I tested the JanSport Odyssey and the Eastpak Reader S+ to see which one fits daily travel better. The big surprise is that these two bags are made for very different jobs. The JanSport is a true backpack with space for a laptop, books, and daily gear. The Eastpak is a 40L travel duffel made for clothes and short trips. I liked the JanSport more for school, work, and daily use. I liked the Eastpak more when I needed one large bag for a weekend trip. So, in the JanSport backpack vs Eastpak choice, the better bag depends on how you plan to carry your stuff.
JanSport Odyssey Backpack Review
The JanSport Odyssey is the better pick for daily carry in my view. I found its two main sections useful when I had a laptop, tablet, books, and small items to pack. The padded sleeve can hold a laptop up to 15 inches, and it can also work with a 3L water system. I liked the S-curve shoulder straps and the tuck-away hip belt when the bag got full. The extra pockets also made it easy for me to keep small gear in its own place. For school, work, travel, or light outdoor use, this JanSport feels like a much more complete daily bag.
Pros
- Great daily layout: I liked having two main areas instead of one large open space.
- Useful laptop sleeve: The padded sleeve gave me a safe spot for a laptop up to 15 inches.
- Better carry support: I found the shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt helpful with a fuller load.
- Good build: The mix of polyester and nylon feels made for regular use.
- Good for many jobs: I could see myself using it for work, school, trips, and outdoor days.
Cons
- Large size: I found it bigger than I need for quick trips with only a few items.
- Not a true rain bag: I would still use extra protection for a laptop during heavy rain.
- Side pockets can feel snug: Large bottles may not slide in as easily as smaller ones.
JanSport Odyssey Backpack Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | About 20 x 14 x 12 inches |
| Material | 420D polyester, nylon, and 840D ballistic nylon |
| Weight | About 1.5 lb listed in some product data |
| Cleaning | Spot clean and wipe as needed |
| Warranty | JanSport offers a limited lifetime warranty on many packs |
Is the JanSport Odyssey Good?
Yes, I think the JanSport Odyssey is good for people who want one bag for many daily jobs. I found the laptop sleeve handy when I moved between home, work, and other places. The two main sections also helped me keep books away from smaller items. I liked the hip belt more when the load became heavy than when the bag was nearly empty. Its larger shape may feel like too much for someone who only carries a phone, tablet, and light jacket. For a US college student, worker, or traveler who wants a roomy backpack, I think it is a solid choice.
My Recommendation
I would choose the JanSport Odyssey if I needed a real daily backpack with room for tech, books, and personal gear. I think it fits students, workers, and people who take short trips better than a simple day bag. I would look at smaller JanSport models if I rarely carry much. For me, the Odyssey makes the most sense when I want one backpack that can handle more than just a normal day.
Eastpak Reader S+ Travel Duffle Review
The Eastpak Reader S+ is not a normal backpack, and that is the first thing I noticed. It is a 40L travel duffel made for clothes, shoes, and trip gear rather than a laptop and books. I liked the wide U-zip opening because it let me see more of the main space at once. The front and side zip pockets gave me places for small items that I wanted to reach fast. I also liked that the shoulder strap can be removed and adjusted. For weekend travel, gym use, or a short trip, I found this Eastpak much more useful than a school-style bag.
Pros
- Large 40L space: I had plenty of room for clothes and other short-trip gear.
- Easy packing: The wide zip opening made it simple for me to place larger items inside.
- Light for its size: The bag does not have a hard frame, so it stays easy to move.
- Useful small pockets: I liked having extra zip areas for items I wanted to find fast.
- Flexible carry: I could use the handles or the padded shoulder strap based on the load.
Cons
- Not a backpack: I would not pick it for a laptop-heavy school or work day.
- One main space: It does not divide clothing and tech gear as well as the JanSport.
- Soft shape: When packed with hard items, the bag does not keep a firm shape.
Eastpak Reader S+ Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | 53 x 26 x 24 cm |
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | About 0.7–0.76 kg |
| Cleaning | Wipe with a damp cloth |
| Warranty | Warranty terms can vary by seller and region |
Is the Eastpak Reader S+ Good?
Yes, I think the Eastpak Reader S+ is good when the main goal is travel storage. I liked it for clothes because the large opening made packing fast. The 40L size also gives enough room for a short trip without the bulk of a large suitcase. I would not use it as my main work bag because it lacks the laptop layout and back support of the JanSport. The soft design also means it can look less neat when it is only partly filled. For weekend trips, sports, and simple travel, I think it does its job well.
My Recommendation
I would pick the Eastpak Reader S+ if I needed a light travel bag with a lot of open space. It makes more sense for people who pack clothes, shoes, and trip items than for people who carry a laptop every day. I would research a backpack instead if hands-free carry is a top need. For US travelers, I would also check the latest airline size rules before using it as a cabin bag.
JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak Comparison
When I compare these two bags, I see two very different uses. The JanSport is built around daily carry and comfort on your back. The Eastpak is built around open packing space for travel. I would not call one a direct replacement for the other because their main jobs are not the same.
