I remember when backpacks were only used in school. I will admit, I did look forward to getting a new backpack every year. There where not that many options available when I was in school.
Now, the computation is fierce, and it seems just about everyone is making a backpack. Backpacks are not just for school anymore. They are carried to work, to the gym, on trips, and even for business.
With so many options, it can be hard to find just the right one. Continue reading this article to find out all the details about the best backpack brands.
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
What To Look For in The Best Backpack Brands
Style
You want a backpack that is going to look good. It needs to be functional, but you also want it to enhance your look. Gone are the days where you have to just pick a backpack because the options are limited. There are so many options; you do not have to sacrifice style for function or the other way around.
Fit
A backpack is meant to be worn. You want it to fit comfortably on your body while you are carrying your items. You want it to take the strain away from you, not add it to your back.
Use
It is important to know how you plan to use your classic backpack. Not every great backpack is intended for all uses. If you are planning to go camping, you do not want to use the same bag you would carry into the office with you unless your office is in the woods. You want to make sure you have a good backpack for your camping gear. If you are looking for a gym bag, you may want a durable backpack or even a men’s backpack.
Material
You want a anti theft backpack that is going to be durable and hold up to whatever you are going to dish out. Once you find the perfect backpacking bag, you want it to last forever. You want it to resist stains. There are backpacks made from leather, canvas, and nylon. You can even find backpacks that are made from recycled materials.
Cost
The price is important, but it should not be the only important feature. You are going to find a wide range of prices on backpacks. You want to know your budget before you begin to look. You can find the bag of your dreams without blowing your budget. It is important to note that you may want to spend a little more for extra durability in a backpack, depending on your plans.
Warranty
A warranty is essential, also. You want to find a manufacturer that believes in the quality of their product and stands by it. Even the best brands are going to have an occasional problem. You want a backpack that has a three year warranty, at least.
Best Backpack Brands
Herschel Supply Co.
Source: Herschel Supply Co.
Herschel Supply Co. has been in operation since 2009. Herschel Supply Co. claims they are a lifestyle bag company. As a result, they focus on bags that are functional and fashionable. These bags pay attention to every detail. The bags are not bulky while remaining spacious with plenty of storage.
The company is innovative and cares about sustainability. They have chosen the minimalist look to focus on what matters to them. Their backpacks are made of durable polyester to stand up against abuse.
The front zippered pocket allows for the storage of pens, earbuds, phones, or other small items. The bags have water bottle pockets on either side. It has adjustable shoulder strap options and an internal main zip pocket that is large enough to be a laptop compartment.
The Herschel Supply Co. bags are ideal for everyday use or your next trip. These everyday carry (EDC backpack) options are affordable and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Fjallraven
Source: Fjallraven
Fjallraven is a top manufacturer of durable backpacks. Fjallraven is a well-known brand for the trendy. While they make upscale clothing for those geared toward outdoor activities, they are best known for their classic bag.
Not only are their bags incredibly stylish, but they protect anything you are carrying in them. They are well padded and intended to provide maximum protection to electronics. Their backpacks are made from high-quality and durable materials.
Fjallraven Kanken backpacks have a unique design that ensures they stay closed, even when you forget to zip them up. The handles are on top of the bag, one on the front and the other on the back, allowing your bag to stay closed and all contents to remain contained. This particular backpack is boxy in shape, but they have others that are more technical looking.
The company is based in Sweden and has been in operation since 1960. Its mission is to create products that are durable while focused on practices that are sustainable. They are easily recognized by their fox logo that gives a nod to their focus on the proper treatment of animals.
Osprey
Source: Osprey
Osprey has been in operation for over 40 years since 1974. They have exclusively focused on backpacks since they first opened their doors. It is still the small and independently owned company it was when it first opened.
They are ideal if you are looking for a backpack to use while you are running. Their backpacks are lightweight, innovative, and comfortable. They even include an attachment system for a stow on the go trekking pole.
The hip belt is molded by heat for a sure and customized fit. Their bags include an antigravity suspension system.
The Osprey backpack is popular hiking backpack, but also ideal for running, climbing, biking, and everyday use. Their bags that are geared more towards sports activities usually have a hydration bladder contained inside. Their everyday backpack choices have a padded laptop sleeve that is padded and protective.
