Features I try to avoid with a Crossover Day Pack

There are a few features that I try to avoid when choosing a pack because they create more headaches than they solve.  If a pack has one of these features then it really needed to be special for me to consider it.  So here they are:

Compression straps that lay across the zipper to the main compartment. 

While compression straps can look cool and offer some degree of functionality, in no way do they make up for the constant problem they ultimately cause if they lay across the main zipper.  Note in the picture below that the compression strap prevents me from fully opening the main compartment.

Now I understand that I could regrip the zipper after letting it pass below the compression strap, but the reality is that no one would ever take the time to do this.  Instead, I just pry the opening apart to put in or pull out my computer or camera bag.  This is a pain that often requires multiple wiggly tries. (Especially if your pack has no structure and collapses as you push down.) I completely understand the utility of compression straps in shrinking the volume of the pack when it is not filled, but this utility is needed once a week (at most) whereas opening up the bag completely so that you can easily insert or withdraw your laptop or bulky items, happens multiple times per day!


Bungee cords

I understand the utility of the bungee cord in terms of being able to stuff a jacket or baguette on the front panel of your pack, but there are four problems here.  1.  Those bungee cords seem to catch on everything you back up against.  Most notably knobs on door and cabinets.  Then you end up walking away only to be yanked back to where you once were standing.  2.  The elasticity on these cords inevitably fails and then you are left with sagging cord that can snag on stuff even more easily.  Of course, you can just remove the cord when you get the pack, but there are other issues.  3.  Bungee cords are usually associated with cheap packs.  In other words, 7 out of 10 times, bungee reflects crappy design and workmanship.  4.  Lastly, bungee does not look professional.  You say: "Yeah, but, a backpack is not exactly the way to go if you are that worried about the professional look!"  True, but bungee cords really seal the deal for me.  Students can have bungee, but teachers should not.  It's the same as bringing your glove to the ball park.  It's okay if you are 16 and under, but older than that and you should be willing to accept the looks of scorn from the unwritten rules police.

Oh Lawd!  Look at all that bungee madness!

The word "Dakine"in large letters written across your pack

I know that this is unfair... sorry.  Particularly because my whole family is from Hawaii. But having the Hawaiian Pidgin English word Dakine displayed across your pack is a big no-no in my book.  Imagine walking into a meeting with the word "Yo Mama!" written across your bag.  It's a similar  slang term, folks.  It will not inspire the confidence of the other people in the room.  Again, this is fine if you are a college student (not on an interview mind you!) or younger, but it has to be avoided among the professional set (or anyone who wants people to take them seriously).

If I never see this pack on the street, it will be too soon.

Packs that look like this

What the heck is going on here?

and here...

Packs, by nature, are pretty simply things.  Too many bells, whistles, or spikes usually indicate that the thing will be a nightmare to use.

I know that I will get a lot of blowback on some of this, but that is the nature of blogging one's opinions.