11 Local Backpacks to See You Through Your Next Adventure

Photo: Everlane

There's no shortage of brands that will sell you a backpack, because—for several years now—backpacks have been deemed cool. (My shoulders appreciate this, and hope the trend never dies.) Finding a backpack from a local company, however, is a tad bit harder, so I've pulled together a list of Bay Area bag makers to help you pack that thang up.

Since backpacks serve different functions for different people, this list is further divided into sporty and fashion categories. Shop any of these picks by clicking on the photo. Know of a local brand that belongs in this roundup? Hit me up at rockytstyle@gmail.com.

Fashion Bags

You don't want a leather backpack for a day hike, and you don't want a nylon backpack for vacation. It's cool; you can own two. Whether you're looking for a solution for your commute or a city getaway, these local options are far more sophisticated than the Jansport that's still hiding in your closet.

Spicer Cork and Leather Backpack, $204.25

I have mixed feelings about cork, but it looks right for warm weather in this navy and brown backpack. It fits a 13" laptop, and it has a waterproof liner, so you don't have to be afraid to carry electronics. Also available in black. (Measurements: 13.5" H x 10.5" W x 5.25" D)

Everlane Petra Backpack, $330

Everlane's Italian leather backpack is intended for play, not work. It's full grain Italian leather with ultrasuede lining, and it's small: The brand actually indicates on the product page that the backpack does not fit a laptop. But if you're looking for a luxe, hands-free option to sport while gallery-hopping around New York or Paris, it's perfect. Also available in black and white. (Measurements: 9” W × 5.5” D × 10.5” H)

Baggu Leather Backpack, $224

Baggu may be known for easy, durable nylon totes, but the brand also makes backpacks! This stone-colored leather number takes the classic style you carried to school as a kid, and dresses it up in soft leather. It can fit an iPad mini or a book, but not your work computer or tablet. Also available in black, another black, and tan. (Measurements 13" H x 8" W x 6" D)

Cuyana Leather Backpack, $350

Millennial pink? Yes, please! Cuyana really thought of everything with this roomy design. It has a detachable top shoulder strap, lightly padded back straps, and space for a 13” laptop; it's the ideal, convertible, work-to-weekend style. And if pink isn't your jam, it's available in tan and black, too. (Measurements: 12.75" H x 10.5" H x 7.75" D)

Future Glory Walking Rock Rolltop Backpack, $325

Future Glory is all about its ring-handle totes now, but one of the brand's first big hits in San Francisco was this Pendleton-wool Walking Rock design. A bigger option on the list, this upscale-casual piece can fit a laptop for workdays, or a blanket and wine bottle for a picnic. Also available in black or brown leather for $425. (Measurements: 11" W x 16" H rolled, 21.5" unrolled)

Lyonhart Bags Minipack, $212

Niamh Lyonhart runs her company out of her East Oakland warehouse studio, where she makes all of her bags—from design to construction to hammering the last rivet—by hand. The minipack is a water-resistant waxed canvas with leather detailing. It looks roomy, but it actually only fits a small tablet. If you need to pack a laptop, consider upgrading to the field pack. (Measurements: 14”H x 12”W x 4"D)

Sporty Bags

Sporty backpacks are ideal for beach days, short hikes, or bike rides.  These don't require as much care as leather, but they look sharp while getting your gear from Point A to Point B. Here are five of my favorites from brands based in the Bay Area.

Timbuk2 Walker Backpack, $278

I have lots of love for Timbuk2. I could write an entire post just on their bags. I'm highlighting this unisex style because it's a great combination of form and function. You know Timbuk2 bags perform well, but this one is more handsome than your standard bicycle commuter fare. This backpack is imported, but many of Timbuk2's bags are made at the company's sewing factory on Shotwell. Also available in gray for $166 or tan for $178. Or check out their complete backpack selection here. (19.3" H 13.8" W X 4.7" D)

Baggu Drawstring Backpack, $42

This is the backpack you would want to wear when riding your beach cruiser around Newport or Nantucket. Really, any beach scene. It's simple, 100% recycled cotton canvas, and available in a rainbow of colors. (Measurements: 10.5" W x 15" H x 5 " D.)

Rickshaw Potrero Back, $149

Rickshaw is headquartered in San Francisco and it manufactures here, too. The Potrero style is everything you need in a functional backpack: Nylon construction, handy compartments, and even loops for your bike lights. The style comes in 16 color options, so you can probably find at least one that strikes your fancy. (Measurements: 18.5"H x 12.5"W x 5"D)

Everlane Twill Snap Backpack, $65

A comfortable commuter option, Everlane's snap backpack has a padded interior laptop compartment and two side-slip pockets for things like your water bottle, sunglasses, bike lock, etc. Unlike Everlane's leather backpack options, this one's big enough for your MacBook. Also available in black, blue, and olive. (Measurements: 13” L x 6” W x 18” H)

Mafia Bags Discover Pack, $172

Mafia Bags started with a sibling duo from Buenos Aires looking for the perfect bags for toting their wetsuits. Their solution? Make bags from recycled sails. Every bag from the brand is unique, ultralight, and water-resistant. The Discover Pack is big enough to fit your MacBook. (Measurements: 11.5"W x 18"H x 5.5"D)