With most college students starting their spring semester this week, school supplies and gear are in high demand. From books to backpacks, it’s time to restock and resupply before the first quiz hits the desk. But with the typically frugal budget of those bound for the lecture hall, finding ways to save and cut costs in this still-recovering economy is a huge priority. Buying the right backpack once is a great way to save money over, well… buying more backpacks more times. Or, in other words, with the right research you can buy one bag that you’ll be happy with for years, rather than chasing new fashion or more comfortable straps six months down the road.
So with that in mind, we’re fighting the oppression of rising textbook costs by reviewing these two updated JanSport backpacks. Purchasing power to the people!
The JanSport Right Pack
“The Right Pack, the right price.” That’s what their ad line should have read: the JanSport Right Pack combines economy with classic styling not found in today’s market. The no frills dual-strap, single-big-pocket, dual-small-pocket model harkens back to the simpler times of Junior High. While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are those of us happy to avoid many of the unneeded – and unrequested – changes being made to the contemporary backpack. With that said, the Right Pack is exactly the backpack you remember from your childhood, delivered at a very affordable price (expect to pay $54.95 at BagKing.) This classic bag comes available in a rainbow of colors and yarn-dyed patterns, in both new colors and the traditional classics. And best yet, the Right Pack is built with the JanSport level of quality that will keep your zippers working and seams tight for the years to come, for when you won’t be needing to buy another bag. Overall: A great backpack for its price range, combining functionality and durability in classic stylings.
The JanSport Wheeled Superbreak
This bag lives up to its name, packing away the super of its namesake. Larger than the Right Pack, it rolls in on wheels and with a retractable handle – great for taking the heavy load off your shoulders. Or, on rough terrain, you can put the pack back on your shoulders with the tuck-away shoulder straps. And for safety’s sake, skid rails are built into the backpack offering extra protection for what you’re carrying (hint: your laptop.)
Like the Right Pack, the JanSport Superbreak keeps to the classic backpack design with its single-big-pocket, dual-small-pocket setup. But from there the looks start to differ quickly; while the Superbreak does come in a flat matte black, its design patterns are significantly more modern and stylish with black, red and grey ensembles and “bleeding heart” patterns. The more solid framework and curves of the bag gives the pack a feminine side, matching the “punjabi purple school girl” and “white/ultra violet rhonda plaid” style options. Overall: the Superbreak combines style and modern backpack functionality under the flagship of a great brand that will guarantee a satisfied buyer.
The Rundown on JanSport
Both JanSport bags meet and beat our expectations for intended use and price range. The Right Pack works great as a standard backpack, while the JanSport Super Break is a step up and worth the extra cost if you’re looking for a rolling backpack. Both bags are backed by the JanSport name, which is so definitive and representative of the backpack itself, that you’re guaranteed a backpack that’ll stay in style.