The North Face Modem Backpack - 1850 cu in - 2007 BCS

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.

Just received this bag and the construction on it is awesome, BUT their are NO compartments to put your other stuff. It's basically just an open bag. If you have a lot of extras this bag is not a good choice!

I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my brand new backpack. However upon its arrival I was sort of left with the “Uh” face you know :-<. I mean you kind of get what you paid for. However because of the brand, I was somewhat expecting a little more. I mean, laptop users get thirsty. Nevertheless, there’s no where to put my drink. Speaking of my laptop, good thing I have a padded sleeve for it because there’s definitely not enough cushion in this bad boy. Lastly I know I’m not going camping, yet I like the chest strap as opposed to the waist belt (I’m not in grade school anymore.) Would it kill to have booth? My old The North Face Atlantis does! C’mon guys lets be like wine i.e. get better with time. Could the title of my review be “Old The North Face Atlantis” + Padded sleeve vs. The North Face Modem Backpack? I dunno, maybe. It’s here so I guess I’ll keep it.

I have a 14.1" laptop with a battery that abuts out of the back, and even with that, the Modem's main section still fits the laptop, and the cooling fan pad I have for it, snugly but not chokingly so.

I'd recommend this to anyone that has a 15" or smaller laptop. The added pockets in the accessories section is a huge plus, as is the MP3/iPod secret opening.

this is an awesome backpack, large, sturdy, doesn't kill my back even when its packed to maximum, i use it for going to and from campus, and it works perfectly.

Really good backpack. I love the laptop section in the big zipper. It has cushion to it so it keeps my computer safe and protected. Lots of pockets on the inside to keep my pens and other school supplies organized. It's a great size too, not HUGE but not small at all. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a backpack!

I got this Modem Backpack for Christmas last year. It didn't last 6 months, and the laptop sleeve doesn't even have any padding to protect it. This might work if you are just carrying around some light books. But I wouldn't want another one. Go for a real pack with a true laptop sleeve if you have a laptop.

I really like the backpack, I don't get back aches like I used to and it sure holds a ton of stuff. Doesn't have a water bottle side holder though, and I thought that the laptop section would be thicker, but it certainly does the job well.

I like this backpack. It does everything that I need it to. The only exception is that I thought it would be a little bigger. It definitely keeps my computer safe when I ride by bike to class. The first day that I received the pack, it was raining pretty hard and it protected my books and my computer really well. Just wish that it was a little bigger.

Works great going to school keeps my laptop safe and allows me to carry what I need to class. Would recomend this product.