Backpacking through the years

Our daughter Amalie began school this year, and so needed a backpack. Not for hauling around books other than the occasional library check-out; kindergarten doesn't impose great demands on classical academics. So I picked up an appropriately pink roller model at Target (the rollers were Amie's idea).

Then we switched her school -- the private institution just wasn't the place for her -- and the new school, public, strongly recommends against roller models. So, off to Target, where there was still a good supply, now on clearance sale. A new, similar, pink backpack was procured.

And soon, the loop handle ripped. Given how light the loads within have been, this was unacceptable quality. It went back to Target, and a third, different, yet still pink backpack was acquired.

And the loop ripped on this one, too. Feh. Enough is enough -- there's no substitute for quality, so last night I ordered a JanSport brand bag for Amalie, pink of course. I've been using a JanSport since college, lo over two decades ago, and while it now looks (and is) beaten to hell, it is still enduring. Loop handle intact, straps firmly anchored, tough suede leather bottom (nothing can Take It like suede), zippers strong. Some of the seams have burst, but the way I've treated this pack over the years, I'm more than impressed. So it'll be a JanSport for Amalie as well. Unless she needs something bigger, she'll still be using it in 20 years, you betcha. And mine, past 40, will probably still be around as well.