THE JOURNAL
Viewers of the recent Netflix documentary Jeen-Yuhs probably found themselves missing “Old Kanye”. What might also have stood out is that, back in Mr Kanye West’s The College Dropout days, the polymath’s accessory of choice was so remarkable that it came to signify this new branch of hip-hop: backpack rap. Which could seem a little odd today, in an age when there is always a new Ye album, or an old one that he’s still fiddling with, and the backpack has become almost ubiquitous.
We get it. We all need to lug around a lot of stuff these days. If you’re hybrid working, that probably includes a laptop, which might explain why, somewhere between “Jesus Walks” and the post-divorce messiah complex, the backpack has become the norm for commuters. But that doesn’t mean yours has to be standard.
Below are some upgrades of the bag once favoured by hikers and students, suitably elevated and erudite, which, hikers and students will still appreciate (and no doubt rappers, too). They’ll have your back, even when it all falls down.
01.
The leather-trimmed canvas Brunello Cucinelli knapsack
When you call Solomeo, the medieval Umbrian hamlet that has been rebuilt under the guidance of Mr Brunello Cucinelli, home, the desire to walk the Earth is no doubt lessened. However, if you are in the market for a bag that will see you through all manner of excursions, this backpack will hold its own, along with your belongings. Made in Italy and reinforced where it needs it, it will age as well as a certain medieval Umbrian hamlet.
02.
The monogrammed canvas Gucci bag
From its collaboration with The North Face to casting viral trainspotter Mr Francis Bourgeois to front the campaign, there’s a sense that Gucci is going places this season. The house is well equipped for such adventures. The branding on this classic leather-trimmed canvas backpack doesn’t just make it clear who made it, it makes it hard to lose sight of when riding the rails.
03.
The roll-top LOEWE backpack
The practical advantages of a roll-top backpack include a wider opening, which makes it easier to pack, and the ability to adjust the volume of your bag according to what is in it. All worthy considerations, but the real draw here is the flair that we’ve come to expect from LOEWE under Mr Jonathan Anderson’s direction. The LOEWE monogram, which the house has carried since the 1970s, becomes an integral part of the design here, while the leather label is a reminder of its heritage.
04.
The recycled-nylon Mulberry bag
Employing a material that’s been around the block a few times (as in it is recycled), Mulberry’s adaptable bag has certainly gleaned a few tricks in its travels. It has both shoulder straps and handles, so it can be carried on your back or used as a tote. It’s lightweight, but padded, to protect its contents. The striped cord drawstring makes a nod to outdoor gear.
05.
The plush pebble-grain leather TOM FORD backpack
TOM FORD’s take on the backpack doesn’t just carry your belongings, it raises them to the next level. Crafted in Italy from supple pebble-grain leather, it has a padded pocket for tablets and is finished with the brand’s trademark oversized gold zips. It even comes with its own bag to keep out dust. Of course it does.
06.
The rugged Ralph Lauren Purple Label heritage bag
Mr Ralph Lauren describes his Purple Label line as “the things that never go out of style”. This hardy canvas backpack perfectly captures that ethos. Padded for comfort with easy-access pockets, the stirrup-inspired hardware draws on Lauren’s equestrian lineage.
07.
The exclusive Fear of God shell backpack
Mr Jerry Lorenzo has a knack for taking something we all need and turning it into something we all want. From sweats and streetwear to relaxed tailoring, everything Fear of God touches is at once comfortable and cutting edge. Modern yet timeless and, as far as this bag is concerned, luxurious but also what we imagine to be standard issue for the Galactic Imperial Army, particularly its Hoth assault divisions. It’s a lot of contradictions to shoulder, but this carrier is more than up to the task.