best jansport backpack for travel

10 Best JanSport Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

JanSport is one of those brands that at some point everyone heard about. You may have seen their backpacks at school or your work colleagues, but you’re not so sure how good they are? Well, they are! And in this review, we look at some of the best JanSport backpacks available out there for you.

As they make several different types of backpacks, We divided them into 3 categories – school, travel, and sporty backpacks. We also added a guide on how to find out what kind of backpack you need and what you need to look for. And if you love JanSport backpacks, then you might like Herschel backpacks as well as they are pretty similar in design and price.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 8 hrs of research

JanSport Superbreak Backpack – Best for Everyday

Why is it better?

• Very lightweight and compact
• Internal organizer in the front is very handy
• Perfect for a quick trip or everyday use
• Simple design

JanSport Cool Student Backpack – Best for School

• There are two deep sleeves for books and a laptop
• Smaller pockets for pens, pencils, little notebooks, etc.
• The weight is evenly distributed
• It’s definitely sturdy and definitely holds a water bottle

Best JanSport Backpacks – Overview

The JanSport backpacks all have one common component: they are all very classy and traditional! Although backpacks typically adopt a similar style and pattern in their making, in the JanSport backpack family there are a number of different styles of backpack: Backpack with wheels, Backpack with several main compartments, Backpack with compression straps, mesh backpacks and daypacks.

JanSport Backpacks Reviews

1. jansport superbreak backpack – best for everyday.

Featuring its classic silhouette, the JanSport Superbreak Backpack is ultralight for everyday use. The backpack is available in more than 30 different colors and prints, perfect for every style of self-expression. This is the one to go for when you are looking for durability and functionality. It is an uncomplicated backpack without cluttering up with needless accessories.

The main compartment is spacious enough for a weekend getaway trip to hold your stuff or to accommodate your school stuff easily! In addition, the front sectional pocket has a built-in organizer that allows users to easily organize their stuff. This pack is made for carrying with its straight-cut padded shoulder straps, padded back panel, and web haul handle. Love backpacks? Check out our review of the best edc backpacks for our top picks.

Key Features:

• Spacious main compartment & front utility pocket with organizer 
• Made with 600 denier polyester
• Web haul handle
• Straight-cut padded shoulder straps

Specifications:

• Brand: JanSport
• Capacity: 25L
• Dimensions: 16.7″ H x 13″ W x 8.5″ D
• Weight: 0.75 lbs
• Less ideal for carrying heavy collegiate textbooks or other large items
• No dedicated laptop pocket

2. JanSport Cool Student Backpack – Best for School

Dual main compartments and an internal laptop sleeve make the JanSport Cool Student Backpack an ideal way to ensure that your books and mobile devices are always close at hand. Ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back panels help ensure that you’re relaxed with this laptop backpack for the entire day.

Front utility pocket with organizer, pleated front stash pocket and a zippered stash pocket help keep small items and accessories easily accessible. Like other JanSport backpacks, this one is made of sturdy 600-denier polyester with an attractive faux-leather bottom and trim. Our handy guide to the best college backpacks features more great products like this.

• Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps
• Fully padded back panel
• Side water bottle pocket
• Internal 15” laptop sleeve
• Premium vegan leather bottom and trims
• Capacity: 34L
• Dimensions: 17.5″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
• Weight: 1.32 lbs
• It’s definitely sturdy and definitely holds a water bottle
• Not waterproof

3. JanSport Right Pack

The JanSport Right Pack is the famous classic backpack from JanSport with its signature suede leather bottom. With an internal 15-inch laptop sleeve and front organizer pocket, JanSport’s Right Pack will definitely be the right backpack for anywhere you’re taking your day. It’s the original classic, but sometimes pairing that with your outfits is all that is needed to complete a trendy style!

Made from durable Cordura nylon and suede leather and features a classic silhouette with a zip-around closure, a durable leather bottom, and adjustable padded shoulder straps that make it comfortable to carry. Detailed with a webbing haul handle and a zippered front pocket with pen loops and slot pockets.

• Front stash pocket
• Front utility pocket with organizer
• One large main compartment
• Premium Cordura® fabric with suede leather bottom
• Straight-cut, padded shoulder straps
• Capacity: 31L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 13″ W x 8.5″ D
• Weight: 1.25 lbs
• Made with higher quality cordura fabric compared to other JanSport backpacks
• A very simple design that is very fashionable and attractive
• Comfortable strap that doesn’t leave imprints, doesn’t leave you’re shoulder sweaty, or hurt your shoulders while carrying it
• Suitable to carry minimal supplies
• No water bottle pocket

4. JanSport Big Student Backpack

The JanSport Big Student Backpack  is great for the busy student. This backpack is especially useful for high school or college students where it becomes the norm to carry large books and many different items ranging from digital tools to snacks. Large college backpacks are a must today, straightforward and simple. Some might think big backpacks are just too big, but the plethora of design and prints are going to make you forget the size because these are bulky backpacks that look cool.

