Top 30 Backpacks That Are Actually Cool (SUPER GALLERY)

We know you probably wrote backpacks off as fashion don’ts after middle school, but it’s time to reconsider the back-slung bags. A range of designers are bringing them back as alternatives to big, bulky bags, single-shoulder bags, some high tech, some fashionable and others built solely for functionality.

Now that you tote your laptop just about everywhere and have more gadgets than ever, you need to find a back-friendly way to journey from A to B, but without sacrificing style.

This super gallery has it all, from strap-on flight packs to bags that double as bike seats and even ones that massage you.

Still think you’re too chic to get geek? We thought that might be the case, which is why we even included a backpack from Prada’s latest collection.

Techie

Webcam Backpacks - Porta2030 Streams On The Go (VIDEO)

If you’ve ever recorded video footage of yourself on the go, you probably looked like a goofball with your camcorder or cellphone stretched out in front of you… not so stealth. With this slender backpack, the Porta2030, you can record more low profile footage and actually stream your video as long… [More]

Vacuum Backpacks - Fuel Cell BacVac (GALLERY)

I could rant on and on about the hassles of vacuuming, and I think a lot of people would agree with me. The constant leaning over is one such pain and of course there’s the dents left from bumping the vacuum into everything, the cord getting stuck under doors, etc. If you have to carry the darn th… [More]

Massaging Backpacks - Airo

If you don’t mind looking like the Hunchback of Notredom, this Airo messaging backpack will provide you a relaxing massage without having to beg someone for it. Now that I think about it, having someone walking behind you rubbing your shoulders might not be a good look either. If my little German … [More]

Portable Fridge - Backpack Picnic Fridge (GALLERY)

This “Boxcooler” Backpack Fridge by Sebastian Bertram has you all covered for a little snack and relaxation while hiking or doing some outdoors sports. It even comes with picnic dishes! It can be conveniently carried on the back or you can use the cover hinge as a handle if you prefer to carry it by… [More]

Boombox For Backs - Joonas Saaranen Reppo II Backpack

As chic as this white backpack looks, it’s also functional as it’s actually a boombox. Created by Joonas Saaranen, an industrial design student at the University of Lapland, the Reppo II Backpack prototype comes with a pair of full-range built-in speakers and an amplifier. Right now the Reppo II i… [More]

Wearable CCTV - WCCTV 3G Covert Backpack

Undercover agents do not have to be ‘wired’ anymore. Designed by UK company WCCTV for law enforcement and security personnel, the 3G Covert Backpack is perfect for surveillance (or other ideas some twisted minds will surely use it for). The central unit of the body-worn equipment uses a robust com… [More]

Laser Backpack Zaps Grit and Grime - Portable, Battery-Powered Dirtbusters (VIDEO)

Unfortunately the best thing they could find to do with this thing was clean stuff, but still it is a laser freakin’ backpack. This is as close as you’re going to get to the Ghostbuster’s rig. So if you have some Ectoplasmic slime you need cleaned, who you gonna call? In the immortal word of Dr.… [More]

Flight & Other Transportation

Backpack Planes - The EXO-Wing (GALLERY)

Atair Aerospace’s EXO-Wing, is the world’s smallest human-piloted jet. The novel gadget is on display right now at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy Exhibit collection. “The only thing we know about the EXO-Wing is that the twin micro-tur… [More]

Strap-On Choppers - Personal Libelula Rocket Helicopter (GALLERY)

The Libelula Rocket Helicopter is a type of a strap-on chopper that was conceived by Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana. The concept contraction uses tiny rocket motors at the tips of the rotor blades which are powered by two hydrogen fuel canisters, thereby negating the need for a tail rotor. It’s a… [More]

Compact Bicycle of the Future - Everglide Recharges Your Gadgets (GALLERY)

Anybody that finds inner-city goings a hassle will be with me in hoping Frag Woodall’s entry for the 2007 Australian Design Awards becomes a commercial reality.  The Everglide is a bike that has the ability to be packed into a backpack, wheeled like a suitcase, or ridden like a regular bicycle. … [More]

Unique Design

Laptop Backpack That Hugs You - BUILT (GALLERY)

The BUILT Laptop Backpack is an unusual design that looks more like a bulletproof jacket than a typical case for carrying your notebook. Made from lightweight neoprene, a water-resistant exterior and breathable air mesh, BUILT accommodates and protects laptops from 12–17” with extra room for boo… [More]

Ergonomic Egg Bags - Flo Backpacks (GALLERY)

One look at the Flo Backpack designed by Ivan Huber is enough to make any self-respecting adult into their alter ego superhero of choice. The Flo backpack reminds me of a certain mutant turtle ninja half-shell which had gained immense popularity in the 90’s. Apart from making the owner look super co… [More]

BOBLBE-E Gear

I’ve had a thing for BOBLBE-E gear (http://www.boblbee.com) since I first saw them in a magazine back in 2000. These somewhat odd looking backpacks are surprisingly comfortable to wear and are a masterpiece of ergonomics and cool design. Originally a Swedish designed backpack, made of similar material to m… [More]

Xip3 - Transformable Jacket + Backpack + Pillow (GALLERY)

There is a new product being debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show in Salt Lake City. It is a jacket that can be transformed into a backpack or a pillow. Great for people on the go. The idea is the brainstorm of Carine Elen and will be receiving a granted patent in the coming weeks. Carine con… [More]

