Anonymous wrote:Not sure why the zip code matters but we used a Land's End Featherweight Medium.

My DS is tall though, he was just under 4' when he started K.
It is in great shape and we will be able to use it at least one more year. They don't carry much in K. A lunch bag, the occasional library book and the Friday folder.

There were several kids with character backpacks (think minions for boys and frozen for girls) but I think a classic backpack makes the most sense for longevity. DS grows like a weed so the only thing from K he'll be taking to 1st is that backpack.

Nor do I, but I don't think the 22207 folks shop at Walmart.

Since he probably won't like the same characters in a year or two, I would just get the cheap one he likes now and assume you will be buying another next year.

my rising kindergartener (he refers to himself as a rising kindergartener by the way!) really wants a Power Ranger or Lego Ninjago backpack. He will have nothing to do with the cutesy PBK designs and thinks the solid colors from LL Bean and Lands End are very boring. Any thoughts on where I might find a better quality character backpack that will get us through a grade or two?

I think PP is right, different school different requirements, not based on "will my kid fit in." On that note i have a RISING kindergartener at Cherry Run. I see no backpack requirements on the supply list. Anyone BTDT and know what size works for this school? I have a taller kid but the PBK Large, or anything above the small from Landsend/LLbean size seems SUPER big on her. Plus, i hear no mention of jansport... do they not hold up as well as they used to?

I think OP put in the zip code since schools have different size cubbies for children to store their backpacks. Some school do not allow roller type since wheels won't fit in desk or cubbies others require them. If you are in the same zip code your child might attend the same school. For Kindergarten make it fun and let the student pick out the bag they like.

We bought PBK Large. She is getting ready to take the same one to 2nd this year. Great value!

Also - any feedback on the durability of Garnet Hill, PBK or Boden backpacks? They are cute, but I would be upset if they started to fall apart in September...

We bought a huge one. That's what the teacher recommended and other parents said too.

Apparently they use the backpack as a cubby for kindergarten, so the kid doesn't put much in it while traveling to/from school (good thing, I fear DC would tip over) but it does store coats, folders, books, blankets, etc. during the day.

Still seems mighty big...

My son is going into 5th grade (sorry... rising 5th grader) & is still using his LL Bean from 1st grade. I made the mistake of letting him choose a fun character backpack in K & ended up buying at least 2 that year. I didn't realize they were THAT cheap... I bought my youngest a smaller LL Bean in pre-k (he was pretty tiny & the standard size was just huge) - he used it through 1st grade just fine - may get him the next size for 2nd grade, but it is still in great condition. I've definitely been happy with how they've held up!

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one curious why OP needed to ask about a backpack in relation to her zip code?

OP, I'm one of the poors across Lee Hwy in 22205 and I'm guessing your kid's school will be filled with the same Pottery Barn, Lands End, and LL Bean backpacks as mine is.

I wonder if the kids going to schools that send a lot of kids to TJ need to start with much larger backpacks than usual?

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one curious why OP needed to ask about a backpack in relation to her zip code?

OP, I'm one of the poors across Lee Hwy in 22205 and I'm guessing your kid's school will be filled with the same Pottery Barn, Lands End, and LL Bean backpacks as mine is.

At least you can get it personalized? Uh, I mean, poorsonalized?
So the takeway is that medium is the go-to size?

Our school (in Oakton) sent guidelines about the size - "at least 12 x 18", so we got Pottery Barn Fairfax in large. It was definitely big for my DC but she managed.

Am I the only one curious why OP needed to ask about a backpack in relation to her zip code?

OP, I'm one of the poors across Lee Hwy in 22205 and I'm guessing your kid's school will be filled with the same Pottery Barn, Lands End, and LL Bean backpacks as mine is.

My son just finished his kindergarten year. He used the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie backpack in size SMALL (not preschool size; the small). Both his teacher and a first grade teacher in a different school who happens to be a friend think that it is too small for first grade. I know that is not what you asked, but I was hoping to get another year or two out of it because it has held up well. Instead, I had to purchase a new one for this next school year. Thankfully I have three other children who can use it. Just wanted to share my experience in the event you are looking beyond the immediate kindergarten year.

Anonymous wrote:http://www-m.gucci.com/us/styles/271341BMJPN4009

LOL. Perfect but it may be out of the price range for the averge "middle class" DCUMer with a paltry $400K HHI.