This pack is ideal for a book bag or as a replacement for a briefcase. With its tall slim main pockets, it stows books and laptops with ease, while still offering a smaller organization pocket for pens calculators and any other small items that need to be kept organized and easy to reach. The water resistant material is a major plus and keeps most moisture from reaching the internal pockets. The Granite Gear Jackfish works great as a commuter bag because of its vented shoulder straps, heavy duty stitching and its hydration pockets located on the side for easy reach.
The one downside to the Granite Gear Jackfish is that it has four main pockets that all conform to the tall slim shape making it difficult to fill the bag to capacity with items that are not naturally rectangular and flat (like books and laptops). On the plus side, it has an easy to access and well-placed pocket specifically for sunglasses lined with a soft material that will keep your shades scratch free. This pocket is located on the top of the bag where they won’t get crushed or smashed.
I luckily live in a place where it’s easy to bike everywhere. I have spent countless hours of my life running to the store, coffee shop, and classroom wearing the Granite Gear Jackfish.
Granite Gear Jackfish Specs
Colors Available:
*Black (shown)
- Repelaweave Fabric with Taurpalite Bottom for Maximum Protection Against Elements
- Ergonomic MaxLoad Multi-Compartment Design
- Alternative Top Loading Main Compartment
- Barrier Zipper Tricot Lined Pocket for Valuables
- Breathable Load Absorbing Shoulder Harness with Load-Lifter Straps
- Load Stabilizing Sternum Strap
- Hide-Away Load Bearing Waist Belt with Quick Access Pocket
- Ergonomic, Breathable, Load Absorbing Back Panel with Lumbar Support
- Stretch Mesh Front Pocket
- Dedicated Gear Tech Computer Sleeve fits most 17” Laptops
- Dual Stretch Mesh Hydration Pockets
- Multi Pocket Organizer
- Bottom Stash Straps
- Adjustable Compression Straps
- Hydration Ready Port
Suspension System: Vented double strap backpack with adjustable securing straps.
Unique Features: This backpack is made out of water-repellent material as well as zippers specifically designed to keep water out. The backpack is designed to be tall and slim, with all the pockets conforming in this way. Molle loops, and exterior stretchy mesh pockets for water bottles.
Application: Best suited for a school bag or commuting backpack. Its tall slim shape is great for books and laptops.
Pros: Because of its shape, the backpack keeps heavy loads close and tight to the shoulders alleviating back stress. It has numerous pockets ranging from a large padded laptop pocket to a smaller organizational pocket with tie-down loop as well as a specially lined sunglass pocket. The bag has exterior straps that tighten down the bag keeping it close and tight to your body. stash straps located on the bottom of the bag allow for additional exterior storage space. The hydration pockets on the sides make for easy access to water bottles while keeping them secure with elastic retainers. The bags water resistant
Cons: With four slim tall pockets it makes packing a lot into this bag difficult. Space runs out quickly as anything bulky like a jacket will take up major space in the larger pockets. The separate laptop pocket is the tallest yet so slim it’s hard to load with anything else but books or a laptop. If a laptop slip was instead located in the main pocket it would give more room throughout the bag.
Bottom Line/ Overall Performance: This bag works great as a school backpack while I commute to the classroom. The shape is great for all the books and laptop that go in it every day as well as the organization it offers for pencils, pens, and note cards. The bag keeps heavy loads off of your back and onto your shoulders where you can adjust the placement of weight.
The Granite Gear Jackfish’s water-resistant shell keeps things dry but is still breathable. Overall, this is a great backpack for everyday travel to work, the gym, or the classroom.
About the author: Jake Shackleford is an avid outdoor enthusiast and skilled woodsman who actively pursues the remote areas of the wilderness year around. Coming from a special operations background in the 75th Ranger Regiment of the U.S. Army and currently working as a river expedition guide, Jake has gained a wealth of knowledge of the outdoors as well as the gear and techniques needed to traverse hostile wilderness areas. From the Shallow seas and uninhabited islands of the Caribbean to the dense temperate rain forests of the Pacific Northwest Jake is more at home while in the backcountry than most people are in their own living rooms.
