"I purchased this new Odyssey 39 for a backup because my Odyssey 38 needs repair. I loved everything about the 38 but the 39 is a huge disappointment. I read several reviews prior to this purchase and they were all correct. I needed another backpack anyway and also the ebag got me a great deal so I'm not too unhappy though. 39 is smaller and can't put the same amount of stuff like I do with 38. They got rid of the middle large compartment, honeycomb shoulder straps and hydration pocket(it says it has one but shares with laptop pocket). I'm just going to use it until my 38 comes back from the repair. I think it's great for everyday light use but I don't think it can be used for traveling long distance/duration like I do with 38. This is a $60 bag, not $100." Show More

"I bought this for my son, a 10th grader who prefers to carry all his books around with him rather then use his locker. I have to say that everything seems to fit! It is really deep and there is a very generous outer pocket and a nice smaller pocket up top that is great for keeping cell phone and money accessible. It may not be the hippest looking backpack, but for the utility it is a winner!" Show More

"The Odyssey is a sharp looking backpack that has more than enough capacity for the average commuter or business traveler. The organization is thoughtful and ample. However, the bag has two major issues: (1) Comfort. The shoulder straps are inferior to competitor products and generally uncomfortable if the bag weight exceeds 10 lbs (not hard to do if carrying a laptop). (2) Laptop Sleeve. The interior laptop sleeve is difficult to get to if the bag is full, making removal of the laptop quite challenging(ie: for airport inspection). Durability doesn't seem to be an issue after about 4 weeks of heavy use. The two issues I've cited will prevent me from buying this model again." Show More

"It does the job. I like how there are multiple pockets that are actually functional. A lot of the times, you'll have back packs that have a gazillion pockets that just take up space and make it harder to organize things." Show More

"I'm always paranoid about forgetting a book or a critical item for school, so I bring everything with me when I'm on campus, which is typically for over 10 hours every weekday. Yet even though my bag regularly weighs upwards of 25lbs, it's always completely comfortable, and has yet to show any sign of wear after six months of intense (school) usage. I can easily see myself using this thing for the years (years!) of schooling I have ahead of me, and with JanSport's crazy warranty, I know I can no matter how my situation changes. Durability aside, it's incredibly roomy. With three large compartments, two external pouches and three internal ones (including the laptop pouch), there's room enough for four large text books, a laptop, a handheld video game system, a glasses case, a large binder, three of the really plush Five Star single subject notebooks (or a couple multi-subject ones), and a billion nicknacks and doodads like earbuds and mechanical pencils and snacks and gum and whatnot. The top pouch is microfiber lined, so you could feel secure enough to leave your phone in there if you chose to (I don't, but only because I prefer to keep it closer). There's also two mesh compartments on the side that could probably be used for multiple purposes, but I just use them for carrying drinks (which they work fantastic for). I would imagine that the waist support and the sternum strap make it so the backpack performs wonderfully for its intended purpose, which is as more of a mountaineering/sport backpack, but I can't really comment on that because I never use it for that purpose. That being said, though, I do throw the thing around like a beach ball, so it's probably seen about as much harsh treatment from me as one would give it on a mountaintop. It's a phenomenal backpack. Get it." Show More

"The Odyssey 39 has been made for many years. I have an earlier one which needed repairs. I bought a new one thinking it would be the same as the name is the same while mine is in for repairs. Unfortunately, for me, the pouch nearest my back has shrunk to about 20 of the volume of my earlier Odyssey 39. I need the capacity in that partition, not the neighboring partition, so I'm down 1.5 gallon zipped bag space that I can put in the that pouch and consequently in the pack. I haven't been able to find another way to overcome the problem. In addition the shoulder straps have changed and the back ventilation has changed, and won't provide as good ventilation. Other than that I like the pack and for those that don't need the space that I need I would recommend it." Show More

"My Mom bought this backpack for my older brother when he left for college four years ago. After hearing his positive comments about this backpack, I chose the same style when I needed a new backpack to finish high school and to begin college this year. We both use them daily. They're both still in excellent condition. It's roomy, sturdy, good-looking, comfortable, and allows us to keep our school supplies, books, and other belongings well-organized while at college. I love this backpack!" Show More

"I WILL BE RETURNING THIS IMMEDIATELY!!! I was so excited when I received this bag. I immediately loaded it to the brim with my notebooks and binders and textbooks. The organization and space of this bag is BETTER THAN ANY BAG ON THE MARKET. However, after filling it up I quickly found out that the POORLY designed straps are the MOST UNCOMFORTABLE on the market! EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!!! I was amazed at how firm and hard the straps were. It hurt my shoulders within 5 minutes of wearing it. Maybe it fit my shoulders so poorly because of how petite I am, but my size doesn't change the fact the straps are stuffed with concrete. I will be returning to my 5 year old north face bag covered in holes." Show More

"These are the best backpacks! They are incredibly durable and hold a large amount of books and binders. Multiple pockets help with organization. This is a replacement for one my son has been using for 5 years and I'm only replacing it because he wants a new one not because of anything broken. I've purchased other brands in the past and some did not make it through one school year because of holes or broken zippers. The Odyssey is definitely worth the money." Show More

"Very nice bag, good capacity and organization, but the straps were very uncomfortable." Show More