If you need a big school backpack, the JanSport Big Student and Cool Student are two names worth a look. I compared both bags for school, college, work, and daily use. Both give you 34 liters of space and two main sections. Both also have a bottle pocket and a laptop area. The Big Student feels more plain and useful, while the Cool Student adds a faux leather base and trim. I like the Big Student when I want simple storage and less extra detail. I like the Cool Student when looks matter more to me. In short, the JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student backpack choice comes down to space, style, laptop use, and how you plan to carry the bag. (JanSport)
JanSport Big Student Backpack Review
The JanSport Big Student is a great pick when I need one bag for a full school day. Its 34-liter size gives me room for books, folders, a laptop, lunch, and small daily items. I like the two large main sections because I can keep books apart from clothes or tech gear. The padded laptop area is made for a 15-inch laptop, while the front area gives me quick access to small things. The S-curve straps and padded back also help when I carry the bag for a long day. In my view, the Big Student works best for high school and college users who care more about room than looks. It feels like a simple bag that can handle a busy day. (JanSport)
Pros
- Lots of room: I get 34 liters of space, so there is room for books, folders, lunch, and daily gear.
- Good laptop space: I like the separate padded laptop area for a 15-inch laptop.
- Easy to sort: The two main sections help me keep school work and other items apart.
- Comfortable carry: The S-shaped straps and padded back feel better when the bag is full.
- Useful side pocket: The mesh bottle pocket can stretch around a large bottle. (JanSport)
Cons
- It can get heavy: The large size may tempt me to fill it with more than I need.
- Only one bottle pocket: I would like to see a second side pocket for another bottle or small item.
- Plain look: The simple cloth design may feel less stylish to shoppers who want a dressier bag.
JanSport Big Student Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | 17 x 13 x 7.5 inches |
| Material | 100% recycled 600D polyester |
| Weight | 1 lb 7 oz |
| Cleaning | Hand care is recommended |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Capacity | 34 liters |
| Laptop Space | Fits up to a 15-inch laptop |
JanSport lists the Big Student at 34 liters. It measures 17 x 13 x 7.5 inches and weighs 1 lb 7 oz. The main body uses 100% recycled 600 denier polyester. It also has a padded 15-inch laptop section, two main sections, a bottle pocket, and a padded back. JanSport backs its packs with a limited lifetime warranty. (JanSport)
Is the JanSport Big Student Good?
Yes, I think the Big Student is good for people who carry a lot each day. I would use it for a school day with books, a laptop, a charger, and lunch. The wide body also gives me more room for folders that may not fit well in a small bag. I like that the laptop space has its own zip area instead of sharing space with books. The padded back is another plus when I have to walk across a large campus. For a student who wants a roomy and simple bag, I would put this one high on my list. (JanSport)
My Recommendation
I recommend the Big Student to high school and college students who carry many books or large school items. I also think it works well for people who want one large bag for school and work. If you like a clean, classic look, this is the one I would pick. I would look at smaller JanSport bags if you only carry a tablet, light books, and a few small items.
JanSport Cool Student Backpack Review
The JanSport Cool Student gives me the same large 34-liter size but adds a different look. I like the faux leather base and trim because they give the bag a more finished feel. The bag has two main sections, a front organizer, two outer zip pockets, and a laptop sleeve made for a 15-inch laptop. The S-curve straps and padded back make it suited to long school or work days. I also like the cord tabs on the zippers because they make the pulls easy to grab. For me, the Cool Student is a good match when I want school storage without a very plain look. It keeps the useful parts of the Big Student while adding its own style. (JanSport)
Pros
- Nice trim: I like the faux leather base because it gives the bag a more finished look.
- Large storage: The 34-liter space gives me room for a full day of books and gear.
- Laptop sleeve: I can place a 15-inch laptop in its own inner sleeve.
- Easy zipper pulls: The cord tabs make the zippers easier to grab when I am in a rush.
- Good daily layout: The two main sections make it easy for me to split school items from personal gear. (JanSport)
Cons
- The trim needs care: The faux leather parts may need more care than plain cloth.
- Large size: The 34-liter body may feel too big for light daily loads.
- One bottle pocket: I would prefer two side pockets for better daily use.
JanSport Cool Student Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | 17 x 12 x 8 inches |
| Material | Recycled 600D polyester with synthetic leather trim |
| Weight | 1 lb 5 oz |
| Cleaning | Hand wash care |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Capacity | 34 liters |
| Laptop Space | Fits up to a 15-inch laptop |
The Cool Student has a 34-liter capacity and measures 17 x 12 x 8 inches. JanSport lists its weight at 1 lb 5 oz. The main body is made from recycled 600D polyester, while the base and trim use synthetic leather. It has an inner laptop sleeve, two main sections, two outer zip pockets, and a side bottle pocket. JanSport also lists a limited lifetime warranty for the bag. (JanSport)
Is the JanSport Cool Student Good?
Yes, I think the Cool Student is a good choice for a student who wants room and a nicer look. I would use it for class when I need books, a laptop, a charger, and a water bottle in the same bag. The inner sleeve gives my laptop a set place instead of leaving it loose among books. I also like the front organizer for small items that I need to reach fast. The bag is not a small day pack, so I would not choose it for a very light load. If I wanted a roomy school bag with a bit more style, this would be my pick. (JanSport)
My Recommendation
I recommend the Cool Student for students who want large storage with a more polished look. It can also work well for college, work, and short trips where I need one roomy bag. I would pick it over the Big Student when the faux leather trim is part of the look I want. If I want the most simple design and do not care about trim, I would save my money and choose the Big Student.
JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student Backpack Comparison
When I compare the two bags, the core layout is very close. Both offer 34 liters of space and two main sections. The biggest differences are the outer look, laptop setup, size shape, and small design details. Both are made for people who need more room than a basic school bag. (JanSport)
Storage: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
Both bags give me 34 liters of storage, so neither one is small. I can fit books, folders, tech gear, and daily items in either bag. The Big Student has a slightly wider body, while the Cool Student is a bit deeper. In daily use, I would give both the same score because the total space is nearly the same.
Big Student: 9.5/10
Cool Student: 9.5/10
Laptop Use: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
The Big Student has a dedicated padded laptop section with a zip closure. The Cool Student has an inner sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. I prefer the Big Student for laptop use because its separate padded section feels more focused on tech. The Cool Student still gives good laptop space, but its sleeve is built into the main bag design.
Big Student: 9.5/10
Cool Student: 9/10 (JanSport)
Comfort: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
Both bags use S-curve shoulder straps and a padded back. That makes the fit more useful for long school days than a flat, thin bag. The Cool Student is a little lighter on paper, which may help when I carry it for many hours. Still, the difference is small. I would focus more on how the straps fit my body than on the small weight gap.
Big Student: 9/10
Cool Student: 9/10 (JanSport)
Organization: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
The Big Student feels better to me when I want a simple way to sort large items. Its two main areas and front organizer cover the basics well. The Cool Student adds cord zipper tabs and keeps the same broad layout. I like the Cool Student for quick access, while the Big Student feels a bit more direct.
Big Student: 9/10
Cool Student: 9.2/10 (JanSport)
Style and Daily Look: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
This is where I see the clearest split. The Big Student has a classic cloth look that works well for school and simple daily use. The Cool Student adds synthetic leather at the base and trim, so it looks a little more dressed up. I would choose the Cool Student when I want my bag to stand out a bit more without moving to a very different style.
Big Student: 8.8/10
Cool Student: 9.4/10
Performance: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
For daily carrying, I give the Big Student a small edge. Its simple layout is easy to load with books, folders, and tech. The recycled 600D polyester body also gives it a solid feel for school use. The Cool Student performs very well too, but I see it as the more style-focused choice.
Winner: JanSport Big Student — 9.4/10
Ease of Use: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
I find both bags easy to use because the main sections are wide and simple. The Cool Student gets a small boost from its cord zipper tabs. They give me a better grip when I need to open a pocket fast. The Big Student is still very easy, but the Cool Student has a few small touches that make daily access nicer.
Winner: JanSport Cool Student — 9.3/10
Value for Money: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
The Big Student gives me the core features without adding much extra trim. That makes it the safer buy when I want useful space first. The Cool Student makes more sense when I like its look and can find it at a good price. Since prices can change on Amazon, I would compare the current price before I buy.
Winner: JanSport Big Student — 9.2/10
Overall: JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student
I would pick the JanSport Big Student as the overall winner for most students. It gives me large storage, a padded laptop area, simple organization, and a classic look. The Cool Student is still a strong choice for buyers who want the same large size with a more polished style. If style is a top need, I would choose the Cool Student. If simple use and broad school needs matter most, I would choose the Big Student.
FAQs for JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student Backpack
Is the JanSport Big Student bigger than the Cool Student?
No. Both bags are listed at 34 liters. Their shapes are a little different, but the storage amount is the same. (JanSport)
Which is better, Big Student or Cool Student?
I would choose the Big Student for most school users. I would choose the Cool Student if I want a more stylish bag with faux leather trim.
Can both bags hold a 15-inch laptop?
Yes. The Big Student has a padded laptop area for a 15-inch laptop. The Cool Student has an inner sleeve made to fit a 15-inch laptop. (JanSport)
Are JanSport Big Student and Cool Student good for college?
Yes. I think both can work well for college. The 34-liter size gives me room for books, a laptop, chargers, lunch, and other daily items.
Which JanSport backpack is lighter?
The Cool Student is listed at 1 lb 5 oz. The Big Student is listed at 1 lb 7 oz. The difference is only about two ounces, so I would not make my choice on weight alone. (JanSport)
Does the Cool Student have a water bottle pocket?
Yes. It has a side bottle pocket that can stretch to fit large bottles. The Big Student also has a single mesh bottle pocket. (JanSport)
Which backpack looks better?
That comes down to personal taste. I prefer the Big Student for a classic school look. I prefer the Cool Student when I want the faux leather base and trim.
Do JanSport Big Student and Cool Student have a warranty?
Yes. JanSport lists a limited lifetime warranty for these packs. This is a useful point for buyers who plan to keep the bag for years. (JanSport)
Conclusion
After comparing the JanSport Big Student vs Cool Student backpack, I would give the overall win to the Big Student. It is a great fit for students who want lots of room and a simple design. The Cool Student is the better pick for anyone who likes the same large layout but wants a more finished look. Both give me 34 liters, laptop space, padded back support, and useful storage. I would choose the one that fits my daily load and style best.