Comments on: K-Cliffs Black Outdoor Backpack/ Biking Backpack/ Messenger Backpack/ Cross Shoulder Backpack

By: Amber Hathaway

Amber Hathaway — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:05:15 +0000

This backpack makes a great alternative to messenger bags as long as you don’t need to find anything in a hurry. There is one medium-sized main compartment (big enough for a 2″ binder and some books or as a standard overnight bag) and a tiny little front zippered compartment that could barely fit my phone and keys. The on-strap cell phone compartment is too deep and would only be convenient for gigantic Zack-Morris-style cell phones (or MP3 players, which is what I tend to use it for). When the main compartment is full, the zippered area on the front is very difficult to access. If you’re looking for something in the main compartment, be prepared to empty the contents to find it, as the physical orientation of the bag does not allow for easy searching. I also get the impression that this bag will not be with me longer than a couple of years, as the construction reminds me of the old $10 Jansport backpacks that would barely make it through a school year’s worth of abuse.

Despite all these negatives, I still give it 4 stars because it is exactly what it’s supposed to be. At $13, it still is a great deal and does the job it’s meant to do. It’s easy to pack in a hurry, it’s super-comfortable even with pretty heavy loads, and the over-the-shoulder arrangement means you can flip the bag to your front to access it without taking it off, which is really helpful. I wouldn’t recommend it for an everyday bag just because there’s no organization and it drives me nuts just trying to find a pen in there, but it’s awesome for overnights, classes, the gym, and study sessions. Know what you’re buying, don’t expect glitz and glamour, but still consider this bag if it looks like it might suit your needs.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Christina Hughes

Christina Hughes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:55:05 +0000

IT IS A GREAT BACK PACK WITH ALL LITLLE COOL COMPARTMENTS. BUT WHEN I PUT MY BOOKS AND FOLDERS IN IT BENDS THEM.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: D. Bouchard

D. Bouchard — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:53:48 +0000

This backpack isn’t good. The zipper snapped off in a week and I couldn’t replace it because the material about the zipper was frayed. Spend a little more fore a backpack with a double zipper and better material and save yourself the trouble.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Shihtzu

Shihtzu — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:20:51 +0000

I bought this for my husband to take to work every day. It started failing within two weeks. Cell phone pouch ripped off and the straps wouldn’t stay tight. Off to search for another option…

Rating: 1 / 5

By: myoho guy

myoho guy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:49:15 +0000

This is a good, inexpensive bag for daytrips, weekend get-aways, and other occasional use. It's spacious, comfortable to wear, and should hold up well under light duty applications.

The pocket on the strap is more suited for an iPod or other digital music device rather than a cell phone, which has a tendency to slip way down into the pocket, making it difficult to access easily. It could benefit from a couple of internal dividers or pockets to keep things organized. The bag did also have a bit of a plastic odor when it arrived, but it aired out well and no longer reeks.

Pros and Cons:
Pro- Inexpensive, comfortable, roomy
Cons- Initial odor, lack of dividers/pockets

Compared to similarly-designed bags this one seemed to be the best choice based on price, quality, and features. Rating: 4 / 5