Chances are, you've seen a Herschel backpack out in the wild. Known for their timeless, vintage-inspired style and practical designs, they've become a go-to for everything from daily commutes and weekend trips to study sessions on campus. Their ability to blend a classic aesthetic with modern functionality is what makes them so popular.
But if you love Herschel's vibe and are looking to explore other brands that offer that same perfect mix of style and utility, you're in the right place. From rugged outdoor packs to sleek minimalist designs, here are 18 similar brands that deserve a spot in your closet.
JanSport is the undisputed classic of backpacks, offering a huge range of styles for travel and everyday use, mostly priced between $30 and $80. Known for their legendary durability and simple, functional designs, they're a reliable choice for anyone who needs a bag that just works. Their aesthetic is straightforward and practical, making them a fixture on campuses and city streets.
While Herschel focuses on a trendier, vintage-inspired look, JanSport leans into pure utility and longevity. It's the practical, no-fuss cousin who values affordability and a lifetime guarantee over fashion-forward details. If you want a dependable workhorse on a budget, JanSport is a sure bet. Shop now at jansport.com
You can't miss the iconic rectangular shape of a Fjallraven Kanken. Famous for their minimalist Scandinavian design and a rainbow of color options, these bags usually cost around $80-$100. Made from a lightweight, water-resistant, and eco-friendly fabric, they perfectly blend sustainability and timeless style.
Where Herschel has a distinct North American streetwear vibe, Kanken offers a clean, quirky European simplicity. It’s less about bold branding and more about that unique silhouette and Swedish heritage. For eco-conscious travelers who appreciate minimalist design and vibrant colors, Kanken is a fantastic alternative. Shop now at fjallraven.com
Eastpak delivers stylish, urban-inspired backpacks that are built to last, with prices sitting in the $50 to $120 range. The brand is known for using tough, ripstop fabrics and isn't afraid to play with bold graphic prints and collaborations with street artists. Their designs are perfect for daily use while making a statement.
Compared to Herschel’s clean, vintage aesthetic, Eastpak is edgier and more openly youthful. It’s the brand for someone who wants classic durability but with an expressive, streetwear spin. If you find Herschel a bit too reserved, Eastpak brings the color and attitude. Shop now at eastpak.com
The North Face is a master of creating high-performance gear that also looks great in the city, with backpacks priced anywhere from $70 to $200. Their bags prioritize durability, comfort, and technical features like weather resistance and padded support, making them favorites for both trail and transit.
While Herschel's foundation is lifestyle and fashion, The North Face comes from the world of outdoor adventure. Their backpacks are more technical and rugged, but their sleek, modern designs make them just as suitable for daily commutes as for a mountain hike. It's the perfect pick if you need a bag that can truly do it all. Shop now at thenorthface.com
Bellroy creates sleek, minimalist backpacks with incredibly clever organizational features, priced around $150-$250. This brand is all about smart design, sustainable materials, and a refined look that feels both modern and timeless. Their products are made for those who appreciate premium craftsmanship.
If you see Herschel as your casual weekend bag, think of Bellroy as its sophisticated, professional sibling. Bellroy's aesthetic is cleaner and more elevated, making it a perfect fit for business travelers or anyone who wants a functional carry with a polished edge. It's an upgrade in both price and polish. Shop now at bellroy.com
Patagonia builds durable, eco-friendly backpacks designed for both outdoor adventures and everyday use, with most styles starting around $70. A deep commitment to sustainability is at the heart of the brand, with many products made from recycled materials. Their designs are clean, utilitarian, and built to withstand the elements.
Patagonia is less focused on fashion trends than Herschel and more on function and environmental responsibility. If you value a company's eco-credentials and need a reliable, weather-resistant bag for travel and daily adventures, Patagonia offers a meaningful and practical alternative. Shop now at patagonia.com
Osprey is a heavyweight in the world of technical backpacks, especially for serious travel and hiking, with prices ranging from $80 to $250. They are masters of ergonomic design, building bags that are insanely comfortable and durable, even when packed to the brim. The focus here is on performance for long journeys and outdoor pursuits.
While Herschel corners the market on urban style, Osprey is the undisputed champion of technical function. Their aesthetic is less about visual trends and more about innovative features and adjustable fits. If your travel plans involve more than just city streets, Osprey is an investment in comfort and reliability that pays off. Shop now at osprey.com
Matt & Nat offers chic, minimalist backpacks made from vegan leather and other eco-friendly materials, typically priced between $100 and $200. The brand’s aesthetic is sleek and sophisticated, delivering versatile styles that can easily be dressed up or down. Their bags are a staple for those seeking cruelty-free fashion.
Compared to Herschel’s fabric-heavy, casual streetwear vibe, Matt & Nat brings a more polished, fashion-forward sensibility. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants the functionality of a backpack but with the refined look of a designer handbag. Think of it as the elevated, eco-luxe alternative. Shop now at mattandnat.com
Timbuk2 excels at creating durable, highly functional backpacks and messenger bags for city living, priced from $80 to $180. Their genius lies in practical, tech-friendly features like padded laptop compartments, water-resistant fabrics, and smart organizational pockets. Plus, many of their bags are customizable.
