Portland Gear ReviewsSee store reviews

I had fallen out of love with my former, backpack from a different company. I admit, it was a superficial relationship - more about appearance than function. After a couple of significant water-related fails, I became obsessed with finding a backpack that really works for me. I order several different ones and evaluated carefully. I was determined that this was going to be a longterm relationship. I landed on Portland Gear Cascade. Just a few days ago my partner asked, “still loving your backpa...

I need a waterproof backpack. Being a native Oregonian who now lives in SE Alaska, I have several friends who are most likely responsible for Portland Gear popping up on the one social media platform that I check in on. But in this case, it is a good thing. I zipped the regular-size backpack closed, sat it backpack outside for about two hours, empty of course, to test it out. Even the zipper "cloth" edges didn't leak water inside. Getting over 108 inches of rain last year, I wanted to make sure...

I officially own 4 bags (3 different colors), and bought my daughter 2, so I’ve bought 6 bags from this company. I own an olive green one that has a hidden pocket where the strap in the front of the bag is, a standard black, a compact black and a compact yellow. The compact black has a back zipper pocket that is a separate pocket from the central large pocket of the backpack. I officially LOVE this pocket. It holds the things that you want easy access to. I can not rave enough about this company...

I've had this backpack for about 3 months. I waited to review so I could test it out first. I use it daily to commute on public transport to downtown Pittsburgh for work. Things I love: -Clamshell opening. This is why I bought the bag. I knew I wanted this opening so I could easily fit my lunch bag (which is very large). -Large side pockets. Easily fits my 20oz water bottle and an umbrella. -Internal capacity. Easily fits my extra-large lunch bag, laptop (15"), a few files of paper (thin),...

Great bags! As a knitwear designer and instructor, I am always looking for functional quality bags because I travel to attend various conferences and to teach. I purchased both the Standard and the compact bags because both sizes will be very handy for different projects. I have already had a number of students asking about them and have highly recommended them. The best feature for me is the way they stand open for easy access and the pockets are perfect for storing small accessory items. I...

I'm really enjoying this Portland sign. What's cool is that it gives the appearance of depth but it is very thin, light, and efficient. I didn't realize this when I bought it, but the light can be dimmed using a separate wire you attach which is controlled by a remote. Unfortunately the remote that came with the light malfunctioned but the Portland Gear team was quick to respond and help me get the issue sorted. Without the remote, the light defaults to 100% brightness which would have been way ...

So far I really like this bag. It fits everything I need on a day basis plus some room for more. So far the only thing I would add would be a key leash of some sort. Right now I have my keys on a lanyard looped around the bottom loop and stuffed into a bottle pocket. The bag is solidly constructed and will stand up on its own. The wide opening at the top and lighter lining makes it easy to see and get things in and out of the bag. I'm still in the process of adjusting to a new bag, I bought thi...