Two large main pockets fit your heavy books, while several front storage pockets and a utility pocket help you organize your stuff so you can focus. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, this large backpack is perfect for anyone on the go. It can double down as an extra-large laptop backpack as it has enough room to carry your laptop along with your books. Be sure to also check out our list of high school backpacks for more great items like this.

• Two large main compartments
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• 2 big spacious main compartments
• The shoulder straps are quite comfortable even if you stuffed it with books
• Even full, it fits nicely (without shoving) into even the smallest airplane overhead bins
• Can be used as a school bag, travel bag or gym bag
• It lacks a tube or cover on the top carry handle so it can pinch your hand if you have to haul it onto your lap

5. JanSport Hatchet Backpack

Hit the road with your laptop and other essential items with JanSport’s top flap backpack. The JanSport Hatchet Backpack is made from durable 600 denier polyester fabric and features a compact design with a large main compartment, a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration sleeve and a tricot-lined pocket to carry your iPad or tablet.

Detailed with a padded back panel and fully padded shoulder straps for added comfort, this backpack features dual side water bottle pockets, a front zipper pocket to stash frequently used gear, an internal zippered mesh pocket, and a deluxe organizer to hold all sorts of small items.

• Adjustable sternum strap
• Dual side water bottle pockets
• Fully padded shoulder straps and back panel
• Padded sleeve designed to fit a 15″ laptop
• Carabiner key clip
• Capacity: 28L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 8″ D
• Weight: 1.37 lbs
• The top flap zips around and folds up, which makes it easier to access your things as opposed to traditional bags
• It’s got a 15” laptop sleeve, a slightly smaller sleeve meant for an iPad, 3 smaller pockets for a phone or battery pack, a caribeaner, and a large mesh pocket
• The bag has more than adequate strap adjustment to be very comfortable
• You can probably back 3-4 days worth of clothing in the main compartment and is a perfect carry-on backpack for planes too
• It feels much smaller due to how it’s designed

6. JanSport Half Pint Backpack

Carry a few essential items around the city with this JanSport mini backpack. The JanSport Half Pint Backpack is made of polyester fabric and features an extra-small design with a classic shape that makes it perfect for children and teens.

This backpack has a small main compartment that can be used to hold your wallet, keys, portable electronic gadgets, or other must-haves and includes a separate front zip pocket to keep your cell phone, pens, or other small items within easy reach. Adjustable network shoulder straps make it easy and practical to wear this mini backpack. You may also be interested in some of the best mini backpacks from our list, so check them out.

• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Front utility pocket
• One main compartment
• Capacity: 10.2L
• Dimensions: 11.2″ H x 9.8″ W x 4.1″ D
• Weight: 0.43 lbs
• Cute, lightweight, and best of all durable
• Perfect for day trips
• Over 30+ designs to choose from
• Pint-sized but surprisingly roomy
• Not much internal organization due to size

7. JanSport Digital Student Backpack

The JanSport Digital Student Backpack provides design, safety, and versatility for the daily commute to school. This pack is constructed from sturdy polyester with a large shape for safety and organizing and several pockets. The main compartment provides room for books and binders, while a separate laptop compartment with a reversible laptop sleeve provides the computer with safe storage.

For small accessories, a front organizer contains a pen sleeve and slip pockets, whereas an external tablet pocket offers a secure tablet area. A fully padded back panel and ergonomic S-curved shoulder straps make travel simple and convenient.

• Dedicated external cord storage pocket
• Removable 15″ laptop sleeve fits into a dedicated laptop compartment
• Capacity: 38L
• There is a pocket for almost everything
• The front pouch has strong Velcro so you don’t have to worry about it popping open at all, and there’s a little clip inside to hang things off of
• The laptop sleeve is firmly padded
• The water bottle sleeve is very strong

8. JanSport City View Backpack

The perfect day-to-day backpack, the JanSport City View Backpack is your on-the-go style solution with enough room to hold all of your essential things. It features an internal laptop sleeve of 15 ‘, a large compartment, and a hidden stash pocket in the back. The bag is available in a variety of colors and prints.

Complete with a front-facing zip utility pocket, faux leather bottom padded shoulder straps, and a handle for web haul. This backpack’s plain and stylish style is great for those without all the fluff searching for a practical backpack.

