If you love practical, stylish bags that don't weigh you down, you're probably already a fan of Kipling. Best known for their lightweight crinkled nylon bags and iconic monkey keychains, Kipling mastered the art of making fun, functional, and durable accessories perfect for daily commutes, travel, and everything in between.
Their designs are vibrant, highly organized with plenty of pockets, and built to last. For those who appreciate Kipling's blend of playful design and everyday practicality, we've found 18 other brands that hit that same sweet spot. Here are some fantastic alternatives to check out for your next go-to bag.
Eastpak is all about sturdy, minimalist backpacks and messenger bags that prioritize durability and timeless simplicity. Think of them as Kipling's more understated cousin - they share the same focus on practicality and quality construction but skip the vibrant patterns and playful charms for a more classic, no-fuss aesthetic. Their bags last forever, making them a favorite for students and city dwellers.
With most styles priced between $50 and $120, Eastpak offers incredible value and reliability. If you need a bag that can handle daily wear and tear without calling too much attention to itself, Eastpak is a perfect choice.
Shop now at eastpak.com
L.L.Bean is legendary for its rugged, outdoor-inspired totes and backpacks that are built to withstand anything you throw at them. Just like Kipling, they focus on durability and function, often using water-resistant materials perfect for errands or adventures. However, L.L.Bean's style is more classic Americana and outdoorsy compared to Kipling's playful, modern vibe.
Their iconic Boat and Tote bags are a staple for a reason, and with prices ranging from $30-$150, you get exceptional quality that is meant to last a lifetime. For a timeless, ultra-durable bag, L.L.Bean is a top contender.
Shop now at llbean.com
Herschel blends vintage-inspired design with modern functionality, creating stylish backpacks, totes, and crossbodies that are as fashionable as they are practical. They share Kipling's love for colorful options and reliable designs but cater to a more fashion-forward, trend-conscious crowd with their signature striped lining and clean silhouettes.
Priced between $50 and $150, Herschel is in a similar range to Kipling. It’s the perfect brand for anyone who wants a dependable everyday bag that has a bit of a cool, retro-modern edge.
Shop now at herschel.ca
Famous for the iconic Kanken backpack, Fjallraven is a master of blending minimalist Scandinavian design with incredible practicality. Their bags are lightweight, durable, and made from water-resistant, eco-friendly materials, ticking all the same boxes as Kipling for function and ease of use. The aesthetic, however, is much more streamlined and sleek.
Prices typically fall between $80 and $130, making them a great investment for a stylish and sustainable everyday bag that stands out for its simple, smart design.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
You can't talk about durable messenger bags without mentioning JanSport. This classic brand is practically synonymous with school backpacks, known for its affordable, versatile, and nearly indestructible designs. JanSport offers a much more straightforward and classic alternative to Kipling without sacrificing variety, offering bags in every color and pattern imaginable.
It's one of the most budget-friendly options on this list, with most bags falling in the $30-$70 range. For a simple, reliable, and comfortable bag that gets the job done, JanSport is an unbeatable classic.
Shop now at jansport.com
For those who want functionality with a focus on sustainability, Matt & Nat is the answer. This brand creates beautiful, modern bags from vegan and recycled materials. Their styles are minimalist and chic, offering a more sophisticated and polished alternative to Kipling's playful energy. You still get well-designed interiors with practical compartments, but with a sleek, eco-conscious exterior.
Priced from $100-$250, they are a step up from Kipling but are perfect for anyone wanting a high-quality, ethically made bag that looks sharp and polished.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
Patagonia is another excellent choice for those who need rugged, practical bags designed for an active lifestyle. Known for their environmental commitment and high-performance outdoor gear, their backpacks and totes are incredibly durable and often made from recycled materials. The vibe is decidedly more outdoorsy than Kipling, but the core focus on long-lasting functionality is the same.
With prices from $60-$200, Patagonia appeals to a similar customer who values utility and sustainability in their everyday gear.
Shop now at patagonia.com
While primarily a beauty and lifestyle brand, Crabtree & Evelyn offers a curated selection of stylish and casual totes that shouldn't be overlooked. Their bags bring a touch of refined elegance to everyday practicality, offering a more charming and simple aesthetic compared to Kipling. They are perfect for daily errands or casual outings when you want something functional yet pretty.
With an affordable price range of $40-$100, these bags are a lovely option for those who want simplicity with a sophisticated flair.
