JanSport 26L Cross Town Plus Backpack: What to Know Before You Buy 2026

I bought the JanSport Cross Town Plus because I wanted a plain, affordable backpack I could grab for commuting, errands, and the gym without thinking about it. At $34.00 it sits well below most laptop bags I looked at, so my expectations were modest. After a few weeks of steady use, it has mostly met them.

What follows is what I actually found using it day to day, plus the honest limits that come with a bag at this price. I'll cover storage, laptop fit, comfort, and who this pack is really for. I'm not going to pretend it's more than it is.

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Storage and Layout

The main compartment is a single large open space, which I like for tossing in a hoodie, lunch, and a water bottle without playing Tetris. There's no internal divider or mesh pocket in the main body, so smaller items can settle at the bottom.

The front utility pocket with its organizer is where I keep pens, cables, and keys. It's basic but functional, and having a dedicated spot for small things keeps me from digging around. The side water bottle pocket holds a standard bottle snugly.

• Large main compartment with open space for bulky items
• Front utility pocket with an organizer panel for small essentials
• Side water bottle pocket
• 15-inch padded laptop sleeve
• Padded bottom boot and web haul handle

Laptop Fit and Protection

The padded 15-inch laptop sleeve is the feature that sold me. My laptop slides in and out easily, and the padding is enough that I don't worry when I set the bag down on a bench or floor. It's a simple sleeve, not a suspended compartment, so a hard drop is still a hard drop.

If you carry a larger laptop or a thick protective case, measure before you buy. The sleeve is sized for 15 inches, and a bulky case can make the fit tight. For a standard 13- to 15-inch machine, it's fine.

Comfort and Carry

The straight-cut padded shoulder straps and fully padded back panel are the parts I notice most on longer walks. They spread weight okay for a light-to-medium load, and the back padding keeps things from digging in. This isn't a load-hauler, so I keep it reasonable.

The web haul handle is handy for grabbing the bag out of a car or off a hook. The corded zipper pulls are easy to find and grab, even with gloves on. None of this is fancy, but it all works.

Specs at a Glance

Here's the spec sheet as listed, so you can check it against your own daily carry before ordering.

These numbers tell most of the story: it's a compact daily pack, not a travel duffel.

Drawbacks to Know

The biggest limitation is the size. At 17 x 12.5 x 6 inches, it's a daily pack, not a weekender. I wouldn't try to pack it for an overnight trip or a big grocery run.

The main compartment lacks internal organization, so small items can get lost without pouches. The straps are padded but not especially contoured, and on a heavy load the fit feels basic. At this price, that's the trade-off.

Buyers generally rate it highly, with a 4.5 average across 1,535 ratings. Many describe it as a dependable everyday bag, though some note it's smaller in person than expected.

FAQ

Does the JanSport Cross Town Plus fit a 15-inch laptop?

Yes, it has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, and my standard-size laptop slides in and out easily. A thick case may make the fit tight, so measure if you're unsure.

Is 26L enough for daily commuting?

For a laptop, lunch, a light layer, and a water bottle, yes. It's not enough for overnight travel or a big haul of groceries.

How comfortable is it for long walks?

The padded straps and back panel are fine for light-to-medium loads. For heavy loads over long distances, the basic strap shape isn't as supportive as a hiking pack.

Does it have a water bottle pocket?

Yes, there's a side water bottle pocket. It holds a standard bottle snugly and is easy to reach while wearing the bag.

Is this backpack good for students?

It's listed for users 13 and older, and the laptop sleeve and organizer suit school or campus carry. Just check that your books and gear fit the 26L space.

Verdict: The JanSport Cross Town Plus is a sensible $34.00 daily backpack with a padded laptop sleeve, an organizer pocket, and comfortable-enough straps. If you need a compact commuter bag and can live without internal dividers or a big capacity, it's a solid pick. Check the current price on Amazon.

This review may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, Grand Goldman earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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