2 ms·

This isn't really the math. A $50 backpack from a decent brand will easily last 5-10 years under normal use. You aren't getting anything extra in terms of durab

by paxys 3y ago

This isn't really the math. A $50 backpack from a decent brand will easily last 5-10 years under normal use. You aren't getting anything extra in terms of durability from the $400+ worth of exotic materials and handcrafting. It's a signal of social status, like any other piece of luxury fashion, but not much more than that.

JohnBooty 3y ago
What's "normal use"? Here was my "normal use" as a student in the 1980s and 1990s. - 4 or 5 large books at once, bag often fairly bulging - Zipped and unzipped probably > 20x daily - Dropped onto school, home, and schoolbus floors dozens of times daily with various levels of care - Some walking, some weather exposure (less for me than many others) - One strap always carrying 100% of the load because the style was to wear it over one shoulder; it was never acceptable to wear it with a strap over each shoulder as actually designed Anecdotally I didn't see a lot of $50 Jansports lasting multiple years under those conditions and even if they did they would be pretty grungy. Now... today as a middle-aged adult? Yes, a $50 Jansport easily lasts me 10+ years, probably more like 30, basically a lifetime purchase. Also... today as a student? I guess it's less physical books and more Chromebooks so sure yeah maybe $50 Jansports can be lifetime purchases for kids, why the hell not
- maxglute 3y ago
  Maybe I'm talking out of my ass but this seems to be designed for regimented JP primary school life. Rigid central compartment for books. No need to accomodate for lunch boxes or water since you get that at school. Or you clothes/shoes for sports and after school activities.
  - JohnBooty 3y ago
    I think many kids carry a packed lunch (bento) but carry it separately in a box wrapped in a cloth or separate bag. I've not visited nor lived in Japan, I'm sure somebody can correct/expand. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento

by paxys 3y ago

JohnBooty 3y ago

What's "normal use"? Here was my "normal use" as a student in the 1980s and 1990s. - 4 or 5 large books at once, bag often fairly bulging - Zipped and unzipped probably > 20x daily - Dropped onto school, home, and schoolbus floors dozens of times daily with various levels of care - Some walking, some weather exposure (less for me than many others) - One strap always carrying 100% of the load because the style was to wear it over one shoulder; it was never acceptable to wear it with a strap over each shoulder as actually designed Anecdotally I didn't see a lot of $50 Jansports lasting multiple years under those conditions and even if they did they would be pretty grungy. Now... today as a middle-aged adult? Yes, a $50 Jansport easily lasts me 10+ years, probably more like 30, basically a lifetime purchase. Also... today as a student? I guess it's less physical books and more Chromebooks so sure yeah maybe $50 Jansports can be lifetime purchases for kids, why the hell not

maxglute 3y ago
Maybe I'm talking out of my ass but this seems to be designed for regimented JP primary school life. Rigid central compartment for books. No need to accomodate for lunch boxes or water since you get that at school. Or you clothes/shoes for sports and after school activities.
- JohnBooty 3y ago
  I think many kids carry a packed lunch (bento) but carry it separately in a box wrapped in a cloth or separate bag. I've not visited nor lived in Japan, I'm sure somebody can correct/expand. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento