<p>Hehe, funny how there’s actually popularity in brands: I’ve had the same “protocol” leather laptop bag since 2005, which I only bought because it looked durable… Yea, it’s durable! It’s also the subject of a running joke between some friends of mine and I (So where did all of the teachers buy that bag?!)</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>I can not stress how stupid it is to buy a messenger bag. You’ll walk like a clumsy person (which I do often thanks to carrying 15+lbs on 1 shoulder), and then look funny. OTOH, yea, it’s been a good solid bag.</p>
<p>S has a Northface Heckler; a little bit larger for all those big books, and great padded shoulder straps. His is a cool plaid design. It has lasted 2 years, and looks brand new. I would prefer he use a rolling backpack, but that has never gone over very well.</p>
<p>Can’t recommend the LL Bean bags enough. S1 has had his since 4th grade and he just graduated from college and it is still going strong. He has traveled all over the world with it, he has hauled books, laptop, swim gear, hardware, lumber, etc in it. He bikes everywhere, in all kinds of weather and he has had two major accidents where he slide across the road on the backpack. It still looks good. </p>
<p>S2 is freshman in college and he has had his since 1st grade. Still going, although we had to have the buckles replaced after it was run over by a FEDEX truck ( they were playing baseball while waiting for the school bus and his pack was first base, in the middle of the road) LL Bean replaced the buckles for free.</p>
<p>Rolling backpacks can be kinda dangerous, especially for taller people. If you hit just the right bump they have a habit of deciding to flip over and depending on how that happens it can hurt your wrist or hand or whatever. I’ve had a few close calls myself. </p>
<p>Essentially impossible to use if you’re taller than 5’10. Thing is, who carries around tons of books anyway?</p>
<p>My d loves her LL Bean, she didn’t even want to replace it when we sent her off to college last fall, she said it was her home away from home, lol.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine that a rolling backpack would be “cool”…</p>
<p>Another vote for LL Bean D also had hers since 3rd grade…nice to know she is not the only one holding onto it forever. </p>
<p>For those who like to be cool Longchamps are an “it” bag…D got leather one from J Crew last year but it didn’t last so she reverted to the LL Bean backpack which seems indestructable.</p>