Here's what Steve has to say about these two backpacks:

If you are looking for a backpack for the classroom, for a short day trip, for a day at the beach, or to use as a carryon for your next trip then you have to check out The North Face Recon backpack and Jansport's Equinox 33 backpack.

											The North Face Recon Backpack - 1850 cu in:

This backpack is a great general use backpack. It's 1,850 cubic inch capacity is roomy enough to hold your school books, or some supplies for a quick day trip. Made from 420D and 840D nylon, and Hypalon this pack just feels really durable.

This pack has a bunch of features that I really like. First, the pockets. It has three main pockets. The front pocket is mesh and clips closed, which is great for storing things that you need easy access to. There is also a small zippered stash pocket on the front of the Recon for keys, lip balm, or other smaller things. The middle pocket has an organizer for smaller things as well like pens, pencils, paper clips…you know. The main pocket is very roomy and has a padded laptop sleeve. The laptop sleeve could hold a hydration system if you were going to use this pack for a dayhike!

Also, the Recon has two mesh pockets on either side of the pack to hold water bottles. These pockets have drawstrings on them, which allows you to cinch them down so you can carry different sized water bottles.

Another amazing feature of the Recon is that the waistbelt can be tucked away into the back panel of the pack. This is a great feature for when you are rushing from class to class or running to catch your plane; you won't have the waistbelt buckle digging into your back or flapping around.

The Recon is available in six different colors, but the Crew Blue and the Spanish Rust are my two favorite colors.

To check out The North Face Recon backpack, click here .

											Jansport Equinox 33 Backpack - 2000 cu in:

The Jansport Equinox 33 is another great pack for school, travel, or a day trip. This pack can hold 2,000 cubic inches of gear and is made from 450D Ripstop nylon with a 1680D Ballistics bottom. A substantial, versatile, pack.

Like the Recon, the Equinox 33 has a bunch of features that I like. The daisy chain loops on the front pocket can be used to hold smaller pieces of gear. This pack has two mesh pockets on either side of the pack which can expand to hold quart-sized water bottles. However, unlike the Recon, these pockets only have elastic at the top of them, so holding smaller-sized bottles or other smaller items can be a challenge.

The Equinox has three pockets. The outer pocket is big enough to hold a CD player, and other small items like keys, a wallet…whatever. The middle pocket, like the Recon, has an organizer for pens, pencils, and other things. The main pocket is the Equinox's largest pocket and is roomy enough for text books and binders, or a jacket, or a change of clothes.

key clip on nylon strap

The only problem that I have had with the Equinox 33 is that in the middle pocket there is a key clip on a nylon strap that tends to get caught in the pocket's zipper. It's very annoying, and I am actually thinking of cutting the key clip off to try to put an end to this problem. But, overall this is a great pack. It comes in three different colors, but I really like the black/carbon color. To check out Jansport's Equinox 33 backpack, click here .

Get The North Face Recon, the Jansport Equinox 33,
and other great packs at:

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