The 15 Best Backpack Brands To Keep on Your Radar This Season
Backpack, Backpack (Dora The Explorer voice). Like it or not, school is back in session. While some of you have already gotten your school supplies because you started school earlier this month, there’s plenty of you that aren’t starting until the end of August/early September. Backpacks are a necessary component of school success, and they have gotten much cooler/trendier than let’s just say twenty or thirty years ago. On top of that, you can also use backpacks for easy traveling on those school vacations and study abroad trips you have planned. So we've compiled a list of some of the best backpack brands to consider as we begin the school year.
When it comes to selecting a backpack—or a backpack brand rather—quality is very important. Obviously you don’t want a bag that’s going to fall apart and tear easily. You’ll also want to keep in mind how much space you are going to need and what you plan on using it for (some book bags are smaller than others). Last but not least, you’ll also want to factor in your personality. Maybe a Star Wars back is right up your alley. Or perhaps a simple standard color bag will work best. Those decisions are ultimately up to you.
As always, we’re here to help. Below are fifteen of the best backpack brands to help get you started.
Table of Contents
Best Overall Option: The North Face
Longest Lasting: L.L. Bean
Best Budget Option: adidas
Highest Quality: Patagonia
Best for the Athleisure Lover: Lululemon
1. The North Face
Image credit: The North Face
The North Face Recon
Best Overall Option
North Face has long been one of the top-rated brands to buy backpacks from over the decades. Having been around for more than 50 years, the company specializes in activewear and outdoor sports gear that includes a wide range of backpacks. Pictured above is the North Face Recon backpack which is stylistically attractive with ample room to match. This our number one pick out of best backpack brands around when it comes to balancing price, quality and style.
SHOP NOW AT THE NORTH FACE, $99
2. L.L. Bean
Image credit: L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Bag
Longest Lasting
L.L. Bean is another tried and trusted backpack brand that has been around for decades. As we personally owned a couple of L.L. Bean bags through our school years, we can attest to it being durable and the highest of quality. Made with an ergonomic design and the same attention to detail as their hiking packs, this bag is built to last you for a long time.
3. adidas
Image credit: Dick's Sporting Goods
adidas Prime 6 Bag
Best Budget Option
Adidas has multiple good backpack options as well that are built for the long haul. Like the other brands listed, there’s no shortage of bags to choose from, with plenty of sizing and color choices. For our adidas selection, we’re rolling with the Prime 6 as it is very spacious, highly rated, and has tons of units available at your disposal.
SHOP NOW AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, $48.75
4. Patagonia
Image credit: Patagonia
Patagonia 26 L
Highest Quality
Trusted, respected, and high-quality detected. As usual, we have a couple of luxury options for those that enjoy finer things in life. While not in the upper echelon of luxury brands, the pricing of Patagonia does technically qualify as such. The most important thing, however, is the features and durability, which are excellent. Our favorite is the Refugio Daypack 26L, which comes highly rated.
5. Lululemon
Image credit: Lululemon
Lululemon New Crew Backpack
Best for the Athleisure Lover
Lululemon doesn’t just sell athletic/athleisure wear, they also carry backpacks as well for those that didn’t know. Tons of backpack and color options are available as well, with the pricing reasonable like most of Lululemon’s products are. The New Crew backpack is among our favorites, designed for being on the move, while also water-repellent.
A bunch of other options:
We did the best backpack brand on a budget, the longest lasting and the best overall quality. Here's a list of a bunch of other options, ranging from accessible to expensive.
6. Gucci
Image credit: GUCCI
GUCCI GG Black Backpack
If you really want to drop a bag (pun intended), you could go with any and everything Gucci. Gucci is Gucci, so not much else to be said as their bags are not only excellent, but a great investment. This visually stunning Gucci GF Black backpack pictured above is a black/gray combo enriched with Web straps and black leather trims that’s comfortable and easy on the eyes.
