High Sierra Fat Boy

The High Sierra Fat Boy earns positive remarks from both professional and owner-written reviews. Its large, 2,380-cubic-inch capacity provides ample space for storing multiple heavy books and notebooks, and can even accommodate 3-inch ring binders. Professional reviews say the Fat Boy withstands abrasion tests, so owners can be confident it'll hold up well to heavy usage. Two angled compression straps keep gear secured and reduce sagginess that tends to occur when a backpack isn't fully filled. The Fat Boy is lightweight at just less than 2 pounds, so the pack itself doesn't contribute to added strain on the shoulders and back. On the downside, there's no laptop sleeve or water-bottle pocket. The Fat Boy also isn't waterproof, so gear can get wet if it's in the rain for a prolonged period. The High Sierra Fat Boy comes in 17 colors and patterns, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. If you're looking for a durable pack that can transport a laptop safely, consider the High Sierra Access (*Est. $70), which also offers 2,700 cubic inches of storage space.

We found the best review of the High Sierra Fat Boy in Good Housekeeping magazine, which puts 32 backpacks through rigorous testing for safety, convenience and durability. Owner-written reviews on eBags.com, Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com round out the overall opinion on the Fat Boy, with a combined total of more than 500 reviews.