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The North Face Big Shot

Hiking & Camping > BackpacksRated: ***** by 77 reviews.

Mountain Gear

Command the scene with superior organization - a laptop sleeve, hydration port, multiple accessory pockets, and an audio port make the Big Shot backpack from The North Face noteworthy choice for the busy student or executive. While you keep your daily gear organized, keep your body comfortable with the lightweight back panel and BackSaver bottom panel that positions your gear closer your back for enhanced comfort.

Features:

  • Always get a good fit by adjusting the stowable waist belt, and sternum strap with a Safe-T whistle - make it even better by securing your load by adjusting the side and bottom compression straps
  • Keep books, binders, or gym clothes in the main compartment and keep them in place with the elastic compression while you squeeze your computer into the padded laptop sleeve
  • Keep your pens, wallet, and iPod close in the zippered top accessory pocket while you stow your blackberry or passport in the secondary front pocket with an organizer
  • Never be without water, stow your hydration bladder in the hydration port or carry bottles in the 2 stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Never have trouble keeping contact with the world - stow your cell phone in the stretch-woven accessory pocket on the shoulder strap
  • Reduce the odds of back strain with the ultra lightweight EXOLITE back panel and BackSaver bottom panel with compression that angles your load to the proper position on your back for the most comfortable carry
  • Stay safer when you're walking at night with the reflective hits

Rocky Mountain Trail

Whether the great outdoors or the urban jungle is your playground, this pack has the bases covered! Whether you fancy the great outdoors or the urban jungle the Big Shot by The North Face has the bases covered. Loaded with pockets and featuring BackSaver Technology, this book bag is fully functional and comfortable no matter the load you haul. Books your style? Grab your laptop and slide it into the padded laptop sleeve, and organize all your small must-haves into the organizer panel. If the great unknown is more your cup of tea, slide your hydration bladder into the padded sleeve, and load it up with all your wilderness ready gear! The padded laptop sleeve accommodates a 17" laptop. As a hiking backpack or school book bag the Big Shot delivers in a big way. Laptop Sizing. Click here to learn more about how TNF uses waste foam to add protection in high impact areas.

Features:

  • BackSaver bottom panel
  • Can hold a 17" Laptop
  • Cargo straps on pack bottom to secure extras
  • Front daisy chain with Hypalon® reinforcement
  • Front vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers
  • Main compartment with universal padded sleeve and hydration port
  • Molded back panel with breathable mesh and channels for ventilation
  • Organizer in the main pocket
  • Safe-T whistle on sternum strap
  • Side compression straps
  • Side water-bottle pockets
  • Small pocket on shoulder strap for carrying a cell phone
  • Tuck away hip-belt

USOutdoor.com

With a durable water-resistant finish The North Face Big Shot backpack is a great way to battle 9 months of Pacific Northwest rain and the text books that go along with it. Whether you’re walking the campus or enjoying a day hike in the Gorge the Big Shot backpack’s BackSaver technology maximizes comfort on the go while an elastic padded laptop sleeve keeps your computer safe and sound.

Enjoy the ruggedness of The North Face.

Features:

  • 2015 in³ (33 liters)R1.5" x 13" x 8" (55cm x 34cm x 20.5cm)T20D nylon, 1680D ballisticsRlbs 2oz (965g)
  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression straps
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon reinforcement on front
  • Exolite back panel
  • Large secondary front pocket with organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Stowable waist belt
  • Stretch woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
  • Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Top zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers

Altrec Outlet

Built as a crossover pack, the Big Shot Backpack by The North Face glides through urban chaos with ease and it's low profile yet large capacity will carry your though thick brush on the trails.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • Available in the following colors while supplies last: Black, Cardinal Red, Chute Green, Ink Blue, Kingfisher Blue
  • Avg weight:2 lbs 2 oz (965 g)
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon reinforcement on front
  • Dimensions:21.5in. x 13in. x 8in. (55 cm x 34 cm x 20.5 cm)
  • EXOLITE back panel
  • Fabric: 420D nylon, 1680D Ballistics
  • Large secondary front pocket with organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Storable waist belt
  • Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
  • Top zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers
  • Volume:2015 in3 (33 liters)

