User Review: JanSport Carson 90

JanSport Carson 90
Above: The current Carson 90, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 6, 2007 by WB Buffalo

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: Hybrid top-loader / panel loader; external frame.
Size: 4900 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 35 lb.
Height of Owner: 5' 9"
Price Paid: $99

This is a lot of pack for the money. I REALLY like JanSport's quality of construction. And it only weighs 4 lbs. 13 oz. If I were buying a first pack for a large-sized boy I'd go with this pack since I can't find the Rainier any longer.

I like the way this pack can be adjusted, and once adjusted, the way it fits. It swallows large-sized gear readily and offers four handy places for small, often-used gear to sit. The zippers and buckles are rugged. The top and bottom lash points are well made and usefully placed. A boy can easily secure a foam sleeping pad and his part of a two-man tent to them, and parents can have confidence that they will stay put - if the (not provided) lash straps snugged properly. The powder-coated aluminum frame is solid and doesn't squeak, even when the pack is fully loaded.

The zip-down front panel is a big help, making for easy access to lunchtime and end-of-the day stuff. The lower compartment can be reached easily, too, providing handy access to a sleeping bag.

The twin side pockets are reasonably sized and can accommodate a pack cover, trail trowel, TP, tent peg bag, eating utensils, etc.

Longer items can go in the removable top pocket, along with a poncho and a personal first aid kit. Detached, this top pocket becomes an acceptable pillow, if stuffed with soft things.

The hip belt has lots of 'tail' in the webbing and accommodates my 36-inch waist with ease. Less than 32-inches? Try another pack. Over 36-inches? Pretty good chance it will accommodate your girth.

Why didn't I give the Carson 90 five stars? Read on.

There are no dual daisy chains, even though the "Buy Me" tag says that there are. Oooof!

The three horizontal compression straps are more decorative than useful. When snugged to their limit, their tails become a long, dangling mess, unless you use rubber bands to keep them under control. Fiddley.

I replaced my still-going-strong ten-year-old JanSport Rainier because I wanted a built-in hydration bladder. When I put a 2-liter bladder in the Carson 90's sleeve it bulges uncomfortably against my lower back until I can drink at least half of the water. I can live with it since it encourages me to stay hydrated, but I don't like it.

The twin pass-through holes cut in the rear of the panel divider are too small to accommodate my tent's nested poles. They will permit something of approximately one-inch in diameter to pass through. What might that be???

When the pack is fully loaded the front panel's hook-and-loop closure patches don't touch unless you reach through the top of the bag and force them together.

I REALLY miss the two zippered front panels on my Rainier. I also miss the single extra-long side pocket with its pass-through back and catch-cup below. Why couldn't JanSport have simply added a hydration bladder sleeve to the Rainier's tried-and-true design????

Will I continue to use my Carson 90 or will I sell it? I don't know. My Rainier still has lots of life left in it, and I've discovered that I can dangle a stand-alone water bladder from its top bar without it hitting me in the small of my back. Hmmm...

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