JanSport Klamath 78

I have had this backpack for over 8 1/2 years and has been put to extreme use every month since December 25, 2005. It's seen the Sangre de Christo mountains of New Mexico for the past 4 years, has never failed me.

Absolutely love this backpack, had it since I was 9 and have used it at every scout camp and camping trip. The straps and padding are great. Would HIGHLY suggest this pack for beginners looking for space and lightweight.

I first purchased this pack because it was large enough and it fit in my budget. The lifetime guarantee that JanSport carries was also appealing.

Pros: A large bag, h2o system for a Camelbak, detachable side pockets, sleeping bag stored inside on the bottom of the bag, a number of ways to "fix" extra gear to the bag, all the straps and height of shoulder strap are adjustable. In case you have packed your gear wrong, you can get into the middle of the bag, without having to take out stuff from the top.

Cons: Not the lightest bag. When using the top section of the bag to pack extra gear, the top (if overfilled) becomes floppy.

All and all it's a good bag. I have not had the chance to get a lot of use out of it yet.

I like this pack. I purchased this pack at Gart Sports before a 5-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon (Tonto Trail) in early May, 2004. This pack proved to be a great load hauler. I carried 5 days worth of food and up to 8 1/2 quarts of water (for two dry camps) in addition to personal gear. The pack has lots of sizing options. Also, I like the flexibility the pack gives you with a removable lid and side compartments. One day I used the removable lid/fanny pack on a hike from Monument Creek down to Granite Rapids on the Colorado River. All in all, I am very happy with this pack and it will probably replace my Dana Design Bridger on shorter, weekend trips as well.

Not happy at all! I have a military issue sleeping bag, one that was once compressed and packed in a parachute pack, but it will not fit into the sleeping bag compartment on this pack. There is simply no way to zip the pack closed with my bag inside!

I will definitely take this one back and revert to my 20-year-old external frame pack! Who cares if the seams are splitting and all my gear falls out along the trail, at least it all fits into my pack!

Otherwise, nice design and fit! Hope I can find a suitable pack for my gear with the same fit and feel as this one...