Probably. Anecdotally I can say that I have an Eastpak backpack that served me well for the last 15 years, and still does. However I've recently been shown this beautiful website, which I think fits this community pretty well:
This is the pattern. Acquisition. Cost optimization. Quality decline. Warranty narrowing. Brand equity extraction. And eventually, divestiture.
It happened to your backpack. The same playbook is running right now on your power tools, your boots, your sunglasses, and about a dozen other product categories where a company you trusted quietly got absorbed by a corporation you've never heard of.
Gotcha! I don't have a ton of experience with modern school bags, I had an Eastpack and it lasted me through school, Jansport bags also held up really well. Maybe a slight edge to Jansport?
I think I had one fall apart and they replaced it under warranty. They're not the most rugged packs but there's always a strength vs weight tradeoff. If you want something really BIFL and don't mind some weight and inconvenience, look for a USAF SKRAM pack on fleabay or similar. Or PM me, I know of a guy who has some that he'd be willing to sell. They will be on the expensive side compared to a consumer school-type pack though.
11 replies
Probably. Anecdotally I can say that I have an Eastpak backpack that served me well for the last 15 years, and still does. However I've recently been shown this beautiful website, which I think fits this community pretty well:
https://www.worseonpurpose.com/p/your-backpack-got-worse-on-purpose
Granted, they even kind of say, that Eastpak is still good, and I also couldn't recommend other brands.
Insane, eye-opening read. Thank you
Glad it was of use :)
Backpack for what specifically? A commuter/school bag? A day pack? Something else?
Apologies. It is for school
Gotcha! I don't have a ton of experience with modern school bags, I had an Eastpack and it lasted me through school, Jansport bags also held up really well. Maybe a slight edge to Jansport?
Absolutely.
I think I had one fall apart and they replaced it under warranty. They're not the most rugged packs but there's always a strength vs weight tradeoff. If you want something really BIFL and don't mind some weight and inconvenience, look for a USAF SKRAM pack on fleabay or similar. Or PM me, I know of a guy who has some that he'd be willing to sell. They will be on the expensive side compared to a consumer school-type pack though.
You may want to look into Fjallraven.
Fjällräven means arctic fox (literal translation mountain fox) :D
#funfactfriday
Bought on a few years ago, seems the same as before, e.g. will wear out at some point but will not fail.