User Review: JanSport Carson 90

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

Reviewed March 23, 2006 by Jerome

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: front\top loading external with hydration
Size: 5500 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 6
Max. Load Carried: 60 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'9"
Price Paid: $89

This is my first "serious" backpack, but I feel I've used it enough and observed others with various backpacks to fairly say this is a really nice backpack.

I really like the large storage space coupled with the ability to unzip the front panel all the way to the bottom. This nice little feature makes getting to anything in your pack a snap. I also like all of the pockets and the pocket for a bladder. I don't know if I would want a pack that wasn't hydration capable after owning this one. There's also a nice space at the bottom of the frame for lashing on a tent or sleeping bag. You've also got a little room at the top if you don't over stuff. The compression straps are a great feature as well. They really do come in handy.The pack is comfortable, lightweight and proved to be pretty stable over tough terrain.

The only thing I've observed in other packs that I wished this one had is load lifter straps (straps that run from the pack to the top of the shoulder). They seem to be pretty handy, but I wouldn't call them a deal breaker. If you've read other reviews you've probably came up on complaints about the shoulder straps breaking. This seems to be an issue on earlier packs but has now been resolved. I bought my pack mid 2004 and it already had the improved straps with metal grommets. If you do happen to come up on a pack with the old rubber, Jansport will replace them for free, so that's not too bad a deal. My pack also squeaks a little, but it's not so bad as to be a nuisance.

Overall I'm very please with this pack and don't regret buying it at all. There are certainly more expensive packs out there, and maybe many that people would consider nicer, but if you're just an average hiker/camper like me, this pack will more than serve your needs. It's been loaded down, tossed around and dunked in the river a couple of times with no real signs of wear yet. I think this pack will probably be with me for a pretty long time.

Buy the Carson and spend that extra money on more gear!

Where to Buy

Sorry, we couldn't find any online retailers selling the JanSport Carson 90. You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these sites:

Retailers: Do you sell the JanSport Carson 90? List your site here.

Similar Backpacks

Compare
See how the JanSport Carson 90 stacks up against the competition: read more backpack reviews or more about JanSport.

Contribute
Have you used a JanSport Carson 90 or a similar product? Write a gear review.

Discuss
Still have questions? Answers? Opinions? Join the converstation in the Trailspace Forums.