I have used both the JanSport Big Student and Right Pack, and each one has a clear purpose. The Big Student is my pick when I need more room for books, a laptop, and daily gear. The Right Pack feels simpler and more classic, with a tough build and a smaller shape. I like the Big Student for long school days and busy campus use. I prefer the Right Pack when I want less bulk and a clean look. Both have a padded laptop sleeve and a bottle pocket. In this JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack review, I break down the key differences so you can pick the right bag for your daily needs.
JanSport Big Student Review
The JanSport Big Student is the better choice for me when I need lots of space. It has two main sections, a padded laptop sleeve, and useful front pockets. I found the wide shape handy when I carried books, a laptop, a charger, and a lunch box at the same time. The S-shaped straps and padded back also made a full load feel easier to carry. Its 34-liter size gives it a clear edge for school and college use. I would pick this JanSport backpack for anyone who often carries many items in one bag.
Pros
- Lots of room: I like having two main sections when I need to split books from other gear.
- Good laptop space: The padded laptop sleeve gives my computer its own place.
- Easy to carry: The S-curve straps and padded back help when the bag is full.
- Useful pockets: I can keep small items, keys, and a bottle in easy-to-reach spots.
- Recycled fabric: The main body uses 600-denier recycled polyester, which adds a nice touch.
Cons
- Large shape: I found the bigger body less appealing when I only needed a few things.
- One bottle pocket: Some users may want room for more than one bottle.
- Less slim: The extra space can make the bag look bulky when it is packed light.
JanSport Big Student Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | 17 x 13 x 7.5 inches |
| Material | 100% recycled 600-denier polyester |
| Weight | 1 lb 7 oz |
| Cleaning | Hand wash care is listed for some current versions |
| Warranty | JanSport lifetime warranty applies to eligible pack defects |
The Big Student holds about 34 liters. It has a padded 15-inch laptop section, two main sections, a front organizer, a bottle pocket, and two outside stash pockets. Its full back panel is padded, and the shoulder straps use an S-curve shape.
Is the JanSport Big Student Good?
Yes, I think the Big Student is very good for people who carry a lot each day. I like it for a full school load with books, a laptop, a water bottle, and extra clothes. The two main sections also help me keep larger items apart. The 34-liter size gives me more room than I usually get from a basic school bag. The padded laptop sleeve is a useful extra for college or work. I would not choose it just for short trips where a smaller bag feels better.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Big Student to high school and college users who need lots of space. I also like it for work if you carry a laptop and other gear every day. If you travel with only a few small items, I would look at a smaller JanSport bag first. For a busy US school day, though, the Big Student gives me the room I want without needing a second bag.
JanSport Right Pack Review
The JanSport Right Pack gives me a very different feel from the Big Student. It has one roomy main area, a front organizer pocket, a laptop sleeve, and a side bottle pocket. I like its simple layout when I do not want to sort items across many large sections. The suede bottom is also a standout part of the bag and adds a more classic look. At 28 liters, it gives me enough space for daily school or work gear without feeling as large as the Big Student. For a clean and simple carry, I find the Right Pack very easy to like.
Pros
- Classic design: I like the simple shape because it works well for school, work, and casual use.
- Tough bottom: The suede bottom gives the bag a strong base and a distinct look.
- Good daily layout: The front organizer makes small items easy to find.
- Laptop sleeve: I get a padded place for a 15-inch laptop inside the main area.
- Comfortable straps: The padded straight-cut straps work well when I carry a normal daily load.
Cons
- Less space: The 28-liter size is smaller than the Big Student.
- Fewer main sections: I have less room to split large items into separate areas.
- Higher price: The Right Pack often costs more than the Big Student on JanSport’s US site.
JanSport Right Pack Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not applicable |
| Size | 17.5 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Material | Premium Cordura fabric with suede bottom |
| Weight | 1 lb 7.5 oz |
| Cleaning | Follow JanSport care directions for the chosen version |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
The Right Pack has a 28-liter capacity. It measures 17.5 by 12.5 by 5.5 inches and weighs about 1 lb 7.5 oz. It has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a side bottle pocket, a front organizer, and a padded back panel. JanSport also lists a limited lifetime warranty for the pack.
Is the JanSport Right Pack Good?