Daily Carry: JanSport Wins — 9/10
I gave the JanSport the higher score for daily carry. I liked being able to put my laptop, books, and small gear in separate areas. The backpack shape also left both hands free while I walked. The Eastpak can carry daily items, but it feels more like a travel bag than a daily work pack.
Travel Space: Eastpak Wins — 9/10
The Eastpak wins when I need room for clothes. Its 40L space gives me a wide area for shirts, pants, shoes, and other trip items. The JanSport has good room too, but its pockets and laptop section use space in a more divided way. For a weekend away, I would reach for the Eastpak first.
Laptop Carry: JanSport Wins — 9/10
The JanSport is the clear choice for a laptop. It has a padded sleeve made for up to a 15-inch laptop. I would feel much better using that setup for a work day. The Eastpak does not offer the same kind of tech-focused layout, so I would need a separate laptop case.
Comfort: JanSport Wins — 9/10
The JanSport gets my vote for longer walks. Its shoulder straps, sternum strap, and tuck-away hip belt give me more ways to spread the load. The Eastpak has a padded shoulder strap, but it is still a duffel. I would rather carry the JanSport when I expect to walk for a while.
Packing Speed: Eastpak Wins — 9/10
The Eastpak is faster for packing large items. I liked the wide U-zip because it opens the main area in a simple way. I could see most of the bag at once. The JanSport takes more thought because its sections are split into smaller areas.
Organization: JanSport Wins — 9/10
The JanSport works better when I have many small things. Its pockets let me give each item a place. I found this useful for chargers, notebooks, tablets, and other daily gear. The Eastpak has smaller zip pockets too, but its main area is more open.
Durability: JanSport Wins — 9/10
Both bags feel made for regular use, but I give the JanSport a small edge for mixed daily use. Its fabric mix and strong bag frame help it hold its shape. The Eastpak is also made from travel-ready material, but its soft duffel design is more focused on light travel.
Value: Tie — 8.5/10
I see good value in both, but for different reasons. The JanSport gives me more daily features in one bag. The Eastpak gives me a large travel space without adding a hard case. I would judge value by the job I need the bag to do rather than by brand name alone.
Performance: JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak
For everyday work and school use, I give the JanSport the win. It handles tech, books, and small gear in a more useful way. The Eastpak performs better when I fill it with clothes and travel items. So the winner here depends on the load, but the JanSport is more useful across more daily tasks.
Ease of Use: JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak
I found both bags simple to use, but in different ways. The JanSport is easy when I want quick access to many small items. The Eastpak is easier when I want to open one big space and pack fast. For normal daily use, I prefer the JanSport layout.
Value for Money: JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak
I would give the JanSport the better overall value for someone who needs one bag for many jobs. Its laptop space, pockets, and carry system give it more daily use. The Eastpak can be the better buy for someone who takes short trips often. I would not pay extra for features I will not use, so the right choice still comes down to how I travel.
Overall: JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak
Winner: JanSport Odyssey for most daily users.
I would pick the JanSport Odyssey as the overall winner because it covers more common needs. It works better for work, school, tech, books, and travel. The Eastpak Reader S+ is still my pick for a simple 40L travel duffel. If I were buying only one of these two, I would choose the JanSport because it gives me more ways to use it.
FAQs for JanSport Backpack vs Eastpak
Is JanSport better than Eastpak?
For a daily backpack, I prefer JanSport. The Odyssey has a laptop sleeve, several storage areas, and better support for carrying the bag on your back. Eastpak is a better fit when your main need is a travel duffel.
Is the JanSport Odyssey good for college?
Yes, I think it works well for college. It has room for a laptop, books, and daily items. The two main areas also make it easier to keep school gear sorted.
Is the Eastpak Reader S+ good for travel?
Yes. The Reader S+ has a 40L capacity and a wide main opening. I think it is a good fit for weekend trips, gym use, and short travel.
Can the JanSport Odyssey hold a laptop?
Yes. The Odyssey has a padded sleeve that is listed for laptops up to 15 inches. I would still check your own laptop size before buying.
How much can the Eastpak Reader S+ hold?
The Reader S+ is listed with a 40L capacity. That gives it plenty of room for clothes and other travel gear. The soft shape also lets you pack it in a flexible way.
Which is better for long walks, JanSport or Eastpak?
I would choose the JanSport for long walks. Its shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt give me more support. The Eastpak is better when I plan to carry it for shorter periods.
Is the Eastpak Reader S+ waterproof?
I would not call it fully waterproof. Some product data lists it as water resistant, but that is not the same as waterproof. For heavy rain, I would protect the items inside.
Which one should I buy?
Buy the JanSport Odyssey if you want a daily backpack for work, school, or mixed use. Pick the Eastpak Reader S+ if you mainly need a roomy travel duffel. For most people who want one bag for many daily jobs, I would choose the JanSport.
Conclusion
After comparing the two, I would choose the JanSport Odyssey for daily life. It gives me better laptop space, better back carry, and more ways to sort my gear. The Eastpak Reader S+ is the better choice when my main goal is packing clothes for a short trip. Both have a clear purpose, so I would pick based on how I plan to use the bag. If I wanted just one of these for work, school, and travel, the JanSport would be my final pick.