JanSport
VF Corporation · United States
JanSport is an American backpack brand founded in Seattle in 1967 and owned by VF Corporation. It is described by Wikipedia as the world's largest backpack maker.
| Founded | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Murray Pletz, Jan Lewis and Norman Pletz |
| Owner | VF Corporation (since 1986, via Blue Bell) |
| Headquarters | Denver, United States |
| Website | jansport.com |
What is JanSport?
JanSport is a US backpack brand, known for daypacks and school and campus bags. The company is named after Jan Lewis, one of its early founders.
History
Wikipedia says JanSport was founded in 1967 in Seattle, Washington, by Murray Pletz (later Murray McCrory), Jan Lewis and Norman Pletz. Blue Bell Overall Company owned it from 1967 to 1986, when VF Corporation bought Blue Bell.
Products and positioning
The range includes daypacks, technical day packs, internal frame packs and a convertible travel pack, plus collegiate apparel. The daypack began on college campuses and bookstores, which remain central to the brand.
Ownership and distribution
The page lists headquarters in Denver, Colorado, within VF's outdoor operations. JanSport sells through retailers, campus channels and international distributors. Wikipedia notes a February 2025 partnership with L2 Brands to expand JanSport's presence on US college campuses.
VF Corporation's news page still lists JanSport in 2026 and a story dated 3 August 2026 reports the opening of its first global flagship store in Seoul. A February 2023 trade report said VF was seeking a buyer, but no completed sale was found.
Why it matters
JanSport defined the school and campus backpack in the United States and is one of the best-known names in the category worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns JanSport?
VF Corporation owns JanSport, having acquired parent Blue Bell in 1986. A 2023 report said VF was seeking a buyer, but no completed sale appears in the sources reviewed.
Where is JanSport from?
JanSport was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1967. Wikipedia lists its headquarters in Denver, Colorado.