Adidas Backpack - Foundation V

Gear Review

General Purpose Backpack Review: Adidas Foundation V

Finding the perfect middle ground between casual and hiking gear

$27

Price

33

Liters

4

Compartments

Table of Contents

• ①Section I — Requirements
• ②Section II — Size and Compartments
• ③Section III — Critical Feedback
• ④Section IV — Overall Impression

Section I

Section I — Requirements

I needed a general-purpose backpack that could fit between my casual Jansport and my Dakine hiking bag. After considering my requirements, I settled on the Adidas Foundation V. Here’s my breakdown of the experience.

 

I had five basic requirements for my new backpack:

• →Black color — Aesthetic preference for everyday utility.
• →Polyester material — Durable fabric choice for daily wear.
• →Larger than 26 liters — Needed more room than my current Jansport.
• →Utility pouches — Dedicated space for water bottles.
• →Internal compartments — Specifically for a laptop.

Options Considered

I looked at several choices and was initially drawn to the Adidas Striker II, which was priced at $20. However, since I couldn't find it in black, I opted for the Adidas Foundation V, which costs $27.

Model	Price
Jansport Superbreak 501	$17
Adidas Striker II	$20
Adidas Foundation V	$27

Section II

Section II — Size and Compartments

The Adidas Foundation V offers a spacious 33 liters, which is a significant increase from the 26 liters of my Jansport 501. It features four compartments:

• →Laptop sleeve — Located in the primary compartment.
• →Mesh zip pouch — Located in the secondary compartment with a key leash.
• →Sunglasses pouch — A dedicated padded area.
• →Utility pouch — A fourth area for small items.

This setup doubles the compartment space compared to the Jansport 501, making it a more versatile option. Additionally, there are two utility pouches on each side for water bottles, fulfilling another requirement.

Comfort and Padding

The padding on the Foundation V’s straps is comparable to that of the Jansport. Both have a loop on the end of the straps for easy tightening, but the Adidas bag offers slightly more padding on the back, making it more comfortable for extended wear.

Section III

Section III — Critical Feedback

Despite the overall positives, I encountered two issues with the Adidas bag:

• →Zipper Tracks — The tracks are exposed, unlike the Jansport, which has a cover that helps with water resistance.
• →Noisy Zippers — The zippers rattle and can be quite noisy while moving, reminiscent of jingle bells.

Tip: I plan to wrap the zipper pulls in paracord or fabric tape to muffle the rattling sound when walking.

Section IV

Section IV — Overall Impression

For $27, the Adidas Foundation V offers excellent value, especially given its size and compartmentalization. The $20 Striker II could be an even better deal, while the classic Jansport 501 is a reliable choice at $17, especially with newer models adding a utility pouch for water bottles.

Ultimately, I felt it was time to explore a different brand, and the Foundation V has proven to be a great option for my needs.

Exploring new brands often leads to finding the perfect functional upgrade for your daily carry.