Pros & Cons of the North Face Jester Backpack
this is my second north face backpack & here’s why i’m ditching it.
i both of the ones i’ve had have been the jester backpack, the first edition and now the updated one. i used one all throughout middle school and high school then decided to get a new one for college after giving my old one away. and it just didn’t work well for me personally.
it’s a great backpack but… there are still some cons to it like anything else. but for me the pros don’t outweigh the cons for me.
i’m keeping mine currently for traveling because i love it for that but it’s not a great school bag for me anymore.
psa: this is in my opinion only, i am not speaking for everyone. this is my experience & i wanted to share my thoughts to let you know if the north face jester backpack is worth it or not 🫶🏻
🩵 pros:
- it’s durable
if i’m spending the money on it, it better be
- cute colors
the colors are very cute! i now have the grey and off white one and love the color ways
- waterproof
i love that i won’t damage my belongings and tech
- long lasting
these bags are so long lasting so def worth the money
- nice straps/padding
this backpack is great for carry heavy books because of the support it has for the back & it’s padding
🩵cons:
- weirdly shaped
when stuffed full or not, it is kind of shaped weird
- not a lot of storage
there’s the main part, the computer compartment, and the top front pocket. there really isn’t a lot of storage but i wouldn’t say that the storage it has is bad. it’s just weird?
- doesn’t fit a lot
if you are carrying over two big books, you probably won’t have anymore room for anything. there not a ton of room at the bottom of the bag, there more room in middle to top section than the bottom where everything is truly held at.
- very top heavy
when the top pocket is full, it’s very top heavy looking which isn’t cute. and when it’s full, it looks like a turtle shell. if you have the main compartment unzipped the front will flop over because the packet is at the top which can get annoying (for me personally)
- side pockets suck
you cannot fit like anything in the side pockets. i can barely fit a regular water bottle in it. it’s just not amazing for what i paid for it
🩵 my reasoning for ditching it:
i don’t carry books, i have all my books online so i don’t need something this huge and durable. the only things i carry in my backpack are my macbook, ipad, one folder, one notebook, calculator, pens, keys/wallet, and a drink. the problem i ran into a lot was my folder and notebook kept folding down the to bottom of the back since its shaped quite weird even if my macbook and ipad were in the main compartment with the folder and notebook. its was super annoying and just made my stuff bend and get damaged.
it’s also super tight on my back/shoulders. i do have more muscular broad shoulders but that shouldn’t be a problem since this is a unisex backpack. this wouldn’t be an issue if i didn’t have shoulder & elbow surgery but it is uncomfortable for me for matter how much i try to adjust it.
i will continue to use the north face jester backpack for traveling but there are definitely better and cheaper options out there than this. if you love it or hate it, its still overall a good backpack but you can definitely find something better in my opinion.
🫶🏻 what backpack do you use for school?
#collegelifestyle #collegelife #collegestudent #Lemon8Diary #collegetips #collegecontentcreator #university #universitytips #universitystudent #collegetips
After reading about my experience with the North Face Jester, you might be wondering what to look for in a backpack, especially if you're a college student or just need a reliable everyday bag. Choosing the right backpack can make a huge difference in your daily comfort and organization, whether you're heading to lectures, internships, or just carrying your essentials around campus. When I was looking for my next backpack, I realized it wasn't just about brand loyalty – it was about finding something that truly fit my lifestyle. For college, I've learned a few key things really matter beyond just looks. First, comfort and fit are non-negotiable. While my Jester had 'nice straps/padding,' its overall fit became uncomfortable for me, especially with my shoulder issues. Look for adjustable, padded shoulder straps and, if possible, a sternum strap or hip belt, which can distribute weight better. If you’re carrying a heavy laptop and books, good back padding is essential to protect your spine. Don't just rely on online descriptions; if you can, try it on with some weight inside! Second, storage and organization are crucial. The Jester's 'limited storage' and 'weirdly shaped' compartments were a big pain point. Think about what you actually carry daily. Do you need specific pockets for a laptop, tablet, water bottle (especially if side pockets are 'poor side pockets' like on the Jester!), pens, chargers, or snacks? A main compartment that's easy to access and doesn't swallow your items whole is key. I've found that multiple smaller, well-placed pockets can be more useful than one large, cavernous space. For those of us with digital books, having dedicated sleeves for a MacBook and iPad that prevent bending or damage is a lifesaver. Third, durability and material are always important. My 'grey North Face Jester backpack' was 'durable' and 'long-lasting,' which is a huge plus for any investment. Look for quality zippers, reinforced seams, and water-resistant or 'waterproof' fabric. You never know when you'll get caught in the rain on campus, and protecting your tech is a top priority. A bag that can withstand daily wear and tear means you won't be replacing it every year. Finally, don't forget about aesthetics and style, especially if you're looking for 'cute backpacks' or specific colors like a 'black North Face backpack' or even 'pink North Face backpack'. While functionality comes first, it’s always nice to have a bag that reflects your personal style. Many brands offer a wide range of 'cute colors' and designs these days, so you don't have to sacrifice looks for practicality. Just make sure the style doesn't compromise the other essential features. Ultimately, my experience with the North Face Jester taught me a lot about what I personally need in a backpack. It was 'better for travel' for me, but not for everyday college use. Consider your specific needs, what you carry, and your comfort. There are so many great 'backpacks' out there, whether you stick with 'the North Face backpack' brand or explore others. Happy hunting for your perfect bag!
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