We’ve all got baggage so why not carry it in style? Nothing beats a well-structured backpack made of sturdy material with a sizable storage compartment. We’ve narrowed it down to these 10 backpacks for work and play. 

By Vincent Teoh

Filson Tin Cloth Backpack

Since 1897, Filson has been making honest outdoor merchandise for the rugged. Heavyweight and durable, the Filson Tin Cloth Backpack is perfect for everyday usage. It has a traditional top loading main compartment and a quick access side zipper. Made of 12.5oz cotton oil finish tin cloth for water repellency, the made-in-USA bag is held together with Filson’s signature bridle leather. Retails at Denim Store for $359.

Image via Filson

South2 West8 Canoe Sack

From the Nepenthes umbrella of labels comes South2 West8, a Japanese brand that specializes in making all-American outdoor clothing and accessories. Designed by Daiki Suzuki, this Canoe Sack is a perfectly-sized rucksack to carry day-to-day items around. This lightweight bag is made from Cordura nylon, with padded shoulder straps and black webbing straps. Retails at KIN @ PACT for $179.

Image via south2west8

TOPO Designs Rover Pack

TOPO Designs is a brand that’s not afraid to play with colors. The made-in-USA Rover Pack is made of a 1000 denier Cordura base for durability and a lightweight water-resistant pack cloth upper with cinch closure. It also has plenty of side straps for securing extra gear and excess baggage. Retails at SUP Clothing for $229.

Image via topodesigns

Epperson Mountaineering Day Pack

Made in their small Montana workshop, Epperson Mountaineering produces high quality bags constructed of materials made in USA. The Midnight Navy Day Pack features a 1000 denier Cordura nylon body with hi-grade tanned leather details and YKK zips with rawhide leather zip pulls. Retails at Leftfoot Entrepot for $229.

Image via goodhoodstore

Gregory All Day “Garden Tapestry”

California-based Gregory has been making backpacks for close to three decades. Ranging from tote bags to alpine packs, Gregory is the go-to brand for outdoor camping equipment. City dwellers could benefit from Gregory’s All Day backpack, which is perfect for daily use. Presented in “Garden Tapestry”, the All Day is a classic tear drop style with zippered compartments. Other details include dual trekking pole loops and interior mesh zippered organizer pockets. Retails at Campers Corner for $220.

Image via camperscorner

Visvim Lamina 20L “Ballistic Black”

Famous for their high quality construction (and prices), Visvim too has a luggage line. The Lamina 20L backpack is one of the Japanese brand’s most iconic pieces, and here it is presented in the Ballistic Black colorway. Its upper is made from Ballistic Cordura nylon and its bottom features a soft suede section. Retails at London’s Hideout Store for £445.

Image via Tres Bien 

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Pack

While other brands are busy trying to outdo each other in terms of creating more technical backpacks with edgier designs, Vancouver-based Herschel has stuck to making timeless vintage backpacks. A good choice would be the brand’s most iconic piece, the Heritage Pack, a backpack that’s fully lined with Herschel’s custom coated poly-cotton fabric with a reinforced bottom and fitted with a 15” laptop sleeve pocket. Available at Zalora for $109.

Image via Zalora

Pointer x Porter Rucksack

Footwear brand Pointer and Yoshida Porter have teamed up to collaborate on a made-in-Japan rucksack for Fall/Winter 2013. With a sizable capacity of 24L, yet flat enough to fit in the airplane’s overhead compartment, the backpack features a wrap-around zip, two front pockets and padded shoulder straps. Retails at Rockstar by Soon Lee outlets for $509.

Image via Rockstar

Fred Perry Cotton Rucksack

Purveyor of all things preppy, Fred Perry, does a good job with its bags too. Constructed with rich coated cotton and faux leather, the Fred Perry Rucksack features a double buckle fastening, padded shoulder straps and a zipped gusset pocket. The old school backpack is finished off with FP’s signature laurel wreath in gold coloring. Retails at Fred Perry Authentic Store for $229.

Image via Fred Perry

The Superior Labour Daypack

Japan’s The Superior Labour is well known by the workwear and menswear crowd to produce high quality bags, socks and metal accessories. Featured here is the Daypack, constructed with a sturdy red canvas uppers and brown suede bottom. Other details include brass zips with leather zip pulls, natural leather shoulder straps and the brand’s logo embossed on a leather patch on the front pocket. Retails at WanderWonder’s for $320.

Image via WanderWonder