Where Herschel gives you a trendy vintage look, Timbuk2 offers a more utilitarian, tech-focused aesthetic. Its designs are built from the ground up for cyclists and commuters who need a bag that's tough, organized, and visible on the go. It’s the pragmatic choice for the urban warrior. Shop now at timbuk2.com
Cote & Ciel is where function meets high fashion. This Paris-based brand creates innovative, often sculptural backpacks that feel more like wearable art, with prices generally sitting between $150-$300. Their unconventional shapes and unique materials are designed for those with an eye for avant-garde style.
If Herschel is 'classic cool,' then Cote & Ciel is 'future cool.' The aesthetic is far more modern and architectural, making it a standout choice for fashion-forward travelers and creatives who want a backpack that is anything but ordinary. It’s a bold departure from traditional bag design. Shop now at coteetciel.com
Hailing from Sweden, Sandqvist creates high-quality backpacks with a clean, Scandinavian minimalist design, with prices from $120 to $250. Their focus is on sustainable materials and excellent craftsmanship, resulting in bags that are both beautiful and durable. The look is understated, functional, and effortlessly stylish.
While Herschel often features prominent branding and a casual look, Sandqvist is much more refined and minimal. It offers a quieter kind of cool that’s perfect for the eco-conscious professional or traveler who prefers understated elegance over streetwear trends. Shop now at sandqvist.com
Baggu is known for its simple, stylish, and incredibly affordable bags, with most of their nylon backpacks priced well under $100. Their designs are known for being fun, lightweight, and practical - ideal for quick trips, errands, or just carrying your daily essentials without any extra bulk.
If Herschel is your structured, do-it-all travel companion, Baggu is your fun, easygoing friend for lighter days. Their vibe is much more casual and minimalist, focusing on portability and simple silhouettes. It's the perfect brand for anyone who loves an unfussy bag in happy prints and colors. Shop now at baggu.com
Topo Designs brings a blast of color and retro charm with its rugged, outdoor-inspired backpacks, which typically cost between $100-$200. Drawing from vintage Americana and mountaineering gear, their aesthetic is all about durable fabrics, bold color-blocking, and a playful combination of function and style.
Compared to Herschel’s more subdued streetwear style, Topo Designs is louder, brighter, and more explicitly rooted in outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect brand for someone who loves a vintage look but wants something more distinctive and trail-ready, with a fun, outdoorsy personality. Shop now at topodesigns.com
Knomo designs sleek, sophisticated backpacks for the modern urban professional, generally priced from $150 to $300. Their bags expertly blend stylish aesthetics with smart organization, featuring padded tech pockets and clever compartments while maintaining a chic, polished look - perfect for business travel and daily commutes.
While Herschel nails the casual, creative look, Knomo serves the professional who needs a bag to match their workwear. It’s more corporate and polished, ensuring you look put-together while keeping your tech safe and your essentials organized. Think of it as a mobile office that looks incredibly chic. Shop now at knomolondon.com
Everki is all about smart, tech-focused design, offering high-quality backpacks built for laptop protection and superior organization, with prices falling between $70 and $150. Their bags are packed with features like checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeves, hard-shell cases for glasses, and tons of pockets for a seamless travel experience.
Compared to Herschel’s style-first approach, Everki is unapologetically function-first. The look is sleek and utilitarian, designed for travelers, students, and professionals who prioritize the safety and accessibility of their gadgets above all else. It's the ultimate bag for anyone living a digital-nomad lifestyle. Shop now at everki.com
Briggs & Riley operates in the premium travel space, building incredibly durable, business-oriented backpacks that range from $200-$400. Known for their lifetime guarantee and exceptional organizational features, their bags have a sleek, corporate look designed for frequent flyers who demand reliability.
If you're upgrading from Herschel's casual style to something more suitable for the business lounge, Briggs & Riley is a top-tier choice. The aesthetic is significantly more refined, serious, and built for professional travel. It's a true investment piece for those who live out of a suitcase. Shop now at briggsriley.com
Dagne Dover creates modern, hyper-organized backpacks and totes from materials like neoprene, typically priced between $150 and $250. Their bags feature sleek silhouettes full of smart compartments for laptops, water bottles, keys, and more, making them a favorite among busy professionals and stylish commuters.
While Herschel has a classic, almost analog feel, Dagne Dover is distinctly modern and minimalist. It is the perfect bag for the person who wants a stylish solution for their jam-packed life, offering a spot for everything without compromising on a clean, polished look. Shop now at dagnedover.com
BergaGear makes rugged, outdoor-inspired backpacks built for adventure and travel, with most bags in the $100-$200 price range. They use durable materials and focus on practical features designed for hiking, camping, and extended trips, all while maintaining a strong, stylish aesthetic suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.
Where Herschel leans toward urban exploration, BergaGear is geared for the great outdoors. Its designs are tougher and more focused on utility for harsh conditions. If you need a backpack that can handle a trail as easily as an airport, BergaGear offers a rugged style with adventure-ready substance. Shop now at bergagear.com
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