For a generation of high school students, back-to-school shopping meant a trip to Sports Authority. The brand’s house-label backpacks were a familiar sight in school hallways, celebrated for their combination of rugged durability and an accessible price point. While new Sports Authority backpacks are no longer available in stores, the features that made them a high school staple live on in today’s top brands.
What Made the Sports Authority Backpack a High School Favorite?
The ideal high school backpack is a unique piece of gear. It needs to be more than a simple bookbag; it must be a durable, organized, and comfortable carryall that can withstand the daily rigors of school life. The Sports Authority student backpack models hit all the key points:
- Durability: Made from tough polyester or ripstop nylon, these backpacks were built to last. They were able to handle the weight of heavy textbooks, binders, and a laptop without the seams giving out. The reinforced bottoms and strong zippers were a major plus, ensuring they could survive being tossed into lockers, thrown on the bus, and dragged across campus.
- Functionality and Organization: A good high school backpack keeps a student organized, and Sports Authority’s models were no exception. They typically featured:
- Multiple Compartments: A large main compartment for books, a secondary compartment for folders and notebooks, and a smaller front pocket for pens, pencils, and keys.
- Padded Laptop Sleeves: Many models came with a dedicated, padded sleeve, a crucial feature for students carrying laptops or tablets.
- Water Bottle Pockets: Side mesh or zippered pockets for water bottles were essential for staying hydrated between classes.
- Comfort: With padded, adjustable shoulder straps and often a ventilated back panel, these backpacks were designed for comfort, even when fully loaded. The weight distribution was a key feature that prevented back strain during a long school day.
- Affordability: This was arguably the most significant selling point. Sports Authority’s house-brand backpacks offered a compelling alternative to more expensive brands, providing students and parents with a high-quality product that didn’t break the bank.
Where to Find a Modern-Day Equivalent
Although the doors of Sports Authority have long since closed, the demand for a quality, affordable, and functional student backpack remains. Many current brands have stepped in to fill that void, offering products that capture the same spirit of the old Sports Authority models.
- JanSport: The classic JanSport backpack is a timeless choice, known for its iconic design and lifetime warranty. The “Big Student” and “Cool Student” models offer multiple compartments and a laptop sleeve, making them perfect for high school.
- The North Face and Osprey: While often seen as outdoor-focused brands, The North Face’s “Vault” and Osprey’s “Quasar” or “Quasar” are excellent choices for students. They bring a high level of quality, ergonomic design, and durability from the hiking world to the school setting.
- Under Armour and Adidas: For students involved in sports or who prefer an athletic aesthetic, brands like Under Armour and Adidas offer backpacks with durable materials, laptop sleeves, and specialized compartments for gear and shoes.
- Target and Walmart’s House Brands: For those on a tight budget, retailers like Target (with their “Made by Design” or “Open Story” lines) and Walmart offer their own branded backpacks that provide comparable features and durability to the classic Sports Authority models at a very competitive price.
The Sports Authority student backpack was a rite of passage for many high schoolers, a reliable workhorse that carried them through four years of classes. Its legacy lives on in the backpacks of today, proving that a great design, a focus on practicality, and a commitment to quality are always in style.
