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As the back-to-school season grows near, backpacks will be back on the brain. While they are a staple, the common bag comes in so many variations and not all are made equal. From additional support to a wide range of colourways, Canadians are all looking for something a bit different.
Looking for the perfect one? We’ve got your back.
Best backpacks, summary
- Best for travel:BÉIS The Backpack
- Best for school: Herschel Classic Backpack XL
- Best for work: Monos Metro Backpack
- Best luxury:TUMI Celina
- Best Canadian brand: lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack
- Best colour options: Fjällräven Kanken
- Best value: UNIQLO Functional Backpack
- Best active: The North Face Borealis Backpack
Best backpacks, explained
Best for travel: BÉIS The Backpack ($88)
Let’s face it – we all overpack on vacation (or at least I do). This bag can virtually be stuffed and still not look, or feel, like it. It is both functional and stylish, with eight colours to choose from, many of which correspond with the brand’s beloved luggage. Speaking of luggage, an underrated feature is the trolley strap which allows you to strap your backpack to the handle for easy wheeling throughout your vacation.
If that’s not enough, there are also two (!!) water bottle pockets, which may be used for water, but also could be handy for an extra pair of flip-flops or souvenirs. Last but not least is the clamshell-style opening which allows for easy packing and organization. If my mom, a staunch anti-backpack woman can love this bag, so can you.
Best for school: Herschel Classic Backpack XL ($75)
Heavy books and gym shoes can really wear you down. So while it’s important to have a large bag to fit everything, and equally important to look cool, it also needs to be supportive. Herschel is known for its backpacks, and this one is perfect for any student – from grade one to senior year. For the kids, there are plenty of zippered closures and pockets, while older students will benefit from the floating laptop sleeve which fits up to a 16” laptop.
As an upgrade to the brand’s classic bag, the newest iteration also has a water bottle pocket and a variety of sizes and fabrics (including a weather-resistant version for those who walk to school). To make things more personal, the XL version comes in seven standard colours and four limited edition colours, including cheetah.
Also available on Amazon.
Best for work: Monos Metro Backpack ($240)
A work bag that doesn’t make you look like a dork on public transit? Sign me up! Canadian brand Monos has mastered the work bag game with the Metro backpack. While it is technically intended for travel, this bag is perfect for the daily commute with resilient materials and a thoughtful design.
The main compartment is large but separate from the 15-inch laptop sleeve that is accessible without opening the whole bag. For work trips, the bag also has a trolley sleeve for simplicity. This is the brand’s only backpack style but it does come in both nylon and vegan leather, both of which are water- and scratch-resistant. The top carry handle is also great for tossing into the car or holding onto during a busy train ride.
Best luxury: TUMI Celina ($620)
With the growth of investment pieces and a quality-over-quantity mindset, it might be worth investing in a backpack that will last virtually forever. I’m not kidding – while I have a different style, over the past decade, my TUMI backpack has travelled thousands of miles with me on planes, trains and automobiles and looks brand new. Because of this, I can say, the money is worth it.
This style specifically is built for a hybrid lifestyle of travel and work with lots of pockets and a protective laptop sleeve. It also comes in six colours and is monogramable.
Another benefit of spending more? Your bag is covered by the TUMI Tracer program. While it doesn’t track the bag, the company can help recover lost or stolen items by establishing a connection between the finder and the owner.
Best Canadian brand: lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack ($218)
Canadian brands understand their audience. Nothing says Canadian summer like a road trip and a duffle is the perfect way to pack. But this duffel also turns into a backpack with hidden straps – a win-win!
Lululemon’s two-in-one bag is great for any outdoor adventure or gym-before-work day, with a water-repellent outer material, tons of pockets and even a padded laptop pocket. Plus, when not in use, the backpack straps can be stowed away and the duffel bag can go into full function with a shoulder crossbody strap.
Best colour options: Fjällräven Kanken ($115)
Looking for something with a bit more personality? The Fjällräven bags are perfect! With over 70 colourways to choose from, the Kanken backpack can give anyone a unique look to match their style.
The brand is proud of its Scandinavian roots and has been making this style of backpack since 1978 to help prevent back problems among Swedish school children. It quickly became a mainstay and now, over 45 years later, the style has become one of Fjällräven’s most beloved products. It is known to be a classic backpack and is as great for a work or school commute as it is for travelling. With just a few main pockets, it is each to pack and unpack, with a smaller spot at the front for “bits and bobs.”
Also available on Amazon.
Best value: UNIQLO Functional Backpack ($59)
We all know (and probably own) the cult-favourite crossbody belt bag from UNIQLO – and this is the backpack equivalent. Similarly, it is made of a lightweight material and holds far more than it should.
Unlike the belt bag, the straps of the backpack are cushioned and are made of a breathable fabric for comfortable carrying, while still keeping it simple (read: keeping the price low). The affordable bag doesn’t skimp on features though – it has a laptop sleeve, a front pocket and a water-repellent finish.
Best active: The North Face Borealis Backpack ($129)
For the movers and shakers, North Face has great options for an active lifestyle. The brand has a wide range of backpacks, suited for an active lifestyle and is also great for the classroom and commuter train. Plus, nearly all of its unisex options come in a women-specific version with altered features like the Women-Specific FlexVent Suspension System, certified by The American Chiropractic Association, as well as articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, and comfortable stitch lines.
Some of the features of the Borealis style include a protective laptop compartment, 360-degree reflectivity, a stand-up design for loading and an external bungee storage system along the front of the bag.
Also available on Amazon.
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