High Sierra Stalwart Backpack

So far I have used this backpack for 3 weeks and it is holding up well to some serious abuse. I haven't weighed the daily book load but the pack is crammed full every day and there have been no signs yet of strained seams. The pack has a very large capacity and lots of pockets. I have been able to carry a huge load of books (two 1-inch 3-ring binders, a spiral notebook, 2 big textbooks about 2 inches thick apiece and various smaller soft cover books)and a laptop in the main compartment, change of clothes for exercising in the secondary compartment, and lots of necessary odds and ends in the remaining pockets. Some days I think my back is going to give out, but so far the backpack is working great.

I originally purchased this backpack to use on a week-long canoeing trip in Canada. I was able to stuff all my clothing, fishing gear, and other items in the backpack without a problem. The shoulder strap and back padding made wearing this pack a breeze even with the heavy load. Side pockets for water bottles / fuel bottles and attach points for carabiners made this backpack well suited for the task. Upon my return, I started using the backpack to carry my computer on my business travels. The interior pockets are well organized and have designated spaces for pens/pencils and zippered and velcro pockets for small loose items. The zippers and pulls are of good quality and make removing the computer for airport security a quick process. Also, the open (non-zippered) pouch on the front allows me to quickly store my watch, change, and cell phone before I go through the airport scanner. This bag has really worked out wonderfully for business travel -carries my computer and accessories, books/documents, room for a light jacket, snacks, etc.

I've been really pleased with this backpack and purchased another for my daughter to take to college.

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I was looking for sth that had a large capacity but could be used as a carry on. This has lots of pockets for this, that and the other, and it has nice cushioned straps making it comfortable even with larger loads. Pleased with it overall.

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Generally, I like the product. Be ready to air it out for a few days because it smells really bad after opening. (Chemical smell from production) It has a laptop pouch and is moderately roomy. There are plenty of little spaces to keep things organized. The straps are really comfortable, even filled with many college textbooks.

The only issue I have is that the zipper on the main pouch doesn't line up perfectly, and this allows for openings to form along the zipper. It doesn't fly open, but the gaps are progressively getting bigger. Since this is such an important feature, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying it. Otherwise, it's a great buy. It may just be my bag that has this default.

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I purchased this backpack because I was looking for something that could hold all my text books between classes. I thought that, since it also had a computer spot, I would also have a way to cart my hp pavilion around as well. Or so I thought...

While I can't fit everything I wanted to carry into the backpack, it does have room, or at least more than the one I switched from. I can fit about 3 large textbooks comfortably in the main compartment and then there is "head room" where I could put stuff on top of the textbooks and still close the zipper with ease. (when your going for a physics major and have seven 2" thick textbooks, this means that you still have to juggle.) On the other hand, if your not taking physics or other hard sciences, you probably won't have to be carting around as heavy of textbooks. Also, the backpack feels heavy duty, and of decent quality, so despite loading it down, I am not worried about the zippers ripping out like my last backpack did. This feels like it has the potential to last for a few years of heavy abuse.

As for the computer, I have a HP Pavilion dv7 (17.3" screen) and it fits but barely. The corners of the computer sorta catch against the inside of the top of the backpack. For any other backpack, I would consider this to be a major danger to the computer, but this backpack seems to have a stiff "back" to help support the computer. I am not too worried about putting undue strain on the computer, but I usually play it safe and simply don't carry my computer unless I don't have a choice. Anything smaller (probably 16" screen or less) should not be concerned about this issue.

The two thing that I believe could be improved with this backpack: the waste strap and the back outside pouch. Both are cool ideas to be included, and the waste strap is particularly useful if you plan on running (or walking long distances) as it keep the backpack from bouncing up. The problem with the strap is when it isn't being worn. It dangles down and can get caught in things if you're not careful. The straps seem to be of good quality, and shouldn't break, but you still have to be careful. I believe they need a better storage, but are a great feature for more versatile backpacks. As for the back pouch, it seems convenient. However, if you hook anything to the carabiner loops on the back, it will pull the pouch wide open. The strap loops should be better placed or have something to secure the pouch closed.

The color pattern is not one I typically patronize, but, despite being quite an active pattern, it is serious enough that I don't mind wearing it around. It is obviously far from formal, but as long as I am not in business formal (or better), it is not too "loud" and doesn't jar my conservative tastes too badly, especially considering some of the other backpacks I've seen and cringed at.

The other thing I had in mind when purchasing this backpack, was that I am planning on taking this backpack everywhere, not just around campus. I haven't packed a day lunch and hiking supplies yet but the cinch straps seem to snug down the load to keep things from shifting when I need them too, even just around town. The organization pouch on the back also is quite convenient for holding school supplies, not elaborate, but all the essentials are there. Also, the middle pouch is narrow, but it is perfect for slipping a schedule planner or a school accordion folder to keep them separate from the textbooks.

Over all, I didn't get the backpack I was hoping for in terms of capacity (and storage for large laptop), but this is a very nice backpack and very high quality for the price asked. Despite my reservations, I would willingly make this purchase again if given the choice and highly recommend it.