An Old Reliable Friend: Readers Share Their JanSport Memories

Murray McCory revolutionized school life with a lightweight backpack that he created through JanSport, the outdoors equipment company he founded in 1967.By the mid-1980s, JanSport bags were ubiquitous in colleges and high schools.When The New York Times published Mr.

McCory’s obituary on Monday, readers shared memories of their JanSports in the comments section.Some recalled toting them to school, others hauling them on their travels around the globe.

Many said their backpacks held up for decades, and some have passed them on to their children, who continue to use them today.A selection of their stories, condensed and lightly edited, is below.I love my backpack! It has been my companion in hiking trails, climbing mountains, carrying skis and traveling the world.This old, old reliable friend is a reminder, on this day, that even though we might never receive millions, or fame, even recognition — what we do matters.

Our ongoing efforts matter and can touch lives beyond our own, and never known to us.Thank you, Mr.

Murray, for following your passion.You touched many.

— Cheryl Hazlitt (@Cheryl)....