The Best JanSport Backpack

If you’re looking for the very best JanSport backpack, you’ve come to the right place. The JanSport brand is synonymous with backpacks for a reason.

JanSport manufactures backpacks that are durable and stylish and ideally suited to a wide range of lifestyle needs. They’re particularly beloved by students for campus life.

JanSport backpacks also come in a wide assortment of styles and colours, so you’ll be able to find something to match your unique style and personality.

How We Researched the Best Backpack for School

57 Expert Reviews Considered
2,347 Consumer Reviews Considered
12 Hours Researching
33 Products Evaluated

Best JanSport Backpack 3 Features to Look For

1. Durable Fabric

JanSport backpacks are manufactured using polyester fabric that is water and fade resistant. While it can be tempting to choose a backpack on aesthetics alone, it’s important to think about how long your new backpack will look as great as it does in the store.

Water resistant fabrics that are wipe-able or washable will really help as your pack inevitably gets bumped and scuffed up. The best JanSport backpacks are made with durable fabrics like polyester so you can rest assured they will endure.

2. Padded and Adjustable Shoulder Straps

It’s exceptionally important that your backpack sits comfortably on your shoulders and that the straps not only support the weight you’re carrying but also support your body.

JanSport backpacks usually offer padded and adjustable shoulder straps which help ensure that the backpack can be adjusted to your perfect fit. So, no matter how long or short your torso, you’ll feel supported, no matter how heavy your load.

3. Sturdy Wheels with Telescoping Handles

JanSport offers a number of wheeled backpack options with telescoping handles. These options give the wearer even greater flexibility for carrying and load management.

For students and business people who might have heavier loads of books and papers on certain days, this option makes it easy to adapt your carrying style to handle the weight of your load on any given day.

Best JanSport Backpack Our top 5 choices

JanSport Cool Student Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

The JanSport Cool Student Backpack is a great everywhere, everyday backpack. With a generous capacity of 34 liters, this pack is great for heavier loads of technology and books or files. It even makes a great weekender or carry-on pack.

  • Extra large capacity at 34 liters
  • Internal 15” laptop sleeve
  • Two large main compartments
  • Many style options for every kind of individual
  • Side water bottle pocket
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Zippers sometimes get stuck on fabric

JanSport Driver 8 Backpack

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Runner Up
Product rating

The JanSport Driver 8 Backpack is designed and built for life on-the-go. This rolling backpack converts easily from a regular backpack to a roller, with a retractable handle and tuck-away shoulder straps. This feature makes it great for those whose commute takes them across different urban terrains, from subway stairs to irregular sidewalks.

  • 80 mm inline skate wheels
  • Retractable two-stage handle
  • Front utility pocket with organizer
  • Padded sleeve fits 15″ laptop
  • Skid rails for added protection
  • More expensive (due to advanced construction)

JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack

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3rd Place
Product rating

The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack is probably the one you picture when somebody says “JanSport backpack”. Its suede leather bottom and classic design make this an iconic backpack. And it’s a solid choice for daily life, whether that’s commuting, campus activity or work.

  • Classic design with suede leather bottom
  • Front utility pocket with organizer
  • One large main compartment
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fewer compartments than some backpacks

JanSport Hatchet Backpack

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4th Place
Product rating

The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack is a sleek and classic backpack that is a solid and popular choice for many school students. This pack is sleek and streamlined, meaning it won’t cramp your style. At the same time, it comes in 41 colours and patterns, so you’ll still be able to stand apart in a crowd. it’s a hardworking pack that will safely house your laptop and other school books and supplies.

As one reviewer put it:

My daughter picked this blue floral one for school this year and LOVES it. Nice and big, very good quality. In a school where everyone has the same 10 backpacks, she’s never had anyone with one of hers, which is only one of the reasons we love Herschel. All of our Herschel backpacks still look brand new, not A thread out of place! (Herschel)

  • Huge assortment of 41 styles, patterns and color combinations
  • Internal media pocket with headphone port
  • Signature striped fabric liner
  • 15″ laptop sleeve
  • Fewer compartments than some alternatives
  • Not waterproof

JanSport Superbreak Backpack

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5th Place
Product rating

The Nike Heritage Backpack is a truly well-equipped backpack. Its heavy-duty polyester finish makes it ideal for students who love sports. Plus there’s a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a front zippered pocket, ideal for storing pens, pencils and electronics. The bag’s shoulder straps and back panel are padded, so it will be a comfortable carry throughout your school day.

  • Sleek and stylish look
  • Zippered main compartment offers room for your gear
  • Densely woven polyester provides heavyweight support
  • Internal sleeve can store up to a 15″ laptop
  • Padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfort
  • Prominent branding may put off non-Nike fans
  • Not waterproof

Best JanSport Backpack More About JanSport Backpacks

JanSport was founded in 1967 in Seattle, Washington, USA by Murray Pletz, his wife Janis “Jan” Lewis (for whom the company is named), and his father Norman Pletz. Today, JanSport’s corporate headquarters is in Alameda, California.

JanSport  is definitely known for their student and campus backpacks. Indeed, this article on Time shares the history:

“The campus sporting goods store had been selling the packs with student hikers in mind, but students co-opted them for school luggage as well. Noting the trend, the school’s sports-shop manager made recommendations that prompted the company to create packs tailored to the needs of students.”

JanSport is the world’s largest backpack maker. Both JanSport and The North Face are owned by VF Corporation. Together, they sell nearly half of all small backpacks sold in the United States.

Best JanSport Backpack Conclusion

When shopping for the best JanSport backpack, there are plenty of options and styles to consider. All the packs featured here are great options for you to consider in your search for the best JanSport backpack.

Overall, our absolute favourite is the JanSport Cool Student Backpack. It’s no surprise that this is a bestselling backpack for JanSport.

But no matter which JanSport backpack is the best for your unique needs, you can rest assured that with JanSport you’re buying a brand that offers high quality and durability.