Customer Reviews The North Face Big Shot

A) I'm highly picky. I want my backpack to look great and perform the best. It has to carry the seemingly endless supply of notebooks, books, and folders, along with my laptop, that I need for class daily -- and not fall apart. On top of that, it has to not kill my shoulders. I've had little success with this-- usually when I find such a backpack, it does not last longer than a semester (I'm a Pre-Med Biology college student, if that gives you any perspective) which is frustrating. It's led me to hours of online research, searching for best quality, lots of room, yet still looks good-- scared that I'll never find such a backpack. B) With that being said, this backpack does all of this :D It looks great, manages to defy physics and pack everything (and well, might I add), so that it's still carrying everything and not hitting everyone as you walk by with how thick it is (as my other backpacks used to do, haha). And, it also has straps that make it seem like you're not carrying that much. You may pick it up by the top handle and be like "HOW CAN I CARRY THIS" and then get it on your shoulders and think, "Where did all that weight go?". The technology in these straps really does work, and they feel great. C) It's lasted through my hardest semester yet without a tear. I don't usually write reviews, but that alone drove me to write one, because that. is. real. quality. I appreciate that so much, and I want someone else who is looking for the same thing as I was to know that this backpack delivers :) D) AND it looks great on top of that. I've gotten so many compliments, AND it packs everything in a practical manner, but still allows you to throw things in if you're in a rush (not everything is in pockets, kind of thing -- there is a spacious inside area that fits a TON, like a 5in textbook and an almost equally large notebook and few other things too). It was such a relief to find this backpack -- it does everything and is QUALITY.

This is the third Big Shot I've owned over the past 10 years or so. I've used them almost every day to carry around my laptop and associated papers and materials. The design has changed slightly - and generally for the better. The newest model seems slightly bigger (and taller) than the last two, and the laptop pocket a bit tigher. However, the laptop pocket is also lined and up from the bottom of the bag, so for this one I'm not using an additional laptop sleeve protector - and even before that change, this version seems to be slightly lighter than the previous two. Although, that also might be because the lap-belt is smaller/thinner in this version as well as being detachable, which is a good feature since I never used it in the older versions, i.e., it stayed tucked inside. What I like about them all that there is one major compartment and two back compartments for smaller things (like cords and eyeglasses etc.). Most other packs have multiple compartments and zippers etc., which just adds to the weight (and things to break) without adding any value or convenience. However - the new version added a top zippered pocket for quick access to sunglasses (and possible mp3 players or phones), which is a nice feature. Overall, a great backpack for work and day-commuting etc. I expect to keep having at least 2 on hand until I stop needing to carry around a computer and papers, i.e., until I retire-retire and just go fishing and play golf etc...

It holds my computer and everything I would normally put in my purse. This leaves my hands free and not have to lug additional bags.

Honestly would have liked more pockets, but overall it just feels perfect on your back even when it has a lot of weight. Love the style and colors... Recommended to everyone I know, I travel a lot and this bag is just perfect..

Great pack. Lots of space. Put Surface Pro Tablet, tennis shoes, workout clothes and business attire for 3 days in this pack.

I use the bag for travel, books and my laptop. Very satisfied with my purchase.

I bought a Big Shot North Face bookbag in 2010 and it has stayed in great shape all the way until now! I used it throughout high school and I am now using it in college and I would like to say it is a great product. I am happy I bought a North Face bookbag versus another brand that most likely would not have lasted that long.

This bag was exactly what I was looking for.

Great backpack... Covers all the aspects that you need in a backpack ... Awesome product

I got this backpack for a long weekend in a city and was very handy. Has room for all you need and many pockets to keep everything organized. I did also long walks with full weight and turned to be very comfort. Due to the size, you can get it as an accessory on the plane.

Perfect size for hauling college textbooks and work clothing all of which leave the house at the same time each morning!

80% air traveler, needed a sturdy bag for both laptop & tablet. The Big Shot holds all things necessary, power cables, power strip, mouse, etc., etc. I can jam papers on the fly into the main compartment and even full it fits under the seat in front of me.

I found the surge and router had too many pockets etc for my minimalist needs. I use this pack for the office and my only carryon for travel (2-3 nites). I like the outside pockets for quick grab items. Laptop is easy to get to, even when stuffed w clothes. It has more space than appears, and carries well stuffed, you don't look/feel like a turtle. I noticed that no one really carries this in stores, but, I got lucky and saw one in a Chicago luggage store... I recommend this if you are looking for a simple yet functional pack that you can use for almost anything! My travels are mostly business casual, I have placed a blazer in the pack. I find that I typically have extra space after packing necessities for travel, allowing me to add extras, or, not pack items tightly. I roll all my clothes for travel.

I traveled for business quite a lot and my North Face bag can fit one to two days worth of items along with my notebook very comfortably. It is light and the support on my back is excellent. I have had backpack in the past that is roomy but not supporting the back very well. I used it for hiking as well.

Worlds most durable backpack. I love this thing. A whole lot of room!

My son who is in junior high needed a durable, BIG backpack for school (he has lots of textbooks). My only criticism (and it was probably our fault) was that it was slightly too big for his locker. However, that being said, it's perfect for him. When I went looking for a backpack to take him from junior high until he graduates from high school, friends recommended the North Face brand for it's durability (my only other experience was a backpack that I use for when we travel and I love that North Face backpack). Plus, he got a backpack in his favorite university colors.

