JanSport Vs. Herschel (Affordable Packs For Every day)

JanSport Backpacks

Scroll down and find the pack you like the most to read about all of its features!

Digital Student Laptop Backpack

The Digital part of the name is a dead giveaway – yes, this pack is equipped with a removable laptop sleeve that can fit most 15″ laptops. And it also has an external pocket that is designed to bit all your cords and chargers, so you don’t ever have to worry about running out of juice.

There are also side water bottle pockets, which means you don’t have to worry about finding space for them inside the pack. But even if you did have to do that, it wouldn’t be any trouble, since this backpack has a pretty large capacity – 38 liters. That is more than some travel backpacks, and for me, that makes this a versatile pack.

With travel packs, we mostly look at capacity – the larger it is, the more stuff you can fit in it. But, other organizational features also help, and this JanSport bag doesn’t disappoint in that regard either.

You can see just from the photos that there are three zippered front pockets, which are plenty for all of your smaller items. One of those is for your cords, but the other two are for your pens, sunglasses wallet, and whatnot.  And one of them has an organizational panel, to make things even better.

In terms of your carrying comfort, these packs are pretty good. Let’s be real, they are nowhere near as comfortable as some high-end packs, but for about $50 they are pretty darn good. They have ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps along with a fully padded back panel, so you can be sure that nothing will poke at your back.

Overall, this is a very good backpack, especially if you are looking for something that you can carry your laptop in, and that will help you stay organized.

Hatchet Backpack

The Hatchel backpack is pretty cool because it doesn’t look like your traditional backpack. It’s more like a knapsack, but with all the functionality of an ultra-modern high-end pack. If it fits in your style, you should definitely consider getting it. After all, it’s dirt cheap – several designs are under $50.

It has a padded laptop sleeve that can fit most 15″ laptops. Don’t let its dimensions fool you – the sleeve doesn’t close, and the laptop is supposed to stick out just a little bit. Other padded features include the shoulder straps and the back panel, so you can be sure that this pack will be pretty comfortable to wear.

There is also a sleeve for your tablet in the Hatchet, so all of your electronics can be safely tucked away somewhere. As for other organizational features, there is a deluxe organizer panel in the main compartment, as well as a separate zippered front pocket. And one of them also features a key clip, so that your keys can always be safely distanced from your electronics.

This JanSport pocket also has a few features that make it a decent alternative for a hiking pack. I’m talking about the side pockets for your H2O and the convenient sternum strap. The latter feature helps ensure that one of the shoulder straps doesn’t accidentally slip off your shoulder and that they always stay in place. Pretty useful if you ask me, especially with all the electronics pockets.

Overall, it’s a great versatile pack, and there are plenty of different colors and designs you can choose from – for both guys and girls.

Big Student Backpack

If you thought that a giant backpack couldn’t look sleek and cool, JanSport is here to prove you wrong. The Big Student Backpack is perfect for all high school and college students out there because it has tons of different pockets for your books and notebooks. Yes, it is every bit, but that just means that you can fit everything you need inside it – even your jacket.

The only thing you won’t get with this backpack is a dedicated laptop sleeve. So, if you were looking for a pack without one, this one would be a great choice. It does have a dedicated compartment for pretty much everything else, and you can always just carry the laptop in the main compartment if you need to.

The back panel is fully padded, and so are the ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps. If you were looking for a comfortable pack, this one does not disappoint.

You will also get a side water bottle pocket, as well as two zippered front pockets, one of which has an organizer panel for all your smaller things. And that is all in addition to not one, but two large main compartments. Combined, they have a capacity of 34 liters, which means that you can carry pretty much everything you think of inside it. Pretty cool, right?

Odyssey Laptop Backpack

This is JanSport’s most expensive backpack in this review. But it is also the most versatile one. This pack is great for all of you that are looking for a good backpack for school, but also really like to have one for hiking and similar outdoor activities. The Odyssey is built for both those things, and it’s like a 2-in-1 pack. Hence, I think the versatility and functionality justify the higher price tag.

It has a laptop sleeve that can fit most 15″ laptops, and that also doubles as a hydration sleeve. If you want to use it in the latter capacity, you need to know that it can fit a 3-liter hydration pack inside it. And it also has a dedicated tablet sleeve, in the front compartment.

There are a lot of features on this pack, so I’ll just list them – ice axe loops, daisy chain webbing, compression straps, a sternum strap, quick access loft pocket, and a utility pocket with an organizer panel.

And all of that is less important than the two main compartments. You can basically carry all your school gear in one, and your hiking gear in the other, and just hit the road as soon as you are done with class. And if you opt to carry your laptop in the padded sleeve, you can still carry your hydration in the side water bottle pockets.

The pack also has a padded back panel and S-curved shoulder straps. And also a tuck-away hip belt, which will come in handy when you take it out hiking. Overall, it is a very cool and versatile backpack, and if you think about it, it’s not that expensive. Instead of buying two separate packs, you can get just this one, and even save some money!

Herschel Backpacks

First of all, you should be aware that Herschel backpacks are slightly more expensive than JanSport ones. Most are still under $100, but they are also usually over $50 (except the Daypack). If that is still within your budget, great!

