The Mighty Zip Tab

August 2013: I normally wouldn't write a review for a binder that has ~134 reviews, but this has gotten some negative reviews and I feel this is a good binder. I have 2 kids going into 7th and 9th grade and they need "giant" binders because every teacher wants them to have a tabbed section for their class. So, I have had experience looking for binders that are 3.5" wide at the spine, or larger, for 3 years. This is my 4th year. These types/styles binders are not always the most durable. Twice, I've had to purchase a new binder 1/2 way through the school year or sooner. My kids haven't used these yet, but just looking at this binder, it seems more durable than many I've seen and/or purchased. The 3 rings, and the "tabs" on the top and bottom for opening the rings, are metal. Last year, my sons' binders had metal rings but the tabs were plastic, so, of course, they broke. This shouldn't be a problem with the metal "tabs."The hard cardboard or plastic (I don't know what it is) that makes the front and back covers stiff, and is covered with the "fabric" is quite stiff. I'd say stiffer than some past notebooks my son's have used. So I expect it to hold up better than some past binders.This notebook also has a nice handle along the spine, as well as a long, adjustable strap, for carrying the binder, if you don't want to put it in your backpack.As far as this binder not fitting into a backpack when several large textbooks are present (as another reviewer stated), the solution is to purchase a large backpack with a large base/bottom. For example, this binder fits just fine, with room for at least 3 text books in the Dakine 33-Litre Campus Pack Dakine 33-Litre Campus Pack and Dakine Campus Laptop Backpack whose base/bottom measures 9.5"X8" and widens to 13" in the middle. A school backpack's base size is important, not so much the volume. I know this because I've tried other packs that had the same, or larger, volume. But they didn't work as well for school packs because its the base/bottom size that is more important for carrying books (as opposed to camping, hiking, etc.) So get the right pack.i do agree with a previous reviewer, that the accordion file section is a waste of space. But, it doesn't take up that much room and can easily be cut out with scissors.UPDATE (October): 1 quarter down (and 3 to go) and these binders are still looking good and functioning as they are supposed to. No problems with the rings. No fraying or missing edging. No rips/tears/etc.UPDATE (December): Well, the semester is almost over (1 week to go) and this binder has held up like a trooper. And boy do I mean that. My high school freshman has his jam packed. And, when I say "jam packed," I mean it is full to it's limits! Over Winter Break we will go through it and file away things he doesn't think he needs anymore in his desk, so he has room to "jam pack" it during the second semester. All bindings and everything are still intact. The 3 metal rings are still working.UPDATE: May, 2014: School will be out in 3 weeks and this binder is still going strong! My kids might even be able to use it next school year. Great purchase and value!UPDATE: January 2015: My younger son is using his same binder from last year and we are through the 1st semester and it's still going strong! My older son wanted a new binder (Actually 2 smaller ones because he has "A" and "B" days in high school and that way he only needs to carry 1 smaller binder, for 3-4 classes each day, rather than one large binder for 6 classes. I bought him 2 of the same brand, just smaller/thinner.) But "oooh" and "ahhh" to THIS binder. 1.5 years and still going strong!Final update: March 2016: I only buy this brand for my boys now. They are truly amazing. My younger son used his 1st one for 1.5 school years and then something happened to the rings (which might have been his fault - I'm still skeptical), so I bought him a new one. If I was in a financial "pinch" he would have kept using it, as it was more annoying that unusable. Since this initial purchase, I have bought this brand from Amazon in various sizes, depending on my kids' needs, and they are all equally durable.Thank you Case It for finally making a durable binder in a variety of colors and sizes!

The headline says it all. It's a great binder, and every kid should own one. This binder has helped my two middle school boys tremendously. It taught them to be organized (and one kid was extremely disorganized). They can keep subjects separate. The binder holds multiple notebooks, folders, dividers, supplies, even some textbooks (the thinner ones, not the huge textbooks we lugged around as kids). My kids literally carry all subjects in this one binder. They no longer have to stop at their lockers in between classes and rush to class. Yes, it does get heavy if you're loading all subjects into this binder, but it is worth it and my kids have never complained. They absolutely love it, and other friends have asked where we get this so they can also get for their kids!It's really great, because it zips shut so nothing falls out, even if you store pencils or markers in it. The binding is very sturdy, and has lasted all year. I do switch it out at the beginning of the new school year and buy a new one. Not because the old one broke, but just because some edges can get frayed, and my kids enjoy starting each year with a fresh clean binder.Please buy this for your kids if they're in middle school. It is a life saver.

This is a must for all middle schoolers. When my son started, we tried the usual 3 ring binder but having to take it out and put it back in his small string backpack got to be too much. This saved us and has been so sturdy! The handle holds all the weight of his papers and items FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR! While other brands break, this brand held up for us. It has tons of storage, comes with class separators and is easy to carry between classes. I like knowing they are prepared and he feels seen in whatever color he wants. The colors are true and well made. Can not ask for more!

Lasted a LONG time. My daughter had this for school and seemed to work the whole time. It is made from lower quality material but lasted almost the entire school year.

Our son has a similar one that lasted 3 years but the zipper broke. I bought this as a replacement and he is happy with it. Lots of storage and organization for his schoolwork.

Fits a small laptop in the inner pouch with more room in the different pockets inside to keep papers / notebooks organized. Strong quality, neutral color, zipper and folders are all easy to use.

This trapper made it through my sons 6th grade year! He is very hard on items and it survived. I was surprised how much it could hold. Wonder if it will make it through the next school year! Like the strap and or handle option. It was worth the price. Good buy.

This is the perfect binder for school. It can hold a lot of things, I also love the color. The only problem I had with this product is that the mesh pencil case on the inside ripped quickly. Other than that, the binder is very durable.