Osprey offers backpacks in a wide range of colors and sizes that are sure to meet your activity needs. Osprey backpack comes with a lifetime warranty on all of their bags.
Deuter
Source: Deuter
Deuter is a company with an extensive history and experience behind it. They started making mailbags for the Bavarian Royal Mail back in the 1890s. In early 1910, they began making military backpacks. Today, they use their experience to manufacture the high quality backpacks for hikers and a daypack for travel trippers.
These backpacks tend to fall on the heavier side of bags, but they are incredibly durable, so that it may be a worthy tradeoff for you. Deuter is a backpack brand that you can trust.
You can expect your Deuter bag to last you a lifetime. These bags are ergonomic and hug your body to help with weight distribution. They are streamlined and have plenty of space for storage.
They are focused on creating a bag that fits perfectly, and they have developed a women’s line to help meet that goal. Not only are they committed to building a bag with the perfect fit, but they also want one that is safe for you and the environment. All of their products are now manufactured without PFCs, which are harmful chemicals.
Timbuk2
Source: Timbuk2
Timbuk2 has been creating high quality laptop backpack options for some time. Their bags are functional and sturdy, giving you a safe and reliable main compartment to store your laptop while on the go. They offer varying options from briefcases to laptop padded sleeve options. Timbuk2 has come a long way since their humble start in a garage in 1989.
They are now a global community focused on gear that will stand up to any test you want to give it. They are focused on sustainability and progressive initiatives like their recycling program that is enticing their customers to repurpose or repair old bags.
Timbuk2 creates more than just a laptop bag. They also have messenger bags, backpacks, and totes to help organize your life and your outdoor gear. They are intended for the person who is always on the go and needs a bag to go with them. Timbuk2 offers a lifetime warranty on all their bags.
The North Face
Source: The North Face
The North Face is a company that has been around for a while and continues to offer practical and utilitarian styles. They launched their operations in 1966 and have been holding their place securely ever since. The North Face creates backpacks designed for adventure and daily use. Not only do they manufacture backpacks, but tents, a sleeping bag, and other gear also. The North Face is one of the top popular backpack brands.
Not only do they create a backpack that is high quality, durable, and will last as long as you do, but they provide unique features. Their bags have a suspension system using FlexVent with padded shoulder straps that are injection molded. The back panel is padded and mesh to allow comfort and breathability.
They have compartments for storage that provide the ability to pack all the items you need while on the go. Despite having room for all your things, these bags remain provide a comfortable and lightweight backpack. The North Face wants you to explore your world and take their backpack with you.
Baggu
Source: Baggu
Baggu is a brand that is friendly to your wallet. Baggu is a brand that is great for your budget. The bags are attractive, functional, and simple bags that are intended to be durable and hold up to any abuse. These bags will last you a lifetime.
This company was created in 2007 by a mother and daughter team. Today they have a team of 50 people and still growing. They focus on minimizing waste and materials that are sustainable. These bags are well designed and affordable for every budget. They offer basic, and canvas totes are among the most popular bags they offer. Baggu also hopes to create a cute backpack that everyone wants to use.
Baggu makes many different bags with a detailed consideration for style. They want to create bags that they are able to use in everyday lives. All designs are original with the user in mind. The owners of Baggu have a strong relationship with the partners in China to ensure they are using environmental and ethical practices that are responsible and helpful to people and the environment.
Patagonia
Source: Patagonia
Patagonia has been a respected and trusted brand for outdoor products and gear for many years. They have been manufacturing the highest quality backpacks, many of which are waterproof. Their bags are created for an intended purpose and meet the demand put upon them. They have plenty of storage space for all your carrying needs. They manufacture backpacks, duffel bags, and hip packs.
Patagonia makes its products while being mindful of the environment. They have been committed to protecting the climate since they were formed in the 1970s. They are part of a group of companies that have pledged to donate 1 percent of their sales to groups working to protect the environment.
They use less water and create less waste when manufacturing all of their products. They guarantee their products with a guarantee that is ironclad. They provide opportunities for you to repair or trade in your gear that has been worn to further reduce waste and focus on sustainable practices.
