Any suggestions? My 11 years old's current $45 backpack had a seam starting to rip. It's a no name brand. He carries his water bottoel and ALL his books. Cause knucklehead can't remember which to bring home. So I just make him bring them all.

Plus it's like rucking in and out of school!

I'd assume most packs are in the 25L - 30L size? Any budget friendly recommendations? Maybe $50-$75 ish range?

I might scope out FB marketplace as i've seen some Osprey's in the $60 range used.

Buying a quality pack can be a good move. My daughter still use hers 23 years later. She recently commented on how long it’s lasted. She’s never been a flavor of the day person though.

quote:

Originally posted by reflex/deflex 64:
Buying a quality pack can be a good move. My daughter still use hers 23 years later. She recently commented on how long it’s lasted. She’s never been a flavor of the day person though.

Little knucklehead is super hard on things. Being 11 I know he'll probably burn it out in a year or two. So I'm trying to find something just to get a few years out of.

Pretty sure Jansport still makes a standard backpack in that price range. Not sure if they’re as indestructible as they used to be, but that’s where I’d look.

-Rob

just bite the bullet and buy an osprey. If he breaks they will fix or replace it. As long as he doesn't loose it.

Herschel. 90$ plain Jane, leather bottom , canvas elsewhere. So far, so good. 12 yo boy

Check out Helikon-Tex Urban line. I use a few of their packs in the woods and their urban daypack as a get home bag. I'm not careful with them. They hold up well.

This Hello Kitty backpack is on sale for $9.99 + $4.89 to ship.

I bought my daughter an LL Bean when she was 15. At 32, it is her diaper bag. Buy once, cry once.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
I bought my daughter an LL Bean when she was 15. At 32, it is her diaper bag. Buy once, cry once.

I still use my LL.Bean bag. I’ve had it since like 7th grade. It’s been my book bag, travel bag, range bag, beach bag, go bag etc. etc. it’s the cockroach of bags, it will survive a nuclear apocalypse.

+1 for LLBean - although its been over 25 years since I got one.

Seems like Target, WalMart, or any decent outdoor or sporting goods store store will have something suitable for a child's school backpack. I wouldn't buy an expensive pack for a kid. The higher quality outdoor brands will be built for speed and lightness, and less for toughness.

Be poor.

Go to Goodwill.

Buy name brand well-built pack.

I’ve seen Osprey, LL Bean, REI, Jansport, etc.

If you’re military or first responder osprey offers 40% off. If you want me to buy it for her with my discount lemme know

Amazon has an Oakley Enduro backpack on sale for 37.50... which is half price.

I bought an Oakley Enduro 20L 5 years ago and it's my daily pack. It's been used to haul ammo all the time too. It's still working and looks great.

Look at Travel Pro

I bought this 25L LL Bean Explorer backpack for a kiddo who started 1st grade this fall. Seems to be well-made and full-featured.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/sea...5l&init=1&npc=0:1:48

The carbon navy/asphalt color is marked down to $45. The 32L size only costs a little more. I'm seeing it on Zappos and Dillards on sale for $43.96. Also a used green one at Poshmark for $20.

poshmark.com/listing/LL-Bean-E...8847d253f14b1ab308ee

I agree that if you have time to look, and you've OK buying light-to-moderately used, then try FB marketplace, thrift stores, and pawn shops. You should be able to find a great backpack for $20 or less.

Jansport still makes a quality backpack. LL Bean is also a solid choice. Both should get the kid through HS and probably longer. I’m not sure what they cost these days, they might be outside of the range you listed. I place backpacks in the same category as mattresses and work boots: I will buy the best I can afford. Hope that helps!

LL Bean was the best school backpack we ever bought.