The North Face Big Shot Backpack - 2100 cu in - 2006 BCS

While this backpack may be useful for hiking, it is less than stellar for students carrying three or more books. Even though the volume is listed, the pack has only one compartment for larger objects and seems rather tiny. On the positive side, the pack is comfortable and looks great in red. If you plan on carrying medium to small loads, this pack should be perfect.

Versatile backpack with many nifty features. Sturdy and wide waist belt to spread load off the shoulders. Only criticism is the lack of sunglass/accessory pouch on the front shoulder harness.

I bought this pack to replace the one I have had for the past ten years. Great construction and fits very well and very comfortable. Only down point for this pack, I thought it would be a bit bigger for 2100cu in, my mistake though, it can handle two or three days of supplies if you pack well.

Sometimes you don't need a full on internal frame backpack but still need something more substantial than a book bag for your day hikes. The Big Shot definitely fills this niche. The large capacity, comfortable suspension, and hydration system compatibility are greatly appreciated. This will handle everything you need for a luxurious day hike and could even be pressed into service for a weekend jaunt if you were going the ultralight route.

This is the perfect backpack for day trips. I found it very comfortable to wear and it has room for just about everything. I have successfully taken it on day hikes and I have enjoyed taking it with me for work travel through airports. On airplanes, it fits perfectly below your seat as well as in overhead compartments. I am very pleased with my purchase.

This pack has got a lot of use sense I have purchased it. It has gone with me on overnight campouts, and takes my books to class on the big days. Plenty of room for goddies and all the esentials you will need.

This is a very good bag, plenty of space and strong enough for all my misguided trips. It's a little big for me, I am 5'4", but nothing that I can not deal with.

This is a glorified campus backpack - don't let the waterproofing, mesh side pockets, and other extras fool you. What separates it from true hybrids--packs that are as comfortable on the trail as they are around town--is the dinky waist strap and the lack of a contoured back. The pack just doesn't carry loads over 10 pounds very well--and any chiropractor will tell you that a good waist strap is invaluable for even light loads. It should have thicker, longer padding so it really sits on your iliac crest, even when pulled tight.
Also, remember that at 2100 CI you won't be going too far.
Lastly, I wonder about the quality. A zipper piece broke off the first day I got the pack (not vital piece at all, still works fine) and I've also heard a lot of about North Face's stitching quality having gone down in the last few years. The waterproofing has proven great in the snow, however.
And I realize that they can't make a pack that fits everyone so this is a warning more than a complaint: tall guys beware--I'm 6'5" and the pack just doesn't adjust to my height. Try the Kelty Redwing 2750 or 3100.
This is really a pretty decent pack and what the other users said is true--just consider my warnings.

The best backpack money can buy! Perfect for riding around campus with a few notebooks and a book, extra sandals, gum and tons of pens and pencils. The organization is great, and the front pockets with the waterproofing make this backpack ideal. The hydration pocket is huge, able to fit a 3L camelback bladder. GREAT PACK!

The Big Shot is a great design with average execution. It’s a great bag for work/day trips, and the load design is really comfortable. However, the quality of the manufacturing is at best average. I had two shoddy zippers and the elastic retaining strap on the mesh water bottle pocket pulled out the first time I tried it. Not worth mailing it back from overseas, but a pain for almost $100.

I love my new backpack. It has massive space for me to put in all of my textbooks, binders, and my pencil case.

But there is one minor problem that is rather irritating: the two inside pockets/storage spaces. Whenever I try to put binders or books in my backpack in a hurry, they get caught on top of the flap and I have a hard time squishing them in. But besides this minor detail, this backpack is great for anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable and versatile backpack!

I owned an older model of the Big Shot for about eight years, and basically took it everywhere with me. It went with me to class in Virginia and to the summits of eight or nine peaks in Wyoming. Although I loved the pack, I did think it had some drawbacks. But all of the problems I saw in the old pack seem to have been corrected in the new model. The material in the shoulder straps and back panel keeps you cooler, all of the straps are more adjustable, and the inclusion of a spot for a hydration pouch is a big plus. Although I was hesitant to give up my old pack at first, the new Big Shot won me over quickly and is now the daypack I take everywhere.

I have just arrived in New Zealand and the pack made the trip that much easier. It held it all my stuff and held up well. Lots of pockets and the water pack was useful. I give this a five star. Love it!

The cargo volume of this backpack was really important for me, 35 liters is perfect for carrying my Powerbook 15" in a neoprene pouch, school books and computer gear. The quality is awesome. It is also very comfortable and well designed. It looks gorgeous in red.

This backpack is huge. It has more than enough room and sits well on the back with comfortable straps. Although it has a lot of room I wish it would have several more pockets and one for a music device. Otherwise it’s an amazing back pack. It’s a good buy if you’re looking for room

This pack is a great day pack. I also think that it rides on your back very well. It supplies ultimate comfort.

This bag doubles as a school backpack that gets beat up on short climbing trips and day hikes in the Smokies. Whether you’re on the rock, hitting the slopes, or just booking it to class, this is the one. It has a solid suspension system for a smaller backpack, as well as a small hip belt good for the go, but stays out of the way when you’re chugging around campus. The storage compartmentalization is key. I highly recommend it.

I'm about 6 feet tall and while the quality and looks of this pack get top marks, it just didn't fit my back. It irritated it and after walking around with it for a few minutes, I regretfully decided to return it. If you're looking for an around campus backpack/hiking daypack go with the Borealis. It's an amazing pack with a ton of features and pockets and 15 bucks less than the Big Shot.

This is one of the best internet items I have ever bought. it saves my back from all these damn school books and also looks good on my back. It makes all my other backpacks look like crap. It has so much space.