Chances are you've either owned or coveted a bag from Kipling. Their lightweight, durable nylon bags are iconic, known for their vibrant colors, practical designs, and of course, that signature fluffy monkey keychain. They're the kind of reliable, grab-and-go accessory that just gets the job done for school, travel, or everyday errands.
But if you love Kipling's blend of function and fun and are looking to broaden your horizons, you're in the right place. We've rounded up 18 similar brands that offer that same commitment to style, durability, and practicality. Whether you're after something more minimalist, rugged, or eco-conscious, there's a perfect match waiting for you.
Eastpak delivers tough, no-nonsense backpacks and bags known for their killer durability. Using heavy-duty nylon, their designs are built to last, making them a go-to for students and commuters. While they share Kipling's commitment to lightweight and practical bags, Eastpak's vibe is more minimalist and urban, trading playful prints for solid colors and a clean-cut look.
Shop now at www.eastpak.com
Famous for the seemingly everywhere Kanken backpack, Fjallraven is all about outdoor-inspired, sustainable design. Their bags are crafted from a super durable, water-resistant G-1000 fabric meant to handle both city commutes and trail adventures. Where Kipling is quirky and vibrant, Fjallraven is more understated and utilitarian, perfect if you value longevity and an eco-friendly approach.
Shop now at www.fjallraven.com
Herschel corners the market on retro-inspired style combined with modern function. Their backpacks and totes became an instant classic with their clean silhouettes, signature striped lining, and vintage-style straps. If you love Kipling's practicality but want something with a more fashion-forward, minimalist aesthetic, Herschel's cool, understated designs are a perfect fit.
Shop now at www.herschel.com
While known for its serious outdoor gear, The North Face makes some of the most rugged and reliable everyday backpacks around. Built to withstand extreme conditions, these bags offer top-tier durability and water resistance for daily use. They share Kipling's focus on practicality but lean heavily into technical performance features, making them ideal for anyone needing a bag that can handle anything.
Shop now at www.thenorthface.com
A true classic, JanSport has been a staple in schools and on campuses for decades for a good reason: its simple, affordable, and incredibly sturdy backpacks. Much like Kipling, JanSport offers a wide array of colors and prints, but its overall design philosophy is more straightforward and less embellished, focusing on delivering a reliable bag that lasts forever.
Shop now at www.jansport.com
Crumpler creates tough bags with a distinctively modern, urban edge. They are well-known for their protective laptop bags and messenger bags that combine ultra-durable materials with innovative, thoughtful design. If you need a bag that can protect your tech while still looking stylish on your commute, Crumpler's resilient, utilitarian-chic accessories are a great alternative to Kipling's more playful vibe.
Shop now at www.crumpler.com
Born in the bike messenger scene of San Francisco, Timbuk2 is synonymous with durable, weather-resistant bags that are built for city life. They're famous for their customizable messenger bags and backpacks that let you choose your own colors and features. They match Kipling on toughness and function but offer a sleeker, customizable aesthetic perfect for commuters.
Shop now at www.timbuk2.com
For those who carry precious cargo, Lowepro specializes in ultra-protective bags for cameras, drones, and other tech. Built for photographers and creators on the move, these bags deliver serious durability and specialized compartments. While their focus is more niche than Kipling's everyday style, they're an unmatched choice if you need rugged protection for your gear.
Shop now at www.lowepro.com
Patagonia makes reliable and rugged backpacks with a strong commitment to the environment. Their bags are designed for outdoor adventure but are so functional and well-made that they've become a daily staple for many. They share Kipling's dedication to durability but with a much bigger emphasis on using eco-conscious materials and promoting sustainability, all wrapped in a minimal, functional design.
Shop now at www.patagonia.com
Dakine offers durable, stylish bags with roots in surf, snow, and skate culture. Their backpacks often feature bold prints and smart compartments for organizing everything from laptops to sunglasses. Like Kipling, their bags are tough and loaded with personality, but Dakine brings a sportier, more adventurous edge to its designs.
Shop now at www.dakine.com
A leader in the outdoor world, Osprey creates high-performance backpacks engineered for hiking, backpacking, and travel. Their calling cards are ergonomic design and lightweight yet super-strong materials. If your needs are more demanding than a typical daily commute, Osprey offers technical superiority in a comfortable package, making it an excellent step-up from Kipling for serious adventurers.
Shop now at www.osprey.com
Reisenthel excels at creating incredibly versatile and lightweight nylon bags, particularly totes, that are often foldable and easy to stash away. They champion practicality and simple, clean designs with an emphasis on durable, eco-friendly materials. For those who love the lightweight feel of Kipling's crinkled nylon but prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, Reisenthel is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at www.reisenthel.com
Famous for their fun, eco-friendly reusable totes, Baggu has expanded to offer a full range of simple and stylish bags perfect for daily use. Their designs are minimalist, lightweight, and durable, mirroring Kipling's effortless practicality. However, Baggu leans heavily into sustainability and offers a more pared-back, modern look with trendy prints and colors.
Shop now at www.baggu.com
Tote & Carry creates durable, lightweight bags from water-resistant nylon, designed to keep up with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Their totes and backpacks focus on longevity and practicality without sacrificing style. They're a great alternative to Kipling if you appreciate high-quality materials but are searching for more subdued, minimalist shapes.
Shop now at www.toteandcarry.com
If extreme durability is your top priority, look no further than Goruck. Their military-inspired backpacks are built to be virtually indestructible, crafted from rugged, water-resistant materials designed to withstand the harshest conditions. They trade Kipling's playful aesthetic for a hardcore, utilitarian design that is perfect for those who are tough on their gear.
Shop now at www.goruck.com
Matt & Nat offers a more elevated and polished alternative, crafting gorgeous bags from high-quality vegan leather. This brand is a pioneer in sustainable, eco-friendly accessories with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. While Kipling's charm lies in its casual nylon, Matt & Nat is the brand to check out if you want a similar durable feel but in a more refined, office-appropriate package.
Shop now at www.mattandnat.com
An American heritage brand, L.L.Bean is famous for its timeless, rugged gear that lasts for generations, including their classic "Book Packs" and iconic canvas totes. Their bags deliver unwavering reliability and practicality with a classic Americana twist. They match Kipling in durability but swap the quirky modern style for an outdoorsy, traditional look.
Shop now at www.llbean.com
Designed for the modern traveler and commuter, Hynes offers a range of chic and functional bags. Their water-resistant backpacks and totes combine minimalist, urban aesthetics with practical features like padded laptop sleeves and organizational pockets. Hynes captures Kipling's versatile, user-friendly spirit but translates it into sleeker, more contemporary silhouettes.
Shop now at www.hynes.com
At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.
