20 Brands Like Herschel for Stylish Travel Gear
Chances are, you've seen a Herschel backpack out in the wild. They’ve perfected the art of creating stylish, functional bags that blend classic design with a modern vibe, making them a go-to for everything from daily commutes to weekend trips.
But if you love Herschel's well-designed gear and are looking to broaden your horizons, you're in luck. Whether you're after a more rugged outdoor vibe, a sleek minimalist look, or something more playful, there are tons of other great brands to discover. Here are 20 similar brands worth checking out for your next adventure.
1. Fjallraven
If you love Herschel's classic look but want something with a bit more of an eco-conscious, outdoor-ready feel, meet Fjallraven. This Swedish brand is famous for its durable Kanken backpacks, made from their signature G-1000 fabric. Their designs are rugged yet minimalist, built for longevity and sustainable adventures. While Herschel leans more fashion-forward, Fjallraven brings a Scandinavian emphasis on sustainability and durability, making it perfect for the eco-conscious explorer.
2. JanSport
A true classic, JanSport is all about straightforward, reliable backpacks that will last forever. With most bags priced affordably between $30-$80, their appeal lies in simplicity, legendary durability, and a huge selection of colors. While Herschel focuses on on-trend aesthetics, JanSport delivers pure, unadulterated function without the fuss, making it a budget-friendly go-to for casual travel and daily use.
3. Patagonia
For those whose adventures are a bit more rugged, Patagonia is the answer. Their backpacks and duffels are known for being incredibly tough, functional, and sustainably made. Priced from $80 to $250, they cater to eco-conscious adventurers who need performance gear. While Herschel nails the urban, everyday style, Patagonia is designed for outdoor performance and environmental responsibility, perfect for your next big trip.
4. Eastpak
Eastpak offers sturdy, practical bags with a distinct streetwear vibe. Their backpacks often feature bold prints, fun collaborations, and a youthful energy that sets them apart. Priced similarly to Herschel ($40-$130), they're a great alternative if you want a bag with a bit more edge. Where Herschel keeps it classic and vintage-inspired, Eastpak leans into of-the-moment urban trends.
5. Osprey
If your travels are more "trekking through mountains" than "strolling through the city," Osprey is your brand. Renowned for its high-performance backpacks with superior ergonomic support and smart storage, their gear is built for serious adventures. While Herschel perfects casual style, Osprey focuses entirely on technical features and comfort for travelers who prioritize function-first design.
6. Topo Designs
Topo Designs merges outdoor durability with a cool, vintage-modern aesthetic. Their bags are rugged, colorful, and utilitarian, appealing to both urban explorers and outdoor lovers. Often priced between $80 and $200, they stand out with their high-quality craftsmanship. Think of them as Herschel's tougher, more mountain-ready cousin - just as stylish, but built to handle the elements.
7. Bellroy
For the minimalist traveler who values organization, Bellroy is a dream. They create sleek wallets, backpacks, and tech accessories from eco-friendly materials, designed for smart, efficient packing. Their aesthetic is more refined and professional than Herschel's, making their bags perfect for those who want a clean, sophisticated look that seamlessly fits into a work-and-travel lifestyle.
8. Thule
Thule is synonymous with durability and high-performance engineering. Known for everything from bike racks to backpacks, their travel gear is built to protect your belongings with features like lockable zippers and reinforced materials. If you find Herschel's style a bit too casual for your heavy-duty travel needs, Thule offers a practical, secure, and performance-driven alternative.
9. Matt & Nat
Looking for a sleek, stylish option that’s also vegan and eco-friendly? Matt & Nat delivers. They specialize in cruelty-free backpacks and travel bags with a decidedly minimalist and chic aesthetic. Their clean lines and neutral color palettes offer a more sophisticated and polished feel compared to Herschel's relaxed vibe, appealing to ethically-minded consumers who don't want to compromise on style.
10. Cote&Ciel
If you see travel gear as a fashion statement, Cote&Ciel is for you. This brand creates highly innovative backpacks with unique, architectural shapes that blend high fashion with high function. Their designs are anything but ordinary, often featuring tech-friendly details within their avant-garde silhouettes. While Herschel nails the timeless classics, Cote&Ciel is for the trendsetter who wants their bag to be a conversation starter.
11. Timbuk2
Famous for its customizable messenger bags and backpacks, Timbuk2 is built for the urban commuter. Their gear ($50-$150) is durable, practical, and packed with organizational features to handle city life. Much like Herschel, they focus on style and utility, but Timbuk2 gives you the power of personalization with a focus on cycling-friendly and commute-ready designs.
12. Rains
For travels in drizzly destinations, Rains is the obvious choice. This brand specializes in sleek, waterproof backpacks and duffels with a signature minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic. While Herschel offers a wide range of materials, Rains focuses entirely on weatherproof function, ensuring your gear stays dry without sacrificing an ounce of style. Their clean, modern look is perfect for the stylish city dweller.
13. Everlane
Known for its chic basics and transparent pricing, Everlane brings its minimalist, ethically-minded approach to backpacks and travel bags. Their designs are clean, understated, and professional - ideal for anyone who wants a simple, high-quality bag that works for both the office and a weekend getaway. Compared to Herschel's more casual feel, Everlane offers a more refined, adult-friendly aesthetic.
14. Poler
Poler is all about "camp vibes." Their gear has a laid-back, retro-inspired style with playful prints and fun colorways. It's the perfect mix of outdoor readiness and casual cool, making it a great fit for camping trips, festivals, or just hanging out. Where Herschel offers a more polished urban style, Poler embraces a funky, relaxed aesthetic for casual adventurers.
15. Hynes Eagle
Hynes Eagle delivers highly functional travel backpacks and carry-ons at a seriously affordable price point, with most items under $100. Their focus is on smart, practical design without a lot of frills, making them a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want a clean, minimalist style. They offer a more budget-friendly and utilitarian alternative to Herschel.
16. Crumpler
If you're tired of blending in, Crumpler offers bags that are anything but boring. This brand produces quirky, colorful backpacks and travel bags known for their unique designs and extreme durability. Priced between $80-$200, their products stand out with playful details and bold colors. While Herschel tends to be more understated, Crumpler attracts those who want a fun, statement-making bag that’s built to last.
17. Baggu
Simple, practical, and eco-friendly - that's Baggu in a nutshell. Famous for its packable nylon bags and backpacks, their gear is incredibly lightweight, versatile, and affordable (often $20-$60). Baggu offers a casual, effortless vibe that differs from Herschel's more structured designs, making them perfect for light travel, day trips, and last-minute errands.
18. Aevor
Aevor combines sustainability with slick, modern design. Their backpacks are sleek and often feature expandable compartments and cyclist-friendly details, perfect for the urban professional. With a more refined and contemporary style than Herschel, Aevor appeals to modern travelers and commuters who want an eco-conscious bag that's both stylish and highly functional.
19. Cabaia
Why have one backpack when you can have many? Cabaia is a French brand that has built its name on colorful, customizable bags with interchangeable front pockets. Their vibe is playful, vibrant, and fun, allowing you to switch up your look whenever you want. While Herschel focuses on classic designs, Cabaia is all about personalization and expressing your unique personality.
20. Nomatic
For the hyper-organized digital nomad, Nomatic is the ultimate travel companion. Their gear is ingeniously designed with tech-savvy features like smart compartments, cord pass-throughs, and RFID protection. Unlike Herschel's relaxed aesthetic, Nomatic's look is minimalist and professional, built for efficiency and seamless travel for frequent flyers and modern professionals on the move.
Written by
Ash Read
