost.

Any reason to get the 16L backpack as opposed to 24L? Is 24L going to be overwhelming?

Another rec for pottery barn, they are the best.

The large Pottery Barn one served DC from pre-k thru grade 4. That’s 6 years. K teacher advice: get the largest one bc everything must fit inside it , like lunch box, winter coat, laptop, binders, etc.

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean was perfect for kindergarten. Big enough to fit everything but still easy to carry. It’s still in great shape so definitely using it again next year. I don’t recommend Pottery Barn. I feel like their sizes are either too small or too big, unless you have a really big kindergartner.

Thanks! Do you mean the LL Bean Junior Original size?

We love the pottery barn backpacks, our rising first grade uses the small size, and we have had it for more than one year, this will be her third year using it, including summer camp and travel

I splurged on the LL Bean backpack for my then kindergartener. He used it through 3rd grade. Bought another LL Bean backpack for 4th grade that will easily get him into middle school.

Anonymous wrote:Big enough to hold 8×5 folders bc that's what stuff comes home in.

Side pocket to hold water bottle for easy access.

Nothing too big and bulky bc the hooks/cubbies are narrow and it's not even winter jacket season yet.

We go cheap knowing it lasts only 1 yr bc by the time DD entered the next grade her tastes change and wants a new backpack design.

You mean 8x11inch folders

LL Bean was perfect for kindergarten. Big enough to fit everything but still easy to carry. It’s still in great shape so definitely using it again next year. I don’t recommend Pottery Barn. I feel like their sizes are either too small or too big, unless you have a really big kindergartner.

Big enough to hold 8×5 folders bc that's what stuff comes home in.

Side pocket to hold water bottle for easy access.

Nothing too big and bulky bc the hooks/cubbies are narrow and it's not even winter jacket season yet.

We go cheap knowing it lasts only 1 yr bc by the time DD entered the next grade her tastes change and wants a new backpack design.

Any recommendations for backpack brands that you like for kindergarten/early elementary? Our pre-K backpack is too small for a folder, so I’m looking for bigger but not overwhelmingly large. Thanks!