toddler/preschool backpack - LE, LLB, PBK?

[abh5e8]

anybody have a great backpack for a little one? i have looked at lands end, ll bean and pottery barn kids online. they all 3 run about $20 but i'm wondering if anybody likes them in real life? dd is only 2 but with the new baby coming soon, i plan to use it as her diaper bag at first. i also think that a backpack will help her to feel like a "big girl". i'm looking for something small for her little back....any suggestions? TIA!

[WatchingThemGrow]

DD (who is 2) has the LE Rugby preschool backpack. She loves wearing it around the house. We got a matching lunchbox to hook onto it. She'll be passing it down to DS when the time comes. It seems really well-made.

[ltmommy]

I know this isn't one of the brands you were looking at, but my MIL got one of these for DD this summer, and we love it.

http://sbkidsco.com/CROCODILE-CREEK-Backpack-Ladybug/M/B00166BN58.htm

It's very lightweight and a good medium size - not too big on her, but big enough to hold lunch and art (and a swimsuit and towel for summer camp). A lot of the really tiny ones won't hold the art projects they bring home.

I think they come in other patterns, too.

[bubbaray]

LLBean original jr. LOVE it.

[lorinick]

Ds got backpack from PBK at the end of last year. The bag held up very well. He used it this summer to. Very well made. For a small bag it held alot and had a lot of compartments.

[ThreeofUs]

LE has some nice ones - and they are all on sale now. My neighbor's girls really like the girl's preschool backpack.

We have an LLB backpack for DS, and we all love it for size and ease of use. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear on their site any more....

[bubbaray]

Here is the LL Bean Jr Original pack:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=junior-original-book-pack&categoryId=38050&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=504465&cat4=504464&shop_method=pp&feat=504465-tn&np=Y

LOVE it! :)

[galvjen]

We have the LLBean backpack and after 18+ months of daily use, it still looks new. Our is monogrammed with DS' name. It's big enough to hold a folder, 2 changes of clothes, and a nap blanket. I'm satisfied with the purchase.

[mattiew]

DD used a Stephen Joseph backpack for a few years, they are just so cute and the perfect size for a toddler/preschooler. I'm sad she is now in kindergarten and graduated to LL Bean....I saw go for something fun while you can!

[hillview]

I really like the kelty kids one. It is a great size for DS.
HTH
/hillary

[KBecks]

We have an LL Bean one and I like it. DS likes it. The zippers are very smooth. It does look big on his little back though, and he's almost 4 and not tiny.