This description was also provided by: Altrec


FogDog Sports

The North Face(r) Big Shot daypack keeps you organized on the go with multiple compartments. The main compartment includes an elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and a hydration port. There's also a top-zip accessory pocket with an audio port and a mesh divider.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with a Safe-T whistle
  • Average Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon® reinforcement on the front
  • Dimensions: 21.5 in x 13 in x 8 in
  • EXOLITE back panel
  • Fabric: 420-denier, 1680-denier ballistics
  • Large secondary front pocket with an organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Stowable waist belt
  • Stretch mesh water bottle pockets
  • Stretch woven accessory pocket on the shoulder strap
  • Top-zip accessory pocket with an audio port and a mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers
  • Volume: 2015 cu in

Ramsey Outdoor

If you're searching for a daypack to haul your gear while you're listing to music, tune in to this pack. This pack contains ample pockets for storage and is equipped with extremely resilient daisy chains on the front pocket to thread carabiners or additional gear through.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon® reinforcement on front
  • EXOLITE® back panel
  • Holds laptops 17 inches or smallerR lbs 2 ozR1.5" x 13" x 8"R015 cu in
  • Large secondary front pocket with organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Storable waist belt
  • Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
  • Top-zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zips

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

The ever-popular Big Shot from The North Face® is equally suited to trail and campus. This versatile day pack features a hydration sleeve (bladder not included), hydration port, for those times that you're hauling books instead of hiking gear.

Features:

  • #10 YKK zippers are extra tough
  • 420-denier nylon, 840-denier nylon, Hypalon® stands up to loads of books and gear
  • Adjustable hip belt for stabilizing heavier loads
  • BackSaver bottom panel angled to position loads higher on your back, helping you carry the load of your pack more efficiently
  • Daisy chain on pack front for lashing extra gear
  • Front pocket organizer
  • Main compartment with universal padded sleeve and hydration port
  • Molded back panel with breathable mesh and ventilation channels
  • Side mesh water bottle pockets with reinforcements
  • Small pocket on shoulder strap for small essentials
  • Top carry handle

Sierra Trading Post

It's true that knowledge is power, but all the books and supplies that come along with it can be a heavy burden to bear — unless you've got The North Face's Big Shot backpack! There's even room in the main compartment to securely stow your laptop.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression straps
  • Capacity: 2236 cu.in. 
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 21-½x13x8"
  • Durable daisy chain down the front
  • Exolite back panel with comfortable foam padding
  • Fits laptops: Up to 17"
  • Front top-zip pocket with organizer panel
  • Lightly padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment
  • Main zip compartment has hydration port
  • Material: Nylon
  • Padded air mesh back straps
  • Side water bottle pockets
  • Visit our Backpack Guide
  • Waistbelt: Adjusts to 57"
  • Weight: 2 lb. 2 oz.

Massey's Outfitters

Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
Avg Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz (965 g)
BackSaver bottom panel with compression
Daisy chain with Hypalon® reinforcement on front
Dimensions: 21.5" x 13" x 8" (55 cm x 34 cm x 20.5 cm)
EXOLITE® back panel
Fabric: 420D nylon, 1680D Ballistics
Large secondary front pocket with organizer
Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration
port
Reflective hits
Side and bottom compression straps
Storable waist belt
Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
Style Number: ABKE
Top zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers
Volume: 2015 in3 (33 liters)


Oregon Mountain Community

The North Face Big Shot features vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon reinforcement on front
  • EXOLITE® back panel
  • Holds laptops 17 inches or smaller
  • Large secondary front pocket with organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Storable waist belt
  • Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
  • Top-zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers

The North Face

If you're searching for a daypack to haul your gear while you're listing to music, tune in to this pack. This pack contains ample pockets for storage and is equipped with extremely resilient daisy chains on the front pocket to thread carabineers or additional gear through.

Features:

  • Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
  • BackSaver bottom panel with compression
  • Daisy chain with Hypalon reinforcement on front
  • EXOLITE® back panel
  • Holds laptops 17 inches or smaller
  • Large secondary front pocket with organizer
  • Main compartment with elastic compression padded laptop sleeve and hydration port
  • Reflective hits
  • Side and bottom compression straps
  • Storable waist belt
  • Stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
  • Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
  • Top-zip accessory pocket with audio port and mesh divider
  • Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers

This description was also provided by: O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009)


Backcountry.com

Two vertical stash pockets with waterproof zippers on the front of The North Face Big Shot Backpack help keep your to-do lists, class schedule, or car keys and trail maps within easy reach. The stowable waist-belt and well-padded shoulder straps help you comfortably carry heavy school books, while the padded laptop sleeve accommodates your 17-inch computer. Stash two water bottles in the side mesh pockets and stay hydrated all day.


