Backpacks are a back-to-school staple and a useful accessory for travelers and commuters alike. Two of the most popular backpack brands on the market are JanSport and L.L.Bean, both known for their durable and long-lasting packs.
But which one should you choose – JanSport or L.L.Bean?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features, pros and cons of JanSport and L.L.Bean backpacks to help you decide which brand is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | JanSport | L.L.Bean |
| Styles | Classic silhouettes like Cool Student and Right Pack | Variety including outdoor and tech-friendly designs |
| Materials | Durable canvas and Cordura nylon | Weatherproof nylons and leather accents |
| Storage | 1-3 large compartments | Advanced organization systems and laptop sleeves |
| Comfort | Light padding | Heavily padded, adjustable straps |
| Performance | Reliable basics for school | Versatile for school, work, travel, outdoors |
| Prices | $40-$60 | $$89-$159+ |
| Best For | Grade school and high school students, budget-focused college students | College students, commuters, travelers, outdoor activitie |
Overview of JanSport and L.L.Bean
JanSport, founded in 1967, is one of the original and most widely recognized backpack brands.
JanSport backpacks are known for their basic, utilitarian designs, durable fabric, and lifetime warranty.
The brand became hugely popular in the 1970s and 80s and continues to be a top choice for students and casual users.
L.L.Bean, founded in 1912, is best known for their sturdy, outdoor-focused gear including their iconic Bean Boot.
L.L.Bean backpacks feature versatile designs built for hiking and travel, with a focus on weather resistance, organization, and comfort.
The Maine-based company is known for its excellent customer service and satisfaction guarantee.
While both are trusted American heritage brands, JanSport and L.L.Bean take different approaches when it comes to backpack style, features, and pricing.
Comparison of Backpack Styles
JanSport Styles
JanSport is all about the basics. Their backpacks come in simple, classic silhouettes and solid color blocks. Popular styles include:
- JanSport Cool Student Backpack – Traditional backpack style with large main compartment and front pouch. Comes in both solid colors and patterns. Great for elementary through high school.
- JanSport Right Pack – Another classic JanSport look but in a more streamlined profile. FeaturesJanSport’s signature leather bottom for durability. A favorite for college students.
- JanSport SuperBreak – JanSport’s best selling backpack. Simple, lightweight daypack design with one big compartment. Available in endless colors.
- JanSport Hatchet – One of JanSport’s more modern looking backpacks. Contemporary styling with laptop sleeve and tablet pocket.
JanSport is all about giving users basic, functional designs at affordable prices. You won’t find a lot of bells and whistles but their classic silhouettes never go out of style.
L.L.Bean Styles
L.L.Bean backpacks offer greater variety in style.
In addition to classic book bag shapes, L.L.Bean has contemporary tech-friendly designs and more rugged outdoor packs.
Popular L.L.Bean backpack styles include:
- L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack – A smart-looking backpack with padded shoulder straps and multiple compartments for organization. Similar vibe to JanSport but steps up materials and features.
- L.L.Bean Quad Pack – Lightweight daypack with an athletic look. Great for biking to work or school.
- L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack – A modern commuter backpack made from water-resistant fabric. Fits laptops up to 15 inches.
- L.L.Bean Baxter State Parka Backpack – A heavy duty outdoor backpack designed for hiking and camping. Made of rugged, weatherproof materials.
L.L.Bean has backpacks appropriate for school, work, travel, and outdoor adventure.
More variety in materials, features, and silhouettes compared to JanSport.
Backpack Features and Performance Comparison
Beyond style, several other factors like features, materials, and construction determine how well a backpack performs. Here’s how JanSport and L.L.Bean stack up:
- Materials and Durability
JanSport – JanSport packs are made from durable fabrics like Cordura or canvass. Their iconic leather bottom reinforces high wear areas. Internal frames provide structure. JanSport is known for standing behind their straightforward lifetime warranty.
L.L.Bean – L.L.Bean uses high quality materials on their packs like weatherproof nylon and leather trims. Straps and back panels are padded for comfort. Solid reinforcement on stress points. L.L.Bean also guarantees their products against defects for the lifetime of the product.
Both JanSport and L.L.Bean construct their packs to last. Excellent durability from top quality materials and warranties to match. L.L.Bean offers added weatherproofing.
- Storage and Organization
JanSport – JanSport’s simplified designs mean storage consists of 1-3 large compartments. Some packs include a front stash pocket or organizer for pens/supplies. Laptop sleeves available on certain models. Better for tossing in books than organizing lots of small items.
L.L.Bean – L.L.Bean packs often feature multiple storage compartments including padded laptop sleeves, interior organizer pockets, and zippered dividers to keep gear in place. Ideal for separating items while keeping them protected.
L.L.Bean backpacks offer more sophisticated storage solutions. JanSport packs provide basic compartments for essentials.
- Comfort and Fit
JanSport – JanSport backpacks have lightly padded shoulder straps and usually feature a basic back panel. Newer styles are upgrading comfort features. The better ventilation and support, the heavier the pack can be carried. Waist and sternum straps available on some models.
L.L.Bean – Comfort-driven features like breathable back panels, padded and curved shoulder straps, and hip belts that distribute weight are found across L.L.Bean’s backpack selection. Excellent for handling heavier loads on long trips. Adjustable and removable straps.
L.L.Bean generally provides more comfort padding and adjustable support than JanSport. Important for lengthy wear and heavy loads. Both brands offer waist and sternum straps for stability on certain packs.
