Fantastic quality backpack (Jansport Bags)

Member Name: englishdavid

Product:	Jansport Bags
Date:	15/06/09 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality, Useable space, great design touches

Disadvantages: None

I recently purchased my first backpack from JanSport and thought it might be useful to relate my thoughts.

JanSport, based in the USA, offer a huge range of bags, packs and other luggage. For the purposes of this review I'll be concentrating on the 'model' I purchased; the "Trinity" backpack. Mine is a drab olive green colour but it's also available in a huge range of other colour combinations - definitely something to suit all ages and tastes.

Let's start with the most important factor: Storage:

There's a small padded section on the top of the pack which is called the v-loft pocket (nope, I don't know where the name came from either) which is perfect for your phone and MP3 player. Indeed, there is a small exit port (which is protected from rain ingress) through which you can feed the cable for your headphones so that your player is safely protected from the elements (and any light-fingered Artful Dodger types) on your back whilst your listen to your tunes. It's a nicely thought-out addition.

The main compartment of the pack is divided into two, with the very padded back section able to house a typical 15 inch laptop. The material feels substantial and strong so, although I haven't actually used the laptop pouch, I would have no worries about doing so. The other section of the main compartment is huge. I'm currently studying a course for work so I routinely carry around thick A4 folders, notebooks and large textbooks - space has never been an issue.

There is an additional zippered section on the front of the pack which is called the accessory pocket. This provides ready access to any bits and bobs you might need in a hurry and contains an organiser section with little pockets to store pens, memory keys and other small essentials.

Finally, the small zippered front section is primarily designed (I assume) as an area in which you can keep your wallet/purse. It includes a key-chain attachment which is sewn into the bag which you can attach your house-key, locker key or whatever so that you don't have to spend time rooting around in the bottom of your bag trying to locate it.

The ergonomically designed "Airlight S-Curved, dual density foam" (!!!) shoulder straps are substantial, very well padded, fully adjustable and really comfortable. If you, as I do, carry your pack on one shoulder the good news is that it stays put and never feels like it will slip. The straps incorporate a breathable mesh on the side which contacts your shoulder. This means that you'll never end up with "sweaty strap syndrome", even on the hottest of days. In addition to the shoulder straps, the backpack also has a padded grip handle on the top so it can be carried like a more traditional bag. I've found this useful in crowded areas where the bag is likely to knock into people if worn on the back.

All areas of potential stress have been reinforced with small webbing straps and each zip has an attached webbing fob which means they're all easy to find and open/close, even with cold fingers. Little touches like these all add to the pack's appeal and definitely give a feeling of design and overall quality.

The useful dimensions are:

Size: 30cm (width) x 50cm (height) x 21cm (depth).
This gives an interior volume of 30 litres.

Such figures are always a bit abstract, I think, but let me tell you that they translate to a pack that is more than large enough for most people's day-to-day requirements, without being overly big. I hope that makes some sense.

In summary then, the JanSport Trinity is a well thought out, extremely useable and very comfortable backpack. I paid less than £24 for mine through ePacks.co.uk. Certain colour combinations are even cheaper. JanSport's RRP for the pack is £29.99. If backpacks are your thing you'll do well to add this one to your list to consider.

Summary: A great purchase for anyone who uses backpacks