I was a Jansport kid. Quality went to hell many years ago.

Lowe Alpine made some very high quality packs back in the 90’s. They make ok, stuff now.

I have one from about 14 years ago - probably has another 14 in it at least.

Back when they were made to last. Now they are a planned obsolescence brand.

Buy some black fabric dye and dye it back to black, then it will be good as new :)

They made enough of an inroad into camera bags that they are still considered a quality option for those. But yeah their normal backpacks are just ok now.

I have a lowe alpine day pack I purchased in 1997. Other than the foam in the shoulder straps breaking down, it is still going. I use it exclusively for camping and as a day pack when jet setting.

Yeah I had a jansport around 2012-2015. Bottom fell out of it after just that short time. Got a north face then and it has no signs of wear since, daily use in school as well as hiking day trips and every time I travel.

Absolutely. I also have a LA bag that has been getting continuously used as a day pack and construction bag for the past few years, 17 years after my dad bought it to hike Kilimanjaro. Badass backpack for sure

Stealing the thread to ask. If Lewe Aplone and Jansport quality has gone down, what's a good backpack or backpack brand? My oldest kid is ready for a normal sized backpack.

Still have my 2nd Lowe from 30 years ago, no flaws. My first one finally succumbed to its injuries from my friends and I using it to slide on concrete, but even then it still took all of junior high to destroy it, and it was their cheapest model.

I'm sad to hear they've gone downhill. I'm not sure what brand I'll buy next, but glad I won't have to worry about that for a couple decades.

I have a Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 40 that I bought in '97, my first year of highschool. It lasted 4 years of highschool and 5 years of college. Still in good shape and use it to this day, although not as much as I used too. They made some great gear back then.

What was the name of this model?

I have a Lowe backpack. It's bloody brilliant even after 2 decades of use.

I’ve heard this story over and over :(

If you’re okay shipping from Canada I can recommend YNOT. They’re from my hometown and I just bought their Deploy backpack. It’s their most dumbed down backpack with only two compartments but I love mine. For about $140 CAD (103USD) I love it, although it might be overkill for your kid

I will look at the website, I live in a cold wasteland called Minnesota. Canadians are my family too

I still have and regularly use my Lowe alpine of 23 years! Good pack, perfect for carry on for flights.

Evergoods is a newer company that is puttering out some really nice packs, I’d recommend a CPL, or CHZ for school duties. Evergoods is founded by two industry veterans from GoRuck, and Patagonia. GoRuck makes very (expensive) nice packs too, I’d recommend the heritage line or regular GR1 models for your kid. Patagonia is much more affordable, but make great packs too their MLC 30 comes to mind for a good all arounder. Mystery Ranch is a another brand I’d check out. Their District line is good for school.

All these brands I mentioned have lifetime warranties.

I’m so tired of this story 😢

Got given it, eh?

I just want to commend your "got given" passive imperfect sentence construction.

..you're wearing a child's backpack at almost 30?

Looks so cool too

I’ve had my mini kanken for a long time and it’s faded a bit but no other issues

That’s got me wondering how much OP actually used this backpack.

I have my green Jansport from junior high.

Just a heads up Rab bought Lowe Alpine recently which may help quality I've two of their climbing bags and they're both impeccably well made, Rab are putting in a lot of work into recycling and making sure products last so I'm at least a little hopeful quality will improve.

A faded child's backpack.

As I would, had mine not fallen apart.

Unless it's Disneyfied, a children's backpack is just a small backpack. If the straps are adjustable, it's perfect for a lot of jobs for adults as well.

I have a similar Lowe Alpine from 2005 still going strong, only some fading after close to 20 years

I still have and use my Jansport from 1996. My kids use it more than I do at this point.

Frost river. Sturdy but heavy.

A company from my state too!

I've gotta suggest you get them an older "Made in USA" Eastpak off of Poshmark or another app! I have found a lot in near perfect condition and the quality is unmatched compared to modern Jansport and the other's who make similarly styled simple backpacks- they also have some really unique designs if you want something that stands out!

I have a pack with too many pockets. Two sounds good to me!

Yeah was gonna say Rab own them now, and Rab make good quality stuff so the Lowe Alpine brand will most likely be solid. I have a Rab hold-all which is great.