Yes, the Right Pack is good if you want a smaller daily bag with a classic look. I like it for days when I carry a laptop, a notebook, a bottle, and a few small items. The single main section also keeps the setup simple. The suede bottom makes it stand out from many plain school bags. I would choose it over the Big Student when style and a less bulky shape matter more to me than extra storage.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Right Pack for college students, workers, and anyone who wants a simple bag for daily use. It also makes sense for buyers who care about the classic JanSport look. If you carry many books or large items, I would spend more time looking at the Big Student. For lighter loads, I find the Right Pack easier to live with.
JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack Comparison
When I compare the two, the biggest difference is space. The Big Student gives me 34 liters, while the Right Pack gives me 28 liters. The Big Student is made for a larger daily load, while the Right Pack keeps things more simple. Both have laptop storage, bottle pockets, and padded backs.
Storage: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The Big Student wins this part for me. Its two large main sections give me more ways to split my gear. The Right Pack has one roomy main area, so it works better when I do not need much sorting.
Big Student: 9.5/10
Right Pack: 8.5/10
Laptop Carry: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
Both bags have a padded laptop sleeve. The Big Student feels better for a full school load because the laptop has its own place while books can stay in another section. The Right Pack is still a solid pick for a laptop and a few daily items.
Big Student: 9.2/10
Right Pack: 9/10
Comfort: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
I give the Big Student a small edge for heavy days. Its S-curve straps and padded back work well when the bag is packed. The Right Pack also has padded straps and a padded back, but I prefer its feel with a lighter load.
Big Student: 9.2/10
Right Pack: 8.9/10
Build: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The Right Pack gets my top score here. Its Cordura fabric and suede bottom give it a more rugged feel. The Big Student is still made for daily use, but the Right Pack has the more special build in my view.
Big Student: 9/10
Right Pack: 9.5/10
Style: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
This one comes down to taste. I like the Big Student when I want a larger school bag with a clear student look. The Right Pack feels more grown-up to me, so I would use it for both class and work.
Big Student: 8.8/10
Right Pack: 9.5/10
Performance: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The Big Student wins for heavy daily use. Its larger size lets me carry more without adding another bag. The Right Pack performs best when my load stays simple and light. For school and college, I would give the Big Student the higher score.
Winner: JanSport Big Student — 9.4/10
Ease of Use: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The Right Pack is easier for me when I have a short list of things to carry. Its layout is simple, so I can open the main section and grab what I need. The Big Student takes more sorting, but that extra space helps on long school days.
Winner: JanSport Right Pack — 9.3/10
Value for Money: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The Big Student gives me more storage for my money. The Right Pack costs more on JanSport’s site, but its Cordura fabric and suede base add a clear reason for the higher price. I would pick the Big Student for pure space and the Right Pack for its build and style.
Winner: JanSport Big Student — 9.2/10
Overall: JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
The JanSport Big Student is my overall winner. I give it the edge because its 34-liter size, two main sections, laptop sleeve, and comfort features fit more daily needs. The Right Pack is still the better pick for someone who wants a cleaner shape and a more classic build. If I had to choose one bag for a busy school or college year, I would buy the Big Student.
FAQs for JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack
Which is bigger, JanSport Big Student or Right Pack?
The Big Student is bigger. It holds about 34 liters, while the Right Pack holds about 28 liters.
Is the JanSport Big Student good for college?
Yes. I think it is a strong college choice because it has lots of room for books, a laptop, and daily items. The two main sections also help keep larger items apart.
Is the JanSport Right Pack good for college?
Yes. It works well for students who carry a laptop, a few books, and normal daily gear. I like it most when I do not need a very large bag.
Which JanSport has more storage?
The Big Student has more storage. Its 34-liter capacity is larger than the Right Pack’s 28-liter capacity.
Do both bags have a laptop sleeve?
Yes. Both models have a padded laptop sleeve. The Big Student lists a padded 15-inch laptop section, while the Right Pack also has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve.
Which is better for heavy books?
I would choose the Big Student. Its larger body and two main sections give me more space for a heavy school load.
Which looks more classic?
I think the Right Pack has the more classic look. Its simple body, Cordura fabric, suede bottom, and clean front give it a timeless feel.
JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack: which should I buy?
Buy the Big Student if you need more room and carry many items. Choose the Right Pack if you want a smaller bag with a simple layout and a more classic style.
Conclusion
After comparing the JanSport Big Student vs Right Pack, I would choose the Big Student for most students. It gives me more space, better room for large loads, and a useful two-section layout. The Right Pack is my choice when I want a smaller bag with a classic look and a tough suede base. In the end, I would choose based on how much I carry each day.