User Review: JanSport Carson

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

Reviewed March 10, 2009 by Moonert78

Rating:
Design: External Frame, Top and Front-Loading
Size: One size Large
Number of Pockets: 6
Max. Load Carried: 50 lbs.
Height of Owner: 6' 1"

I purchased this pack for my son about 2 years ago and have had it on 3 extended trips. My son has been the main user of the pack until this weekend. We went on a winter trip, in on Friday night out on Sunday.

This trip I carried the Carson to try it out and see how well it works. I have an old Lowe Alpine Contour IV that has served me well for 15 years so I was sort of stacking the Carson against what I know about the Contour internal frame. The following are my impressions of the pack.

Positives, the overall construction of the pack is good. Most of the materials are of good quality with good fit and finish. There are lots of pockets and compartments to stash just about anything. Lots of straps on the bag for lashing items on the outside, it made it easy to strap my sleeping pad and mine and my daughters snow shoes on when we got back to packed trails. the shoulder straps and waist belt are well padded and comfortable for the most part, more on that later. Once properly adjusted the pack rides and moves with you quite well.

Negatives, the waist belt, though well padded, has rather square top corners and when cinched they tend to ride up from under the belt. Not a big problem once you tuck them back down, I just think a little different contour on the belt would help.

As mentioned in another review the water bladder holder is in a strange place, between the pack bag and your back pad, which pushes out on your back quite a bit when the pack is fully loaded and the bladder is also. Moving it inside would be a better choice. Last I think Jansport should mount load lifter straps to the shoulder straps to help draw the load into the shoulders like internal packs and some externals do, it would be a great help.

More positives then negatives with this pack. It rode well on the flats an on the climbs. Well worth the money and 4 stars. I would recommend this pack to anyone. Good job, Jansport!

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