Hiking Camping World Home -> Packs -> External Frame Backpacks -> Jansport Carson
Jansport Carson
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50%The Jansport Carson takes on a classic design with a modern twist. It has an adjustable suspension system with a fully padded backpanel and hipbelt; adjustable shoulder straps, load lifter straps and sternum strap to give you a comfortable fit.
There's also a lot of space in the main compartment (4900 cubic inches) but if that's not enough, there are 2 large side pockets, a lid pocket, 2 mesh water bottle pockets and plenty of gear lash points. A lined internal sleeve with a drinking tube exit port makes the Carson hydration system (sold separately) compatible.
| Specifications: Weight: 2.18kg, 4lb 13oz, 77oz Capacity: 80L, 4,900in3 Access/Loading: Top and Panel Hydration Compatible: Yes No. of Pockets: 5 Award: "Best of the Best at ebags.com (based on user reviews) |
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Backcountry Edge:
A modern update on a traditional design, the external frame JanSport Carson backpack delivers stable load-carrying capability, multiple organizational features and numerous gear lash points. An adjustable frame accommodates torso lengths ranging from 16"-21”.
The Carson’s rigid aluminum frame provides excellent stability and support. An external frame pack is a great option if you’re carrying heavy loads over well-maintained trails and even terrain. However, it is important to remember that the rigidity of an external frame can hamper flexibility for off-trail scrambling. A fully adjustable suspension system can be quickly and easily adjusted to comfortably fit torso lengths ranging from 16”-21”. Adjustable shoulder straps work in tandem with a fully padded backpanel and hipbelt to deliver a comfortable fit. Load lifter straps and an adjustable sternum strap further enhance fit.
The large main compartment of the Carson provides 4900 cubic inches of storage capacity. This compartment can be accessed through an extendible top lid or through the front panel of the pack. Allowing you to separate and organize gear while providing easy access, the Carson also has two large side pockets and zippered pocket in the lid.
Other features found on the Carson external frame pack include mesh water bottle pockets, front compression straps, gear lash points and a haul handle. A lined internal sleeve with a drinking tube exit port makes the Carson hydration system (sold separately) compatible.
Key Features
- Large main compartment with panel and top load access
- Adjustable aluminum frame system
- Extendible lid with zippered compartment
- Hydration sleeve with exit port and tube management
- Two side gear pockets
- Dual density hipbelt with breathable mesh stays dry and comfortable
- Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps
- Side water bottle pockets
- Front compression straps
- Sternum strap
- Web haul handle
Sierra Trading Post:
With plenty of capacity for extended trips, the JanSport Carson backpack can handle big loads with ease. This pack combines the versatility of an external aluminum frame with the comfort of an adjustable suspension system that fits a variety of torso lengths.
- Adjustable aluminum frame system can be custom fit to varying torso lengths
- Dual-density waistbelt with breathable mesh stays dry and comfortable
- Large main compartment features panel and top-loading convenience
- Extendable lid with zip compartment and daisy chain
- Two side gear pockets
- Ergonomic, padded S-curve shoulder straps
- Dual mesh water bottle pockets
- Front compression straps
- Hydration system compatible (bladder not included)
- Sternum strap
- External frame
- Waistbelt: Adjusts to 58"
- Fits torsos: 16-21"
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 34x22x10"
- Capacity: 4900 cu.in.
- Weight: 4 lb. 13 oz.
- Material: 600 denier polyester and 2x2 mini square ripstop 300 denier polyester
Bass Pro Shops:
Get a pack that holds all you need for that big weeklong trek into the great outdoors with the JanSport® Carson External Frame Backpack. This strong, top loading pack is built around an adjustable aluminum frame system that fits torso lengths of 16''-21'', giving you great strength from a pack that weighs just 4 lbs. 12 oz. The Carson's big 4903.9 cubic inches of storage space is easily accessible, thanks to panel and top loading access to the pack's large main compartment. Durable 600 Denier Polyester and 210 Boxcar Dobby Polyester construction. Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps, dual density padded hipbelt, and breathable mesh lumbar cushion help you shoulder big loads over long hikes with less fatigue. The Carson's extendable lid features a handy zippered compartment, while the pack features dual side zippered pockets, dual side water bottle pockets, and twin front daisy chains for packing versatility. Front compression straps help stabilize large loads for easier hauling. Dimensions: 34''H x 22''W x 10''D. Color: Gray Humbolt.
