Review: IT’s Back to School with MadPax backpacks and lunch bags

With the start of the new school year comes many challenges.  Getting your kids ready to go back to school can be a daunting process.  Many kids want to express their individual style, but it’s important to keep the function of the products we buy in mind, too. When I came across MadPax, it provided the perfect balance of allowing creative style for the kids while still keeping in mind the important attributes of a backpack being used for school.

The MadPax FullPack (shown in Snap Dragon) and The Mighty Bite (shown in Orange Peel)

MadPax recently sent us their FullPack and Mighty Bite for review. When the full-size backpack arrived, Kieran immediately threw it on her back, burst into a growl and snarled “I’m a Dinosaur!”. The reptilian texture and funky spikes are an excellent fit for any kid, or adult for that matter, that wants to make a statement (don’t worry, the spikes are soft!). And, while the full pack looks like it might swallow her whole, it would be perfect for elementary-aged kids on up.  For my 4-year-old in preschool, I’d stick with their HalfPack size.

Beyond the awesome styling of this bag, it also maintains other important features of a traditional backpack-pockets! The FullPack has 3 total pockets and features:

• One interior pocket (perfect for holding calculator and pens/pencils)
• 2 exterior pockets (holds an iPhone with plenty of room to spare)
• Comfortable, padded back and shoulder straps
• Front chest strap for a more ergonomic fit

Interior pocket of MadPax full-size backpack

Exterior pocket of the MadPax full-size backpack

Thick padding on shoulder straps

Chest strap provides a more secure fit of the backpack

This bag has been thoroughly tested for wear and tear.  I took it on a recent excursion to Disneyland and packed it full of water, extra clothes and snacks.  Even with that, it was comfortable to wear all day. All the zippers on the bag were used excessively during this trip and performed magically. No snags with the interior fabric, no catching, and have an overall smooth operatioin. I should also note, it was the talk of Disneyland.  I was stopped at least a dozen times (by both kids and adults…including some adults without kids!) asking where I had purchased the MadPax. Clearly, this is a unique backpack that is sure to stand out from the crowd.

The Mighty Bite in Orange Peel

The smaller pack (The Mighty Bite) was reviewed in Orange Peel and features zip closure and is the perfect size to tote around a phone and smaller incidentals. It contains a smaller interior pocket great for holding a credit card and some cash (no zipper on this pocket). It also has a hook strap at the top for easy toting.

MadPax is a wild experiment in individuality. Why blend is their motto. Each creation conceived enters the ‘fabratory’ as a double dare of design and possibility. They add the punk, passion and purpose, dab out the drab and add the rad. Is it creature, myth or merely magic? Meshed tight and right, the result is a backpack of cutting edge design for the ages, all ages.

MadPax full line available on their website

BUY IT: MadPax can be purchased directly from their website. In addition to the Full-size backpack (RV $60) and The Mighty Bite (RV $15) reviewed here, MadPax also makes a Lunch Bag size (The Nibbler, RV $28) and a HalfPack size ($46).  They are available in many colors and with smooth or reptilian-textured finishes.

-Heather

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received a MadPax FullPack and Mighty Bite free of charge to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.