If you’re on the hunt for a new backpack for high school, you’ve probably come across JanSport backpacks. Despite the popularity, it’s only normal for you to wonder: are JanSport backpacks good for high school?
We know it can be tough to decide with so many school backpack options out there, so we did some research to help you out.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about JanSport backpacks—the good and the bad.
This way, you’ll know whether they’re really worth the investment for high school students, or not.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Definitely. JanSport backpacks are an excellent choice for high school students who are looking for stylish and functional backpacks that will last them throughout their entire time in school. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they also offer plenty of storage space for everything you need to carry with you throughout the day. And, because JanSport offers such a wide range of styles and designs, it’s easy to find one that matches your style perfectly.
Read on to find out more about why JanSport backpacks are a popular choice among high school students.
JanSport backpacks are often used by high students because they are durable and hard-wearing.
Their backpacks are made with high-quality materials like recycled polyester or cordura nylon, which are not only recyclable but are also resistant to water, wear and tear.
What’s more?
Some forum members of disboards.com and forums.anandtech.com, agree that JanSport backpacks are very durable, with two saying the bag has lasted them over 20 years of use.
Most Amazon reviewers, Trustpilot members, also have glowing reviews about their durability as well.
With a JanSport backpack, you can be sure that it’ll last you longer than a semester, which is important when you’re carrying around books and other heavy items daily.
Related: Is JanSport a good brand?
Carrying around all of your books, notebooks, and other materials can be quite a pain, especially if you don’t have a comfortable backpack to help distribute the weight evenly.
That’s why so many high school students opt for JanSport backpacks—they’re designed to be comfortable.
The ergonomic S-curve straps are fairly padded, and the back panel is padded to prevent pain and discomfort while you’re wearing the backpack.
And since they come in many sizes, you can always go for the size that you can carry easily carry.
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3. They have stylish backpacks for high school in so many colors and designs imaginable
JanSport backpacks are also quite stylish, with a wide range of colors and designs to choose from.
For instance, the JanSport SuperBreak Plus is available in over 40 color options and patterns, while the Main Campus is available in over 20 colors.
Whether you want something sporty, chic, or funky, it’s easy to find one that matches your personality perfectly.
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4. JanSport backpacks provide good value because they are affordable
JanSport backpacks are very affordable, compared to brands like Herschel, The North Face, and Osprey, that they compete it.
You can get a good JanSport backpack starting at around $30.
This makes them a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
5. They have user-friendly features that make them easy to use
Most JanSport backpacks come with a large compartment, an internal pocket, a water bottle pocket, and a front pocket.
This gives plenty of space to store everything you need for a day at school, including textbooks, notebooks, your laptop, and any other supplies.
And the fact that the front pocket has an organizer means that you can easily keep track of smaller items like your pencil case or keys.
Not to mention, there are features like water bottle pockets, laptop sleeves, sturdy web handles, and more.
6. These backpacks are spacious enough to carry school essentials and more
JanSport backpacks are also roomy, which is ideal for high school students who need to carry around a lot of books and supplies.
The average JanSport backpack has a capacity of around 20L with internal and external pockets, which is plenty of space for textbooks, notebooks, laptops, and other materials.
Some of their backpacks for school even have a laptop sleeve, so you can easily transport your devices.
JanSport offers a lifetime warranty on their backpacks, so you can rest assured that your backpack will remain a staple in your life for a long time to come!
Some members of forums.anandtech.com shared their experiences on how JanSport have offered them free repairs or replacements at one time or the other.
You should note that the warranty covers only defect in the manufacturing or workmanship of the bag.
Some people consider the designs of JanSport backpacks to be basic.
For over 50 years, JanSport backpack designs have not changed. No new innovative designs are associated with JanSport, especially in terms of organization.
You’ll likely see the basic design of the main compartment, a laptop sleeve, an internal organizer, a front pocket, and a side water bottle pocket.
For instance, insider.com finds the JanSport Superbreak to be very basic, with minimal padding and no device compartment.
However, compared to the competition like North Face, Osprey, or SwissGear, their backpacks offer more storage and various compartments so you can pack all you need – from your technology to your books and clothes.
For instance, the North Face Borealis pack has a 28L carrying capacity with three separate compartments, a protective 15” laptop compartment, a fleece-lined phone pocket, two water bottle pockets, an organizer panel, and bungee cords where you can attach extra items like a jacket.
As such, a North Face pack has more convenient features for travel, school, and recreational activities, unlike the JanSport.
Not all JanSport backpacks can comfortably haul heavy items.
This can be attributed to lacking easy-wearing features like contoured shoulder straps, removable sternum straps, or generously padded back panels to make carrying heavy items easy.
One Amazon reviewer complained that for a big backpack, the JanSport Big Student Pack isn’t well padded.
Also, the New York Times in their analysis of best kids backpacks for school thinks JanSport does not provide as much padding and comfort as their picks.
3. JanSport has limited style and design options for high school students
Another reason why JanSport backpacks might not be good for high school students is that the designs are very classic and simple.
When compared to other brands in the market, JanSport backpacks lack detail and flair.
For comparison, most North Face school backpacks come with very user-friendly with interesting features like a FlexVent suspension system, protected laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets, cinch cords, clips, whistles, etc.
Also, many other backpack companies like Osprey, North Face, and Eastpak have a wider variety of designs, colors, and stylish options that better meet the needs of high school students.
Unlike JanSport, Eastpak has leather packs, bike bags, padded pak’r, mini packs, and bags for travel, sport, work, and study.
And on the other hand, North Face has beautiful backpacks specially designed and categorized for kids, men, and women, while JanSport only has unisex packs.
It therefore won’t be surprising if JanSport packs are more popular among elementary and middle school students, and not as popular among older kids who are more concerned with fashion and trends.
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Final Thoughts
So, should you buy a JanSport backpack for high school?
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable backpack that won’t break the bank, then the answer is yes! JanSport backpacks are made with high-quality materials and construction, meaning they can stand up to daily wear and tear. The brand is tried-and-true when it comes to durability and functionality, and their backpacks come in such a wide range of styles that there’s sure to be one perfect for everyone. Whether you want something sporty, chic, or funky, JanSport has got you covered.
Thanks for reading!