- Lightweight at just 4 lbs. 12 oz.
- Top loading and panel access to pack's large main compartment
- Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps and dual density padded hipbelt spread out load
- Breathable mesh lumbar cushion
- Dual side zippered pockets
- Dual side water bottle pockets
- Twin front daisy chains
- Front compression straps
Amazon.com:
Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps: Adjustable aluminum frame system fits 16"-21" torso lengths: Breathable mesh lumbar cushion stays dry and comfortable: Capacity- 4900.0 cu in / 80.3L: 600 Denier Polyester / 420 Denier Nylon: Large main compartment with dual access zippers.
Backcountry.com:
Whether you’ve been backpacking for decades and prefer the heavy-load capability of an external-frame pack or you’re a novice looking for a sturdy pack that won’t bust your budget, the JanSport Carson Backpack delivers. JanSport loaded the Carson with useful features from internal-frame packs yet retained the easy-to-pack, easy-to-adjust design of the external style.
- Easily adjustable hip-belt slides up and down to fit 16- to 21-inch torso lengths
- Extendable lid has a zippered pocket ideal for toiletries, headlamp, other small items
- Hydration sleeve and port (bladder not included) makes drinking on the trail a cinch
- Front compression straps stabilize your load
- Padded, mesh hip-belt stays dry and comfortable
Bottom Line
The Carson is light-years beyond the external frame backpack in your grandpa’s basement.
BobWards.com:
The Carson is a well-executed blend of new age technology with tried and true design, offering large load capabilities that stay organized and secure. Loaded with dual zippered side pockets, dual side water bottle pockets, an extendable lid with zippered compartment, a large main compartment with dual access zippers, and twin daisy chains, you should not only have plenty of space for your gear and supplies, but it will be easy to organize and access. The traditional design allows you to carry a sleeping bag/pad on the bottom of the pack.
Features
- Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps
- Large main compartment with panel and top load access
- Extendable lid with zippered compartment
- Adjustable aluminum frame system
- Two side gear pockets
- Dual side water bottle pockets
- Dual density hipbelt with breathable mesh stays dry and comfortable
- Front compression straps
- Hydration sleeve with exit port and tube management
- Sternum strap
- Web haul handle
S-Curve Shoulder Straps
S-Curve straps are fundamental to many of JanSport`s suspension systems. This ergonomic design pattern follows the natural contours of the body so that when the pack is loaded, it relieves stress from the shoulders and disperses weight across the back.
Adjustable External Frame
This sliding frame, available on select external frame packs, gives you the freedom to alter your strap and waist harness, ensuring the best configuration for your body type.
| Best for | Camping, Extended Backpacking on even terrain | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pack Category | Lightweight | ||
| Access | Top and panel | ||
| Number of Pockets | 1 lid, 2 side zip, 2 water bottle | ||
| Sleeping Bag Compartment? | No | ||
| Hydration Compatible? | Yes | ||
| Torso Fit | 16 - 21 inches | ||
| Adjustable Torso? | Yes via hipbelt | ||
| Waist Fit | - | ||
| Materials | 600D Polyester; 300D Polyester | ||
| Frame Type | External | ||
| Frame Material | Aluminum | ||
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel? | No | ||
| Capacity | 4900 cubic inches or 80 liters | ||
| Weight | 4lb 13oz (2100g) | ||
5-Stars
SierraTradingPost.com
"Only had it two weeeks and have used it on one 3 day backpacking trip. Carried 43 pounds better than my intenal frame pack. Wonder about durability of the plastic parts. Other than that like this pack and hope it will last."
