User Review: JanSport D3

Reviewed November 22, 2007 by George Levandoski

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: Front Loading
Size: ????
Number of Pockets: 4 storage plus a map pocket behind head
Max. Load Carried: 80-90 lbs. regularly to a base camp!
Height of Owner: 6'2"
Price Paid: 100s?

I bought my (Blue) Jansport D3 in 1976 at Herman's Sporting Goods in Colonie, NY. I still have it hanging in my garage storage room and it is in excellent condition. I carried this pack primarily while hiking and climbing around the Adirondacks in Up-State NY. The pack never failed me.

At that point in history in the Adirondacks anyway, Kelty had a much larger following amongst my fellow trekkers. But every time one of them asked to "try on" the D3 they were amazed at the comfort. The floating nature of the bag on the frame made it a breeze to descend from a peak as the frame actually absorbed the shock of each downward step. The hip-belt and "U" handles let the load of the pack be distributed along and around the hips rather than on the shelf of the lower back. The handles also made for a great place to keep your hands in a resting position while walking.

The external frame was also contoured to fit the curve of the back which made climbing much easier than with other styles of external frame packs. When others had to loosen the shoulder straps for reaching out for a hand-hold, the D3 adjusted with the movement in total comfort.

Jansport...You did GOOD...You did it right! If you want the most comfortable external frame pack ever built look for a well-taken-care-of Jansport D3. Thanks for the many years of service, Jansport. The D3 has stood the test of time and whatever nature and I could throw at it.

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