I've used this backpack for several months now and love pretty much everything about it. It has become my de facto work pack when I have to go into the office, works perfectly for a weekend away, and recently was my go-to bag when I attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Benefits: Holds a computer securely and comfortably in its own interior sleeve; all exterior pockets are streamlined but open up to hold lots of your stuff; mesh panels and other interior organization details make finding things a breeze; comfortable on the back both empty and overstuffed; extra lash points; hydration compatible. Cons: only one - this pack is top-heavy when empty, so it does not sit up to be packed, sort of leans down - not a big deal, but slight bother for sure. (*This pack was provided to me as an #AMBSDR for the #TNFLocals.)

This is a great pack that serves a lot of purposes for me. I use it for day trips and it functions very well here. What surprised me is it has also replaced my messenger bag that I would use commuting to work on my bike. It has a perfect computer slot for my 15" MacBook Pro. I can really stuff it full and even when it is heavy picking up, it doesn't feel heavy on my back, a sign of superior design. The support and structure to the pack is excellent and doesn't detract from the comfort. I haven't used many of the interior pocket features but they are well positioned. The top exterior pocket gets lots of use. The only minor con is I don't use the front handle much and I might get more use out of bungee cords here. All in all, I couldn't ask for a better pack. #TNFLocals #AMBSDR

This is a great pack that serves a lot of purposes for me. I use it for day trips and it functions very well here. What surprised me is it has also replaced my messenger bag that I would use commuting to work on my bike. It has a perfect computer slot for my 15" MacBook Pro. I can really stuff it full and even when it is heavy picking up, it doesn't feel heavy on my back, a sign of superior design. The support and structure to the pack is excellent and doesn't detract from the comfort. I haven't used many of the interior pocket features but they are well positioned. The top exterior pocket gets lots of use. The only minor con is I don't use the front handle much and I might get more use out of bungee cords here. All in all, I couldn't ask for a better pack.

Best backpack I've ever had. Well worth the money, so spacious and never runs out of room for all my books for school. BUY THIS BACKPACK

I've used the Big Shot for hiking over the last month, having carried it for over 100 miles on mini-adventures. On many of these jaunts, my young son accompanied me and anyone who has ever taken a kid out hiking knows you need a pack with great organization. If you are out in the woods with a 3-year-old meltdown because you wouldn't let them jump off the waterfall, you need something with quick easy access to the essentials like snacks. The Big Shot offered fantastic access to insect repellent, gold fish, sunscreen and even the first aid kit when we needed it the most. I also found that the top fleece pocket offered great protection for storing my larger camera and mini tripod. Though I didn't carry my laptop in the padded compartment, I did happen to carry my tablet while on a less-than-adventurous trip. Most generally I carried a medium day hiking load of about 12-15 pounds, though while training for a Search and Rescue physical fitness test I was loading it with 25 pounds of water. The wide shoulder straps did an excellent job of distributing weight. I found the capacity pleasing enough and even fit enough inside for a short overnight backpacking trip on the Finger Lakes Trail. For now, this pack is getting ready to go on a family hiking vacation and road trip. In disclosure, this pack was offered to me for testing as a member of the #TNFLocals #AMBSDR program and I am appreciative of the chance to tote it though the woods.

This is a great pack, it's useful for so many things. In the past two months I've taken it climbing, for shuttling gear during an ultra-endurance race, hiking, for school, biking... basically it's a very versatile pack. It's got a great, very durable fabric that still looks brand new after two months of heavy use. Also, it's got these awesome water bottle holders that zip up. It has a lot of room (enough to fit climbing gear) and is pretty comfortable to wear. My only complaint would be that the hip belt would be nicer if it were a little more substantial. However, for what I use this pack, it's not a huge deal. Full disclosure: The North Face sent me this pack as part of the North Face Locals program. #TNFLocals #AMBSDR

This bag is really versatile. From casual stroll at a theme park, hiking with installed water bladder to traveling across country. It looks great, stylish and classic. Also it's very durable yet lightweight at the same time.

The Big Shot backpack is an excellent multi-purpose backpack. I've used it a) running while pushing a stroller in the trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains b) daypack while hiking and camping c) as a baby bag for my 1 year old boy and d) as a laptop bag. The pack fits close to the back with a good ventilation system making it good for when you want to carry things in comfort. The backpack is feature rich and durable with lots of pockets making it best for trips around town, commuting, or dayhiking. The pack is comfortable and versatile. I'm also a TNFLocals Ambassador who received this backpack to test from the TNF. I highly recommend it and will get it for my professional wife when she needs a new backpack. #tnflocals #givepack #ambsdr

This backpack is perfect for anything I want/need to do. I have been using for carrying anything from work supplies/laptop to carrying cleats, workout clothes, sunglasses, etc. I feel that this bag covers all the bases and is super comfortable. I have yet to take it hiking, however it would be a great pack for getting outdoors for a day hike as well. It has awesome slots for shoes, so I like putting my soccer cleats in those pouches and they fit perfectly (size 10.5). This bag has replaced my old Osprey daypack. It is much more suited to my needs of travel, work, and play. I was chosen to test this bag by The North Face, and I have loved every second with it. #ambsdr #tnflocals