Updated On: November 03, 2023 by 
LuxuryLeisureAffluence Writing Team
If you carry something on your shoulders, it might as well be a fashionable, well-designed, and functional backpack.
Having to carry our belongings on our backs is not a new phenomenon. There is evidence that people were making rucksacks as early as 3300 BC. A two-metre-long U-shaped hazel rod and two 40cm-long wooden boards were discovered on the mummified remnants of Otzi the Iceman. These items are thought to have been strung together and used to support an animal hide bag, resulting in a framed backpack.
Colonel Henry C Merriam, an American, designed a backpack for infantry use in 1874. He is the forerunner of the frameless backpacks that have become an important part of how we carry things today. Later, in 1938, Gerry Cunningham created the first zippered backpack. Still, in the late 1960s, the backpack became famous, thanks to its widespread adoption by schoolchildren across the United States.
There are backpacks for every possible purpose and utility available today. Some, of course, have become fashion items, an extension of one’s style that complements and highlights the appearance. They have also become symbols of style, wealth, and status while retaining their functional aspect.
The backpack has taken on new value as we live in a much more mobile world and have become more of a nomadic society post-covid. So, we have made a list of the favourite luxury brands producing the highest quality backpacks today. From Parisian fashion houses to accessories specialists, you will find the ideal fit for your demands and aesthetics here.
1. Master-Piece
Taichi Fujimatsu founded Master-Piece in 1994. The Japanese brand Master-Piece creates beautiful and functional backpacks from its Osaka factory. Because of their unique fabrication techniques, they made something of a cult following.
Master-Piece bags are typically waterproof and have a clean, pared-back design language (thanks to a high-density nylon twill). They are also resistant to abrasion and, in some cases, fire. As a result, you can relax and be assured that your valuable cargo is in capable hands.
It is established on the idea of “Mae in Japan”. The level of detail and functionality is remarkable. It is expected from a Japanese specialist.
2. Bleu de Chauffe
It is not possible to be more French than leather bag manufacturer Bleu De Chauffe. Bleu De Chauffe is based in the Aveyron region. It only employs local artisans to create its stunning bags, using only the best and most sustainable fabrics and materials. Each artisan has full responsibility for the bag they create. They sign each piece they make. In addition, there are no production lines, which is unique and highly impressive today.
While the brand is famous for its postman’s satchels and musettes, the backpacks are equally as lovely, made from vegetable-tanned leather. They are inspired by outdoor backpacks from the 1950s and 1960s and are ideal for adding a classic flourish to a stylish wardrobe.
3. WANT Les Essentiels
WANT Les Essentials’ small but perfectly made collection of backpacks ticks all the right boxes for the fashion-forward gentleman. He thrives with a predominantly black outfit.
The expert bag maker has created four stunning backpacks tailored to distinct personalities. The Kastrup style is a chic utility piece made from organic cotton (also available in tough nylon).
The minimalistic leather Serio backpack is a true testament to ‘luxury.’ We also like the more technical and urban-focused Mini Rogue 2.0. It is made of ECONYL®, a highly durable and sustainable fabric from regenerated nylon from the ocean and landfill waste.
4. Smythson
Smythson is a well-known British brand best known for its luxury wallets and stationery. Nonetheless, it has since expanded its knowledge of natural hide into bags, most notably its backpacks.
The Everyday backpacks are gorgeously minimal, crafted from grained calf leather and featuring a single outer compartment with sufficient space for your daily cargo. In contrast, the Zip-Around backpacks use the brand’s Panama leather, borrowing the cross-grain texture from its popular diaries and journals.
5. Berluti
The prestigious leather specialist began in the footwear industry and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading fashion brands. As a result, it’s no wonder that its bag collection is top-notch.
Berluti is well-known for using leather patinas in its luxury shoe and outerwear collections. The same effect has been incorporated into its backpacks. It is best exemplified by its Time Off Scritto style, which is made of Venezia leather and is ideal for elevated casual looks. In contrast, its Premier Jour design is aimed at discerning business types who appreciate refinement.
6. Montblanc
Montblanc, a Swiss brand, appears capable of designing anything and producing a genre-defining product. And it has done it again with the Extreme 3.0 backpack, made from embroidered full-grain black bovine leather and finished with black metal joints. It has a water-resistant compartment, several pockets, and two writing instrument loops.
If you want something a little more eye-catching, the visually appealing Meisterstück backpack is made from sustainable ECONYL®. It is printed with a bold glacier pattern “in tribute to the icy peaks of the Mont Blanc.”
7. Saint Laurent
The lauded Parisian fashion superpower has a surprisingly large and diverse backpack collection, almost all of which are predictably black and chic. Saint Laurent brings fashion cachet and bags of luxury uniqueness to its City Flap backpacks made of ECONYL® with leather detailing to its vintage Sac de Jour. It is also available in crocodile embossed leather.
8. Bennett Winch
Bennett Winch produces a single backpack design handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans in the North of England. It epitomizes luxury fabrics, elegant craftsmanship, and timeless style. It comes in 24oz bonded canvas or full-grain Tuscan leather featuring London-welded solid brass material.
This specialized bagmaker delivers precisely what you see – and we love what we see. The minimalist design will only get better with time and wear, making it the ideal complement to a sartorial-inspired outfit.
9. Brunello Cucinelli
The Italian master of delicate fabrics does not cut corners. So, of course, Mr Cucinelli’s backpacks are works of art. They are also useful fashion items.
