User Review: The North Face Hot Shot

The North Face Hot Shot
Above: The current Hot Shot, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 24, 2008 by Adl

Rating:
Design: front loading
Size: 1850
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: 25
Height of Owner: 6'0"
Price Paid: $59.99

This bag is being used for hiking / birdwatching. The cubic inches are decent and I have been able to load rain gear, cameras and lenses, binoculars, and field guides and such. It is definitely designed with campus in mind and used by your average sized human.

CONS: - The little pocket on the shoulder strap renders the sternum strap unadjustable. - The mesh organizer pocket in the front is a pain to get to. A couple more inches of zipper would have been great. - The water bottle pockets are way too small. A couple more inches of mesh don't cost that much TNF. - The organizer section could have been laid out better. Too many little doo-dads that have no need to be there. A couple zipper pockets would have been better. - The bottom side compression straps are a waste if you have anything in the water bottle pockets. Those straps could have been run behind the water bottle pockets. - The entire bag could have been a bit longer. Being 6'0" it tends to ride high on the back.

PROS: - On an up side it will hold my Dell 15" laptop in the sleeve. - I do like the tuck away hip belt. - Its well built as expected from TNF. One of the main reasons I bought it was the brand. - The hydration port is nice but the bag will take up valuable space inside. Overall I am pleased with the bag. It's a shame we live in the smaller, cheaper, faster world.