EASTPAK PADDED PAK'R Backpack

I love the fabric and the bag seams feel strong and sturdy. Not like the Karrimor rucksack I had before this which started to split apart just a month after I started using it. I decided to spend a bit more money and buy a rucksack with a good rep for longevity. I figure I can't go wrong with an Eastpak. They must be quite certain of their quality control to give a 30 yr warranty.I was a bit wary that the bag would turn out to be too large for my skinny 5'2" frame. I'd ordered a 24l women's North Face rucksack prior to this and it turned out looking so large on me I had to return it, even though I loved its build quality too.This Eastpak backpack however, fits my body frame. I'm so glad. Also it is surprisingly roomy inside. It doesn't look so, but it is.The shoulder straps are very well padded indeed, which made carrying the bag easier and lessened the apparent weight of the bag. There is a rubbery non slip coating on the side of the shoulder straps that lie on your shoulders., presumably to give good grip so the straps never slip off the shoulders. I have narrow shoulders and that was a problem. Not anymore with this bag. However there is also a downside to the grippy surface of the shoulder straps - it feels a bit abrasive when it lies next to my bare skin, so I wouldn't wear them on bare shoulders... perhaps they soften over time so will have to wait and see.All in all I'm pleased with my new rucksack.Would have liked additional pockets inside and out though but I guess I could carry around sorting bags or compartments of some kind in the bag to keep groups of itema separated so looking for something wouldn't involve having to scratch through the entire bag contents.This is a lovely and well-made bag. I have truly fallen in love with Eastpak bags now. My first Eastpak bag and I might even get the Orbit version which is smaller (10 litres I think) but may be a great substitute for a handbag on outings where I pack light.

Okay so I've worn backpacks for ages and ages and gone through them like wildfire, I literally wear them til they get holes and fall to pieces.I've had bags by Roxy, Dickies, Swiss Army...nothing compares to this.In terms of comfort, this is the best thing ever. The bag has a padded back (as the name implies) which makes everything cushiony soft - even if you're carrying tonnes of hardback books and a laptop and your lunch and a tonne of other stuff you probably didn't need to lug around with you but at the time seemed vital. We've all been there. This bag has stood by my urban explorer-hoarder urges and laughed. Such comfort. Such durability.The shoulder straps are similarly padded, and also have a kind of grippy coating where they rest on your shoulders...amazing if you happen to enjoy slinging your backpack over one shoulder in a carefree, casual way. Who can blame you? You're cool. You wanna look it. This is the simplest way to say, "Hey. I may be practical and enjoy a sturdy but stylish backpack. But I'm also easygoing and effortless. Look at my one-shouldered stance. This is the look of a relaxed but action-packed individual."But I digress. Not only does this backpack look hella cool (I got it in classic black because it's probably the only colour I wear (black doesn't show stains and also makes you look intense and mysterious)), but it's also pretty secure. The zips all have little overhangy flaps over them, so even the front pocket WHICH WOULD NORMALLY CAUSE MY MOTHER MUCH DISCOMFORT AND ANXIETY is super hard to pickpocket.But I haven't even gotten onto the best part. Are you ready?This bag is waterproof. WATER. PROOF. The water just sits on top of it like it's waiting for a bus. You can brush that liquid right off. Your precious cargo is safe and snug and dry inside its wonderful, padded, spacious interior. Your cargo can carry on partying. And even better, say you spilled a drink INSIDE this majestic backpack, it would totally not leak out or even get absorbed into the material. IT'S WATERPROOF INSIDE AND OUT.So hey. This review might sound like I'm exaggerating. But seriously, if you want a backpack which is spacious but not bulky, comfortable but not like being a turtle, stylish but simple, AND WATERPROOF TO BOOT, go for the Eastpak Padded Pak'r. It comes with a 35 year guarantee and I actually believe it. Amazing, amazing, amazing. We gon' be friends for life.

I've had this same black Eastpak since high school, ever since I was 15. I carried it throughout my 20s—through college and many jobs. Now, in my 30s, I still love this bag and its color. I will never carry another handbag in my entire life. If it ever breaks or wears out, I’ll just buy another one. On average, it needs to break every five years, which is a fair trade-off for how much I use it.This bag is incredibly durable, smooth, easy to carry, and has survived many hardships—including a blizzard in Iceland, a storm in Hollywood, and even the scorching heat of the desert. Seriously, I love this Eastpak bag!

Good strong bag

I have waited a few weeks to write this review so I could give an honest write up after plenty of use.This packback was bought for my teenage daughter who is just starting academic year 10.The backpack arrived quickly and on first impressions looked well made and a good size. It has two strong sturdy comfy padded straps which are adjustable, a large zip main compartment and a smaller front zip compartment. The zips are of a good chunky quality and are easy to use.This backpack has been used continuously every day now for 2 months. It is extremely robust. It holds all my daughter's school books, text books plus 2 pencil cases a variety of other study related items and also her small lunch box.I have it on good authority from my daughter that this bag is a tough little item.During a typical day this backpack is usually stuffed in a locker, carried by one strap, carried by both straps, hung on the back of a chair, flung on the floor, opened & closed too many times to count, stuffed full of heavy books plus has endured numerous bus/car journeys!After 2 months of all the above abuse and it still looks as good as the first day we bought it!Absolutely brilliant backpack! No complainants whatsoever.Would highly recommend.