Image via Complex Original
Remember back when backpacks were relegated to carrying your books and bagged lunch to school? That’s not so much the case anymore. These days, they’re just as much a fashion accessory as hipster beards and wide-brimmed fedoras.
The backpack has graduated from being a campus necessity to a streetwear essential…and we’re completely OK with that. At the end of the day, you have to carry your stuff around with you somehow, so why not use it as an excuse to simultaneously upgrade your street-style credentials? A backpack can make or break an outfit. It’s imperative that you find a pack that will compliment your look, and not clash with it. We’re here to help with a list of fashion-forward backpacks/rucksacks at various price points. Luxe packs can get pretty damn pricey, so we kept it all under four figures.
Note: Free shipping + returns available for most of these backpacks.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Leather
Leave it to Marc Jacobs to give you a timeless classic. That pebbled leather is on point.
Topo Designs Rover
Shoutout to Topo Designs for bringing their swaggy outdoors aesthetic to the city streets.
JanSport Heritage Compadre
This is as close to classic as you can get without crossing over into hood nerd territory.
Master-Piece x Nowartt 8
Master-Piece came correct with this Japanese-inspired project in collaboration with textile label Nowartt, sensitively blending heritage and modern to make for a street-worthy pack.
Filson Tin Cloth
This one's heavy to the touch, but light on the eyes. Oil-finished tin cloth with leather straps? Take my money.
Carhartt WIP Tramp
Camo and summer go hand-in-hand...just saying. Carhartt is certainly doing its part to hold it down for American pack makers.
WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Leather
This shit right here?! This that criptachronicutalite.
JanSport Skip Yowell Pleasanton
This is that no-nonsense, "I'm-ready-for-anything-but-I-still-want-to-look-fresh" type of pack.
Jack Spade Bonded Cotton Flop-Top
Kill 'em with subtlety with this minimalist pack that is headlined by a dope fold-over top.
Southern Field Industries Waxed Canvas SF Rucksack
This hand-crafted bag comes to you all the way from the hills of Japan, ready to help you slay the block with your swagger.
Sprayground Leopard Chenille Shark
A pack with a some edge to it, you gotta be on your DGAF tip to pull this one off.
MCM Stark
Usually, you want to hit the brakes when it comes to faux leather. But we're going to let this one ride. Note: To fully complete the look, you need to roll around with a bottle of Cognac in hand with this one.