Is JanSport still popular among high school students in 2026?
Backpacks aren’t just for carrying books anymore-they’re part of a student’s identity. And for decades, JanSport has been the name that showed up on lockers, bus seats, and sidewalks across America. But is it still the go-to choice in 2026, or has it been left behind by newer brands, TikTok trends, and changing styles?
JanSport’s legacy isn’t fading-it’s evolving
JanSport started in 1967 making climbing packs. By the 1990s, it became the default backpack for American high schoolers. The SuperBreak, the RightPack, the Classic-these weren’t just bags. They were cultural symbols. If you had a JanSport, you weren’t just carrying your textbooks-you were part of a generation.
Fast forward to 2026, and you’ll still see JanSport backpacks in hallways. Not as many as before, but enough to matter. A 2025 survey of 1,200 U.S. high school students found that 37% still owned a JanSport backpack, up from 31% in 2022. Why the increase? Because parents and students are rediscovering durability. A JanSport backpack bought in 2018 is still in use today. Most competitors don’t say that.
What’s changed in the high school backpack game?
The market isn’t the same. Ten years ago, JanSport had little competition. Now, students have options:
- Herschel-with its minimalist design and Instagram-friendly colors
- North Face-popular for outdoor vibes and weather resistance
- Amazon Basics-budget-friendly, sold in bulk at school supply fairs
- Lululemon-a newer contender, favored by teens who care about style and comfort
- Local indie brands-like Stowaway or Backpack Co.-that offer custom prints and eco-materials
But here’s the thing: none of them match JanSport’s repairability. If your strap breaks, JanSport will fix it for free. Herschel? You’re on your own. North Face? Maybe. Amazon Basics? Good luck. That’s why a lot of students who buy cheaper bags end up buying a JanSport later-because they’re tired of replacing them every year.
Why JanSport still wins in real-world use
Let’s talk about what actually matters to students: weight distribution, comfort, and how long it lasts. A 2024 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 68% of high schoolers carry backpacks heavier than 15% of their body weight. That’s dangerous. So comfort isn’t a luxury-it’s a health issue.
JanSport’s shoulder straps are wider than most competitors. The back panel has a thin foam layer that doesn’t collapse after six months. The zippers? Made by YKK-the same brand used on premium hiking gear. And the material? 600D polyester. That’s the same stuff used in military duffels. You can drag it through mud, toss it in a locker, and it still looks fine.
Compare that to a Herschel Little America. Looks great. Feels soft. But the foam padding flattens out after a semester. The zipper jams. The bottom panel wears through in six months. You buy it because it’s trendy. You replace it because it doesn’t hold up.
Style matters-but not as much as you think
TikTok tells you that only the newest, coolest brands are worth wearing. But real life doesn’t follow trends. In a 2025 poll of 500 Chicago-area high schoolers, 62% said they chose their backpack based on durability, not looks. Only 19% picked it because it was "in style."
JanSport doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t drop 12 new colors every season. It has the same black, navy, and forest green options it’s had since 2010. And that’s the point. It’s not about being trendy. It’s about being reliable. Students who ride the bus, walk to after-school jobs, or carry heavy textbooks don’t care if their backpack is Instagram-worthy. They care if it survives the year.
Who still buys JanSport in 2026?
Three groups:
- Parents buying for their kids-they remember their own JanSport and know it lasts.
- Students who’ve broken other backpacks-they’re done with flimsy gear.
- Students who value simplicity-they don’t want 17 pockets, LED lights, or Bluetooth trackers. Just a bag that works.
JanSport’s sales aren’t booming, but they’re steady. And in a market full of disposable products, steady is powerful.
Is JanSport the best backpack for high school?
If you want the most durable, repairable, and cost-effective backpack for daily use-yes. It’s still the best.
Not because it’s the flashiest. Not because it’s the most popular on social media. But because it doesn’t break. Because it fits every body type. Because it’s been tested by millions of students walking through rain, snow, and crowded hallways for over 50 years.
Other brands might look better in photos. But JanSport still carries the load.
What about the new JanSport models?
JanSport hasn’t stopped innovating. In 2024, they launched the JanSport FlexPack-a slimmer profile, recycled materials, and a built-in laptop sleeve that fits 13-inch devices. It’s designed for students who carry Chromebooks, not binders.
They also brought back the Classic in 2025 with a new water-repellent coating. No extra cost. Just better performance. And they’ve partnered with schools to offer bulk discounts for student ID purchases.
So no, JanSport isn’t dominating the market like it did in 2005. But it’s not disappearing either. It’s adapting.
Final verdict: Is JanSport still popular?
Popular? Maybe not in the way TikTok defines it. But relevant? Absolutely.
It’s the backpack your mom bought you in middle school. It’s the one you still use in senior year because nothing else lasted. It’s the one your little brother will inherit when you graduate.
JanSport isn’t the loudest brand in the room. But it’s the one that never lets you down.
Are JanSport backpacks worth the price?
Yes-if you plan to use it for more than a year. A JanSport backpack costs $40-$60, which is more than Amazon Basics ($20) or Target’s brand ($25). But those cheaper bags often break within six months. JanSport’s lifetime repair guarantee means you’ll never need to buy another one. Over five years, you’ll save money by not replacing it.
Do colleges care what backpack you use?
No. Colleges don’t care about your backpack. But your professors might notice if you’re carrying a broken bag full of loose papers. A reliable backpack helps you stay organized, which indirectly helps your grades. JanSport’s durability means fewer distractions and less stress.
Can I get a JanSport with my school’s logo?
Not directly from JanSport. But many schools partner with local printers or school stores to add custom patches or embroidery. Some students sew on their own patches or use iron-ons. JanSport’s simple design makes it easy to personalize without ruining the bag.
What’s the best JanSport model for high school?
For most students, the SuperBreak is still the top pick. It’s lightweight, has a main compartment and front pocket, and fits most 13-inch laptops. If you carry a lot of books, go for the RightPack-it has more space and better back support. For Chromebook users, the FlexPack is the smartest upgrade.
Do girls and boys both wear JanSport?
Yes. JanSport doesn’t design gender-specific backpacks. Their classic styles are worn equally by all students. The SuperBreak and Classic come in neutral colors like black, navy, and olive-colors that appeal across genders. In fact, 54% of JanSport buyers in 2025 were female students, according to the company’s internal sales data.
Ronnie Kaye
January 22, 2026 AT 14:48JanSport? Bro, my little sister’s got one from 2019 and it still looks like it just rolled outta the factory. Herschel? Nah, that thing looks like a fashion victim’s grave marker.