Jansport Yosemite External Frame Backpacks Review

Review Date
January 3, 2013

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Rod Scott(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
The Yosemite is the best Jansport that I have used. I have an older D2 and an Scout model. This compares well with the D2 for room and space. I like the Yosemite a little more due to the side pocket space and easy access. I wish this model was still made...

Review Date
November 21, 2012

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jam Reyome(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
I sold my warhorse Kelty Tioga (I needed the dough) and regretted it immediately. A knowing friend who was moving on to an internal frame, asked if I would like his hardly-used Yosemite external. I prefer externals, so it took me all of a second to say yes. And this is a terrific piece of work: plenty of room for all of my gear, loads of pockets in which to organize it, and places to hang extra items. It carries well and is easily adjusted. Get your fit locked in and you're good to go. I expect to get a LOT of mileage out of my "new" Yosemite. Pity Jansport doesn't make them anywhere.

Customer Service:
I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with the service reps at Jansport yet. Maybe next week; I am going to call and ask if they have a larger size hipbelt.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Tioga, Wilderness Experience Bushwacker, Kelty Summitt, Mountainsmith Tour.

Review Date
September 6, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Reviewed by: Iain McLennon(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
I've had this pack for about 10 years, using it for week-long-plus hikes with loads approaching 70lbs with no serious issues. It is a noisy pack, but most external frame packs are - better to alert bears, I guess. This pack has room to spare and, properly loaded, can take you wherever you'd want to go. My primary complaint with JanSport (which I've been using since 1974) is that they make a great line of serious packs, then discontinue them. There is no sense of continuity or confidence that they'll be there for you when/if you need them.

Customer Service:
JanSport's customer service is legendary, but I haven't had to call upon it. My phone quests for information have all been successful.

Similar Products Used:
JanSport Cascade I (1974), JanSport expedition pack (the big one from 1985 that had the detachable fanny pack).

Review Date
September 24, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Herbfield ,  Backpacker

Summary:
I've had two Yosemite's in the last 12 years, one for me and the other for my son. At one point we were putting on 30 nights a year of backpacking on them with no problems. Pack weights up to 70 pounds with also no problems. One pack after 10 years finally had the plastic shoulder attachment snap off, but Jansport replaced, no questions asked. I highly recommend this pack if an external is what you are looking for!

Review Date
December 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: James(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
Excellent backpack. I bought it for a 10 day, 70 mile trek in New Mexico back in 2001. The pack held up superbly and since then I've gone several backpacking trips with it and haven't complained a bit. Best backpack I have ever owned.