Hi, this wasn't what you asked about, but just giving my own opinion. I think that most kids that age would rather have a "cutesy" backpack. You know, with cartoon characters or whatever on it. It's probably what most of the other children that age will be carrying. LL Bean does make good, reliable products...exactly what I would get an older child who would be apt to carry the same pack for more than one school year. When my son was younger, getting a new "fashionable" backpack each year was exciting for him. Every year there was a newer, must have cartoon character. Since I never paid more than $10 for a backpack, I never minded doing this each year. On the other hand, soon to be 12 year old DS wants a Nike backpack this year...tough on the wallet. This one will definitely be carried for more than one year.