For most of us, a backpack is the perfect means of carrying our things on a daily basis. But just because you’ve been using one since kindergarten doesn’t mean you can’t elevate the quality of what you’re using as an adult.
There are a wide array of beautiful, luxurious backpacks out there, all designed to offer a more elegant solution for taking your belongings with you. We’ve rounded up five of the very best backpacks you can buy right now.
Bennett Winch Backpack
If you’re not already familiar with Bennett Winch, you’re going to want to be. The British brand was founded with a goal of making things well, and without fuss. Every product is guaranteed for life, and can be repaired in order to befit that goal.
The Backpack is available in leather, suede and canvas varieties, and trimmed with full-grain leather. The metal sections are crafted from brass, with high-quality YKK zips employed to keep everything secure. Those even employ barrels to pop a padlock on for added security, if that’s your thing.
I’ve been using one daily for months now, and I’m simply blown away with the quality. Everything is impeccably well made, and feels solid, yet understated. It wows in a very different way to luxury bags from fashion designers, but should be considered in the same league.
Priced from $1,275, this one is a real investment. Divide it out over a lifetime, though, and it’s not a lot per year.
Carl Friedrik Ayrton
A small, leather backpack is a must for the modern man. These dinky designs are perfect for everyday use, with enough space for everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Carl Friedrik is a formidable player in this category, and offers a range of gorgeous luggage for all sorts of occasions. But for me, the Ayrton backpack is one of the best products in its catalogue, offering sleek, timeless styling in a well-crafted package.
Don’t let the diminutive size fool you, though – the inner pocket is still large enough to pack in a 16-inch MacBook, while a pair of other pockets have been designed specifically to house top-end iPhone and iPad models. All of that is wrapped up in full-grain leather, complete with a gorgeous texture.
Priced at $745 and available in four fantastic colours, this is another which will stand the test of time.
Burberry Check Backpack
While iconic fashion house Burberry may be better known for having its pattern on accessories like scarves, I think its range of backpacks are a suitable alternative for lots of us. It’s arguably more versatile, too – you can make use of a backpack even in the roaring summer heat.
This one features a woven material, with a main compartment and smaller pocket on the front. That’s decorated with a stitched Equestrian Knight Design applique, though you might miss it on first glance.
Priced at $1,650, this one offers something a little more out-there in terms of design.
Stubble and Co Roll Top 20L
If you’re often flitting between needing a lot of storage space and wanting to keep your packing as small as possible, a roll top backpack might be the perfect solution. These can be packed tight when you’ve got less to carry, but still offer expansion if there’s a bigger load in tow.
The Stubble and Co Roll Top 20L is the mid-sized model in the brand’s range, offering 20L of storage. It’s also waterproof, features an aerated back panel for breathability and includes a slew of internal pockets for keeping little bits and pieces in place while on the go.
At just $170, this is a great option if you’re seeking value without sacrifice.
Horizn Studios Gion Backpack Pro
The terms “high-end” and “nylon” don’t often feel like they’d sit together in harmony. But Horizn Studios is seeking to change that, with the Gion Backpack Pro giving nylon a new lease of life.
Its design ensures an almost rigid front section, which gives it a unique look. Meanwhile, a slew of breathable panels on the rear section ensure you won’t get too sweaty in the process of wearing this all day.
There’s space at the back for a 16-inch laptop, while other pockets are hidden all around the bag, allowing you to put smaller items in their place.
At $260, it’s not the cheapest on this list, but it is a solid option, made with intelligent German engineering.