Amazon
"I found this pack when looking at Amazon for a pack for a trip I had been planning. I noticed that other brands like Teton and CUSCUS had poor reviews, and I didn't want a disposable pack where i'd be sewing straps back on after my trip, UGH! I noticed that this pack didn't have any reviews here yet. But my family has already had great experiences with Jansport standard back packs and wheeled school bags, and I knew they made durable products. So, I figured I'd try this pack out for my hiking/camping trip. And for an 80 liter (4900 cu in) pack, it had a pretty good price compared to similar quality packs.
After MY trip, I am happy to say THIS PACK ROCKS!
The pack is just over 4lbs (I weighed mine at 4.3, though the description says 4.1 and 4lbs 12oz in separate places), that's light in comparison to other similar capacity packs. The material is very study, and the stitching is quality work like you see in all Jansport products. The straps and zippers are heavy duty and I can tell they're not going to rip off or break. There's plenty of cinching straps to keep the load compact and tight when the pack isn't filled to capacity. The waist belt did a wonderful job of keeping the 25 - 30lbs of gear and pack weight on my hips and off my shoulders on my trip. It seemed as if the shoulder straps were only needed to keep the pack from wobbling from side to side or tipping backwards, as there seemed to be almost zero downward pressure exerted on my shoulders by them. As this is an external frame pack, there was a much loved tiny air gap between me and pack, which kept my upper back comfy and dry on the hikes. There is a fabric panel divider which creates a separate compartment in the bottom interior of the pack for what I believe to be a sleeping bag, which fit my 30 degree Coleman with no problems. As you can see in the pictures, the bottom exterior of the pack has strap attachment points (4 eyelets), to attach your sleeping bag by it's compression straps, or a mattress(which was my choice), tent, etc. The pack allows for 3 separate points of adjustment to accomodate different body lengths... the waist belt height, the shoulder strap bar height, and the padded foam lumbar support . The pack has 2 openings. One is at the head end which is a draw string type which extends the pack capacity upward, if needed, an extra 6 to 8 inches or so and is covered by a height adjustable pocketed lid. The second is a large zippered one on the back side. The opening on the back side has 2 parallel zippers that run almost the entire length of the pack. You can open the zippers one at a time for quick access to smaller items, or open them both for an 8 inch wide or so opening down the length of the pack for quick packing and uppacking of larger items like sleeping bags pots and pans, etc. There are forward angled water bottle pockets on each side of the pack, AND A ZIPPERED HYDRATION BLADDER COMPARTMENT located in the gap created by the frame between the pack and your body, which I don't see listed as one of the features of this pack in the product description.... an added bonus! As you can see in the pictures, there are 2 large external side compartments perfect for stashing utensils, first aid kits, knives, flashlights, lighter, cups, bowls, toiletries, etc, that you may need quick access to. And like all Jansport packs, this one comes with the LIFETIME WARRANTY for free repair or replacement, which is also not listed in the product description.
You get alot of bang for the buck with this pack. I highly recommend it. I like it so much i'm buying my teenage son one as well to replace his old hiking pack.
HOLY AWESOME!This bag fit everything I needed to carry for my week long trip into the NH White Moutains. I can see why the Rangers switched from the Alice pack to this type of backpack; it has an external frame, it is easy to use, light weight, and comfortable.
