JanSport Adirondack

Why don't all of you have one of these packs?

I have been looking at a million different packs to use on an Appalachian thru-hike, so obviously weight is a huge consideration. I had just about decided to get a part time job at HTO to afford a Mountainlight when I stumbled upon this pack. It's less than four and a half pounds for over 5000 cubic inches, which is the same capacity as the mountainlight for only five more ounces and about a hundred and eighty bucks less.

I just took the pack on a quick overnight in Shenandoah to check it out. I have a Kelty Slickrock (almost seven pounds) and this bag was as comfortable as that one, if not more so, owing to the fact that the back isn't heavily padded and breathes really well. One thing I didn't like at first was that there was no divider for the sleeping bag compartment. I got a compression sack for my bag and I actually like that better since it gets it down to about half the size of a sleeping bag compartment.

Another great feature are two large external side pockets. I loved them. One is big enough for my rain jacket, pants, gloves and hat, and the other one fit my purifier, headlamp, first aid kit, TP, and plastic trowel. It's really convenient to be able to get at this stuff (TP) without having to root around.

The Adirondack also has all of the features one would expect on a quality bag such as two adjustable water bottle pockets, which are both easily accessable with the pack on, full adjustability, ripstop material, quiet zipper-pulls, compression straps,quality workmanship, and a lifetime guarantee. While Jansport doesn't have the top-notch reputation of Mountainsmith or Dana, it's still top quality and very comfortable.

The only drawback I can think of is that the compression straps are above and below the side pockets, so they don't cover the middle as well as they might. I noticed this packing, but the bag felt good while hiking and I really only mention it because I feel I should mention some drawback.

Overall, this is a great great pack and it's nice to see that manufacturers are finally taking notice of the desire for very lightweight products that are still functional and comfortable. Buy this bag; you will not be disappointed.

This is a darn good pack for a darn cheap price. Whe you compare it to a $300 Gregory or Dana or Arc'Teryx, it might not be quite as padded or trimmed out- but all that padding and all those features add weight, and too much padding means one heck of a sweaty back. The Adirondack is comfortable enough to go shirtless, and is padded in all the right spots. The large exterior pockets add easy access to important gear, and let you easily trim the weight of the pack. I carried a week's worth of food, climbing gear, and personal gear (plus a big steel fry pan that had no discernable purpose, don't ask) for a week in Linville Gorge, NC- big hills, technical scrambling, steep drops- and this pack worked like a charm. I'm going to New Mexico this summer, and this pack is coming too.

I bought this pack on ebay for $50. What an excellent buy. This pack will hold a ton of stuff and is super comfortable. You can adjust it any way you want to fit you. I am 5'9", weight a 155lbs and took this pack on a week trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. I had 45 to 50 lbs in this pack with no problem regarding comfort or my ability to control it.

I am not sure if they still make this pack, but if you can get it I would suggest it.

This is a lightweight pack that hauled a few of my bigger loads that were too big for my Auspex. The only problem is that really really heavy loads will max out the suspension to the point where the wearer will feel it. Comparable to my friend's Specter but a lot less $$$ (note: neither on the marker anymore).