Zappos.com

Vertical stash pockets with water-resistant zippers.
Hydration sleeve and hose port.
Molded backpanel with breathable mesh and channels for ventilation.
Front daisy chain with Hypalon reinforcement.
BackSaver angled front panel.
Tuck-away hipbelt.
Organizer in the main pocket.
Side water bottle pockets.
Side compression straps.
Safe-T whistle on sternum strap.
Volume: 34 liters.
Dimensions: 21 wide x 13 deep x 9 high.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Access:top
Access Types:Top zip
Avg Weight:2 lbs 2 oz (965 g)
Bottom Access:No
Capacity:2100 cu in (34 liters)
Cargo Capacity:2,015 cu. in.
Cell Phone Pocket/Sleeve:No
Dimensions:21 in x 13 in x 9 in (54 cm x 34 cm x 24 cm)
Fabric:420D nylon, 1680D Ballistics
Fits laptop:17 inches
Frame Sheet:No
Front Access:No
Hydration Compatible:Yes
Laptop Pocket Dimensions:17in (43cm)
Laptop Size:N/A
Load-lifter Straps:No
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:420D nylon / 1680D ballistics
Number of pockets:main compartment + 6 pockets
Organizer Panel:Yes
Other Electronics Pocket(S):1
Pack Fabric (Primary):420-denier nylon, 840-denier nylon, Hypalon®
Padded Laptop Compartment:No
Pockets:[External] 2 vertical top, 1 front, 2 side water-bottle, 1 stash on shoulder strap
Primary Use:School
Recommended Use:School, work, day hiking
Size:X Large
Sizes:One
Skateboard Carry:No
Spindriftcollar:No
Stays:None
Sternum Strap:Yes
Style Number:ABKE
Sunglasses Pocket, Lined:No
Suspension:EXOLITE back panel, padded shoulder straps
Top Access:Yes
Torso Length:One Size
Type:Technical
Volume:2015 in³ (33 liters)
Waist Belt:Yes
Waist-belt:Yes, stowable
Weight:2 lbs 4 oz (1021 g)

View other products from The North Face classified in Hiking & Camping > Backpacks.

View all products from The North Face.
View other products classified in Hiking & Camping > Backpacks.

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorWidth, Size
Bag, N/AOne Size, N/AN/A, Black-001N/A, Tuolumne-Brown-7P3N/A, Deepwater-Basin-Blue-6D5N/A, Saratoga-Green-M30N/A, Cardinal-Molten-Red-87EN/A, Cardinal RedN/A, Saratoga GreenN/A, N/A
Chute Green
Chute Green
         70.1070.102 More...
Saratoga Green
Saratoga Green
         95.0098.953 More...
Ink Blue
Ink Blue
         77.9778.97
Kingfisher Blue
Kingfisher Blue
98.9598.95       47.1747.175 More...
Deepwater Blue / Basin Blue
Deepwater Blue / Basin Blue
         95.0099.00
Deep Water Blue
Deep Water Blue
         89.9999.00
Deep Water Blue / Basin Blue
Deep Water Blue / Basin Blue
         98.9599.00
Deepwater Blue/ Basin Blue
Deepwater Blue/ Basin Blue
         98.95
Black
Black
98.9598.95       67.5084.958 More...
Tuolumne Brown
Tuolumne Brown
98.9598.95       98.9599.002 More...
Cardinal Red
Cardinal Red
98.9598.95       47.8047.804 More...
Cardinal Red / Molten Red
Cardinal Red / Molten Red
98.9598.95       95.0098.952 More...
Cardinal Red/ Molten Red
Cardinal Red/ Molten Red
         98.95
Molten Red       89.00  
N/A  98.9098.9098.9098.9098.90 89.00 

Legend

  •     - O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009)
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community
  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - The North Face
  •     - Massey's Outfitters
  •     - Sierra Trading Post
  •     - Zappos.com
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - FogDog Sports
  •     - Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Ramsey Outdoor
  •     - Altrec
  •     - Altrec Outlet
  •     - Moosejaw

The North Face Big Shot Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****34
****10
***1
**1
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Backpack Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

On campus or afield - a great dual-purpose bag.

