Sturdy but cool schoolbag

thunderbird

Can anyone recommend a good schoolbag or a website with good bags, for teenage boys?

The past couple of years my son has had 'airline' bags, but they fall apart really quickly, they just can't cope with the weight of books and generally being flung about all day.
I am prepared to pay for good quality, but would rather not just pay more for a certain 'name'.

Edwardia

If he has pocket money or a part-time job, maybe as he's a teenager it's time to let him buy his own bag ?

He might buy the latest thing and be disappointed when it falls apart quickly and then buy something that will last - or he may continue to buy shoddy stuff with designer logos or sports brands.

Tiddlywinks

I'd recommend Kipling every time... I have used them as work bags for years and they are virtually indestructible. Plus they wash well in the machine.

Here's their school bag range (don't worry about the garish colours... choose the design first and see if it comes in blue / black / grey):

http://www.kipling.com/uk-en/school-bags/all-school-bags/?limit=40

This one seems good:

http://www.kipling.com/uk-en/school-bags/all-school-bags/college-2937.html?show_img=K1361251100+999

Also, the work bags are worth a look too.

The monkey is removable so don't worry about that.

thunderbird

Edwardia wrote: »

If he has pocket money or a part-time job, maybe as he's a teenager it's time to let him buy his own bag ?

He might buy the latest thing and be disappointed when it falls apart quickly and then buy something that will last - or he may continue to buy shoddy stuff with designer logos or sports brands.

It isn't who buys it that is an issue - he doesn't know what to get either - he hasn't asked for designer brands and hasn't had them in the past.

thunderbird

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I'd recommend Kipling every time... I have used them as work bags for years and they are virtually indestructible. Plus they wash well in the machine.

Here's their school bag range (don't worry about the garish colours... choose the design first and see if it comes in blue / black / grey):

http://www.kipling.com/uk-en/school-bags/all-school-bags/?limit=40

This one seems good:

http://www.kipling.com/uk-en/school-bags/all-school-bags/college-2937.html?show_img=K1361251100+999

Also, the work bags are worth a look too.

The monkey is removable so don't worry about that.

I have a Kipling bag that I use every day - I think they are a bit girly for a teenage boy aren't they?

(and a bit pricey at £110!)

Tiddlywinks

thunderbird wrote: »

I have a Kipling bag that I use every day - I think they are a bit girly for a teenage boy aren't they?

(and a bit pricey at £110!)

I think the charcoal coloured backpacks are pretty unisex once you take off the monkey.

A couple of the guys I work with have the laptop bags in black just because they are so usable and they are always on the run commuting so need something light as well as strong.

You did say you wanted something to last.

As to the price, have a look on ebay ,TK Maxx, Amazon, Javari etc for savings against the RRP. I just used the Kipling site for ease of demonstrating the range.

[Deleted User]

I thought the price was steep for a school bag too, it looked like a travel/luggage bag at first glance. Looks nice and sturdy though.

When we were in high school we got a new bag every 1-2 years, mostly rucksacks from the sports shops at £15-£20 ish. It seemed to do the job, but I am female, so was probably not thrown about like boys do.

room512

Got my OH a nice man bag from Clarks. Only cost £12.50 too!

kingfisherblue

My son chose a bag from Morrisons sale last year. I think it was £2.99 and he's using it again this year.

Sezzagirl

About 4 years ago we bought my son a laptop bag from Tescos to use as a school bag. It wasn't anything fancy - just Tesco own brand but it has lasted him for 4 years and still looks ok. It was a fabric sort rather than a hard one with a strap over the shoulder

Cost no more than £15 I'm sure but a really good purchase

So, maybe look at bags that aren't strictly "school"

Phil_L_2

These are tough and have lasted my children through secondary school.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/German-Army-Mountain-45-Litre-Rucksack-/171111727779?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksacks_Bags_EH&hash=item27d70dc2a3