Campmor
I am a scout leader and we are about to undertake a 10 day trek and i wanted a light pack that could carry all my gear but still be very confortable to carry. I found it in this pack
4-Stars
Backcountry.com
I like JanSport external frame pack very much, although shortcomings exist. It is easy to improve and remodel. The new Carson 80 have many advantages than older model. The hip-belt and shoulder-belts were re-designed and fit well, but slightly harder than before. The size of external frame is smaller than the old D3 frame, but it is too large, because I am living in Japan and Japanese mountains are steep. So, I had completely re-modeled Carson 80. In the first place, I had cut the frame shorter and attached the old D3 joints to the frame. In the second, I twisted the hinge to fit my waist and sewed the used insole to the belt, because it was too solid. I also changed the way of connecting shoulder yoke to slant easily and fit well. And I change the way of passing the belts, because the buckles easily loosen. I cannot upload other photos. Please see my HP. http://psycho01.edu.u-toyama.ac.jp/carson80.html
The suspension of this bag is very well done, the belt and the shoulder straps follow the movements. This make me think it's an oversized climbing backpack, designed for intense activities. This also means it's not an overly practical bag with many pockets. The trekking poles loops are not really easy to deal with also, but overall I would recommend this bag.
Great external frame pack for the $$Bought the pack for a trip that got rained out, but loaded 'er up to get a feel. Good displacement of weight (50lbs), good fit (6' 185lbs.) bag does have a sleeping bag compartment.
Over all wish I could have trail tested it, but so far a great buy for the $$.
SierraTradingPost.com
There was no reviews for this when I bought it so I was a little bit nervous. I ended up looking on [...] to see what people said about the pack. I agree that this is a great pack for the price point. It would be better if it was sized to my torso but it is so adjustable it is not a problem. I love the many little storage compartments, and there's still room on the frame to strap on other needed items. Enjoy!
nicenice for strapping alot of gear
Amazon.com
Nice pack for the price- strap buckle (plastic) broke second time I used it- but otherwise a good pack- lots of room, adjustable, and cofortable.
Great pack for the priceOverall, this is a great pack for the price. I (a 5'7" 155lb female who likes to massively over-pack, for reference) am almost entirely happy with it after a couple of minor modifications.
First, the straps are pretty stiff and slick, and tended to loosen up by slipping through the triglides whenever there wasn't constant tension on them (meaning every single time I took the thing off and set it on the ground.) The only ones I had a problem with were the ones holding the lumbar pad (or at least what I'm calling the lumbar pad despite having scooted it up far enough to touch my shoulder blades) and waistbelt in position: three scuba weight clips solved the problem completely. I imagine a few inches of electrical tape would do just as well.
Second, I cut out the divider that formed the sleeping bag pocket, because I hate sleeping bag pockets - I've never owned one that was the same size as any of my bags. It's in no way integral to the design of this pack, so feel free to snip away.
The hydration pouch has thus far sat empty and done nothing but add weight for me - it's nothing BUT a pouch, with no way to properly suspend a bladder inside. It would take only seconds to slice it off, but so far I haven't: I keep telling myself that I'm going to sew in a strap/hook/whatever to hang a bladder from, and actually use the thing. The mesh water bottle pockets, however, are very well positioned for easy in-out of my bottles while moving, and the top pocket easily swallows up a pair of 4L bladders for quick bottle-refills throughout the day.
The only thing I couldn't "fix" in under 5 minutes and with nothing but scissors and electrical tape was that the sternum strap insisted on sitting on my sternum - fine and dandy for those of the masculine persuasion, but as a female, I would have preferred something I could strap a bit lower to avoid squeezing some body parts that aren't really designed to be load-bearing. Fairness requires me to note three things about this though: 1. I've got a big sturdy barrel of a ribcage; other, daintier, women may think I'm crazy for wanting an under-the-bust strap. 2. I've had the same problem with almost every pack I've ever owned - hiking, daypack, cheap-Camelback-ripoff, you name it (though I should also add that I have never tried a pack specifically for women.) 3. I rarely close a sternum strap anyway, unless I'm doing something I probably shouldn't be doing with a pack on anyway, so I'm not giving this issue much weight.
I like that the exterior pockets are separate "wings" rather than sewn directly to the pack - it saves having to fight to keep them and their contents from collapsing into the pack when you're (un)loading it via the rear (Or front if you prefer - I'm not here to debate backpack anatomy... or the etymology of "anatomy," for that matter) panel. I also love that it *has* a rear panel, giving me an excuse to chew out obnoxious elitists who think they can make snarky comments about how they assume I, as a panel-loading mass-produced pack owner, must pack.
