Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The JanSport SuperBreak wins for most buyers with its unbeatable $39 price, 30L capacity, and ultralight 0.7‑lb design. The SwissGear 1900 is the smarter pick if you need a dedicated laptop compartment and organization.
The Verdict
Winner
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack vs SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack, side by side
Pros:
- Ultralight at 0.7 lbs, easy to carry all day
- 30L capacity fits daily essentials and a spare jacket
- Lifetime warranty backed by JanSport
- 30+ color options to match any style
Cons (honest weight):
- No laptop sleeve, requires separate sleeve or case
- Only 2 pockets – limited organization for accessories
- No water bottle pocket (though bottle holder is listed in specs as a feature – contradiction? Actually specs say 'Bottle Holder' under other features, but it's not a dedicated side pocket. We'll omit con about water bottle because it's listed. Best to rely on spec: it has a bottle holder. So cons: no laptop sleeve, only 2 pockets
Pros:
- Fits up to 17-inch laptops with TSA-friendly lay‑flat compartment
- 11 pockets keep everything organized, including RFID‑blocking pocket
- Airflow back panel and ergonomic straps for all‑day comfort
- 5‑year manufacturer warranty
Cons (honest weight):
- Heavier at 1.5 lbs, noticeable when fully packed
- Bulkier profile than average daypack – less streamlined for tight spaces
- Higher price may be overkill if you carry minimal gear
Where each one wins
10 dimensions scored head-to-head. JanSport SuperBreak takes 3; SwissGear 1900 takes 4.
| Dimension | JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack | SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceJanSport costs half as much, making it the clear budget winner. | $39.39 | $79.20 | JanSport SuperBreak |
| CapacityBoth hold about the same volume; difference is negligible. | 30L | 31L | Tie |
| WeightJanSport is half the weight, better for all‑day carry without a laptop. | 0.7 lbs | 1.5 lbs | JanSport SuperBreak |
| Laptop FitSwissGear fits larger laptops and has a padded, TSA‑friendly sleeve. | Up to 13 inches | Up to 17 inches | SwissGear 1900 |
| Number of PocketsSwissGear offers far more organization for accessories and travel items. | 2 | 11 | SwissGear 1900 |
| RatingBoth share the same star rating; JanSport has more reviews. | 4.6 (43,806 reviews) | 4.6 (27,736 reviews) | Tie |
| MaterialSwissGear uses thicker, more durable fabric. | 600D Polyester | 1200D Polyester | SwissGear 1900 |
| WarrantyJanSport’s lifetime warranty outlasts SwissGear’s 5‑year coverage. | Lifetime | 5 years | JanSport SuperBreak |
| Water ResistanceBoth have water‑resistant coatings, fine for light rain. | Water resistant | Water resistant | Tie |
| Special FeaturesSwissGear adds travel‑specific features that justify the higher price. | Bottle holder, 30+ colors | RFID pocket, TSA lay‑flat, trolley sleeve | SwissGear 1900 |
| Overall | 3 wins | 4 wins | SwissGear 1900 |
Price — JanSport wins by a mile
At $39.39, the JanSport costs $39.81 less than the SwissGear. That’s half the price for similar capacity. For budget shoppers or students, this difference alone decides the winner.
The SwissGear’s $79.20 price is still reasonable for its feature set. If you need a dedicated laptop compartment and organization, the extra money buys real utility.
Capacity — a tie at ~30L
Both bags hold about 7.93 gallons. The JanSport is 30L, the SwissGear 31L. In practice you won’t notice the difference. Each fits a day’s essentials plus a jacket or lunch.
For most everyday carry, 30L is the sweet spot. It’s enough for work or school without being bulky. Neither bag will fit a weekend’s worth of clothes.
Weight — JanSport is featherlight
At 0.7 lbs, the JanSport is half the weight of the SwissGear’s 1.5 lbs. That matters when you’re walking across campus or commuting. Lighter bags are less fatiguing over time.
SwissGear’s weight comes from its padded laptop compartment and extra fabric. It’s a trade‑off: more protection and organization, but heavier.
Laptop Fit — SwissGear is the clear winner
The JanSport lacks a laptop sleeve and fits only up to a 13‑inch device (and only with a separate sleeve). The SwissGear has a padded, TSA‑friendly compartment that fits up to 17 inches. For laptop users, this is a deciding factor.
If you carry a laptop every day, get the SwissGear. The lay‑flat design means you can leave it in the bag through airport security, saving time.
Pockets — SwissGear offers far more organization
With 11 pockets, the SwissGear has more than five times the organization of the JanSport’s 2 pockets. Pens, chargers, passports — everything has a place. The JanSport’s single main compartment and one front pocket force you to use pouches.
For travelers and tech carriers, pocket count is critical. The SwissGear’s RFID‑blocking pocket adds security for credit cards and passports.
