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JanSport Big Student

*Est. $40

Reviewed July 2009
JanSport Big Student

Backpack for high school

pros
  • Good value
  • Excellent durability and water resistance
  • Five compartments/pockets
cons
  • Ergonomic straps are stiff
  • No laptop sleeve or compartment
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Amazon

    for $26.95

  • eBay

    for $33.65

  • Zappos.com

    for $45.90

 
 
 

The JanSport Big Student backpack lacks some of the high-tech features found on pricier packs, but reviewers say this simple backpack is one of the best picks for older students. It has a capacity of 2,100 cubic inches, and although it doesn't have a laptop sleeve or media pocket, it does have five separate compartments to keep school supplies organized. The JanSport Big Student is made with 600-denier polyester, and reviewers say this backpack is very durable and a great value as well. In recent independent testing, the JanSport Big Student excels in durability and water-resistance tests. While most reviewers have overwhelmingly positive feedback for the JanSport Big Student, some say the ergonomic shoulder straps are too stiff. These owners think the backpack would be more comfortable if the shoulder straps were more flexible. If you need your backpack to double as a laptop carrier, The North Face Recon (*Est. $90) includes a laptop sleeve for notebooks 15 inches or smaller. It's more expensive than the JanSport Big Student, but it also offers dual water-bottle pockets and a cell phone/MP3 player pocket on one of the shoulder straps.

We found the best review of the JanSport Big Student in a recent backpack test conducted by ConsumerReports.org. They test 12 backpacks in different categories, scoring each one on durability, rain resistance, comfort and convenience. Owner-written reviews are also helpful, especially at eBags.com, where the JanSport Big Student attracts comments from thousands of individual reviewers.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1652 reviews)1652 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$26.95
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. $33.65
Zappos.comZappos.com rated 5.00 (18214 reviews)18214 store reviewsIn Stock. FREE Shipping BOTH Ways$45.90
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports tests 12 backpacks for kids and adults in its latest review. The JanSport Big Student is tested and scored on durability, construction quality, rain resistance, comfort, convenience and safety features.

Review: Backpack Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. EBags.com

The JanSport Big Student receives almost 3,000 individual reviews at eBags.com, and a whopping 96 percent say they would buy this backpack again. Most reviewers give the JanSport Big Student a thumbs up, but a few say the straps are uncomfortable.

Review: JanSport Big Student Pack, Contributors to eBags.com

3. Amazon.com

Nearly 100 owners give the JanSport Big Student above-average ratings at Amazon.com, with about 75 reviewers giving perfect five-star ratings. Most praise the value and durability, but several owners say the shoulder straps are too stiff.

Review: JanSport Classic Big Student Backpack, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Buzzillions.com

The JanSport Big Student backpack gets nearly perfect ratings in about 90 owner-written reviews compiled by Buzzillions.com. Most like the light weight and durable design, but a few critics say the backpack is too bulky.

Review: JanSport Big Student Reviews, Contributors to Buzzillions.com

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