The 13 Best Designer Backpacks Are Fully Grown Up
The roomy bag style isn't just for kids anymore.
In a year when the biggest summer bag trends involve spacious, oversized totes and maximum capacity handbags, the best designer backpacks are a timely investment. These aren't the knapsacks you lugged through the halls of your high school: We're talking luxury carryalls from favourite designers and emerging, need-to-know brands. These designer backpacks do all the work of the best designer tote bags, carrying everything from your laptop to your wallet in style (and comfort).
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Whether you're shopping for sporty nylon styles or a sleek, minimalist leather bag, the best designer backpacks are practical status symbols. Each one has the space and precisely organised compartments expected from the best everyday bags, plus the quality craftsmanship guaranteed with a luxury designer investment. And while expansive dimensions are part of a bona fide summer 2023 trend, these styles have a timeless look—so they’ll still remain relevant in a few seasons.
We curated our edit of the best designer backpacks by evaluating their volume, design features and aesthetic, while also consulting reviews from shoppers who carried them first. Ahead, shop the 13 best designer backpacks that feel entirely grown up.
Who can forget the on-screen debate between Bianca and Chastity in 10 Things I Hate About You, regarding this cult-worthy classic? Designed in the '80s, the buckled knapsack silhouette is a forever style to love. Today's shape is made from Re-Nylon, a fabric manufactured from recycled, purified plastic material collected in the ocean, making it one option you can truly feel good about investing in.
Dimensions: 28cm H x 12cm L x 23.5cm W
Colour: Black, light blue, and desert beige
Embrace a summer state of mind with this woven leather backpack. With a classic shape and handmade construction, it's the sort of piece that will never go out of style.
Dimensions: 13"W x 13"H
Colours: Brown, light brown, black
There are three requirements for any bag The Row makes: It has to be simple, elegant, and chic. This generously sized carryall is the definition of quiet luxury with simple, thin straps and buttery leather.
Dimensions: 15"H x 9.8" W
Colours: Black, cream
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Gucci's classic GG supreme canvas fabric gets a sporty makeover when cut in a clean backpack shape. This style doesn't sacrifice on luxurious details either. All the seams are trimmed in leather for a clean finish.
Dimensions: 10.4"W x 11.8"H x 5.1" with 4.3" handle drop
Colours: Beige and ebony GG supreme and beige and white GG supreme
The Le Pliage backpack is a forever travel bag for a reason. Made from Longchamp's signature nylon material, this backpack will take you on all of life's adventures in style. Featuring long, adjustable leather straps, you'll be able to customise the length for optimal comfort depending on your size. A fold over the top reveals roomy pockets inside to stow your necessities.
Dimensions: 11"H x 10"W x 3 3/4"D
Colours: Navy, Black, Red, Pink, Green
What reviewers are saying: "This is the perfect size for travel. It folds up to envelope size in the suitcase, small enough that you do not have to check it in the museums, holds as much as a purse, is lightweight and distributes weight evenly so one shoulder isn't carrying the weight, pick pocket proof, and you can toss it into the washing machine. Best of all it is highly water resistant and will keep your things dry in a downpour."
Chanel's Large Backpack is as desirable as designer backpacks come. This soft leather style with signature oversized quilting will steal the show in the perfect shade of bright bubblegum pink. Wear to work, out to dinner with friends, or for a weekend away. The versatility is endless; the embellishments are iconic.
Dimensions: 19.9" × 15.6" × 3.5"
Colors: Pink, silver, yellow, and blue
As functional as it is eye-catching, this bag has a roomy interior that will fit your everyday necessities. Branded with Louis Vuitton's iconic logo pattern, the Montsouris PM makes a statement no matter where the day takes you. A drawstring closure keeps your personal items secure with help from the magnetic buckle flap closure.
Dimensions: 10.8"L x 13"H x 5.5"W with 30.3-32.7" strap drop length
Colours: Monogram/canvas coloured leather, monogram/canvas natural leather and monogram empreinte leather in turtledove and black
An innovative style by the beloved late Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, this knit backpack will fit perfectly into your bag arsenal. Dress the subtly striped tech fabric up for a night out with a little black dress or wear with sweats and your favourite workout set for your next weekend gym class.
Dimensions: 13.5"H x 10"W x 5"D
Colours: Black
The space and functionality of a designer diaper bag, the sleek look of a '90s canvas backpack. This style comes with a fold-out changing mat and room to store everything a newborn needs, in style.
Dimensions: 16"H x 11"W x 8"D
Colours: Black
What reviewers are saying: "This is the most functional backpack I've ever seen. I've bought a lot of them. It crushes the Prada backpack and is so functional. A great size, not too huge on my back, but it still holds everything you need and more. I put an organizer in the bottom that I got for a few bucks on amazon and it's just 10/10. Can't recommend enough, plus my husband doesn't feel silly carrying it!
Store an iPad, Kindle, and a pouch of day-to-day toiletries in this mini backpack that also converts to a shoulder bag or crossbody.
Dimensions: W 8.5" x H 7.5" x D 5.5"
Colours: Lavender, Noir, Gold, Forest, Cream, and more
What reviewers are saying: "I have not stopped using this bag since I got it, so versatile. It’s my everything bag now from work bag to the mom bag."
Saint Laurent's quilted backpack is made from sumptuous lamb leather that is soft to the touch and will stand the test of time. Gold detailing like the chain shoulder straps and front logo give this shape an extra luxe touch. Sling it over your shoulder with a mini party dress for a festive event or wear it with jeans and a t-shirt for everyday.
Dimensions: 12"H x 8"W x 5.5"D with 21.5-25" strap drop length
Colours: Black
If you are looking for a quality leather backpack with a sleek, unbranded look, Clare V.'s Remi style is your go-to. This contemporary option, boasts a roomy interior and minimalist gold exposed zippers, adorned with the brand's round, gold logo charm.
Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 14"H x 5"D
Colours: Black
Want something more unique? Shop pre-loved offerings for a plethora of hard-to-find vintage styles that are collector worthy on sites like Amazon Luxury, Rebag, and Fashionphile, like this tan leather Chanel number. The brand's iconic double C logo and embellished straps take the trademark details the beloved handbags boast, but provide a roomy shape that can be worn hands-free.
Dimensions: 8.5"L x 9"H x 4"D
Colours: Brown
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This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.