I was surprised yesterday when I saw that my son, now 28 years old, was still using the school backpack I purchased for him in high school. It is an L.L. Bean backpack.

When I first purchased his school backpack, it had a flaw (can’t remember now what it was) – and yes, they did honor the lifetime warranty. He has continued to use this school backpack for a good ten years. Today, he uses it for a quick overnight bag.

Over the years, I had bought many cheaper school backpacks when my children were in school. And although this school backpack cost more than many of the discount ones, it ended up being a great bargain after you consider how long it’s been used, as well as the extra features it had.

I only suggest you involve your child in selecting the color and features of their new L.L. Bean school backpack, because it will be part of their school equipment for a long time. And while, I’m sure there are equally well-made school backpacks out there, my personal experience was with the L.L. Bean school backpack – and I was not disappointed.