7. Osprey
Image credit: Osprey
Osprey Mutant 52
Osprey has been around for the better part of these last fifty years, certainly earning the respect of both avid and casual backpack wearers. Made with the outdoors in mind, these bags can be used for hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and more. They even have backpacks for skiing and snowboarding! Since we’ve yet to feature a bag meant specifically for winter outdoor activities, we’ll go with the Mutant 52, which is one of their best.
8. Nike
Image credit: Dick's Sporting Good
Nike Hayward Backpack
Nike is another athletic/athleisure brand that provides options in the backpack scene (though they seem to be more geared towards book bags for sports). Sometimes you need different bags for different occasions, and Nike is obviously great for their gym/sports oriented products. We’ve mentioned the Nike Hayward Backpack on a few occasions as we feel this is a solid medium-sized backpack that is certainly cool for the gym.
SHOP NOW AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, $55
9. Deuter
Image credit: REI
Deuter Speed Lite 21
Deuter is a German brand with a knack for providing sturdy well produced backpacks. While not a “household” name persay, you better believe that they can hang with the best of the best. Whether you are looking for a hiking bag, or even just something for the office, Deuter has you covered. Our recommendation would be the Deuter Speed Lite 21 Pack.
10. Allpa
Image credit: Cotopaxi
Allpa Backpack
Figured we’d throw something in that’s specifically for travel as Allpa is a company that designs bags specifically for traveling. Their motto is “Start Here. Go Anywhere,” which should be enough to get you searching for your next trip. With its intuitive hip design, Allpa was created with organization and minimalist features in mind. Perfect for impromptu road trips and international voyages.
11. Nordace
Image credit: Nordace
Norace Siena Bag
Speaking of backpack brands that go down the minimalist route, Nordace is another hip suave brand to browse. A slightly less expensive option, Nordace bags are crafted in a modern square silhouette, while featuring roomy well-crafted designs. Most of their bags are pretty similar in terms of look, so it’s really just about picking the one that best suits what you are looking for.
List above is the Nordace Siena, which we like a lot.
12. Dagne Dover
Image credit: Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover Neoprene Backpack
Dagne Dover. Just rolls off the tongue doesn’t it? This is a brand for the organizationally challenged with its next level space and pockets. Simply put, there’s absolutely no way that you can lose or misplace any of your belongings with a Dagne Dover brand. You can go with their Nova Sling Bag if you are looking for something smaller, or their Dakota Neoprene Backpack if you want something slightly bigger. The choice is yours.
13. Herschel
Image credit: Herschel
Herschel Retreat Backpack
Herschel is another brand that actively keeps nature lovers in mind as well, with bags for men, women, and unisex. They are also very popular on Instagram if you need a little extra convincing to purchase. Since we mentioned nature, we have to include the The Herschel Retreat Mid-Volume, which is a sized-down take on a classic mountaineering backpack. There’s also a standard size if you are looking for something slightly bigger.
14. Under Armour
Image credit: Under Armour
Under Armour Contain Backpack
Under Armour is a little slept on in the backpack department as well. Like Nike and adidas, they have a lot of great selections such as this Contain Backpack. Doesn’t this bag look cool? Like you’re about to go into outer space?
While it appears small, it’s actually quite spacious (big enough to fit a basketball). It’s also water-resistant, has breathable air mesh, removable strap clips, and a laptop sleeve. You can find this and similar backpack options for a great bargain at Under Armour.
SHOP NOW AT UNDER ARMOUR, $56.25
15. Yukon
Image credit: Yukon
Yukon Leather Backpack
We’ve never seen backpacks that look like wooden floors before. That seems to be the theme amongst Yukon bags, and it is certainly very interesting. The Yukon backpack can take you from school to work, has a ton of room, and additional features including: zippered compartments, roomy open pockets, and built-in keychain holders amongst others. This is certainly one of the best backpack brands for the more aesthetic-oriented student in your life.
Like we said, these are just some of the best backpack brands to help get you started. Be sure to keep up with us for more style content.
