There are a lot of different kinds of travellers out there. There’s the adventurous one, always looking for a thrill. There’s the cultural one, trying to speak all the possible languages in order to learn about a nation’s heritage. There’s the lazy one, who honestly just wants to zone out for a day, or ten, on a beach, under an umbrella, with a cocktail in hand. There’s the party beast, who goes from one party to the other as if it were some kind of pilgrimage. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Speaking about one ‘traveller’ therefore is simply impossible and something we won’t even try.
But – there’s always a but, isn’t there? – even though you can’t speak of one single traveller, you can speak about travel essentials. Things everyone who’s travelling, no matter their lifestyle, needs. Maybe it’s an e-reader, maybe it’s sunscreen or maybe – and here we’re getting at today’s subject – it’s a backpack. A bag where you can stuff everything you need, no matter what it is, and which you can carry around all day without looking like you’re totally out of place. The search for one of those can be quite tricky, as combining comfort with aesthetics tends to be a bit of a challenge. Yet, thankfully, you’ve got us to do all the not-so-amusing research for you. So here you go, 5 backpacks suited for all your endeavours, at home or on the other side of the world. The choice is up to you.
1. RAINS
If you’re going somewhere rainy, a backpack from RAINS is just what you need. Simple, elegant and water-resistant. The Danish rainwear brand also has other products, like jackets and laptop sleeves, and all the designs are available in a range of colours, so there’s most certainly something for you out there.
Prices range from 60 to 120 euros per bag.
2. Fjällräven
A bag you’ve probably seen a million times already, yet it never goes out of style. That’s the Kånken backpack from Fjällräven, yet another Scandinavian brand, this time from Sweden. Their aim is to make people spend more time in nature yet, honestly, their bags are very city-proof as well. The fact that all their designs aim to be as eco-friendly as possible is a nice plus.
Prices range from 85 to 150 euros per Kånken backpack.
3. Sandqvist
It gets a bit boring because yes, we’re talking about a Scandinavian brand – AGAIN. The Sandqvist Hege backpack is chic enough to take with you to a fancy dinner and, at the same time, casual enough not to attract any attention while walking through the city. The combination of leather and textile is a detail we can’t get enough of.
For a Sandqvist Hege rucksack, you’ll pay between 229 and 249 euros.
4. Patagonia
Finally, a brand that doesn’t have its origins in Scandinavia, but rather in the States, in California to be more precise. Patagonia has been around for a while and is mainly known for its outdoor gear and sustainable philosophy. Since 1985, 1% of the sales have been going to the preservation and restoration of natural environments. As they’re specialized in outdoor gear, you can find all kinds of special equipment and backpacks on their site, yet, for more everyday use, we like the Arbor Lid Pack.
The Arbor Lid Pack costs 100 euros.
5. Monsak
Looking for something a bit fancier? Try Monsak. The Amsterdam-based brand is specialized in leather bags and gives you the opportunity to design your very own backpack model. Colours, shapes, options, interior… it’s all up to you. A bit more expensive maybe, yet, then again, it’s worth it to have a unique piece made in the Netherlands, isn’t it?