User Review: DaKine Duel

DaKine Duel
Above: The current Duel, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 22, 2006 by zvio

Rating:
Design: Basic backpack with contoured shoulder straps and a chest buckle
Number of Pockets: One main compartment, two water bottle mesh sides, padded laptop sleeve, padded music player pocket with a rubber headphone outlet and a pocket organizer
Max. Load Carried: 30+
Height of Owner: 1.78m
Price Paid: $29

I love this backpack. It is my college throw and I sometimes use it to carry stuff with me for visits.

Pros:
Decent weight
Stylish
Many, many details like padded music pockets and skateboard straps (I usually hold groceries I cannot fit with the straps)
Room
Laptop sleeve

Cons:
Fabric absorbs water fairly quickly - I'd like to see heavier duty nylon
Poor angle of water bottle holders make reaching them difficult and there is no alternative hydration compatibility

I suppose this dual-purpose bag serves many useful functions but despite its let-downs, I find it very comfortable and pleasurable to use. I don't have a laptop yet but the included option is quite thought through with the padding and all.