jansport v. the north face: a backpack design analysis

A typical item every college student uses each day is a backpack. Numerous brands make backpacks for students, but finding that one that provides a stylish form and a working function can be tricky. Here is an analysis comparing two types of backpacks that many students on campus are frequently seen with.

jansport: big student

the north face: borealis

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formal analysis Both backpacks include a similar form: multiple pockets, a top handle, a water bottle pouch, etc. But when looked at on a deeper, more magnified level, differences between the two backpacks arise.

formal analysis {chart}

When it comes to the form of the two backpacks, both provide a spacious amount of room to in order to fit all items that are needed. When analyzed, the backpacks have some bonus features that put one above the other. For example, the Borealis has two pockets specifically for laptops and tablets (shown to the right) and the Big Student has multiple compartments for more storage.

the north face: borealis backpack

jansport: big student backpack

color brook blue; graphite grey coral dusk

durability very durable durable

features large main compartment w/ laptop & tablet sleeve; women’s FlexVent™ shoulder straps; padded back panel; reflective light loop; hip belt; 2 mesh water bottle holders; organization compartment; front stash pocket; whistle; bungee cords for expansion; top handle

2 large, main compartment spaces; 1 side water bottle pocket; s-curve shoulder straps; front utility pocket w/ organizer; fully padded back panel; pleated & zipper front stash pocket; top handle

graphics embroidered logo located on front of bag; borealis located on bottom front

logo sewn on the front of the bag; also a smaller logo on shoulder strap; JS on zippers

material(s) nylon & polyester 600 denier polyester

size 19" x 13.5" x 7.5" 1526 cubic inches (25 liters)

17.5" x 13" x 10" 2100 cubic inches (34 liters)

target consumer everyday backpack for women everyday backpack for students

weight 2 pounds, 7 ounces 1 pound, 8 ounces

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functional analysis Most students use their backpacks by a way of transporting their books and school supplies to and from class. The functionality of backpacks can serve many purposes, like the Borealis backpack being more safety oriented as the Big Student backpack helps transport and store school materials.

functional analysis {chart} the north face: borealis

backpack

jansport: big student backpack

purpose padded to protect electronics during transportation; safety oriented due to reflective lights and whistle

educationally oriented to transport & store school supplies

usefulness easy to use; comfortable due to padding; lots of space

easy to use; lots of space

works well holds computer & tablet in place well so it won’t fall out; easy to unzip

easy to unzip and move items in and out of backpack

price $89.00 $45.00 frustrating heavy; overabundance of

straps no sleeve for laptops/tablets; no safety reflectors; only one water bottle holder

When looking at the functionality of the products, both execute their jobs the way intended. Both are easy to use and work well in performing the task anticipated. Some negatives to the functionality arise, such as the heaviness of the Borealis backpack and the lack of laptop and tablet sleeves.

conclusion Jansport and The North Face are some of the leading companies in the backpack industry today. When looked at closely, their overall form and function can be broken down in order to determine which one serves its purpose while having a pleasing form. After comparing both the Jansport and The North Face backpacks, it became easy to determine which one I prefer from both a formal and functional point of view. By taking a formal analysis of the backpacks, The North Face bag’s overall form appeared better than the Jansport. Due to the added padding in the back and

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on the shoulder straps, it provides for a more comfortable feel when wearing the backpack. Also, it offers much more safety as it has reflective lights which can be helpful when walking back to a dorm late at night. When looking solely at the functionality of the backpacks, the Jansport seems better in my opinion. With more pocket space, it is easier to fit all the items needed in it rather than The North Face backpack. It provides two large compartment spaces and also has many other organizational pockets, making it easy to keep track of smaller items such as pens and pencils. The price of the backpack seems more reasonable than The North Face as well. Each backpack could make improvements to allow for even form and function. The Borealis could reduce the number of straps, decrease the weight, and add another compartment for more storage. By having the features it does now and making these small improvements, the overall quality of the backpack would improve dramatically. When looking at the Big Student backpack, some enhancements could be attempted. These would include more padding on the back and straps, a sleeve for a computer and tablet, and also some safety reflectors. Essentially combining the good qualities of each backpack would create an overall admirable form and still deliver functionally in order to be useful for the modern college student.

works cited Big Student Backpack | Durable Backpacks | Jansport Online. (2013). Jansport

US Store. Retrieved August 6, 2014, from http://www.jansport.com/shop/en/jansport-us/backpacks/big-student-tdn7

Women’s Borealis Backpack. (n.d.). The North Face. Retrieved August 6, 2014, from http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/women-8217-s-borealis-backpack.html

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