JanSport
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel, backpacks |
| Founded | January 1, 1967 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Murray Pletz (Murray McCrory), Jan Lewis, Norman Pletz |
| Headquarters | Denver, Colorado , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Backpacks, collegiate clothing |
| Owner | VF Corporation |
| Parent | VF Corporation |
JanSport is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in backpacks and collegiate clothing, operating as a subsidiary of VF Corporation, which ranks among the largest apparel enterprises globally. As the leading producer of backpacks worldwide, JanSport accounts for nearly fifty percent of all small backpacks sold within the United States, sharing this market dominance with its sister label The North Face, also under VF Corporation’s ownership.
History
The inception of JanSport traces back to Murray Pletz (later known as Murray McCrory), an industrial design student who created a backpack featuring an aluminum framework. In 1966, he acquired a sewing machine for Jan Lewis to fabricate the design, which earned first place in a competition held by the Aluminum Company of America. With the award funds, Pletz, Lewis—whose name inspired the brand—and Pletz’s father Norman established JanSport in 1967 in Seattle, Washington.
JanSport introduced a novel panel-loading daypack, diverging from the conventional top-loading style. The company launched its first convertible travel pack and its hallmark daypack in 1975; initially retailed at the University of Washington bookstore, these packs later expanded across college campuses throughout the United States. This design eventually became recognized as JanSport’s emblematic SuperBreak backpack.
Beginning in 1972, JanSport initiated an annual collective ascent of Mount Rainier, setting the record for the longest continuous group climb. This event includes participation from employees, retailers, distributors, and business partners.
In 1986, VF Corporation acquired Blue Bell Overall Company, which was then JanSport’s parent firm. Presently, JanSport’s main office is located in Denver, Colorado, co-located with other VF Outdoor labels such as The North Face and Smartwool. The company discontinued operations at its Everett, Washington distribution center in 2012 and closed its apparel warehouse in Appleton, Wisconsin in 2017.
Originally, JanSport produced backpacks with external metal frames paired with fabric packsacks. Their product line expanded to include technical daypacks and internal frame backpacks; until the early 1990s, all manufacturing took place within the United States.
In February 2025, JanSport collaborated with L2 Brands to enhance its footprint across American university campuses.
In popular culture
On February 25, 2025, Sparks released the track "JanSport Backpack" from their album Mad!, underscoring the brand’s influence within popular culture.