Jansport was started when Murray won a contest at the " UW" for best use of Alumunium and won 50,000 dollars for his " Backpack" which at the time used bolted together frames ( something new at the time when all others were tig-welding) and the frames were flexable. He also was first to use " Panel Loading" main compartments and side zippers pockets with were easy. This " Hippie /Dropout" soon sold his company to the K2 Corp. and soon after, Jansport quality slowly began to take a dive. The the Mid -70's the " famous Whitaker Brothers had their hands in Jansport and this tents and packs were among the best made anywhere . Dicky Kelty and his gear was also quite good, but big business pressure to buy you out soon won out. Jansport, Kelty, Eddie Bauwer, Gerry, Wilderness Experience all were bought out and soon acame mass market gear .......