50th Anniversary

Since 1967, JanSport has been a part of your journey through life as you adventure with friends. Join us in celebrating 50 years of exploration and fun.

The 60s youth culture population, born between 1946 – 1964, was one that had strong opinions and a capable voice that demanded to be heard. They were coming of age during a critical crossroad when citizen activism intersected with the establishment. They leveraged music, art, and political and social activism to express themselves. It was during this dynamic era when JanSport was born.

In 1967, three friends were living in Washington state: Skip, an outdoor enthusiast; Murray, an engineer; and Jan, an accomplished seamstress. So, when Murray won a timely design award from the Alcoa Company for creating the first adjustable aluminum frame for backpacks, a bit of instant karma began to take flight. Murray asked his girlfriend, Jan, to create a backpack pattern for his new aluminum frame and promised her that if it was a success and it took off, he’d name the Company after her. It was, he did, and the JanSport® Brand came to life.

Trust is hard to come by, so for 50 years JanSport designed packs that last, to go everywhere you go, see what you see, and carry what you need. If your pack ever is worn down by the journey, we’re ready to repair it. We stand by the quality and durability of every pack we make, and since we’ve been doing that since 1967, that is a guarantee you can stand by.