Just plain worth it.

By BCasey Ranked #235 - Laptop Packs and Bags December 6, 2009

Background: I'm about to graduate college, am active as all get out, and abuse everything I own (rarely on purpose). I've spent more money than I care to replacing broken this and torn that.

I first received this pack halfway through high school. Everything an overactive high school boy can put a pack through, I put my North Face Modem through (up to and including pack throwing competitions... yeah, I know, administrators loved me). After two years of high school and the last almost-five years of college, I say with complete honesty that this is my favorite backpack of the many (mostly Jansport) I've owned. I have loaded it to 30 lbs and worked out with it, I've gone running with it, I've slung it or thrown it around here and there, and during the school year it is always weighed down by books and my laptop. I don't mind its lack of compartments as many companies overdo the 'organization' thing. I don't mind the lack of a bottle pocket. I got rid of the shock cord webbing outside (useless) and removed the belt strap (useless for what the pack is designed for).

My only complaint is that the shoulder straps are angled too wide; I'm about to sew in a D-ring on one and a clip on the other to work like a sternum strap to take care of that problem. I worried about things inside getting wet (I live in Florida and have been poured on more than a few times with my school pack on), but it sheds water as well as it needs to for my stuff to stay dry.

The quality of the pack is outstanding. I can't recommend it enough for school- and commuter-pack use.

View Details: The North Face Modem Backpack - 1850 cu in

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