- Functionality and Performance
JanSport – Great for students thanks to lightweight designs, spacious compartments, and durable fabrics. Not intended for extended hiking or heavy books/gear. Better suited for lighter day-to-day use. Offers classic styling rather than weatherproofing or tech features.
L.L.Bean – Versatile enough for daily use but with upgrades for the outdoors. Features like waterproof construction and laptop/tablet sleeves make them work well for travel and commuting too. More heavy duty thanks to supportive harness systems and reinforced wear points.
For basic school or daypack use, JanSport delivers on the fundamentals. L.L.Bean offers greater performance capabilities for more settings but comes at a higher cost.
Also Read: Comparison of Pacsafe And Travelon Anti-Theft Bags.
Pack Prices and Value Comparison
Backpack prices vary greatly between JanSport and L.L.Bean. Let’s look at some example models and what you get for your money:
- JanSport Cool Student Pack: $55 – Classic JanSport backpack with two spacious main compartments, front utility pocket, and padded back. Durable canvas fabric with leather bottom. Interior 15-inch laptop sleeve is a nice bonus not always standard for JanSport.
- L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack: $99 – Retails for nearly twice the price of the JanSport but adds useful organization pockets, breathable back panel, and padded shoulder straps. Still a great value for a well-made student backpack.
- JanSport Right Pack: $50 – Another JanSport classic at an affordable price point. Features their signature leather bottom, one large main compartment, and front stash pocket.
- L.L.Bean Quad Pack: $89 – A lightweight daypack equipped to handle commuting and travel. Laptop sleeve, organizer panel, and padded mesh back panel make it a more versatile option.
- JanSport SuperBreak: $40 – JanSport’s basic pack. A single compartment design and minimal features but sturdy construction and low price.
- L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack: $159 – A weatherproof commuting pack with cordura fabrics and plenty of storage. More advanced but comes at a premium price.
JanSport consistently provides simple and affordable backpacks between $40-60. L.L.Bean’s versatile and well-featured packs run from $89 up to $159+. You get what you pay for with both brands. JanSport keeps costs low by limiting features while L.L.Bean adds details that improve functionality and comfort.
JanSport And L.L.Bean Backpacks: Which Is Better For You?
Now that we’ve compared the brands in detail, let’s summarize the key differences and which backpack is preferable depending on your needs:
JanSport
- Best for students on a budget
- Classic styling, limited color options
- Simple storage with 1-2 large compartments
- Lightly padded straps and back panel
- Lower prices from $40-$60
- Lifetime warranty
L.L.Bean
- Best for outdoor activities and extended trips
- Variety of stylish and sporty designs
- Advanced organizer panels and laptop sleeves
- Heavily padded, adjustable straps and back support
- Higher prices from $89-$159+
- Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
JanSport Recommended For:
- Grade school and high school students
- College students on a budget
- Short commutes (walking, biking to class)
- Day trips and light travel
L.L.Bean Recommended For:
- College students wanting more organization and support
- Bike commuters and public transit riders
- Outdoor recreation like hiking and camping
- Extended travel trips
Both JanSport and L.L.Bean make excellent backpacks but each brand shines in different scenarios. JanSport provides reliable basics that are easy on student budgets. L.L.Bean excels at versatility – their packs transition seamlessly from the classroom to the trails.
Also Read: Comparison of Cordura And X-Pac Backpacks.
JanSport and L.L.Bean Backpack FAQs
Yes, JanSport is one of the most popular backpack brands for good reason. Their packs are known for being sturdy, functional, and affordable. JanSport pioneered the student backpack and continues to be a top choice for school kids thanks to their combination of durability, style, and lifetime warranty. They excel at classic silhouettes using sturdy fabrics.
JanSport is the traditional favorite for elementary through high school. Many students also love sporty styles from Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. For college students who carry more gear, brands like The North Face, Timbuk2, and L.L.Bean are worth the extra investment for comfort and organization.
There are several key reasons JanSport is a go-to school backpack brand:
Durable construction – JanSport packs can withstand years of wear using fabrics like canvas and Cordura nylon. Leather bottom reinforces high-stress areas.
Functional designs – Roomy main compartments without a lot of bells and whistles keep costs low and storage simple. Just the basics.
Affordable prices – Most JanSport packs range from $40-$60 making them an approachable option for price-conscious students and parents.
Timeless styling – The classic JanSport silhouette never goes out of style. Students have been sporting their right packs, cool student packs, and other signatures styles for generations.
Lifetime guarantee – All JanSport packs are covered against defects for life. This peace of mind supports the brand’s reputation for reliability.
For maximum strength and longevity, JanSport and L.L.Bean stand out for their durable construction and lifetime warranties. Both brands reinforce high wear areas and use fabrics designed to withstand daily use and abuse. Jansport is the more affordable option while L.L.Bean offers more premium materials and weatherproof designs.
The Final Verdict
In the battle of JanSport and L.L.Bean, there’s no universally “best” backpack brand. The right choice comes down to individual needs and budget.
For elementary, middle, and high school students wanting a basic and affordable backpack, JanSport is the tried and true choice. If heading into more advanced grades or college, L.L.Bean’s versatility, organization, and ergonomic straps systems make them worth the upgrade.
Frequent commuters and outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate L.L.Bean’s attention to features and performance-driven materials. Yet JanSport’s lifetime guarantee means their classic packs remain a smart budget pick for years of enjoyment.
At the end of the day, you can trust both brands to deliver a well-constructed, long-lasting backpack. Let your specific needs and style preferences steer you toward JanSport’s time-honored simplicity or L.L.Bean’s passion for innovation when selecting the perfect backpack.
