The Season's Best Backpacks

Five styles to suit all needs

- LAURIE BROOKINS

IF IT SEEMS LIKE everyone around you, in every demographic, is carrying a backpack these days, you're not imagining this trend. Known as a knapsack before the term “backpack” was coined in 1914, this all-purpose tote is enjoying a surge in popularity. According to the London-based Business Research Company, backpacks are expected to enjoy a sales increase of 5.7 percent in 2025, totaling $21.74 billion.

The reasoning, of course, isn't complicated. Whether you're getting on a plane or traversing a daily commute from home to office, chances are you're trying to seamlessly blend your personal and professional items into one bag that accommodates your needs while reflecting your individual style. The ability to sling the bag over one or both shoulders—or perhaps remain small enough to fit under an airplane seat—also may be chief among your priorities. The result: Even if you've never considered yourself a “backpack person” in the past, you easily can be excused for realizing it's perfect for multiple purposes. With that in mind, we gathered five hot styles, each offering user-friendly features and designs sure to suit every personality.

Gucci GG Canvas Medium Backpack