• Internal laptop sleeve fits up to 15″ laptop
• Hidden back stash pocket
• Padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying
• Synthetic leather bottom adds durability
• The leather bottom which gives it a classy look
• The straps are nice and thick and do not dig into your shoulders
• The threads used to put this backpack together are thick and of good quality
• The zipper is strong and opens and closes easily
• The laptop compartment is very padded

9. JanSport Mesh Pack Backpack

When you need everything in sight, the clear  JanSport Mesh Pack Backpack is the perfect choice. This backpack features a front utility pocket and an internal hanging pocket for organization. Keep everything you need handy for hitting the gym when you have this pack.

This backpack holds your gear aired with a special mesh polyester fabric and maintains visibility when necessary. With straight-cut, padded shoulder straps and a webbed haul handle, this bag offers multiple carrying choices so you can carry it whatever you like.

• Includes one large main compartment and a smaller zippered pocket
• Designed with straight-cut, padded shoulder straps
• Front utility pocket provides organization options
• Includes an internal hanging pocket
• Features a web haul handle
• Capacity: 32L
• Dimensions: 17″ H x 13.6″ W x 6.5″ D
• Weight: 0.81 lbs
• Good little pack for day hikes, short trips, diaper bag, or carry-on
• The straps are very comfortable
• Other zipper pouches are sturdy and nice sizes to carry extra items you may have
• Even though the bag is mesh, it is still stylish
• Because the bag is so light, it tends to be a bit flimsy when you only have a few items in it

10. JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack

For a life on-the-move, the JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack converts from backpack to roller with tuck-away shoulder straps. This wheeled laptop backpack two main compartments and a padded laptop compartment that fits notebooks with up to a 15.1-inch screen, side water bottle pocket, and front organizer pocket.

This backpack features large, side-mounted 80mm (3.15-inch) action wheels with traction and stability control and a single-pole retractable handle. Other storage features include a large front drawbridge compartment with an organizer, a front zippered stash pocket, and a side water bottle pocket. Our guide to the best rolling duffel bags offers more great products like this.

• Front stash pocket and utility pocket with organizer
• Padded grab handle
• Retractable two-stage handle
• Tuck-away shoulder straps for converting to backpack
• Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 13″ W x 8″ D
• Weight: 4.18 lbs
• Holds an amazing amount of stuff
• The handle seems strong and is long enough
• Water bottle pocket on the side, not inside the backpack (no more wet notebooks)
• Padded laptop sleeve for up to 15 inches laptop located in the main compartment
• Pretty heavy

Buying Guide

Backpacks are an expense that typically goes a long way, so you should go for one made from durable materials like polyester. Most of the JanSport backpacks are sweat, abrasion and fading resistant and are constructed from polyester fabric.

Because backpacks are usually meant to be carried over your shoulders, it’s always good to look for backpacks with S-shaped, fully padded shoulder straps that can also be adjusted. This is mainly because the weight is evenly distributed in one concentrated region without putting too much stress and pressure.

Jansport makes a huge selection of backpacks. For any situation or experience, you will find backpacks. You can find something from smaller backpacks for school or a quick hike to a larger backpack for an overnight camping trip. This is what’s so unique about JanSport.

Compartments

The standard Jansport backpack comes with a large compartment and a smaller zipped compartment in the front. It’s a simple style, but you have space to carry with you for just about anything you need. However, if this is not enough for you, you can usually find a JanSport backpack with several organizers or pockets.

Despite the JanSport backpack having a simple design in most of their backpacks. They usually offer several options for color and design available with each type of backpack. You can find their packs in nearly all the rainbow colors and if your feeling adventurous, they have everything from simple black backpacks to some neon options.

Frequently Ask Questions

How to wash a jansport backpack.

The first step is to take out all items in the bag. Then place the bag inside out and turn it over a garbage can to avoid the little bits of dust and debris. For Cordura and 600D Polyester Fabrics (such as the Right Pack, Big Student, and SuperBreak), use cool water with a soft damp cloth to clean the inside and outside of your pack, Never use bleach or hard detergents on your pocket. If you used water to wash your fabric bag, hang up your bag completely to dry before putting it back into motion.

Are JanSport backpacks good quality?

Most JanSport backpacks are backed by a lifetime warranty. So you can be sure that the bag you’re getting will last a while and even if they break in a short amount of time, you can just get them replaced for free. This guarantee alone tells a lot about the quality of JanSport bags.

Why are JanSport backpacks so popular?

JanSport has been around for a long time and this is one reason that they are popular, particularly for their target customers, teenagers. They are also known to last for a long time as it is designed to relieve the burden of heavy loads. This backpack is also famous due not only to its heavy load holding ability but also to its trendy design. There are also plenty of options in style and color that will suit almost everyone.

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best JanSport backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a JanSport backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.