Herschel Supply Co. may dominate the casual backpack scene, but there's a whole world of fascinating alternatives out there. We're seeing a surge of innovative brands that bring fresh perspectives to bag design, materials, and sustainability. From rescued leather goods to tech-forward travel gear, these eight brands are writing their own rules in the carry-all category.
The folks at Casupo have a refreshing take on leather goods: why create new materials when perfectly good ones are going to waste? This Long Beach brand breathes new life into rescued leather while maintaining strict environmental standards through partnerships with gold-rated tanneries.
Their Large Billfold Wallet shows off this philosophy beautifully. Eight card slots arranged with mathematical precision showcase the natural characteristics of their reclaimed leather. There's a social consciousness woven into every stitch too – the brand channels a portion of profits to Fundanica, supporting children with cancer in Venezuela. This connection isn't random; founder Luz drew inspiration from her Venezuelan roots, even naming the company after a mountain in Valencia.
Why we like Casupo
1
Sustainable Materials
Uses rescued leather to reduce waste and environmental impact
2
Social Impact
Supports children with cancer through Fundanica in Venezuela
3
Ethical Production
Partners with gold-rated tanneries for environmental standards
Some brands just get how modern travelers think, and Calpak is a prime example. This LA-based family business has evolved from humble beginnings into a brand that's solving real travel headaches with clever engineering.
We're particularly intrigued by their Medium Compression Packing Cubes. These aren't your basic fabric boxes – they're more like tiny apartments for your clothes, complete with compression technology that lets you maximize every cubic inch without turning your shirts into wrinkled disasters. The Kwon family, who founded Calpak, clearly understands that good travel gear needs to do more than just look pretty. Their products include practical touches like designated shoe spaces and water-resistant materials that make sense in the real world.
Why we like Calpak
1
Smart Engineering
Compression technology maximizes space without compromising clothing
2
Family-Driven Innovation
Family business perspective brings practical solutions to travel needs
3
Thoughtful Details
Includes features like designated shoe spaces and water-resistant materials
Shelby
05/29/24
I’ve moved four times, and each time, these compression packing cubes have saved me so much space and made organizing clothes so much easier!
Emily Russell
05/08/24
I bought a full set of these several years ago and just purchased a second set even though the first set is still going strong - just needed more for longer trips! I love how stylish these cubes are in addition to being water resistant and super durable.
The Sport Backpack in Beige reveals their knack for versatility. It's equipped with compartments that make sense whether you're headed to spin class or catching a red-eye. The clever part is how naturally it transitions between different environments – it doesn't scream "gym bag" at the office or look too corporate at yoga. This adaptability shows a real understanding of how people actually live and move through their days.
Monos takes the minimalist aesthetic and gives it actual purpose. Instead of just making things look clean and simple, they're focused on creating pieces that last longer and work better.
Their Compressible Packing Cubes demonstrate this philosophy in action. The design is stripped down to the essentials, but each element serves a clear purpose. The compression feature isn't just a gimmick – it's engineered to maximize space while keeping clothes organized and wrinkle-free. We appreciate their stance on longevity too, backing products with lifetime warranties and using materials chosen for durability rather than just looks.
There's something special about Lo & Sons' approach to bag design – it's like they've combined a mother's practical wisdom with her sons' modern sensibilities. This family dynamic has led to some genuinely innovative thinking about how bags should work.
The O.G. 2 reflects this unique perspective. It's got space for everything from laptops to gym shoes, but it never feels like a compromise between professional style and practical storage. The design clearly comes from real-world experience rather than focus groups – you can tell this is a bag created by people who actually understand the daily juggling act of modern life.
Why we like Lo & Sons
1
Family Design Philosophy
Combines practical wisdom with modern aesthetics
2
Real-World Solutions
Created from genuine user experience rather than focus groups
Dagne Dover seems to have a sixth sense for spotting everyday bag frustrations and solving them with elegant design solutions. Their approach starts with real problems rather than aesthetic trends.
The Landon Carryall in Extra Large showcases their talent for practical innovation. The neoprene material choice isn't just about looking different – it creates a bag that's naturally protective and adaptable. Interior organization isn't an afterthought either; it's central to the design, with specific homes for all your daily essentials. The result feels less like a traditional bag and more like a personal assistant who keeps everything in order.
Why we like Dagne Dover
1
Problem-Solving Design
Addresses real-world bag frustrations
2
Innovative Materials
Strategic use of neoprene for protection and adaptability
Paravel proves that sustainability doesn't have to mean compromise. Their approach to environmental responsibility goes deeper than just using recycled materials – it's built into their entire design philosophy.
The Fold-Up Bag represents this holistic thinking in action. It's a feat of engineering that transforms from practically nothing into a full-sized travel companion, and it does this while maintaining serious environmental credentials. The materials are chosen not just for their eco-friendly properties but for their ability to perform better than traditional options. Carbon-neutral shipping and recycled components are just the beginning of their environmental story.
Why we like Paravel
1
Holistic Sustainability
Environmental responsibility integrated into design philosophy
2
Innovative Engineering
Space-saving design without compromising functionality
3
Performance-Focused
Eco-friendly materials chosen for superior performance
From their workshop in Bogotá, Capra Leather is proving that traditional leatherwork has a place in modern life. Their methods might be old school, but their designs speak to contemporary needs.
The Small Gear Pouch represents this marriage of past and present. Each one is hand-stitched using techniques that have been around for generations, but the design itself is thoroughly modern, created to organize today's digital essentials. The leather comes from Andean cattle, processed according to strict environmental protocols – it's tradition with a conscience.
These brands represent more than just alternatives to mainstream options – they're pushing the entire industry to think differently about what bags can be. Whether it's through sustainable practices, innovative organization, or artisanal craftsmanship, each brings something unique to the table. As consumers become more conscious about their choices, these brands show us that better options exist if we know where to look.