Back in 2012, I decided I was done with bargain backpacks for my kids. I’d bought plenty of $10-$15 backpacks over the years, but I had an epiphany when my daughter’s “new” backpack completely fell apart shortly after the school year began. Every time her backpacks would wear out, I’d loan her my trusty green 20-year-old Jansport that I used all through college:
That year, right around the time the bottom fell out of her “$15 special,” I spotted Jansport Trans backpacks on clearance at Target for $17.48. I bought one for her, and she’s had no backpack issues since. My youngest sons were still using their Disney and Mario character backpacks.
My youngest son, then in kindergarten, was also disappointed when his bargain bag ultimately split its seams as well. While I was thrilled with my bargain-priced, great-quality Jansports from Goodwill and happily pulled one out of the closet as an instant replacement for him, my son begrudgingly noted that they had no “fun stuff” on them. I’d just gotten a Land’s End catalog with a discount code though, and their backpacks were on sale too. As Land’s End also has a lifetime guarantee, I invited him to pick out a “fun stuff” backpack that would hopefully last him at least through elementary school.
He picked out this very cute Land’s End comic-book print backpack. And on Wednesday of last week, he got off the bus and showed it to me…
Having never returned anything to Land’s End before, I called them up, and the process went very smoothly. The representative on the phone was able to look up my original order, then sweetly said “I’d like you to pull up the backpacks page on LandsEnd.com so your son can pick out a new one.” Unfortunately, the comic book print backpack that he adored has been discontinued, and Land’s End now only offers the ClassMate backpack in solid colors. My little guy took it in stride and selected a grey pack with lime green details.
And guess which backpack my son used until the new one showed up? (Hint: It’s green.)
The new Land’s End backpack has the same kind of zipper as the old one, so hopefully this one lasts longer.
pattycakes says
Years ago, when my son was in grade school, I purchased a Jansport backpack for him. After 1.5 years the zipper seam fell apart. I sent it in for a replacement, as Jansport promised in their warranty. All good. However, again 1.5 years later, the replacement began to fall apart. Jansport wouldn’t send a new one, as they told me they would only replace the initial backpack once. Absurd! Now we only purchase them from LLBean. If they ever rip, just walk right into a store and they’ll replace it on the spot. You can also mail it back to them. They do this for ALL their merchandise. Fortunately, there’s an LLBean store in our area. Now it’s the ONLY place we buy backpacks. And if you have an LLBean VISA, you get free monogramming.
soapboxtray says
Thanks for this. My oldest son has a Jansport now and no issues. My other son (Mr. 10) has had a variety of packs because he too likes the colors, we did get a Swiss? at Office Max when they were doing the 100% back on packs and so far that one has lasted him 2 years in a camo color… but it is getting too small for the amount of books he carries now. I will be keeping an eye out when the back to school clearance hits!
Outlander says
I had bought a Jansport for my fifth grader (last year when he was in fourth) like the ones you bought at Target. Unfortunately, after a few months of wear, the zipper got really stuck while he was at school (caught the side of the fabric), and instead of asking for help, he cut through the zipper with scissors, completely ruining it! I was very mad, since I was counting on him using it for a few years, and with the warranty even longer. But, as this sure wasn’t their fault, that backpack is garbage now. :(
Oh, and I also found Jansport at Goodwill- very rugged looking thing with rubberized, sturdy bottom. I paid $4.99, even though one zipper is broken. I was thinking to send it to them to fix it. Do you know if you mail it and they just fix it and then send back, or what? I don’t see any similar models online now.
mickeyd says
Any recommendations on where to buy a reasonably priced backpack this time of year? My daughter has burned through ANOTHER backpack – third this year! She’s high schooler so she needs a big one. I don’t know why she’s so tough on backpacks but she is and I need to find something that lasts. Thanks!