Seattle-based entrepreneur and inventor of the modern backpack, Murray McCory, died last month at the age of 80.

After the death of Murray McCory, a founder of the outdoors equipment company JanSport, readers recalled how their backpacks served them on life’s journeys.

Take the school backpack, for example. Its invention can be traced to one man, Murray McCory, who died last month. McCory founded JanSport in 1967 with his future wife (Jan, the company’s namesake).

By Clay Risen Murray McCory, who founded the outdoor equipment company JanSport while still in college and whose signature innovation, a lightweight backpack, revolutionized school life for ...

Murray McCory, a free-spirited outdoorsman who co-founded the rugged gear and pack company JanSport, designed a widely imitated dome tent, and created a durable but lightweight backpack that ...

Learn more As a high school teacher, I've seen school backpacks in all states of disrepair, so I know how important it is to find a bag that is durable enough to be used day in and day out.

Pack your belongings in a sustainable, durable backpack for your next adventure. Donna Kim, a journalist, writer, and content strategist with 15 years of experience, specializes in wellness ...

Bright and homely, Lowcountry Peach can be exclusively found on drinkware ... a variety of survival essentials including duffel bags, backpacks and blankets. Inspired by the barren deserts of ...

Murray McCory, who founded JanSport while a student at UW and whose lightweight backpack, revolutionized school life for millions of students, died Oct. 7 in Seattle.