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Skip Yowell papers, 1973-2013

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Yowell, Harold "Skip" Murray, 1946-2015
Title
Skip Yowell papers
Dates
1973-2013 (inclusive)
Quantity
21 linear feet, (49 boxes)
Collection Number
UUS_ORA 047
Summary
This collection contains correspondence, notes, photographs, and ephemera related to Skip Yowell, as well as general materials related to JanSport products and operations.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Skip Yowell's cousin, Murray McCory (then Pletz), and his girlfriend, Jan Lewis, founded JanSport in 1967 and soon brought in Skip to handle sales and marketing, helping transform a small backpacking venture into a global company known for its functional design and cultural impact. Widely recognized for his energy, humor, and unconventional leadership style, Yowell played a central role in fostering a company culture rooted in storytelling, exploration, and personal connection, values that continue to influence the outdoor industry today. Events such as JanSport's Shake'n'Bake and yearly summits of Mt. Rainier with sales reps highlight Skip's style of building community and his joy for climbing.

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Content Description

This collection contains materials owned by Skip Yowell, mostly involving his work with JanSport. These materials include event programming, product research and development, advertisements, expedition documents, photographic images, and articles. Also included are materials related to Skip's other endeavors, such as his book The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder & Other Mountains, his popcorn brand, and his philanthropic work.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Skip Yowell Papers must be obtained from the Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: Skip Yowell papers USU_ORA 047. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations:USU_ORA 047, USUSCA.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 9 series by subject matter. Depending on the content, folders may be sorted either chronologically or alphabetically.

Acquisition Information

These materials were donated to USU Special Collections and Archives in 2023 by Winnie Kingsbury

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and Subjects

Subject Terms

  • Businesses and Corporations
  • Expeditions and Adventure
  • Outdoor recreation industry.

Titles within the Collection

  • JanSport

Finding aid created by Asher Bosworth, Elise Gottling, and Clint Pumphrey
2026

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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