Skip Yowell papers
Scope and Contents
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.
Dates
- Creation: 1973-2013
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
Conditions Governing 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.
Biographical / Historical
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.
Full Extent
21 Linear Feet (49 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains correspondence, notes, photographs, and ephemera related to Skip Yowell, as well as general materials related to JanSport products and operations.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into 9 series by subject matter. Depending on the content, folders may be sorted either chronologically or alphabetically.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
These materials were donated to USU Special Collections and Archives in 2023 by Winnie Kingsbury
- Title
- Guide to the Skip Yowell papers
- Author
- Finding aid created by Asher Bosworth, Elise Gottling, and Clint Pumphrey
- Date
- 2026
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Revision Statements
- 2026: Revised to add photo series
Repository Details
Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)
scweb@usu.edu