The Calfskin City backpack is a stunning depiction of artisan leather design inspired by vintage suitcases. Despite being expressed in the highest form of luxury, the textured fabric and buffalo leather backpack are a more modern adaptation of the backpack.
Yes, they will charge you the price of a used car. Still, if you are a Cucinelli customer, that is likely water off a duck’s back.
10. Gucci
Gucci’s bag collection is extensive, as one might expect from the Italian fashion behemoth, with a wide range of backpack styles available. The backpack is a fine collection of the much-loved Gucci logos and trademarks. It also features more contemporary designs, as one would expect from a brand with such heritage.
They have many trademark motifs. These themes include the Gucci cat cartoon print by Pablo Delcielo, a Chile-based illustrator and cartoonist.
What Gucci’s backpacks lack in technical utility and functionality, they compensate for in design and luxury charm.
11. Serapian
Since 1928, the Milanese leather bag specialist has been handcrafting its stunning pieces. Although it is no longer family-owned, it continues to use the same detailed techniques to produce some of the most outstanding examples of leatherwork.
Its backpacks follow the same style: smooth and minimal, with a traditional zip-up silhouette and fabrics like ‘Cachemire leather,’ naturally tumbled grained leather. Serapian’s designs are ideal for the classy gentleman with a wardrobe that combines stylish finesse and modern fashion.
12. 1017 Alyx 9sm
Alyx Studios, founded by Matthew Williams, quickly gained a reputation by producing clothing and accessories with a distinct functional edginess. It garnered cult approval in the luxury sartorial scene.
Alyx’s backpacks are invariably black, technical, and fantastic and are easily recognizable by their rollercoaster straps. They are typically made of solid nylon. They are a great way to round out an all-black modern streetwear look.
13. Valextra
Valextra, a leather bag specialist, was founded in 1937 in Milan by Giovanni Fontana and has since earned one of the best reputations for luxury bagmaking. Although it is one of Italy‘s oldest quality leather brands, it has not rested on its achievements and continues to produce incredibly high-quality styles.
Its generously shaped V-Line backpacks are a prime example. They are made in soft Millepunte calf leather.
14. Loewe
If you want to differ from the traditional backpack style and catch the eye, the Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is the place to go. Loewe is ahead of its time under the artistic direction of Jonathan Anderson.
Its backpacks are clever, innovative, one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and constantly surprising. They combine creative design with humour and elegance. The collection is extensive and varied, with calfskin silhouettes alongside more traditional military backpacks in smooth calfskin.
15. Mulberry
Mulberry appears to have been around for much longer, given its association with splendid leather bags. Still, the British luxury brand was established in 1971. However, in that time, it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s best luxury leather bag manufacturers for a valid reason.
While the women’s bags get the most attention, the men’s backpacks are not to be overlooked. For example, the Performance Tote backpacks made of recycled nylon are a contemporary rendition of the classic hiking style, perfect with modern casualwear. In contrast, the City backpack in heavy calfskin leather is a pared-back delight, ideal for complementing a smart minimalist outfit.
16. Bellroy
Bellroy was founded in Australia but is now led by a global team. It sells a high-end backpack line. They are made to exact criteria and are intended for various activities.
What truly distinguishes Bellroy from its competitors is its ability to create a luxury product while remaining eco-friendly. They use recycled nylon or rayon fabrics and only eco-tanned calfskin. Where applicable, they use organic materials that mimic leather and canvas.
Most notably, they make each backpack last long and patinate gorgeously. As a result, you may never need to replace it.
17. Peak Design
Peak Design is unquestionably one of the premier backpack brands for photographers worldwide, with an entire line of award-winning camera bags and accessories. Their customers quickly become loyal customers. It is a task made easier by their unrivalled design, enabling you to hold the same model for years.
All their product lines, including their backpacks, are designed to provide you with the most convenient access to your gear. Suppose you have tried to find your camera while on the go; a Peak Design backpack will feel like a turning point. A few carefully selected accessories accompany it.
18. Tropicfeel
Tropicfeel, a travel gear innovator, has created waterproof backpacks for loyal customers with features they will want to use. The creative “closet” insert at the heart of their backpack line can arrange and compress your clothing. It can be removed entirely and hung for easy access at your destination.
Because its bags are spacious and modular, Tropicfeel is one of the ideal backpack brands for long-term or full-time travellers. You can quickly adapt them to your needs on the go, making it simple to switch between climates.
19. Db
Db’s backpacks are carefully designed to make your journeys run more smoothly, with the idea that the outdoors should become more attainable to everyone.
They are based in Norway, and their collection reflects the impact of Nordic design.
Their bags exude simplicity and functionality. Suppose you are a skier, photographer, or surfer. In that case, it is undoubtedly one of the best backpack brands, as Db also has matching bags to carry that hardware.
20. GORUCK
Jason and Emily McCarthy are husband and wife founders. They designed GORUCK rucksacks to sustain the hardships of even the most challenging treks. They used their extensive knowledge of tactical gear.
According to the company, the main distinction between a traditional backpack and a rucksack is that the latter is designed to carry massive amounts of weight without struggling. So, they are ideal for thru-hiking in even the most challenging conditions. The company also stores weighted plates with harnesses that you can use in the gym or out in the wilderness to help you get ruck-ready.
Your backpack, whether it is your daily carry, travel bag, or a go-to way to transport specialized equipment, can be just as essential as the items you carry. The best backpack brands make various models that effectively organize your belongings and access with as little tension as possible. They also feature a long-lasting build made of high-quality materials,
After knowing the specialities of some top brands, you narrow the field to a high-end product that meets your specific needs when investing in a quality backpack.
