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If you are breathing, I’m pretty sure you’ve seen some sort of back-to-school promotion already, whether it is your local store stocking up on school supplies or TV commercials for the latest kids fashions, it is about that time of year.
One of the staples of “back-to-school” time is the backpack. I don’t know what the statistics actually are, but I’d bet most kids use a backpack over any other sort of book bag. As a parent, you have to balance your kids desire to have the coolest look and your desire to have a durable, functional pack that doesn’t leave them walking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Lands’ End recently sent me one of their Cordura StudyHaul Backpacks to try and this pack seems to fit the bill for affordability, durability, style, fit and function.
Basic Details:
From Lands’ End:
Cordura® StudyHaul is made for kids who are tough on packs. It’s made of Cordura nylon, which resists tears and abrasions better than other standard pack cloth. In fact, it’s three times more durable than standard polyester, and two times more durable than standard nylon. The pack is also made for ultra-organizers. Compartments on both sides give them plenty of pockets for all their school supplies and more. Plus, an exterior stash pocket gives them a handy place to store a light jacket, notebook, or book. A big main compartment stores plenty of books. 100% Cordura nylon. 17″Hx13 1/2″Wx6 1/2″D. 1490 cu. in. Spot clean. Imported.
Tough and organized.
* Side pockets have compartments for all their supplies
* Stash pocket keeps smaller items handy
* Wide-opening top is easy to load
* Cordura® nylon resists tears and abrasions better than standard pack cloth
* Reflective trim helps make them visible
* C-shaped padded shoulder straps fit kids better
* MP3/CD player pouch & cord port for tunes
How it’s made:
The StudyHaul backpack is well made and appears very durable. The fabric seems tougher than your typical backpack and I think it will hold up well to the rough and tumble life of any student! All the pockets, attachments and straps are sturdy and strong and will hold up well to a ton of abuse. The back of the pack and the straps are padded in all the right places to help make this pack as comfortable as possible when loaded down with books, as I’m sure it will be each and every day.
How it functions:
This backpack was made for the truly organized or at least those who strive to be. There is a main large pocket for all of a student’s books, is tall enough to accommodate some larger items and opens wide enough for easy access. In front of that are two smaller compartments to store any items that they need to access quick and easy. The sides of the pack are where the real cool stuff happens. Each side contains a vertical pocket accessed by a zipper. One side with places for pens, a pouch for a calculator, a clip for keys and a couple of extra pouches for a wallet or anything else your student carries around. The other vertical pocket has a pouch for an mp3 player, a zippered mesh pocket for some loose items and another pocket and even has a slot/cord port that they can put their headphones through to listen to their tunes while their mp3 player stays tucked safely in their pack.
How it fits:
This pack fits comfortably on the back. The padding, the arched straps and the overall shape of the pack really make it feel light and comfortable, even when loaded with books. It is not real wide and therefore keeps the weight of the pack centered on the back rather than shifting back and forth which helps to keep your student comfortable and make the pack easy to carry even when full.
How it looks:
The StudyHaul backpack looks rugged and durable, but attractive. I received the Garnet color and I really like it, but it is not necessarily for the girly-girl. There are two shades of red on the pack, both are attractive and would work for both boys and girls. The accents are done in a nice dark grey and compliment the red very well. There is also some reflective fabric throughout, on the front of the pack and up and down the straps in order to help keep your student visible.
The bottom line:
If you looking for a durable, attractive, comfortable and roomy backpack with enough compartments to accommodate even the most organized of students, this pack is definitely worth a look. I was impressed with the quality and it certainly lives up to the Lands’ End name.
If you are interested in the Lands’ End StudyHaul backpack, or any of their huge line of backpacks visit their website at: landsend.com. They have a very large selection and you are sure to find one that suits both you and your child. All of the backpacks at Lands’ End carry their “Guaranteed. Period.” guarantee, which means if you are not satisfied for any reason you may return your purchase for exchange or a full refund. Lands’ End has offered our readers an extra bonus too, FREE SHIPPING now through July 30th; just use the code BACKPACK and the pin 2784.
About the giveaway:
Lands’ End not only sent me a backpack to use and review, they sent me 2 of them, which means one of our lucky readers gets one too! In addition, we here at What’s That Smell? are throwing in a $10 gift card to Wal-Mart to help fill the backpack with school supplies.
One reader will win the following:
1 garnet colored Lands’ End StudyHaul backpack and a $10 Wal-Mart gift card. Total value: $49.50
How to enter:
- Visit the backpack department at Lands’ End and pick your favorite pack from their large selection
- Come back here and leave a comment stating which one is your favorite and who you would buy it for
Earn an additional entry for each of the following activities:
- Subscribe/be subscribed to our newsletter
- Add/have added our button to your sidebar
- Blog about this giveaway (provide link to post)
- Stumble this post
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NOTE: You must provide an additional comment for each additional entry you have earned.
This giveaway is open the continental USA only and ends at noon August 8, 2008.
Winner will be selected by random drawing using Random.org.
Note: Please make sure to enter our other great giveaways:
The Daughter-in-Law Rules
Princess Linens Doodlebag
Check these out too:
the Multitask would do the trick
I am also a subscriber to your newsletter.
I think Rylee would like the Print ClassMate Junior Backpack when she’s ready to go to school.
I would buy the MultiTask one for my son, who is in college. He could really use this!
I love the Uniform ClassMate™ Wheel Pack for my daughter. She’s a reader, so I don’t want her ruining her back when she’s reading the last Harry Potter book.
My favorite is the Wheeled MultiTask Backpack in Black. I would buy it for my nephew, Wyatt.