My son went through several backpacks last year. I got him this one at the beginning of this school year (4 months ago), and it is still going strong with no signs of trouble. He can be rough on backpacks (and, well, everything else), but this one can take it. It's sturdy enough to carry all his books with no problem. He walks about half a mile to school and half a mile back every day, and this backpack is up to the task. I also love the Nightmare Before Christmas theme and decoration.