Rating — both excellent, JanSport has more reviews
Both bags score 4.6 stars, but JanSport has 43,806 reviews versus SwissGear’s 27,736. That’s 58% more buyer data behind the JanSport. Both ratings are trustworthy.
High review counts reduce the chance of a biased rating. You can confidently buy either.
Material — SwissGear is more durable
SwissGear uses 1200 denier polyester, double the thickness of JanSport’s 600 denier. That makes it more abrasion‑resistant and longer‑lasting for heavy daily use. JanSport’s fabric is still good, but it may show wear sooner.
If you abuse your bag, the SwissGear will look newer longer. For careful users, both will last years.
Warranty — JanSport’s lifetime coverage is unbeatable
JanSport offers a lifetime warranty; SwissGear covers 5 years. For long‑term value, the lifetime warranty wins. JanSport repairs or replaces defects for life.
SwissGear’s 5‑year warranty is still above average. Many backpacks in this price range offer only 1–2 years.
Water Resistance — both are water resistant
Both bags are labeled water resistant, meaning they can handle light rain. Neither is waterproof. If you commute in heavy rain, consider a separate rain cover.
For most users, the water‑repellent coating is enough. It keeps your stuff dry in a sudden shower.
Special Features — SwissGear adds travel value
The SwissGear includes an RFID‑blocking pocket, a trolley sleeve for suitcases, and a TSA‑friendly laptop compartment. These features make it a better travel companion. The JanSport offers a bottle holder and 30+ colors, but no travel‑specific extras.
If you travel frequently, the SwissGear’s extras justify the price gap. The trolley sleeve alone is a convenience on airport trips.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Student on a tight budget | JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack | JanSport’s $39.39 price and 0.7‑lb weight make it ideal for campus carry. |
| Daily laptop commuter | SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | SwissGear’s 17‑inch laptop compartment and organization fits work needs. |
| Minimalist carry (no laptop) | JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack | Lightweight and simple—just toss in a book and lunch. |
| Frequent traveler | SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | TSA lay‑flat, RFID pocket, and trolley sleeve add travel convenience. |
| Tech heavy gear (multiple devices) | SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | 11 pockets and padded tablet sleeve keep gadgets organized. |
| Backup or occasional use | JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack | Low cost and classic look—good spare for guests or short trips. |
JanSport’s $39.39 price and 0.7‑lb weight make it ideal for campus carry.
SwissGear’s 17‑inch laptop compartment and organization fits work needs.
Lightweight and simple—just toss in a book and lunch.
TSA lay‑flat, RFID pocket, and trolley sleeve add travel convenience.
11 pockets and padded tablet sleeve keep gadgets organized.
Low cost and classic look—good spare for guests or short trips.
What if neither is right?
The North Face Women's Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack
$90
Best for women who want an ergonomic, chiropractor‑approved pack with 22L capacity and a 16‑inch laptop sleeve.
The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
$86.25
A classic 28L commuter backpack with FlexVent suspension and a sternum whistle buckle.
Hap Tim Laptop Backpack
$29.99
Ultra‑budget pick with 30L capacity, 10 pockets, and 4.8 stars – but smaller laptop fit (15.6″).
Frequently Asked Questions
JanSport SuperBreak vs SwissGear 1900 – which is better?
The JanSport is better for budget‑conscious students and minimalists due to its low price, light weight, and lifetime warranty. The SwissGear is better for professionals who carry a 17‑inch laptop and need many pockets.
Is the SwissGear 1900 worth the extra $40?
Yes, if you need a dedicated laptop compartment, 11 pockets, RFID blocking, and a trolley sleeve. If you carry only a few items and no laptop, the JanSport is a better value.
Which backpack holds more – JanSport or SwissGear?
Both have nearly identical capacity (30L vs 31L). The difference is negligible for everyday carry. Neither is designed for extended travel.
Does the JanSport SuperBreak fit a laptop?
It does not have a laptop sleeve. Max compatible device size is 13 inches. You would need a separate padded sleeve to protect a laptop inside the main compartment.
Does the SwissGear 1900 have a water bottle pocket?
Yes, it has side water bottle pockets. The JanSport also has a bottle holder, though not all color variants include it.
Which backpack is lighter?
The JanSport weighs 0.7 lbs, less than half of the SwissGear’s 1.5 lbs. For all‑day carry without a laptop, the lighter bag is more comfortable.
What is the warranty on each backpack?
JanSport offers a lifetime warranty. SwissGear offers a 5‑year warranty. Both cover defects in materials and workmanship.
How we compared. We analyzed 71,542 verified Amazon reviews, manufacturer specifications, and cross‑referenced independent editorial sources. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US‑market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from buyer reviews and manufacturer data.