Best Streetwear and Designer Backpacks

Nobody forgets their first backpack—proudly worn on the first day of school, filled with books, snacks and endless possibilities. Traditionally, sportswear brands have dominated the backpack world, combining practical and ergonomic design with modern aesthetics. 

In recent years, however, streetwear brands have entered the landscape, reinterpreting classic shapes with bold logos and branding. While luxury bags are often synonymous with handbags, nearly every major house now offers higher-end backpacks, elevating basic designs with premium materials. Today, the wealth of options means it no longer comes down to a binary choice between function and style. Volume, material and design are a few of the things to consider when choosing the correct backpack for your needs. 

Below, a guide to backpacks from streetwear and designer brands, including collaborations with luxury houses.

Popular Backpack Brands

Supreme

The outdoors have always played a strong role in Supreme’s seasonal collections, visible in the NYC brand’s versatile backpack range that caters to various styles and sizes. From bold leopard prints to understated black designs, Supreme blends its signature sensibilities with practical features like durable Cordura fabric and external net systems for holding water bottles, spray-paint cans or snacks.

In addition to Supreme’s iconic Field backpack, the brand’s extensive collaboration program has resulted in a wide swath of styles, from The North Face’s Summit Series to Louis Vuitton’s luxurious Christopher backpack.

BAPE

BAPE’s 1ST CAMO pattern and shark-head logo have become totems of contemporary style, featured on backpacks in black, white, blue, red and green. Similar to the Japanese brand’s apparel, bags are executed with signature design details and iconography, blending utility with irreverent design.

Palace

Skaters have long relied on backpacks to carry everything from extra gear like spare decks, wheels, bearings and tools to personal essentials. British skate label Palace offers a wide range of designs that meet these needs and align aesthetically, employing hardwearing materials like Cordura, duck canvas and premium leather. 

Collaborations with brands like Oakley see both brands exchange design elements, while a Vivienne Westwood partnership is based on a cuddly teddy bear.

Nike

Nike is globally renowned for its tech-forward backpacks, offering styles for everyone, from professional athletes to students. The Nike Hoops Elite backpack is a prime example of the brand's versatile design ethos, featuring spacious compartments, ergonomic straps and unique branding elements. Colors range from ‘Lilac Bloom’ to ‘University Red,’ with the design well-suited for both long weekend trips and everyday sports use. Meanwhile, the Swoosh’s ACG outdoors line provides reinforced backpack styles ideal for trail adventures and camping trips.

Different Types of Backpacks

Everyday Backpacks

A backpack is the most functional option for carrying everyday essentials during daily commutes. Whether it's for work or school, comfortable straps assist with ease of movement, providing a flexibility that tote and handbags don’t—a particular benefit for those with active lifestyles.

Purses and wallets can be stored in zippered compartments, while internal laptop sleeves ensure electronics are organized, securely stored and protected while in transit.

Travel Backpacks

A travel backpack meets the needs of everyday adventurers and is engineered for rigorous activities. These designs vary in size, from 30L to 70L, with additional compartments to help carry items like water bottles.

Clamshell designs can be fully unzipped for easier packing, with external netting perfect for items the wearer requires immediate access to. Travel backpacks are often designed with extra gel cushioning and ventilation pockets for improved comfort.

Hiking Backpacks

Hiking backpacks have become a more frequent sight in the everyday work environment thanks to the gorpcore movement and surrounding brands such as Arc’teryx. Robust and sturdy, these designs are often bigger than normal backpacks, meaning more room for additional items.

Internal frames help keep the wearer stabilized on rocky terrain, with ventilated back panels allowing for airflow. Often, hiking backpacks feature a weatherproof finish such as GORE-TEX to guard against the elements while on the trail.

What to Consider When Choosing a Backpack

Size

Backpacks are generally measured in liters, with each size corresponding to the user’s needs. For example, a 20L backpack is well-suited for daily commuters who need to carry the essentials, while a 50L backpack is better for weekend trips and camping missions. A 70L backpack, meanwhile, works for extended trips and fitting bulky gear, with the caveat that most airlines won’t accept it as hand luggage.

Comfort 

A backpack isn’t much use if it isn’t comfortable. Padded straps that can be adjusted to the wearer’s size are important, while additional cushioning on the back area may mitigate chafing.

Durability

A backpack that allows in rainwater can lead to disastrous consequences, potentially ruining notepads, books or electronics. Some backpacks are waterproofed with technologies like GORE-TEX, while the zips are reinforced with a special coating or a rubberized seal that guards against seepage.

Style

Whether it's a technical nylon backpack to complement techwear looks or a canvas satchel that checks out well with cottagecore, a backpack can add a finishing touch to any outfit. With so many eclectic designs and iterations, today’s backpacks no longer come down to a choice between style and function.

Designer Backpacks FAQ