My daughter saw this on a friend’s Instagram feed and declared it the only backpack that would make her school year tolerable. I sighed, opened another browser tab, and prepared myself for a review of a bag that’s basically a canvas sack with a brand name.

See it, Dad? →
Kid
Dad, I need the Mackenzie backpack. Everyone has it. It’s the only one with a secret pencil pocket.
Dad
A secret pocket for pencils. That’s less exciting than you think, sweetheart.
Kid
But it’s Pottery Barn! It’s not just a backpack, it’s a lifestyle.
Dad
Right. And this lifestyle costs about the same as a used car. Let’s see if it’s worth it.

What Is It?

The Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack Large is a spacious, monogrammable backpack with plenty of compartments and a classic preppy look. It’s the kind of bag that whispers ‘I have a trust fund, but I also have homework.’

What Does the Internet Think?

With 9,400 ratings and a 4.5-star average, it’s clearly popular. But reading through the reviews, you’ll find a mix of delighted parents and ones who say the straps wear out faster than you’d hope for the price. It’s well-made, but not indestructible. ★★★★½ across 9,400 reviews.

😐 Meh.
★★★★½ 4.5 stars  ·  9,400 reviews

This is the dictionary definition of meh. It’s a perfectly fine backpack that will carry your kid’s books and snacks without fanfare. But for the price (which we’re not mentioning), you could buy three perfectly fine backpacks that would last just as long. It’s not bad, it’s not great. It’s just… a backpack. If you must have the name, go for it. Otherwise, we have that at home.

See It on Amazon →

💡 We Have Something Like That At Home

Amazon Basics Kids Backpack
A no-frills bag that does the same job without the lifestyle markup.
See more like this on Amazon →