Rating:*****
Out of 10, I would give this a 9. I've had the bag for a couple of months now - and it's held it's own very well in both environments. I have carried around my laptop, tools (wrenches, pump, repair kit) for my mountain bike, books for class, and folders. I have a cell phone pouch clipped to the front, it performs marvelously. The hip and sternum straps are highly useful when on your bike, keeping the load from shifting around too much. I regularly fit 3 gallons of milk inside (with a few books at the same time), when I make a grocery run on the way back from work or school (on my motorcycle or mountain bike). The overlapping pockets in the back are useful for holding my laptop cords and bike tools. I don't use the inside pockets / pouches much - they aren't very accessible when you are running with a full load. The side pouches comfortably hold my Nalgenes, even with the insulating covers on the bottles. Since the hip straps aren't padded, it's probably not a good idea to hike it with heavy loads for more than a day. In the field I guess I would wish for a little more air circulation in the back area (but I don't know of any back packs that are dual-purpose that are much better). I sweat like crazy when it's warm/hot, and this pack really holds in the heat for me. The daisy-chain straps on the back are sturdy enough. There is also a hole in the top near the carrying strap for a hydration pouch - which I haven't used yet (I have nalgenes, and a 100 oz. Camelbak pack when I need lots of water.) The hydration pack would fit in the lap-top sleeve in a pinch. You could easily fit the makings for a picnic in here, pack up for a day trip (maybe even a short over-nighter. Fits my bike helmet inside when I'm running light around Campus, and I clip it securely to the outside when I'm running a heavier load. I recommend the pack to the average college student who would take it outdoors on the weekend. I would also recommend water-proofing it with Camp-Dry, and spray the zippers with it too to prevent wear-and tear from dust / road-grime. I bought this as a bag to carry my laptop and accessories safely, as well as perform in the outdoors, and it does both tremendously.
Alan Taylor at Altrec on 06/17/2008

good multi-purpose pack-

Rating:****
I use this pack during the week to tote my books and laptop to class and then I can toss enough clothes in it for the weekend and strap compression sack for my sleeping bag to the bottom- The the two gray water proof zippers are to different compartments one is very shallow and the other has some reasonable depth- In the main pocket their is the laptop sleeve which has a strap to hold it in place and not sliding up- on the outside flap is a bunch of smaller pockets that don't really do much since anything in them falls out when its laid down I use one of them to put my ti84 in horizontally- The side compartments for water containers could be a bit bigger, if I set my backpack down sideways my nalgene likes to slide up and out unless the bungee is pulled really tight- I use a small carabiner to hold it in place anyways- Overall its a great backpack its served me well so far, no problems with zippers and the padding for the laptop and my shoulders seems ample enough, plenty of cinch straps to compress the backpack or make it fit your shoulders- Beltstrap tucks away nicely
Anonymous at Altrec on 12/03/2007

Versatile Day Pack

Rating:*****

I've had mine for a few months now and it has become my go-to bag for all my day-to-day stuff, essentially replacing 3 of my older bags. It is very durable and things are very easy to get to. The two outside stash pockets are great for my camera gear, and the various zippered compartments and little pockets inside the bag are extremely usefull (phone, ipod, pen pockets, Moleskine, CD's)

For work I use it to carry my laptop, Wacom tablet, cables, several notebooks and pads, phone, ipod, DSLR, 2x lenses, spare battery, and tons of little odd's and end's in the various little pockets inside. For day hiking I can carry all the food and survival gear I need for a 2 day trip, camera, and a small summer/spring sleeping bag. The laptop sleeve will accommodate a water bladder (i.e. Camelbak) and has a slot at the top of the pack where the hose can come out and the loops on the strap can hold the mouthpiece in place. And when I go out of town it easily caries about 1/2 of the stuff I carry for work, plus 2-3 days worth of clothes and shave kit.

