It’s difficult to believe that, just a few years ago, pretty much the only people wearing backpacks were either gap-toothed school kids who needed something to stash their Pokemon cards in or, well, backpackers. Backpacks for men seemed like an oxymoron, as what self-respecting full grown adult would be seen carrying one?

These days, however, the men’s luggage landscape is an altogether different place, and this practical type of bag has become the gold standard, along with other previously unwelcome trends, like cross-body bags. And it’s not just luxury backpacks; there’s been a revival of the everyday pack too, with more people than ever before using one for their day-to-day duties. So, why is it suddenly a fashion-approved bag trend?

“There was a gap in the market for an everyday use bag – a utilitarian product with an injection of design,” explains Lyndon Cormack, co-founder of Herschel Supply Co. “People are always on the move these days and they have a lot of things to carry around, such as phones, laptops, books, wallets, gym gear etc,” adds Lyndon. “We are in more of a commuting culture than we have ever been.”

So instead of scratching your head over the return of backpacks for men, embrace it with the best backpacks we could find from the most popular backpack brands on the market.

Stylish Backpacks for Men

Best Overall Backpack: Herschel

The fact that it’s only been on the scene for just over a dozen years makes Canadian label Herschel Supply Co. a relative newcomer to the backpack party. To be fair though, it wasn’t actually much of a party until it arrived. Herschel is on the frontline of the everyday-pack revolution, and you only need take a swift glance at its products to see why they’re so popular. Heritage styling, practicality and tasty leather detailing come as standard. A true future classic.