Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Manual’s Best Backpacks for Summer Travel

the manuals best backpacks for summer travel backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The search for a backpack that can go anywhere can be a taxing one — particularly when it comes to the best backpacks for summer travel. And lest backpacks conjure up images of middle school or high school, know that today’s crop of the best backpacks for summer travel are ready to pair up with your favorite style essentials, like classic white sneakers or a classic blue Oxford. With a range of picks below, there’s surely something to suit every taste and budget.

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack [$75]

Fjlallraven Kanken
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Kanken’s crisp, iconic design precedes itself, found on the backs of well-dressed travelers and explorers everywhere. It’s available in a range of colors, and its simple look and understated styling potential underscore the fact that it’ll hold your everyday carry essentials without taking up too much space — you can store a leather laptop sleeve (and laptop), plus a minimal brown leather watch inside, plus plenty more.

Filson Tin Cloth Backpack [$350]

Filson Tin Cloth Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Filson’s reputation, like that of Fjallraven & its Kanken Backpack, is strong enough to stand on its own aside from the fact that the quality of its bags just seems to get better and better. It features tear and water-repellent fabric, for one. For another, it’s accented with saddle-grade, vegetable-tanned leather — that means it looks sharp alongside slim linen pants or tailored khaki shorts. And, it packs a heck of a punch in terms of quality — not bad for one bag, right?

Lexdray Copenhagen Pack [$395]

Lexdray Copenhagen Pack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those who like their backpacks with a dash of minimal, cool style, the Lexdray Copenhagen Pack is the piece to buy. It’s made with durable, tough weather-resistant fabrics, plus military-grade hardware. An incredible seven exterior pockets and the use of ballistic nylon are just the right finishing touches to make this bag fit for travel across the globe — style it with crisp, retro sneakers for day-to-night style.

Jack and Mulligan Welles Backpack [$365]

Jack & Mulligan Welles Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Want a backpack that you can wear with a suit? The Jack and Mulligan Welles Backpack is the one to pick up. It’s made from soft, smooth full-grain calf skin leather, and handy features like an interior laptop sleeve accent the fact that it’s premium, durable and made in America. Padded shoulder straps turn this backpack from a display piece into one that can go all across town, especially when rocking a tailored summer suit.

Herschel Heritage Backpack [$59.99]

Herschel Heritage Backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When one thinks of backpacks that are iconic in their design & function, some of the names on this list come to mind — including Herschel. Its Heritage Backpack looks sharp, clean and minimal, with fine design touches like its classic woven label and a handsome blend of black nylon & brown leather accents. Add in smaller finishing touches like pebbled leather zipper pulls, and you’re all set to grab and go, whether you’re running around New York Fashion Week: Men’s or dashing elsewhere.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Draft Kings teams with NHL to bring the fans best friend for this season
dress the part during the game and beyond
Draft Kings x NHL shirt

The 2024/2025 NHL season is underway. And while the league looks a little different this season with the Arizona Coyotes' departure and the new Utah Hockey Club's arrival, fans' desire to support their team with attractive gear is more intense than ever. That is why Draft Kings put together a new collaboration with the league to bring a new line of fan gear perfect for this season. The Draft Kings x NHL collection arrived yesterday, with 32 teams and a whole new way to be a fan.
“With the hockey season currently underway and the Winter Classic only days away, we are excited to collaborate with the NHL to launch original, co-branded apparel items for all 32 teams that both fans of DraftKings and the NHL can enjoy,” said Megan Ryan, Vice President of Channel Marketing, DraftKings. “The collection harnesses the passion of hockey fans everywhere, giving them an opportunity to rep their favorite team in style.”

32 teams, 32 fanbases

Read more
Newest CAT collaboration collection sells out in first week
It was extremely popular and took no time to sellout
CAT x ASSC feature

CAT is as tough as you are. CAT has something for you, whether you are on a construction site, keeping the streets safe, or doing any other hard work vocation. They are the pinnacle of workwear and combine movability with durability while also never sacrificing what looks excellent as well. Then, some collaborations stand above the rest. Most recently, they collaborated with an MLS star to create a great-looking functional collection. However, the latest collaboration from CAT dropped on December 14th and may be the most popular yet, as it sold out in under a week. While the love for a short-run limited edition keeps these happening regularly, we can't lie and say we wish this one had gone on a little longer. We weren't quick enough, but for CAT x ASSC, it is a good problem to have.
Gone in a heartbeat

What made the collaboration so intriguing is the partly the other half of the creative collective. Anti Social Social Club began just under a decade ago when the founder, Neek Lurk (Andrew Buenaflor), used the creative aspect of the brand as an emotional outlet for his depression. Launching it on Twitter and becoming a viral statement of support for emotional health, the brand blew up and has been enjoyed by celebrities such as Kanye West and BTS. They do a lot of collaborations, so it is no surprise that the combination of their streetwear aesthetics combined with CAT's workwear reputation caused this collection to fly off the shelves. We will have to keep our ears to the ground for more coming down the pipe.
CAT x ASSC

Read more
One of Clark’s most iconic Moc Boots is now your favorite work boot
Clark's, DAIWA release new work boot
black suede clark's with gaiters

Everyone knows that Clark’s has a history of creating quality boots that last. However, in their latest collaboration, the footwear company is taking their premium construction to the next level with a rugged work boot you can count on. Along with Japanese outdoor apparel brand Daiwa Pier 39, Clarks has created the ultimate work boot that mixes comfort with stability in a design you’ll recognize. Drawing inspiration from fishing gear, this new collaborative boot is made to withstand any rugged environment and harsh winter you may experience. This new boot is a stylish way to upgrade your footwear for the season in all senses, providing Clarks’ same quality materials and construction with new features. 
 Clark’s x Daiwa Angler’s Walabee GTX SPs

Made to function in urban and outdoor environments, the Angler’s Walabee GTX SPs prove that you don’t need to sacrifice style to have everything you need. The boots utilize a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining for ultimate protection against the elements and offer a double-layered suede vamp and a lightweight Vibram sole to increase the design’s durability. If these features aren’t enough to protect you, the shoes come with an attachable GORE-TEX gaiter that can add another layer to your look. This boot has everything you need for style and use like waterproof zippers, lace buckles, and reflective laces. Using the best materials for outdoor use, there’s no worry that you’ll be safe in your Clark’s. Now available via Haven for $444, these boots come in a classic black cowhide suede. With the classic look of a Moc Boot, this shoe is perfect for taking you from rugged work environments to an evening out on the town.

Read more