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

He started the backpack company in 1967, while still in college, and went on to revolutionize the way students carry books.

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).

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.

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.

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 ...

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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 ...