Jansport Odyssey Backpack

I've owned Odyssey 38 and 39 backpacks for years. I'm very familiar with them. Mine was stolen last week, so I was shopping to replace it.

Be aware that now and then Jansport will make small design changes to this line. Same overall bag, same model number, but they will change small things from time to time. That is the case here. The bag I received is not the same one shown in the product photos.

My stolen bag was exactly like the photos. But, what I received is a slightly different design. The two main differences are the waist belt, and the zippered pocket height across the top.

This bag just has a strap belt for your waist. Not the padded waist belt with pockets that you see in the product photos. (See my uploaded photos to clarify)

Also, this bag does not have the tapered top like the one in the photo (and my prior bag), rather the pockets are all flush square across the top. I much prefer the tapered look. (See my uploaded photos to clarify)

Other than those differences, it is still the same bag in general. Tons of space. Hydration pouch. Mp3 pouch with headphones out. Main storage with laptop sleeve. Other storage pockets with tons of room. Deep bottle sleeves for large water bottles. Ventilated, comfortable padding on the back and shoulder pads.

Truly a spectacular bag. You will not be sorry. I've always loved them, and will continue to use them, design changes and all.

I will try and add a video review as well... Hope that helps. Thanks for reading!

*** UPDATE ***

I've since learned that the Amazon product photo you see posted is actually the old model number: TTF0 (With the tapered top and padded waist belt)

What you actually receive is the latest model number: TVU6 (With the flush, blocked top, and unpadded waist belt)

Personally, I like the older ones. Unfortunately they are not to be found anywhere. Bummer. Still wonderful packs though.

Been doing a ton of research for a backpack that will be a great weekend getaway bag without having to lug around a duffel bag.. The 2400 cubic inches fit so many items, I was impressed! Other backpacks I use are for the gym, 1 for biking, etc... so I wanted a GOTO bag to meet all my demands, light to backpack with, large enough to fit weekend trip clothing, accessories, hats etc.. and one for laptop and school stuff if need be the case... So far, day 1, I put all these items in just the large section: 4 pairs of jeans, 5 t-shirts(nice trendy tees :) ) 2 tanktops, 4 pair undies, 4 pair of socks..2nd big compartment I put sandals, and a toiletry bag that has toothpaste,toothbrushe, moisturizer for body, moisturizer for face, contact solution and case, hairspray and hair texture, razor, floss etc.... in the front compartment I stored my necklaces, watches, earrings(wow I sound like a girl hahahahah) and accessories suchas wallet chain etc... in the front small pocket I stored extra small wallet with cash, id, and paperwork.. the front daisy chain I attached flashlight, 2 trendy hats, and tied 2 pairs of shoes to it as well... THIS THING IS AMAZING!!!!!! STORES A TON OF STUFF, TOUGH LIKE NAILS! AND MULTIPLE USES! I PAID $120 INCLUDING TAX FROM MY LOCAL DICKS SPORTING GOODS.

Buy Jansport Odyssey Backpack Now

Bought this backpack for traveling as light as carry on bag for our long trips. We change many planes and distpached bags may be lost/stolen in the way, also to avoid waiting countless and precious time by the airport belt.

As I started looking at the backpack I kept founding new useful pockets and zips. All of great quality strong sewing. Even has one with cushoning for the notebook.

I strongly recommend buying it.

Read Best Reviews of Jansport Odyssey Backpack Here

Bought this and went over the zippered compartments. There are a LOT more of them than another backpack I have and the layout looks great.

I was feeling really good about the bag until I tried it on. Other people have commented on not having a padded waist band, but I can tell right away with a bag this BIG a padded waist band isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity. You get this bag loaded up and wear it for a while and you will miss that padding.

Also I didn't find the shoulder pads comfortable at all, they felt stiff, like they would irritate your shoulders walking with a load. (No haven't actually tried it...just sayin.)

The Biovent shoulder straps and back panel seems like a good idea, but if it's not comfortable, then it's not worth it.

So my suggestion is that you should REALLY try this bag on before you buy one. For some people it might be a deal breaker, I know it is for me.

Want Jansport Odyssey Backpack Discount?

Update... After carrying it around for a couple of months, I found it to be quite a bit lighter and waterproof compared to my old one... so I am bumping it up to 4 stars. Only took off a star for the lack of waist support which occasionally I need for the heavy stuff I lug around.

This is the 4th Jansport Odyssey Backpack we have bought. My brother and I both got one in middle school. The originals were great. My brother's fell apart when the threads of one of the biovent straps unraveled and it opened up. We ordered another one last year, fall 2010, when he went to graduate school but he loved his old bag and kept using it. Mom sewed it up, but gave direct orders to him to come home on the next visit with the new bag. Well, mine looked a bit worn and many of the buckles fell off. So it was time for me to get a replacement too. After surfing around, I returned to this bag because I tend to carry all my textbooks, binders and needed the space. This bag also had some of the best reviews. I think that's where the mistake is. Some of the reviews are OLD. The model has changed. It is a lot cheaper now. The front compartment zipper sliders are smaller and do not zip around smoothly. I hate it when the zipper stalls around the corners. Maybe I have a lemon. Even the little straps attached to the sliders are thinner. The padded waist support is gone. The backpack looks smaller. I like the old cascading design. This one doesn't look as good as the old one.

On a positive note, it is a bit lighter and the last big compartment has some padding now. The material is different. It appears more waterproof.