Shop now at crabtree-evelyn.com
Cuyana operates on a "fewer, better things" philosophy, creating minimalist, premium-quality bags from sustainable materials. If you love Kipling's functionality but are looking for a significant style upgrade, Cuyana is your brand. Their sleek totes and crossbodies are timeless, versatile, and incredibly well-made - perfect for work or a polished weekend look.
While the price point is higher at $150-$300, you're investing in a luxurious, durable piece that brings together thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship.
Shop now at cuyana.com
Mentioned again for its popularity, Kanken is Fjallraven's most famous product line for a reason. These iconic, square-shaped backpacks have taken the world by storm with their simple Scandinavian design and practical features. They are incredibly lightweight, water-resistant, and come in a rainbow of colors, channeling a similar spirit of fun and function to Kipling.
Ranging from $80-$130, a Kanken bag is a stylish and statement piece known for its durability and distinct look, making it a favorite among students and creative professionals alike.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
For a touch of Parisian chic that's still incredibly practical, look no further than Longchamp. Their famous Le Pliage totes are lightweight, durable, and can be folded down to a tiny size, making them perfect for travel and daily use. Longchamp shares Kipling's focus on lightweight but highly functional styles, but elevates it with a more elegant and classic look.
Starting around $100, Le Pliage is an accessible luxury piece that offers amazing versatility, whether you're heading to the office or packing for a weekend getaway.
Shop now at longchamp.com
If you're drawn to Kipling for its comfortable wear and performance on the go, Osprey is a more technical upgrade. As a leader in high-performance outdoor bags, Osprey excels at creating ergonomic backpacks for hiking, travel, and adventure. Their designs are packed with innovative features for maximum comfort and durability.
Priced between $80 and $250, these bags are built for serious activity but are also practical enough for a daily commute, especially if you carry a heavy load.
Shop now at osprey.com
Timbuk2 specializes in customizable, urban-friendly messenger bags and backpacks built for city life. Known for their tough materials and smart commuter-friendly features, Timbuk2's bags share Kipling’s dedication to functionality but with a modern, utilitarian edge. They are particularly popular with cyclists and commuters.
At $80-$200, Timbuk2 offers rugged, stylish bags with clever organizational features that will keep up with your busy schedule, rain or shine.
Shop now at timbuk2.com
If you love the practicality of a Kipling bag but crave a more glamorous, fashion-forward look, Michael Kors offers a great middle ground. This brand excels at creating trendy, accessible luxury totes, crossbodies, and even backpacks in nylon and leather. Their designs are chic and polished enough for the office but versatile enough for weekends.
While more upscale with prices from $150-$350, they provide a dose of designer style without compromising on everyday usability.
Shop now at michaelkors.com
Much like Patagonia and Osprey, The North Face brings its expertise in rugged outdoor gear to the everyday backpack. Their bags are relentlessly focused on durability, comfort, and protection from the elements, often featuring padded laptop sleeves and water-resistant finishes. The vibe is functional and sporty, appealing to those who need their bag to perform on city streets and mountain trails alike.
Ranging from $50-$200, expect top-tier construction and ergonomic design that shares Kipling's devotion to practicality.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
Rebecca Minkoff creates chic, edgy bags perfect for the modern, urban woman. The styles often feature cool hardware and trendy silhouettes, offering a more fashionable alternative to Kipling’s playful classics. While her leather bags are well-known, she also designs functional nylon backpacks and totes that blend high-fashion with practicality.
With prices ranging from $100-$300, it's a great brand for someone who wants clever design features wrapped in a contemporary, stylish package.
Shop now at rebeccaminkoff.com
Tote & Carry hits the mark for anyone who appreciates Kipling's organizational savvy but wants it in a sleeker, more minimalist package. Designed for travel and busy lifestyles, their bags focus on clean lines, high functionality, and lightweight materials. They offer a ton of smart, matching luggage and accessory sets perfect for the organized traveler.
Typically priced between $80-$200, Tote & Carry provides a refined and sophisticated look without skimping on practical details.
Shop now at toteandcarry.com
Worth mentioning again, Matt & Nat is a standout for eco-conscious shoppers. They nail the intersection of style and sustainability, offering sleek, modern bags made exclusively from vegan materials. If you're looking for a bag that is just as practical as a Kipling but aligns with an ethical, minimalist sensibility, this brand is for you.
Their backpacks and totes are beautifully designed, durable, and come in a chic neutral palette that works with everything. With prices from $100-$250, Matt & Nat is perfect for stylish, functional, and sustainability-conscious shoppers.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
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