Dagne Dover
Source: Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover creates backpacks that will catch your eye and match your style. They have a minimal design that is sure to please. These backpacks are intended to work and everyday use. These are not the type of backpacks you would take on an outdoor hike. These bags have a touch of elegance to them while remaining functional. These are considered career friendly bags.
This brand was started by women in 2012 with women in mind. Their mission was to create thoughtful bags for professional women. A backpack that would give her everything she needs while remaining stylish and streamlined.
Tortuga Backpacks
Source: Tortuga
Tortuga was first created in 2009 with the mission of creating a bag to replace your suitcase. Tortuga wanted to provide you space where you could pack for travel and carry everything you need. They specialize in travel backpacks that are durable, high quality, and produced ethically. They are a company that is passionate about travel and about creating bags that make traveling better and more manageable, not more difficult.
They want to help their customers avoid bag checking at the airport because it adds cost and frustration. There is nothing better than grabbing your bag and going on your next adventure.
Tortuga left no stone unturned in their pursuit of creating the perfect line of travel backpack options. They produce just about every type of bag you could need on your trip, from packing cubes to a sizeable carry-on backpack. It has zipper pocket organized sections, outside pockets for water bottles, and many other large pockets for carrying and organizing.
FAQs
How Should I Clean My Backpack?
The material of the backpack will dictate how you should proceed with cleaning it. You want to make sure you review the instructions from the manufacturer before you clean your backpack. If you have a leather backpack, you want to make sure it is cleaned by a professional.
Many of the fabrics used on a backpack can be washed by hand or washed in a washing machine on the gentle cycle. You want to make sure you empty the contents of your backpack before you clean. You should consider using the vacuum nozzle around the seams of the backpack and the XYZ zippers.
This helps to remove any debris from the crevices of your backpack. You can fill your sink with warm water and mild soap, such as Dawn detergent, to gently wash the outside and inside of your backpack.
What Size Backpack is Best For My Needs?
It is important that your backpack fits you comfortably. You want the backpack to fit in the curve of your back. You do not want it to feel bulky or poke you in any places.
The actual size of a backpack that you need will depend mostly on how you intend to use your backpack. If you plan to use the backpack for hiking or backpacking, you want to make sure that the hip belt sits directly on your hip. It can also fit underneath your hip bones if you are a slimmer person.
The shoulder straps should begin at the curve of the back of your shoulders. You do not want them to be too low on your back. It may be helpful to measure the length of your torso to make sure that your backpack is a perfect fit for your body type.
What are Some Must-Have Design Features to be on the Lookout in a Backpack?
There are some specific features that you want in your backpack. You want to look for a backpack that has proper storage to allow you to carry and pack all of your items. If you are looking for a backpack for work, you want one that has a cushioned sleeve for your laptop so that it fits well and comfortably in your bag.
You also want smaller compartments and pockets to hold additional items such as your phone, keys, and other needed items. If you are looking for a backpack for hiking, you want a bag that has hip belt pockets, front pockets, and side pockets. If you plan to use your backpack for overnight travel, you may want a sleeping back compartment.
You want a backpack that has ventilation, such as a mess back portion to allow your back and body to breathe and get airflow. You want to make sure your backpack is durable and has a high-quality zipper construction and other properties that allow it to be waterproof. Even if you do not think you need your backpack to be waterproof, you probably do.
What Are the Most Popular Backpack Brands?
Backpacks have been loved for quite some time. Over the years, the styles and function has changed, but there has been some tried and true brands that customers keep returning to. These popular backpack brands include Samsonite, Herschel Supply Co, Nike, Alienware, and JanSport backpacks.
How Much Will a Good Backpack Cost to Purchase?
A good, solid, and quality backpack is going to cost you anywhere between $100 to $150. You are going to find designer bags that can cost several thousands of dollars depending on the construction and the brand. You can also find a quality backpack that costs less than $100, but if you want one that is going to last for some time, you should expect to spend more than $50.
Anything below $50, may not hold up against your wear and tear. It also depends on how you plan to use your backpack. If you just want something for daily use, then you can perhaps spend a little more money. If you want a backpack that is going to be rugged and survive outdoor life, you should plan to spend a little more.