If that’s over your budget, then I suggest you stick to the JanSport packs. They are very good backpacks as well, and you will get a lot of use out of them. Otherwise, keep reading to find out everything about these cool Herschel bags!

The Daypack

The Daypack is a very basic pack. It doesn’t have too many features, but it does have a very attractive price tag – less than $30. That alone can be the reason why you should get it – it’s pretty okay for day-to-day use, and you won’t find anything cheaper from these two brands.

This Herschel backpack is made of Polyester Ripstop, which is a very durable material. And it’s mostly weatherproof, so you know your stuff will always be safe inside the pack.

It features a minimalistic design, but there are plenty of colors to choose from. And the coolest thing about this Herschel backpack is that it stores it into its own pocket (see the second photo). That makes it very easy to store or to carry around in your larger backpack. So, say you are going away for a while and you are bringing along your all-time favorite travel backpack.

From time to time, you are going to need to have something smaller, if you just want to go for a walk around the town. And the Herschel Daypack is perfect for that. It takes up virtually no space when it’s tucked, and it weighs about 6 ounces. Plus, the pack has a capacity of almost 25 liters, which is plenty for a day around the town.

But if you are looking for the best backpack for organization and school, this is not it. It has a main compartment, a pocket that it stuffs into, and a single front zippered pocket. In that respect, this is a pretty basic backpack. But I still have plenty of others to show you, so don’t you go anywhere!

Herschel Little America

At first glance, the Little America backpack looks a little vintage. But don’t worry, all of its other features are very modern. Just take a look at that back panel! It is highly padded and ventilated (made of air mesh), and so are the shoulder straps. In that regard, Herschel is a notch above JanSport, because we saw no ventilation in JanSport backpacks.

The main compartment of the back features a signature colorful fabric lining. There is a padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve inside, which can fit most 15″ laptops. And you will find a media pocket inside the Little America backpack with a headphone port. I told you – nothing about the features of this awesome pack is vintage.

The pack features a drawstring closure of the main compartment. But, the buckles on the flap have metal pin clips and magnetic closure, which is pretty sleek. And the straps are mostly made of leather – a pretty cool detail.

In terms of organization, there aren’t too many other features. There is a small front pocket with a hidden zipper (kind of an anti-theft feature) and a key clip inside. But, I’m missing at least one organizer panel in this pack. Especially if you consider its 25-liter capacity, which is plenty.

But overall, it’s a pretty good backpack. I especially like the modern features of the back panel, as they are guaranteed to make you comfortable while you are wearing it. And it comes in a ton of different colors – just know that they are all made of different materials.

Winlaw Backpack

The Winlaw pack is made of 100% Cordura fabric, with leather accents on the zipper and shoulder straps. This is one of the most durable materials, and it is even used in military wear, because of its scratch and abrasion resistance. If you need a pack that you can use for several years to come, then this is just the right one for you.

The inside of the pack features Herschel’s signature striped lining. There is one main compartment in this pack, with a laptop sleeve that can fit most 13″ laptops. If you need a backpack with a bigger sleeve, I suggest that you go back to the JanSport section of the review, since you will find more options there.

Again, this pack features Herschel’s minimalistic design. There aren’t too many features on it, apart from the laptop sleeve. There is the front zippered pocket with a key clip for your smaller accessories, and that’s about that.

The back panel and the shoulder straps are padded, so they will feel very soft on your back. But they aren’t ventilated, and you might get a little sweaty with this pack when it’s hot outside.

It has a 22-liter capacity, which is just enough for your school necessities. Overall, if you are looking for a minimalistic and incredibly durable pack, then you’ll love the Winlaw. As I already said, some people don’t like having a hundred different pockets, and just like to stuff everything in the same compartment. And this backpack for made for them.

Dawson Backpack

The Dawson is also a durability champion. It is made of cotton canvas, a fabric that is often used to make tents and sails. Now, when you imagine what treatment those items get, and the torture they go through, you can get a basic idea of how durable this pack is going to be. Plus, it’s a waterproof material, so you know none of your stuff will get wet in the rain.

Again, the inside of the pack is lined with striped fabric – classic Herschel. And there is a laptop sleeve inside, which is designed to fit 13″ laptops. The rest of the main compartment is pretty plain. It is roomy and spacious, and it can fit all of your essentials, but there aren’t any other pockets or compartments in it.

There is one zippered pocket on the front of the backpack, just like with all the other Herschel bags. And, just like in the other backpacks, it has a keychain clip so you never have to search for your keys again.

The back panel and the shoulder straps are both padded, and you will stay comfortable with the Lawson on your back. Unfortunately, they aren’t ventilated, and your back could get a little sweaty in warmer weather.

Overall, the Lawson pack is a classic Herschel. It is very minimalistic, and it has all the basics of a good backpack. And, as with other Herschels, it’s all about the design and details. On this pack, we have metal hardware and custom stitch details. Even though Lawson’s features are kind of plain, the design is definitely not and because of that, it stands out.