Blackbird Blog: TAKE A HIKE - JANSPORT HERITAGE SERIES

Blackbird is proud to offer the Heritage Series from JanSport, a modern and honest re-issue of JanSport's original backpack and travel silhouettes, reflecting the authentic outdoor functionality and aesthetics at the core of the brand.

Three friends and recent college graduates were living in Washington state: Skip, and outdoor enthusiast; Murray, an engineer; and Jan and accomplished seamstress. They spent the bulk of their time plotting how to avoid the conformity of 9-5 jobs so when Murray won a timely design award from the Alcoa Company for creating the first adjustable aluminum frame backpacks, a bit of instant karma began to take flight. Murray asked his girlfriend Jan to create a backpack pattern for his new aluminum frame and promised her that if it was a success and took off, he'd name the company after her. It was, he did and the JanSport Brand hit the planet.

Companies born in the mid to late 60's rejected the traditional corporate establishment and with motivation for change gave birth to new cultures that rejected the music, art and political and social activism of the times. It was during this dynamic era when JanSport values paralleled that of the youth culture; a cultural phenomenon that by all standards forever changed the face of the world.

Fast forward to 2008 and JanSport remains the icon backpack brand, earning their reputation for superior quality, market-leading innovation and enduring designs that sustain the whims of change.