Get Gear: Backpacks

Review by aceman9188:

The qualities I look for in a backpack are durability and usefulness (usually size, practicality, etc…). This pack meet all those expectations. It is a backpack that would be equally comfortable on a long 7-8 hour hike or a 10 minute walk to class. With adjustable bands essentially everywhere, it is easy to limit the ‘bulkiness’ of the pack itself.

The bag feels surprising large for the specified volume, but also weighs very little when empty. The cushioning all over the straps provides a soft touch. One thing that I didn’t like is the feel/texture of the padding on the back. It feels like padding that has been covered up by a cheap plastic. Fortunately, the yoke shaped harness transfers most of the load on your shoulders and away from the back.

Durability wise, I cannot yet make a definite statement, but it seems to be extremely well built. The stitching looks to be good at every joint, and under heavy loads, there doesnt seem to be too big of an issue with the stitches stretching.

Overall, this was an excellent buy, and I plan on using it for years to come.

Review by CS:

This is a well-made backpack, comfortable to wear and convenient to use. Lots of pockets, good for everyday casual use, e.g., school, travel, light outdoor activity.

Review by doncole99:

I decided to order this Teton (designed by Coleman) backpack based on the glowing reviews seen here and I have to agree with them all.

There’s so much room to rent in this bag that you can lose items within it without even knowing the items are in there. I’m talking of items such as a DVD or even a CD wallet! It’s roomy and it expands! It includes straps to keep it all securely tied together. It has super heavy duty zippers like I have never seen before in my 50+ years.

The “Suspension System” is an unusual feature in backpacks which I was curious about. Mystery revealed, at the top of both of the backstraps, is a system constructed of a piece of strong elastic and nylon strap. The elastic will stretch slightly when the backpack is subjected to a heavy load and jolts such as when walking down stairs. The nylon strap which accompanies the elastic will not stretch, so this will limit the amount of stretch in the elastic! Genious! I like it.

This is such an amazing backpack, and I am so happy with this purchase, that I want to look for things around the house and neighborhood to carry in this bag! You’ll find it fun and comfortable to carry all of your stuff around in it too!

P.S. This backpack in black or red is currently , but in blue is . I like the blue one!

Review by S. Smith:

We have been through 3 backpacks this year. Each one we buy has fallen apart. I have a son, who likes to run, jump and play. He’s 9 and his backpacks take a beating. I ordered this one because of the price, since we seem to go through so many. I am REALLY impressed. This is a heavy duty bag, it is standing up to my Sons daily use and abuse perfectly. We have only had it for a couple of months but it still looks new. I also love the suspension straps on each side of the bag. Perfect for smaller lockers, so you can cinch it in and make it smaller yet its easy to adjust for when he has more stuff to carry. It is also easy enough to adjust that my son does it on the fly. Great bag, if your on the fence about getting it..I highly recommend it.

Review by Amber N. Duncan:

I decided to buy this backpack because my dog literally ate my other one. I was in a great hurry to buy another backpack of high quality, so I knew that I needed a Jansport. I bought the Super Break backpack in Orchid Corduroy. In case there is another person interested in this color, I really like it; it is what I wanted. Imagine the color of lilacs. The backpack has only a large compartment and a smaller one for your pens, etc.

Now to describe the backpack: The main compartment seems to be big enough for an average sized college textbook, a small book, a planner, a small 3-ring binder, a notebook, and a few loose papers. Right now I am taking a summer class, so I have few books to carry. In the fall, however, I will probably carry an average of six books each day to class. The good news is that with all of these items to carry for my summer class, there is still a large amount of room left. I would estimate that this backpack could carry about 3 average sized textbooks, a few smaller books, and a planner (with creative stacking). I also carry my lunch in my backpack, and a water; these fit in the pack well.

I gave this backpack a four because of the smaller compartment. As I look at the backpack, the small compartment could carry several loose items. The “organizer” only consists of a larger pouch, say for a scientific calculator and a floppy disc, and only two pen or pencil holders. As a college student, I must carry several miscellaneous items from pens to index cards. I feel that for people in the same situation, this backpack may not meet the above mentioned need. I feel that I could use more compartments for organization.

The backpack is medium sized overall; it is not so small that a student couldn’t make it, but it isn’t large enough to accomodate copious amounts of books or other school supplies. Overall, the comfort of this backpack is, on a range of 1-5, a five. The straps on this pack are padded very nicely. I am currently carrying around 15 pounds of books; not even close to what I usually carry, but so far, so good. It also features adjustable straps with more of a range than I am used to. As a small person, this was a great bonus. If you use both straps, this pack should not shift around too much. However, I only use one in order to get the backpack off and be seated quickly. Also, the backpack unzips without any trouble whatsoever (don’t you hate it when the zipper gets stuck in the fabric?).

I hope that I addressed any concerns about this backpack. I would recommend this backpack for college students who do not have to carry MORE than four or five average sized textbooks, for people who are going on a small trip (two outfits, one pair of shoes, toiletries, entertainment, and snacks), and perhaps even for sporting purposes.

Review by Krish A. Lalu:

I love this bag because it is light and roomy. However after laying it on the concrete a few times, it has 2 small holes at the bottom because the bag is so thin. I got my money’s worth, but will look for something with a leather bottom if you lay your bag on the ground at all.