As for this particular aqua-blue or "white/navy" Men's Schoolie Backpack that was just purchased, I will have to update this review at a later time to tell you how it held up. I am writing this review based on past experience with this model in a different color.

I have read some bad reviews about Quiksilver backpacks, so maybe the company isn't putting a lot of emphasis on quality control. The last backpack we bought before this one was the same model and it survived two and a half years of teen-duty. To be fair, the first two years it was stuffed into the locker at the beginning of the school day and not used again until it was time to go home (backpacks were not allowed in the classroom). This year, it was pushed to the limit being carried around all day long. All the straps have held up and so have the zippers. The very bottom of the backpack wore away and the backpack looked old, so it was time for a new one.

My complaint with this model (as with most school backpacks) is that kids do not get the support needed. Kids want the backpack to slip on and off easily so they don't tighten the straps enough for the pack to support the weight the way it should. Someone needs to design a backpack with this reality in mind.

As for Amazon, I am surprised and relieved that I got the model and color that I ordered. I have learned that if something comes in different models, colors, etc., it's kind of luck of the draw. It seems that the people at the Amazon warehouse often send whatever is available or whatever they first come across.  I guess they figure most people are too busy to bother sending something back and will just settle for what they get.  Having purchased items from Amazon for about a decade, I know what I'm talking about. Obviously, I have learned to work around that and/or make it a consideration before I decide to purchase something.

Maybe Amazon should put a separate star rating for the purchasing experience. I have noticed some people will give the product a low review based on that. I can't say that's not fair, it is a consideration. It just isn't helpful for other folks who are trying to decide based on the performance or quality of different products.

I gave the product four stars instead of five because I am not blown away by it.  I am saving a five star review for the company that comes out with a backpack that gives incredible support, slips on and off easily, has no reports of broken straps or zippers, and doesn't cost a fortune.