The product featured was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. Please note that any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.
My youngest son uses a backpack every day. We’ve tried many different backpacks over the years. He needs a sturdy backpack, to withstand the daily use and handling. We also need a full size one to accommodate his big daily communication binder, so that rules out many of the inexpensive backpacks you see out there. So far we have only had one brand of backpack that will last an entire school year. That was last year’s backpack, an Eddie Bauer. The timing couldn’t have been better when I was offered the opportunity to review another Eddie Bauer backpack just in time for back to school.
We received a Sojourner Pack. This backpack was designed a little differently from our last one. The Sojourner is generously sized at 21″H x 12″W x 11″D. The backpack is handsome, and has great attention to detail. The inside compartment is quite large, it’s very deep and more then sufficient to hold a full 5″ looseleaf binder, along with other items. Aside from the large inside compartment, the Sojourner also has a large zip pocket at the bottom offering a separate storage area, as well as a side entry pocket that will accommodate a laptop of up to 17″. And if you don’t need to put a laptop there, it would work well for a binder, or folders, or even a book or two. The straps on the backpack are adjustable, so you can position it for your highest level of comfort.
The Sojourner is chock full of different loops and straps where you can attach things to the outside. And, it has side compression straps to help balance and stabilize loads.
The backpack, made of 420D mini-ripstop nylon, looks and feels sturdy and yet is surprisingly light. And, the back panel is made of an air mesh that provides better ventilation, which will help you stay cooler if you’re wearing it on a long hike.
The Sojourner would be ideal for those that require something for school, sports, outdoor activities or travel. I am optimistic it will hold up just as well and last just as long as the last Eddie Bauer backpack did, which was an entire school year.
MORE INFO
Nancy
Thursday 19th of September 2013
Backpacks have to be extra sturdy to make it through a year of middle school. This looks like a great one!
pat. marsden
Sunday 8th of September 2013
Backpacks used to be hand held book bags long ago. My only worry is that some schools insist that children pack everything in it then carry it all day.
Nancy
Saturday 7th of September 2013
Once children are past kindergarten age, I think it pays to invest in a sturdy, well-made backpack. This one has lots of great features. It sounds perfect and looks like it will go the distance!