The Coolest Backpacks For Your Daily Commute
Photo, Aimee Nishitoba.
On a daily basis, I can be found lugging around my laptop, lunch, gym clothes, water bottle, makeup bag, at least three different charging cables and a book. I have yet to find a purse big enough to hold all of these items and stuffing everything into a tote bag results in an overflowing, disorganized mess—so, I rely on a backpack.
Lucky for me, backpacks have risen in popularity over the past few years. Unlike the ones that your dad might’ve taken on vacation in the 90s (read: super bulky, covered in zippers, with a pocket for literally anything you could imagine), these handy accessories have had a serious makeover. Brands like Herschel and Away are now coming out with designs that are more sleek and sophisticated that won’t totally ruin the rest of my outfit, or more importantly, my back.
Last year, Dr. Ayla Azad, an Ajax-based chiropractor and VP of the Ontario Chiropractic Association, told Chatelaine that carrying a jam-packed purse can cause injuries and other ailments, including back and shoulder pain, poor posture, muscle spams and numbness. Backpacks help distribute the weight of all your items evenly and can minimize these symptoms when worn properly. “Carry the backpack with both straps, wearing it snug against your back, not loose and hanging down by your butt,” Azad said. So basically, investing in a new backpack is just what the doctor ordered.
If you’re ready to break up with your tote bag, but also want to avoid looking like you’re entering your first day of 6th Grade, shop these practical, yet cute, backpacks to schlep your belongings in style.
Rains
If you live in a particularly rainy city (we're looking at you, Vancouver!) and need a backpack that will keep your personal items dry, look no further than Danish rainwear company, Rains. This waterproof backpack has all the important features, like a laptop sleeve and secure clasp, plus it's holographic pink. What more could you possibly ask for?
Mini Waterproof Holographic Backpack, $174, nordstrom.com
State
Get in on the tie-dye trend with this fun, multi-coloured bag. The spacious interior and multitude of pockets will help keep you organized, and the psychedelic print will liven up your look. Best part? For every bag purchased, STATE donates a bag filled with school supplies to a child in need.
STATE Kane Backpack, $113, shopbop.com
Away
If you're an avid traveller, this backpack, which doubles as a carry-on (it has a sleeve to slide over the suitcase handle!), is worth the investment. Though it may not look like it from its sleek exterior, the bag is super spacious with a fully cushioned laptop sleeve and three zippered compartments inside. Plus, Jen Rubio and Steph Korey are the minds behind this rising travel brand and we love supporting female-led businesses. The Away Backpack, $295, awaytravel.com
Herschel
Vans
Get yourself a backpack that can do both! Or, in this case, three things. Upon first glance, this may look like a regular ol' backpack, but the front pouch can be taken off and worn as a crossbody bag or fanny pack and there's even a removable laptop sleeve inside.
Transplant Backpack, $100, vans.ca
Everlane
For those days where you leave the house not needing a backpack, but come home with two pairs of running shoes, a package from Amazon and six lunch containers, this bag will come in handy. It folds up into a tiny pouch that can be stashed in your purse or desk drawer in case of emergency.
The Packable Backpack, $46, everlane.com
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat bags are the definition of functional and fashionable. This one is big enough to schlep your laptop, lunch and your gym clothes, it's made of quality vegan leather that can withstand everyday wear and it has a sleek, minimalist design. You truly cannot go wrong with one of these Canadian classics.
Brave Vintage Backpack, $150, indigo.ca
Fjällräve
The oh-so popular Kånken backpack was originally introduced by the Swedish brand in 1978 as a solution to back problems among adults and kids. Today, the bag comes in various different sizes and styles, like the Re-Kånken which is made of recycled plastic. It's also available in more than 50 different colour combos, including this multi-coloured one, which was created in partnership with artist Erik Olovsson.
Kånken Art, $105, fjallraven.ca
Adidas
The soft pink colour, the roomy interior, the affordable price tag and the fact that it's made of recycled materials makes this backpack a no-brainer. It's the perfect sporty, but not too sporty, everyday bag.
Adidas Original Adicolour Classic Backpack, $45, sportchek.ca
The North Face
If your main concern is back support, look no further than this streamlined bag from The North Face. It has all of the technical features to alleviate discomfort, such as padded shoulder straps, cushioned back panels and a waist strap, in a sophisticated and understated design.
Women's Isabella Backpack, $99, thenorthface.com
