User Review: JanSport Odyssey

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

Reviewed January 22, 2007 by Patricthomas

Rating:
Max. Load Carried: 30lbs
Height of Owner: 6'8"
Price Paid: $59

Originally, I bought this as a weekender bag after getting tired of the 8 lbs. empty Arc’Teryx Bora 80. I bought it sight unseen as it was a overstock from REI. Getting the bag and unpacking it, found a few features that really appealed to me in a day-pack.

First I still pack pretty heavy and I love that it had a cushioned back support to help ease the load. Also, it has compression clips to really get every inch in there. It really is amazing on how much you can get in to this smaller bag. The hydro pouch section was a little different that it was completely separated from the main bag due to this I was finding my self putting things in there, even though I already had a 3-quart Platypus in there.

I first decided to use it on an 8-mile hike north of Pasadena. It worked well but on the first trip I lost one set of the buckles that connected to the waist strap. These buckles are not sewn in and while that makes them easy to repair it also makes them easy to lose.

The bag performed as good as good be expected.

Overall for a bag that I bought for 60 dollars on sale it was a good buy but for the 100 it normally sells for i would look for something a little more tailored to exactly what you are going to use it for.