Lifetime Backpacks

 

I had several readers write in about backpacks and their warranties and other ideas like this:

I know this may sound "expensive" but I bought each of my 3 children a backpack from LLBean. They were $45.00 each. The beauty of all of this is that , LLBean replaces the backpack if anything happens to it.

My daughter is now a college grad and still has the back packet, it was replaced 3 different times, without question by the company. I felt it ws a very wise buy.
P.S.I mailed it back, but they reimbursed for the S/H costs. Quite a Deal From: Rhonda

As I said in my Land’s End backpacks article, it is still not worth it to buy a $45-$60 backpack even if it lasts a lifetime.

We look all year long for backpacks in new or near new condition at the thrift store and yard sales and find them for $1-$2. Even if I had to buy a new one or two each year this would only be $12-$24 instead of $45-$60 so financially it’s not worth it.
Tawra

 

Reader Tips

I had to share the rule when I was growing up. My mom would provide the first backpack, lunch box etc, but if I needed another one due to neglect, abuse, etc, it was my responsibility to replace it. I learned very early to take care of my possessions. From: Anonymous

I am new to the web site and love the ideas. Just a thought after reading the most recent newsletter re: school supplies. I bought my son a Jansport backpack in 3rd grade. Pricey I know, but he is a senior this year and still uses this pack. It will easily get through this year an into college next year(if he wants!) It cost $26 back then. I just found a new one online for 24.95. And i am sure yard sales offer them MUCH cheaper. Oh, and I think they have a 100% lifetime warranty, so you can replace a broken bag. Thanks for helping me make the most of what I make! From: Anonymous

 

Note from Tawra: I have tried finding the Jansport backpacks but haven’t seen them here. If it’s $25 then that might be worth it. 

Now, having said that…I am tired of cheap "made in China" junk and wish more companies would actually make products that last like they used to. Why is it grandma has her toaster from 50 years ago and I have to get a new one every couple of years? (Ok, I do know why, it’s so you will buy more stuff but it’s still irritating!)

I do have to say that if I couldn’t find it used and if I had the money, I would buy the one that would last so I didn’t have to keep buying it over and over.  But… from a strictly financial point it’s not worth it to pay a huge price for a backpack when you can find then at thrift stores for a couple of bucks, especially when you are trying to get out of debt or need to save money. If money is no object for you then by all means by the expensive backpack. 

 

Photo by: jamieanne