Bike Saddle Backpacks - The Cycle Bag (GALLERY)

The Cycle Bag is a bike saddle that can be carried, with two straps, as you would a backpack. I love this concept! As a long time resident of a large city, I know for a fact that owning a bike in a sprawling urban area such as New York can be daunting at times; the bik… [More]

Compact Functionality - Go Anywhere Bag (GALLERY)

Functionality is great, but when it can be expanded, it’s even better. The Go Anywhere Bag is as tiny as a small bean bag when it’s compressed, then folds out into a full size, ultra light backpack, bag or duffle bag. The key chain convertible pack is ideal for people (like me) who love to shop on… [More]

Hooded Backpack - Eleonore de Ruuk’s Hoodification (GALLERY)

While we were excited already at the discovery of the scoodie, we are absolutely thrilled that there is a fashion designer who designs just about every fashion item with hood. The hood is the trademark of the Dutch designer Eleonore de Ruuk in her fashion pieces.  She designs tops, pants, and even … [More]

Forza Hardpack Protective Backpack

The hard shelled Forza Hardpack will go well with your new Honda CBR F4, and it only costs $125. “The all-new 2006 Axio Forza Hardpack features aggressive aerodynamic styling, racing inspired graphics and TPR badge details. The expansive interior compartment utilizes an Axio exclusive removable lap… [More]

Wear Your Seat - French Designer Creates Chair / Backpack / Art

Called “Wear Your Seat”, this chair may look like a backpack but actually it is a chair.  You can carry it with you all the time because you have to wear it.  We’ve heard the phrase that BYOB but as Inventor Spot notes, now it is time for BYOC (bring your own chair). Wear Your Seat was designed by … [More]

Bungee Cord Backpack - Lighten Your Load (VIDEO)

Recently a researcher from the University of Pennsylvania developped a backpack that reduces the force of a backpack’s load on the wearer by 86%, allowing wearers to run far more comfortably with heavy loads. “While it might be useful for Santa, the backpack was created with soldiers and emergency… [More]

Backpack Shelves - TidyPack Expandable Wardrobe System

A backpacker developed a bag that would make packing for multiple trips a whole lot simpler and easier for travelers. Called Tidypack, from the outside, the bag just looks like any other rucksack. however, when you open the main compartment, you’ll discover it has an expandable wardrobe system. Ext… [More]

Plush Yoda Backpack

Ever since its release in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back has fueled the dreams of geeks across the world. Considered by many to be the best of the Star Wars saga, it was the first film where we really learned what it took to be a Jedi. Sure Obi Wan taught us a little in A New Hope, but it wasn’t unti… [More]

Fashion

Bunny Backpacks - Can Prada Revive the 90s?

Backpacks are either practical and geared toward students or hikers, or they’re considered cutsie, designed for kids and preteens. Prada wants to change that with the re-introduction of the micro backpack as a fashion statement. The Prada backpack, which is shaped like a bunny and comes with att… [More]

Stylish Parachute Bag - Von Wedel & Tiedeken Bag (GALLERY)

What a cute and useful bag this would be to have hanging around. It may make you look like you are a passenger from Oceanic Flight 815, but that is the fun! Sling it over your shoulder as a bag or wear it like it was designed as a backpack. The Von Wedel & Tiedeken Bag sells for about $600, but it… [More]

Luxury Backpack - Snakeskin Indigo Bag (GALLERY)

If you thought backpacks were worn strictly by athletes, students and geeks, you clearly haven’t seen Indigo’s collection. The snake skin bags make toting your goods over both shoulders look chicer than any other status bag could. Owning an Indigo says a lot about the woman who wears one. She has … [More]

Other Designs

Inflatable Rescue Sleds - Firun Saves Lives

We’ve seen and read about people stuck in snow while on sporting adventures or vacation. Firun by Janine Züst is a solution that could save your life in such circumstances. It is a compact inflatable rescue carriage/luge that optimizes the Alpine rescue system and that is light enough to wear as a … [More]

Animals as Babies - Dog Backpack (GALLERY)

You’ve seen people strap their babies on their backs and on their stomachs, so why not do the same with their dogs? People treat them as children these days anyway, so it really isn’t that bizarre. These images show a puffy little Pomeranian strapped to the back of his owner in a checker patterned … [More]

Bulletproof Backpacks - School Ain’t What It Used To Be (GALLERY)

BACKPACK SHIELD is a bulletproof backpack insert. The backpack is level IIIA rated and can stop 9 mm and 44 magnum rounds. Unlike similar products, the BACKPACK SHIELD is an insert that can be switched to another backpack if you outgrow your pack or decide to switch styles. Barefoot in the snow, uph… [More]

Bulletproof Back Packs - Go Back To School Protected (VIDEO)

Back to school isn’t about having the coolest accessories, the perfect hair cut, and if Jimmy or Suzy is going to notice that you got better looking, or bigger boobs over the summer! No thanks to the ever growing number of school shootings the concerns on people’s minds or at least the parents is if… [More]

The Gucci Dog Backpack

Gucci, along with several other luxury goods providers has realized something that I find enormously valuable to their brand. This is: Rich people have pets. And, those pets will need fashion on a higher level as well. This little pet fashion item is especially useful as well. Let’s say, you’ve … [More]