<p>I need a new backpack for college, and as I've used cheap Jansport backpacks my entire life, I decided to treat myself and try out a more expensive North Face backpack as I've heard they were reliable and last long. But there are so many different models of NF backpacks, and I don't know what makes them different from one another. Does anyone who's used multiples of them have a preference for one or know which one is the best for school use?</p>
<p>Yup, they definitely last long, and are worth the money.</p>
<p>I would get the Blackhawk tactical patrol pack or something really heavy duty.</p>
<p>I’m surprised you’ve had issues with Jansport. I’ve had mine for a few years now and I used it to backpack through Central America without a problem. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty.</p>
<p>What were specific problems you had/what do you want in a backpack? As you said, there are many different types and they will appeal to many different people.</p>
<p>the most expensive one of course</p>
<p>Damn these are the most worthless and useless answers I’ve ever gotten…sigh…</p>
<p>I’ve got a North Face Recon. It’s definitely durable, although I did have some issues with water seepage the few times it rained really hard last semester. It’s got enough space in the main compartment for, say, a laptop and a binder, notebook or two and some folders. I could put 1 or 2 books in there as well, although it’d get a little cramped to say the least.</p>
<p>If they have waterproof ones (and if it rains a lot where you go to school), get them. You never think you need that until your notes get wet…</p>
<p>I have the NF Surge. It’s pretty sweet, the laptop compartment fits my 17" laptop and I can throw a lot of stuff in it, and it feels really comfy on my back, the only thing is there’s tons of unnecessary straps hanging from it. I gotta get around to cutting some of them off.</p>
<p>You’ve had issues with JanSports? Weird. Mine is going on 8+ years now, doing just fine.</p>
<p>i agree with the recon (for guys) isabella for gals. Bought mine freshman year (of Highschool) and it’s still running strong! (senior in college) I use it every single day and it still looks new.</p>
<p>I would agree with the surge, especially if you are going to be carrying around a laptop.</p>
<p>“Damn these are the most worthless and useless answers I’ve ever gotten…sigh…”</p>
<p>Worthless <em>and</em> useless? I think that’s called hendiadys. :D</p>
<p>Old thread, but **** northface. as long as you take good care of your backpack, any will work. I used my lowly cheap eastsport backpack for 12 years (from 1st grade to hs graduation)</p>
<p>Eddie Bauer Trailblazer is where it’s at.</p>
<p>Optimus is the best. I give you my word on that.</p>
<p>Northface Bandwidth. Coolest backpack. No argument possible.</p>