I’m the opposite in that I got the Junior LLBean backpack and it was plenty for my kiddo of average size even into 3rd grade carrying a Chromebook and lunch to school. They don’t have books in our school anymore so it seems unnecessary. I may ask if he wants a bigger backpack in 4th but carrying a loaded backpack on a small frame is terrible for their backs and shoulders. They are very inexpensive and can be handed down once outgrown.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids' K teacher recommended full size ones, even though they look huge. In winter, they keep their jackets in their backpacks in an effort to prevent lice transmission.

Well this is a wake up call to this first time mom. Disgusting.

Wait'll you see the actual things.

Go look at some different sizes at, say, Target. You've. got. this.

Anonymous wrote:My kids' K teacher recommended full size ones, even though they look huge. In winter, they keep their jackets in their backpacks in an effort to prevent lice transmission.

Well this is a wake up call to this first time mom. Disgusting.

I guess I’m in the minority. We buy the PBK small backpack for K and 1st. I think the huge ones are too big to manage and look ridiculous.

I do concur, however, that LL Bean makes the best backpacks. Strongest fabric and zippers and they wash up great. They look almost new even years later.

plug for LLBean. Their basic backpack has a very light fabric option that is really strong. Also, don't they have great videos that basically walk you through the product and how it fits on a little human's frame?

The teacher told us at K orientation to buy the largest backpack. She said everything has to fit into it, including the lunch box and puffy winter coat. The kids share 'cubbies' with hooks, so your DC may share a space with 2-3 other kids to store their items.

If unsure, go to the LLBean store and try some out. But I'd agree with going a bit larger, especially if there's some chance you'll need to fit a coat into it!

My daughter used the LL Bean Junior for K-1 and Lands End Medium for 1st and we bought a PBK rolling backpack for 2 last year.

Anonymous wrote:This is not a dumb question, OP. How would you know if it’s your first time around? No need to negatively qualify your question. You probably helped out a lot of other parents by posting.

True. It’s just that most of the questions are about curriculums, covid impact on schools etc and here I am asking about backpacks 😀

Oops missed the comment about LL Bean. Will check them out as well. Thank you!

This is not a dumb question, OP. How would you know if it’s your first time around? No need to negatively qualify your question. You probably helped out a lot of other parents by posting.