Jansport, Inc. Integrates Patented High-Tech Material Into Business Casual Travel Line.

Business Editors

APPLETON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2001

Enhances ergonomic design for shock absorption and load distribution

JanSport, Inc., the world's largest maker of backpacks, today announced the integration of a unique patented material called Gelastic(TM) Gellycomb(TM), a honeycomb-like elastomer, into the shoulder straps of their 2001 business casual travel line to provide unprecedented shock absorption and load distribution.

Gelastic(TM) Gellycomb(TM) is exclusive to JanSport's line of daypacks and luggage. The Business Casual Travel Collection includes three pullmans, a wheeled daypack, two wheeled duffels, and laptop briefcases in a variety of sizes, plus accessory items.

"Today's business traveler is constantly on the move and carrying heavier loads," said Tim McGuire, senior vice president of sales at JanSport, Inc. "Market demands for extreme comfort, effective load distribution and durability in luggage are increasing. With the integration of Gelastic Gellycomb and ergonomic design features and functionality, our Business Casual Travel line meets these demands."

Traditional foam-filled shoulder straps bottom out under compression, and go flat with repeated heavy use. JanSport's patented Gelastic Gellycomb cushioning technology, originally developed for their high-performance Airlift(R) daypacks, withstands hundreds of thousands of wear cycles to provide a lifetime of comfort. Gelastic Gellycomb was designed on the principle of column buckling. It delivers unprecedented shock absorption and has the ability to follow the contours of the user's shoulders and significantly reduce the pressure they feel.

In addition, a number of styling elements give the luggage line a fresh look, including the use of ballistic nylon fabric, honeycomb construction and ball-bearing in-line skate wheels.

Luggage items with Gelastic include the Traveler, Flight Tote, Ultimate Brief, Vertical Brief, Expandable Brief, Deluxe Expandable Brief as well as the 28" & 32" Wheeled Footlockers.

About JanSport, Inc.

JanSport is the world's largest marketer of backpacks and a leading producer and marketer of outdoor-oriented equipment, accessories and travel packs with headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin, and offices in Everett, Washington, England, France, Hong Kong, China, Netherlands, Germany and Italy. JanSport's other brands include Eastpak and Wolf Creek. JanSport is a division of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), the world's largest publicly-held apparel company and a leader in the jeanswear, decorated knitwear, intimate apparel, playwear and specialty apparel markets. VF's other principal brands include Lee, Wrangler, Riders, Rustler, Brittania, Vanity Fair, Vassarette, Bestform, Lily Of France, Healthtex, Jantzen and Red Kap.