Dead Regime at Backcountry.com on 12/29/2008

Form+Function+Price= Winning Day Pack

Rating:****
The sturdiness is comforting. Lots of rubber in all the right places and the pack spaces are well organized and easy to access. The harness is snug and keeps the pack close to my body, which I like. Overall it looks very sharp; nice clean outer design with the logo on the top-side of the shoulder straps. There's a mobile phone pouch on the shoulder straps as well. For form, I take one star away for the fact that the internal organization dividers are flimsy and unpadded. Were they more stiff, I'd feel better keeping personal electronic devices there, rather than in their individual protective cases in the main compartment. For style, full marks. Whether humping through the city, on the subway, on a bike, on the bus, in a store, on the street, in a class, meeting friends, the Big Shot looks cool.
Tucker at Altrec on 11/24/2006

"Works for Over Seas Travel"

Rating:****
Bought the Big Shot looking for an all in one bag for over seas travel. Moosejaw delivered it with amazing speed. Seriously, still don't know how it came so fast. Very impressed! Pros Large capacity, excellent balance, quick release compression straps, sleak design stays compact without straps hanging in all directions catching on things - see also airport x-ray machine and my last bag getting caught up in it. I give the bag an A. Cons none. Well maybe the lap top liner is annoying, but if you used it for a lap top, it would work well. I stuffed it with cereal bars.
Jed at Moosejaw on 07/22/2008

Organizer panel

Rating:*****

The Big Shot rocks, and definitely looks cool. Its ONLY DOWNFALL is that the organizer panel is in the main compartment, and, like others have said, nearly inaccessible if you are carrying a full load of gear, laptop, etc. Many (most) of the other, larger, north face daypacks have the organizer panel in a separate compartment and this is a MUCH better design. My Big Shot is several years old and in great condition (almost no wear), but I am going to get a Hot Shot next time for this fact.

Abbott151857715 at Backcountry.com on 03/02/2009

"The Best Backpack I've Ever Owned"

Rating:*****
All my life i've used jansport packs, so making the switch to north face was a pretty big one, but i'll never look back. this pack has been amazing at holding everything i need for university, for traveling across the country, and hiking my favorite trails in the mountains. the straps and back support on this pack are wonderful and really help shoulder the load. if you're looking for a pack that can hold everything, carry it comfortably, and still look fabulous, this is it!
Karen at Moosejaw on 06/30/2009

Lot's of Room - Great for Anything

Rating:****
This pack is one of several North Face Packs that I own. As always, North Face lives up to its reputaion with this amazing bag. I love everything about it with one exception- the ample storage space provided by the interior pockets is quite useless because they all lack zippers. So, everytime you lay the pack flat, everything falls out of the inner pockets into the main compartment. Aside from that minor oversight, I love it!
Anonymous at Altrec on 09/29/2007

"This backpack is absolutely amazing."

Rating:*****
Since I am a student, this backpack is perfect for fitting my laptop and heavy textbooks while keeping the weight off of my back, even in the rain. As a hiker, this daypack has plenty of room to fit everything I need for a day-long trip (including items for my dog!). The sternum strap as well as the waist strap help keep the weight off your back so you stay comfortable.
Jennifer at Moosejaw on 08/17/2009

nice features

Rating:*****
Very nice features which makes the backpack very functional and some improvement from 2007 model. However, the zipper downgrades from a waterproof zipper to a water resistant one. It is good for carrying heavy load; for medium load the newly design back support may not be as comfortable as other backpacks. It is ideal for school use, esp. for day hike in warm to hot weather.
Yan at Altrec on 01/15/2009

Negative Reviews:

Old ones better

Rating:**

I think the old one 2007 big shot was better it had a mesh bach not exolite 2007 was much more comfortable. The Old big probably took more work thats probably took more work. Also the made it smaller. This one is 2050 cu in and the old one was 2100 cubic inches. I didn't like this bag at all. I like the old one better

Kuwabara at Backcountry.com on 06/26/2009

Neutral Reviews:

Good for quick campus-based toting

Rating:***
Well-designed pack, but kind of bulky and on the heavy side. Good for a quick campus tote for books and computer, but not my favorite for carrying items a long distance. Also, the daisy chain decoration is kind of silly looking and has no function.
Anonymous at Altrec on 11/09/2009