JanSport Big Student Backpack Review: Worth Buying?
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up simply: “After my last one finally broke after 10 years of use, I got myself another JanSport Big Student Backpack. It’s simply the most functional piece of luggage for my long work days.” That kind of loyalty gives the JanSport Big Student Backpack Graphite Grey a solid 8.5/10 in user satisfaction—though digging deeper reveals quality concerns that newer buyers can’t ignore.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — Best for students and commuters needing excellent organization, but recent quality dips warrant caution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious 34L capacity with multiple compartments | Mesh water bottle pocket wears out quickly |
| Comfortable ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps | Reports of zipper malfunctions after months |
| Durable fabric in most cases | Some customers received counterfeit/poorly made versions |
| Lifetime warranty coverage | Square corners make zipping awkward one-handed |
| Machine washable without damage | Decline in overall brand quality perceived by long-time users |
| Stylish yet practical design | Inadequate compartment space if carrying bulky items |
| Versatile for school, travel, and work | Straps and seams prone to tearing in certain batches |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing highlights a dedicated 15-inch padded laptop compartment. While current models do include it, earlier versions lacked this feature, creating confusion. Reddit’s Backpackies review points out: “The Big Student touts a hefty 34 liters… but no laptop compartment,” contrasting with newer listings that fix this oversight. Those who own older units remain frustrated, while new buyers benefit from the update.
JanSport promises extra large capacity to “go big or go home.” In practical use, some find the compartment split limits actual storage for oversized items. As Backpackies explains, “Multiple main compartments means each compartment has less room for storage… not as much room as you think.” Students hauling art portfolios or thick sports gear may feel cramped even with the volume rating.
A claim of durable 600 denier recycled polyester is largely supported—Trustpilot and Amazon reviewers praised long-lasting builds, such as one user stating, “My kids used the same JanSport backpacks all through middle and high school, and never ripped.” Yet, a recurring problem emerges in the mesh water bottle pocket, with Trustpilot users noting “holes after extended use,” and premature tearing sometimes within a school year.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort ranks first in sustained praise. The ergonomic S-curve straps and fully padded back reduce strain. A pen-pal enthusiast on Amazon shared: “It wears well with no digging into my shoulders… fits just fine.” Commuters echo this, with one motorcycle rider noting multiple pockets ease loading without overstuffing.
Organization also wins approval. With two deep main compartments, zippered stash pockets, and a front utility panel, users like the camo-loving traveler valued “all the extra pockets” when navigating airports. Students benefit from separating textbooks, lunch, and tech gear—Reddit’s Top Reviews NZ commended how “you can carry a lot of things and look good at the same time.”
Durability over years shines in older units. One verified buyer recounted hauling 20+ pounds daily as a grad student decades ago; they now use an upgraded version for air travel. This longevity drives the backpack’s fan base, supported by the limited lifetime warranty.
Common Complaints
Zipper reliability draws frequent criticism. Several Trustpilot entries cite failure mid-year; “compartments unusable” was a repeated frustration. Combined with square corner design, zipping can be cumbersome, especially one-handed.
The mesh bottle pocket emerges as a weak point. Reports on Trustpilot detail “premature wear and holes” after moderate use. For athletes or those carrying heavy stainless bottles, replacements might be inevitable in less than a year.
Perceived decline in brand quality troubles long-time loyalists. A verified Amazon reviewer lamented, “It’s a amazing big backpack…I loved the design, but… the zippers get stuck.” Multiple Walmart buyers accused the product of being “thin as paper” or even counterfeit, highlighting inconsistent quality control.
Counterfeits pose a real risk for online buyers. Walmart’s review section hosted complaints such as, “This backpack ripped in four places within a month… it’s counterfeit!” Such outcomes undermine trust in what should be a dependable product.
Divisive Features
Split compartments are love-it-or-hate-it. Some value the segmentation—keeping lunch separate from electronics—while others, like Reddit’s Backpackies, argue it reduces usable space for oversized gear. This is particularly divisive among high school athletes versus academic-heavy users.
The style vs. practicality debate also surfaces. Top Reviews NZ celebrate that capacity doesn’t sacrifice looks, but utilitarian users would trade aesthetics for stronger straps or reinforced zippers. For fashion-conscious students, however, color variety and fade-resistant designs are part of the appeal.
Trust & Reliability
Counterfeit warnings stand out, especially in Walmart reviews. Multiple buyers report receiving backpacks with “no JanSport tags inside” or “material thin as paper,” incompatible with the brand’s reputation. This forces cautious purchasing from verified sellers.
Long-term reliability in genuine units remains strong, with decades-old experiences attesting to wear resistance. One Amazon user referenced using JanSport across academic stages and now for frequent flights: “These versions even have a great padded compartment for a laptop… It fits snugly under that jetliner seat.”
Trustpilot feedback is more split, tied to recent production runs. Durable designs and comfort still score well, but enough zipper and pocket failures occur to warn shoppers of possible warranty claims within a year.
Alternatives
Within JanSport’s own lineup, older SuperBreak models offer simpler builds at 25L capacity, praised for abrasion resistance and water repellence. Backpackies notes the Big Student is the “big brother” to SuperBreak, adding compartments and capacity. For tech-heavy users, JanSport’s Digital Student Laptop Backpack mirrors the Big Student but was designed with a laptop sleeve from inception—sidestepping earlier omission complaints.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely. Amazon listings hover around €39.99 from a €55 RRP, while Office Depot clearance hit $24.99. eBay new-with-tags offerings are around $49.95 plus steep shipping. Resale values on specialty prints (like Boho Floral) show potential for collector interest, even in used states.
Buying tips from community feedback emphasize verifying authenticity—prefer official JanSport channels or high-rated resellers. For budget shoppers, watching seasonal back-to-school sales yields the best deals without compromising warranty eligibility.
FAQ
Q: Does the Big Student backpack actually fit a 15-inch laptop?
A: In current models, yes—a padded 15-inch compartment is included. Older designs lacked it, so check listings carefully if buying second-hand.
Q: How does the backpack hold up under heavy book loads?
A: Many users report years of use without structural failure, especially in genuine units. Issues arise mainly from mesh pocket wear and occasional zipper faults.
Q: Is it worth paying extra for a JanSport compared to lesser brands?
A: For long-term comfort and organization, yes—provided you buy authentic. The lifetime warranty adds value overlooked by cheaper competitors.
Q: Can it be machine washed?
A: Yes. Users have successfully machine-washed their Big Student backpacks with air drying, restoring the look without damage.
Q: Which buyers will benefit most from this model?
A: High school/college students and commuters carrying a mix of tech, books, and daily essentials benefit from the compartmentalized layout and comfort features.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student or commuter who values compartmental organization and comfort for heavy daily loads. Avoid if you need single-compartment storage for oversized items or fear quality-control issues in recent runs. Pro tip from community: purchase only from verified sellers to protect against counterfeit disappointment.
