Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ll bean for pre k. Still going for 5th grade. My middle school ll bean wore out after college. Husband still uses college one. These last 10-20 y.

Yes, this. Kid 1 used a small LLBean bag from K-2, then kid 2 used the same bag from K-3. Second bag was used from grades 3-6 by kid 1 and currently still in use for kid 2. Kid 1 is now in HS with his third (& now adult sized) bag that should last him at least through college.

My college kid uses his K sized LL Bean bag for camping trips...dinosaur and all!

My kids have had the same backpacks since going into middle school and they are both in high school. I've taught them the value of reusing instead of renewing. If I had enough money to buy them new backpacks every year, I'd rather put that into new clothes for them instead.

Besides, it's 2024 and kids don't come home with books anymore. All they have is a laptop and some writing implements. They could probably use a grocery bag and be ok.

No way. Waste of money. I got a small LL Bean one for the first half of ES and a larger one for the 2nd half. I think he got an UA one for a few years in MS/HS and a school UA one for HS. He has a school UA one for college.

Anonymous wrote:These threads pop up every year and seem to attract people who use the same backpack. We get a new one. Our kids were beat, mostly from camp over the dinner.

We use different backpacks for outdoor activities and camping (and "camp" camping). Some school backpacks don't hold up well for outdoorsy stuff, but are good for school and air travel over the years. A Yeti or Cotopaxi for camp.

Anonymous wrote:I still have the 20+ year old Jansport I got for Freshman year of high nschool. This thing survived carrying giant Orgo books. I had to repair a single seam once.

+1. For every family vacation, I pull out my backpack from law school 25 years ago and carry it on the plane.

My daughter (5th grade) has the same backpack since K! We have not seen a better one, and that is the reason she uses it every year. Lightweight, soft, does not show dirt, cute design, etc.

We don’t. I would if they wanted one and/or it was beat up but what they have now has been going strong for a few years

I allow a new one. They use it every day! They can have a print or color that reflects their current taste. I prefer that to buying tons of clothes that aren’t necessary.

These threads pop up every year and seem to attract people who use the same backpack. We get a new one. Our kids were beat, mostly from camp over the dinner.

Anonymous wrote:Ll bean for pre k. Still going for 5th grade. My middle school ll bean wore out after college. Husband still uses college one. These last 10-20 y.

Yes, this. Kid 1 used a small LLBean bag from K-2, then kid 2 used the same bag from K-3. Second bag was used from grades 3-6 by kid 1 and currently still in use for kid 2. Kid 1 is now in HS with his third (& now adult sized) bag that should last him at least through college.

No. I offered, but both backpacks are going strong 3 years in. I also don’t buy “back to school” clothes since my kids wear shorts until October. I just buy clothes when they need them because the ones they have are outgrown.

My high schoolers have used their llbean backpacks since early elementary school. No need for a new one!

I think it’s great when families that can afford it buy new things every school year, as long as they pass on the gently used items to kids who need them. Win win!