User Review: JanSport Goshawk 40

Reviewed March 12, 2007 by Seabhacson

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: Top Loading Internal Frame
Number of Pockets: 1 main, 1 outside central, 2 side, and one additional top
Max. Load Carried: 65 lbs.
Height of Owner: 6' 3" for me, but 5' 2" for her..
Price Paid: $50 (Campmore clearance)

The Grunt's Review.

The Goshawk is an excellent day trip/ short range internal frame ruck great for the casual hiker who likes to carry water and first aid, to a one to two day hiker/camper pack for the ultralight crowd who wants a pack to go on the cheap. The internal water bladder pocket is good for not having to carry external canteens on the pack, although for me, I have mine configured with two extra external military one quart canteens, first aid kit (the smaller 1 to 2 person kits go in just about all of the pockets, but recommended for the outside center pocket), the top pouch makes good for on the go chow like trail mix or broken down MRE type rations.

I gave mine to my wife as she fits more of the size of the pack (it's the smallest in the line, with the Klamath being the medium and the Humbolt being the sort that Quartermasters drool over for the ability to carry EVERYTHING into the field). I'd recommend this pack for beginning hikers/campers, even kids, who don't quite fit the medium frame packs, or smaller internals (she's 5'2"), but don't want the more typical basic pack.

For a day pack, this thing is the equivalent of Bond's Daypack, you almost expect to find some small satellite hookups, and as a computer bag, you have enough pockets for everything tech you would want with a laptop, with room for CD books to spare.

Things this pack Can't Do:

I wouldn't take this pack on an expedition of more than a week, and that alone is with a LOT of thought toward what gear I'm carrying. The Goshawk is very versatile for the light loads, but that's about all it can handle despite the bells and whistles that come normally with a larger pack. Don't expect to get a bedroll inside the main pocket, as it's good for clothes and some gear, but think LIGHT when planning your loadout. You can strap on all sorts of things to this pack, but that's the catch, you have to strap it on to carry it, from bedroll to shelter. None of that is going to fit in the main pocket at all. The main thing that's lacking in this pack is space, but if you're going minimal on the gear, but need/want something that can handle a Little of everything, this pack is for you.

The other downside is that Jansport stopped making this pack about two years ago, and the new line, while it has a nice looking new Klamath 2, hasn't gotten the Goshawk a revamp that I've seen.

Where to Buy

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