5 functional backpacks that pass as stylish
Is beautiful backpack an oxymoron? It’s all a matter of perspective. But you certainly can’t go wrong with these five models.
Backpacks are functional, yes. You can carry just about anything in them, from sandwiches to toilet paper to two-kilogramme dumbbells – all while keeping a straight spine. But can they also be pretty? That’s a matter of taste.
In my opinion, backpacks look best when they’re just backpacks, plain and simple. Casual and fuss-free, with no pretensions to being fashionable or elegant. Because no matter how dressed up a backpack looks, it’ll never replace a handbag. There will always be outfits that lose their charm if you throw in a backpack. Just as a chic handbag doesn’t suit every style.
So, I won’t be showing you any snazzy lamb’s leather backpacks with a fancy quilted pattern and gold appliqués. Instead, here are five unpretentious models that can definitely pass as stylish when dressed up well.
1. The North Face Borealis
The [Gorpcore] paradox(/page/mode-woerter-du-weisst-nicht-was-gorpcore-ist-dabei-traegst-du-den-trend-wahrscheinlich-laengst-25623) states that backpacks with an alpine flair go wonderfully with urban streetwear looks. One of my favourite models in this category is the Borealis from The North Face. With its 28-litre volume, various compartments and the comfortable Flexvent carrying system, it’s a versatile everyday and hiking companion. The Borealis is available in several colours and – to my great delight – in a cute mini version.
Source: The North Face
Source: The North Face
2. Kipling City Pack
When I was little, my mother had a turquoise backpack from Kipling. To this day, I still remember how much I loved the plush monkey dangling from it. The Belgian brand still includes one of these little animals – sometimes in fluffy, sometimes in smooth – with each model. They fit in perfectly with the current bag charm trend. In any case, my favourite, the City Pack, looks like it would really come into its own when decorated with a few charms.
Source: Instagram @kipling
3. Rains Backpack Mini
The Danish brand Rains transforms the uncool into the cool. Think raincoats – or backpacks. The Backpack Mini has a very minimalist design, but stands out from the crowd with its straight, angular lines and flat shape. I think the smallest version showcases the silhouette best, while still offering enough space for a 13-inch laptop.
Source: Rains
4. Eastpak Day Pak’r
This is no ordinary Eastpak backpack. In fact, the monochrome, brightly coloured Day Pak’r models were created in collaboration with Colorful Standard. Said Portuguese label is known for its sustainable, colourful basics which, much like these backpacks, are simple yet effective.
Source: Colorful Standard
5. Columbia Helvetia II Backpack
The Helvetia II backpack from Columbia is soft and small yet functional. With a lined inner compartment, an easily accessible outer pocket and two compartments for water bottles, the backpack makes optimum use of its compact size. The sherpa fleece surface offers an unusual texture and pleasant feel for backpacks – great for cosy looks.
Source: Columbia
Header image: The North Face
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Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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