Guide
5 brands that haven’t hit your style radar yet
by Stephanie Vinzens
5 functional backpacks that pass as stylish
21.3.2025
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
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
2. Kipling City Pack
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.
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.
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.
Header image: The North Face
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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