The North Face Jester

*Est. $55
Reviewed
August 2011
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The North Face Jester

Pros
  • Excellent durability
  • Waist belt included
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Some would like more pockets
  • Smaller overall capacity
 
 
 
 

The North Face Jester is the top-rated backpack in one recent independent test. Sized for adults and older kids, the Jester has a capacity of 1,830 cubic inches and includes all sorts of bells and whistles. Two large compartments keep supplies organized, along with two mesh water-bottle pockets, a key clip, ergonomic shoulder straps and bungee cords along the front to hold a light jacket or sweater. A removable waist belt is also included -- a feature experts recommend for shifting some of the pack's weight off the back and shoulders. Reviewers say The North Face Jester is extremely durable and comfortable to carry, even when loaded with heavy books. The pack comes in 15 colors and is covered by a lifetime warranty. Some owners wish it had more pockets, especially a small one on the front to hold keys or other compact items. The overall capacity is smaller than other backpacks like the JanSport Big Student (*Est. $40), which has a capacity of 2,100 cubic inches.

The best review of The North Face Jester comes from ConsumerReports.org, which tests the backpack along with five others in a recent evaluation. Each pack is rated on a variety of criteria, including comfort, durability and rain resistance. User reviews are plentiful, especially at Buzzillions.com, where more than 250 owners comment on the Jester.

     
 
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JANSPORT Big Student Backpack
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
The North Face Jester Daypack - Men's, TNF Black, One Size

 (1 reviews)
Buy new: $54.95   4 New from $45.00

In Stock.

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
Giantnerd®Giantnerd® rated 5.00 (8 reviews)8 store reviewsIn Stock. 365 Day Returns. Powered by Love.$37.95
CampmorCampmor rated 4.74 (7204 reviews)7,204 store reviewsIn Stock. 12 Month GUARANTEE from the World s Foremost Retailer of Outdoor Gear, All Brands You Know and$49.98
ShoeMallShoeMall rated 4.49 (3398 reviews)3,398 store reviewsIn Stock. Free Shipping Site Wide!$46.99
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The North Face Jester is one of six backpacks tested by ConsumerReports.org. The pack is rated on comfort, durability, construction quality, rain resistance, convenience and safety features.

Review: Backpack Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, July 2009

2. Buzzillions.com

More than 250 owners contribute to an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. Owners say the Jester is adequate for carrying multiple books and notebooks, although there are a few complaints of the fabric tearing.

Review: The North Face Jester Backpack , Contributors to Buzzillions.com

3. EBags.com

Some 90-plus reviewers comment on The North Face Jester at eBags.com. In total, 98 percent say they'd buy the backpack again. Most owners are pleased with the size and durability, but a few stray critics have durability complaints.

Review: The North Face Jester, Contributors to eBags.com

4. Buzzillions.com

The North Face Jester earns a 4.4-star rating (out of 5) from nearly 60 reviewers at Buzzillions.com. Most users like the design and find it large enough for their books, but a few reviewers wish the pack had more pockets.

Review: The North Face Jester Backpack, Contributors to Buzzillions.com

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