Customer Reviews The North Face Jester Backpack

I use the Jester for college, and I've had it for a year now. I'm going to stick with it for the next three too. I find that it holds plenty of books, but the front pocket is only a half; it's also very roomy, but if it gets too full it does cut into the space on the main compartment. The backpack is very comfortable, and the sternum strap does make a difference in weight distribution if I stuff it very full. I've also used this for three-day trips and managed to pack my clothes, makeup, wallet, food, and papers without any issues. However, the back paneling is made out of a material that causes pilling on whatever fabric it rubs against: aka my lower back! So it causes significant wear and tear to clothes that are worn while using it. Other than that, I love this backpack! A year of being thrown around and it still looks new!

The design of this backpack is kind of a joke. My main issue is the outside pocket. This pocket is very roomy, but once you actually use it to hold things, it ends up taking up space in the main part of the backpack, making it hard to store books or notebooks because there's a huge bulge in the way. I had the same issue with the water bottle pockets on the sides. Because they didn't stretch much at all, half my water bottle was basically stored in my backpack. I had to choose between being hydrated or having my school supplies on me. The backpack is also so narrow it doesn't stand up on its own (unless maybe you have a favorite 20 lb dumbbell you like to carry around with you). Normally this wouldn't bother me, but after many occasions of desperately trying to no avail to prevent my backpack from falling over into mystery puddles in campus bathrooms has led to some frustration. I'm writing like this is the worst backpack in the world, which isn't true. It's an ideal size to carry around if you're in college, it's durable and has zero signs of wear after a full school year, and it's an overall good looking bag. If you're easily frustrated like myself, this just might not be the backpack for you.

I got this for my middle school daughter to use as her school backpack. She LOVED it - until she tried to put her stuff in it. She's required to have a zipper binder, and it's the same width as the bottom of this bag, and wider at the top. The other issue is that the zippers on the backpack only go halfway down. Even with a standard 2" binder in this backpack, she couldn't unzip the backpack enough to fit her lunchbox in too. This is probably great for someone taking a laptop and a change of clothes to work, but for a student it's just not practical. Going back to Jansport.

I use this for travelling outside the US and I love all the compartments, especially for my notebook and the outside compartment for shoes or whatever I need in a hurry

so when i read other reviews most people were complaining about the size and not having very many pockets, there's a reason there are other backpacks. this bag has two pockets one small in the front and one large with a laptop sleeve. i think that it would be a good backpack for light travel, i use it for school and to pack around my medical supplies as a nursing student in hawaii and i would recommend to my friends. it's a cute small but large backpack that definitely holds what you need and i don't have any complaints. if wanting something with more pockets or more space, read the product description before making a choice.

Good quality materials. Wish there are more pockets. The front pocket only goes down half way, wish it goes down all the way.

I read so many reviews of several NF backpacks prior to choosing the Jester. I commute to work in Chicago and needed a lightweight yet roomy backpack. The Jester is VERY comfortable. I have chronic neck pain so I was really excited about the women's backpack. The specially designed straps and sternum strap really make a difference. I also like the two large side pockets for water/coffee bottles. I wish I'd known the front pocket is only a half pocket. The main pocket is roomy but if you have too much stuff in the front pocket, it interferes with how things fit in the main compartment. I'm going to keep it just because I'm too lazy to return it. I will try to make it work.

This book bag is perfect for my daughter! She uses it for school as well as a carry on! The color is very pretty!

Perfect for my hiking adventures! Tons of storage, pocked, bungee cords. Color is flattering (and matches with yeti).

A little small but perfect for work or overnight trip

I bought this backpack to replace my black one... that my son "borrowed" and never gave back. He's been using his 2 years as a full time student and it's still holding up. I love my grey backpack. Fits a laptop perfectly. Awesome for travel as a personal item or a short weekend

Great quality bag as expected from North Face.

This is general comment about all their backpacks. I had one that lasted 10 years until the zipper finally went and I used it frequently. I just replaced it with 2 new ones; this one was on sale so it was great. These new ones feel a little more "tight" less roomy but I am thinking they will loosen out over time as it's the additional padding. Really impressed with the quality.

My daughters are very satisfied with their backpack. Assuredly we will shop again at The North Face online.

I use this northface backpack for school. The backpack feels very comfortable in general. It has a lot of space but it gets heavy with a lot of stuff in it.

I ordered the wrong color and couldn't cancel because there was no "are you sure?" Or other fail-safes so I had to order two backpacks with the intent to return one..

I use this backpack for school. Since I am in college this is the perfect backpack especially because I have to walk a lot. It is small, but roomy. It also has the perfect spot for my laptop!

I love it.Beautifull color and quality

I love this bag! I was so excited to start using it! So many practical pockets and space! Love the space for the laptop!

Very Light weight and durable

I really like this bag and is my second purchase. It is lightweight and the perfect size for day trip or for a holiday. we use it for hiking as well. It's easy to wash and can easily fit laptop set of clothes and small toiletries!

Just received the bag today and I am plesantly suprised. I will admit, I almost regretted purchasing it because of some negative reviews about how small it is. However, it fits my needs appropriately but I do wish it had more pockets. Overall, I love the comfort, back-support, and simple style

Very nice and good quality

I plan to use this to replace the diaper bag for travel with my children ( since all of my kids are out of diapers, but still require me to carry so much).

Overall, a great product. Stores all of my goodies for travel. Very satisfied with the purchase.