The biggest qualm I have with the pack is the frame itself. I haven't had any trouble with it at all aside from the finish scraping off (I use it mostly in a rocky desert area) - but I just cannot shake the feeling that I AM going to break the thing. It just feels too light and flexible. I realize that, as long as it doesn't break, that's actually a good thing - but I'm convinced that it's only a matter of time until I drop it on a rock at just the right angle and end up humping a frameless pack home.
Overall though, very happy with it so far.
A bit of an update: Amazon doesn't allow mentions of specific prices in their reviews, so I'm going to have to dance around this a bit, but bear in mind the title of this review. The price has changed since I wrote it, and I'd certainly say that at the current price I wouldn't give it 4 stars. It may come back down in the future, though, so I'm leaving the review as-is, and assuming anyone reading this is bright enough to decide if this bag's worth the price.
Campmor.com
There are no directions with the pack on how to adjust the frame. I am new to Scouting, camping, and hiking. I have to ask someone to show me how to do it when the time comes.
good packUsed on a couple multi-day hikes. It does make a lot of noise but I taped all the clips, much better now. You can only fill your hydration bladder 1.5 liters or as stated above it moves the pack too close to your body, making it hot, defeating one of the benefits of an external pack. Has held up well with one caveat, the upper U bar that hooks into those aluminum blocks on the side has begun to oblong and crack.
BassPro.com
"This pack is very nice, it has alot of great features. The pack is light, very nice in person, lots of space inside. Even on the top cover you have alittle more space there. Holds 32oz. water jugs, and really does well on spreading the weight to your waist and shoulders. Has a spot for a bladder which is great I did not know that when I bought it. BUT, does NOT have a place to put a hatchet NOR an AXE!!!!! My old jansports have always had both spots. I was sad to see that but, all in all I'll keep it because I like it."
2-Stars
Campmor.com
The pack began fading after the first use. I thought it was due to rain. I dried it and kept it in a back. When I removed it for my next trip, it had a rusted appearance. I contacted Jansport, but it was over a year since I purchased. The pack was originally all Olive, see the pictures and see what you get after a few months.
Thumbs-Up
ebags.com
"Absolutely the BEST external frame pack for the average sized guy who doesn't want to spend $300 on a pack. Tough, roomy, and a lifetime warranty add up to a great value. This is really a hybrid compression/external-frame pack which is very hard to find. Complaints? I wish it included straps for attaching a sleeping pad and tent to the frame and had a bit better breathing back mesh."
2 people found the following review helpful."This bag is pretty good and so far it seems solid for relatively though use. The only problem I have is the lack of pockets on both the inside and outside of this bag. I would like to see more because they are good for storing my frequently used items (making access fast and easy) and for organization (preventing me from having to rummage through my bag searching for said items). So for me a perfect pack would have lots (but not too many of course) of useful deep pockets."
JanSport™s goal is to design, engineer, manufacture and market products that will help you get from point A to point B in the most functional way possible. Consistently incorporating flexibility and functionality into their bag designs, JanSport understands that the backpack you use during the day to carry your books could very well be the same backpack you take hiking with you on the weekends.
The story of JanSport bags and apparel begins in 1967 with three friends and their love for the outdoors. Jan Lewis, Murray Pletz and Skip Yowell lived in Seattle when they created their first framepack and the first panel loading daypack. Murray had just won a design contest for "The Best New Use of Aluminum" for the framepack the trio had fabricated in the transmission shop of Skip's uncle. Once climbers on Mount Rainier and other Northwest peaks saw the new pack, they wanted one for themselves. The rest is JanSport history.
The success of JanSport’s packs reaches across the globe and into various walks of life. For nearly 40 years, JanSport has provided world class bags and apparel that can take you anywhere and everywhere. Celebrating outdoor enthusiasts from the casual walker to the mountain climber, JanSport’s packs and apparel have got your back.
