Alternative Backpacks Like Herschel Supply Co.

Fjallraven - Rucksack No.21

We can’ talk about backpacks without talking about another iconic brand – Fjallraven. While the Kanken is its most popular model, the Rucksack No. 21 comes pretty close to the look and feel of Herschel.

Rucksack No. 21 has a very outdoorsy and rugged design, perfect for travel and hikes. The G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco, a heavy-duty polyester-cotton blend, ensures years of use out of this bag regardless of abuse. It has a padded sleeve that can fit 15″ laptops, so it’s also great for city commutes.

Probably the one thing it has more than the Herschel Little America or Pop Quiz are pockets, but not by a lot. This one has a bottle pocket, one thing that the Herschel bags don’t have. Rucksack No. 21 also has side and front pockets to stash small items in.

Overall, if you are looking for backpacks similar to Herschel in both look and quality, then this one impresses me for sure.

Kamp New York Classic Flat Backpack

For those more attracted to Herschel’s minimalist styles, the Kamp New York backpacks fit your style. The company is known for minimalist, urban designs.

The Classic Flat Backpack is one design that can go from office to outdoors. Its coated canvas fabric is also water-resistant, so rain in the city or in the jungle won’t be too big of a problem.

It can also adapt to how much stuff you want to carry around for that day. The bag is held by snap buttons on the sides to keep it sleek and compact. If you need more space, it expands to fit a 17-inch laptop and 19 liters of space.

It does take minimalism to a slight extreme though with the lack of organization. Aside from the laptop compartment, it only has two front slip pockets for other items.

Jansport Hatchet Backpack

Yet another excellent backpack brand known for its durability and versatility is Jansport. It produces a wide selection of backpack styles and functions, but close to the Herschel Little America is the Jansport Hatchet Backpack.

At a cheaper price tag, the Hatchet actually gives a lot more functionality than the Little America or Pop Quiz. It’s an excellent outdoor bag made of sturdy polyester material and tons of organization options.

It fits a 17-inch laptop and has a tricot-lined tablet pocket. The interior organizer panel has a padded phone holder, zippered mesh pocket, and also has a front zippered gear pocket.

The shoulder straps are also adjustable for a custom fit, equipped with a sternum strap. Clearly made for the outdoors, it may be a bit too big and bulky for the city or school.

Vaschy Unisex Classic Water-Resistant Backpack

If your biggest drawback to Herschel backpacks is price, then the Vaschy backpack is one of the cheaper backpack brands like Herschel. Don’t be fooled by the $25 price tag though – this affordable Herschel alternative packs in a lot.

It comes in both plain and fun colors, marketed as a school bag. That only means one thing – lots of pockets. The main compartment has a double-zipper closure. On the outside are an exterior zipper pocket and water-bottle pockets on both sides. Inside is a padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. There are four interior zipper pockets and an anti-theft back pocket.

It also doesn’t scrimp on space with a capacity of 23 liters. Made with polyester, it’s durable and also water-resistant.

Gysan Water-Resistant Backpack

One of the bags similar to Herschel is the Vaschy is the Gysan Backpack. With a similar price tag, similar design elements, and a lot more colors to choose from, the Gysan Backpack is an excellent dupe for the Herschel Pop Quiz.

Most of the Gysan’s features are similar to the Vaschy, with an additional front pocket and an inner water bottle pocket. It’s also a little smaller with a capacity of 21 liters, but that doesn’t take too much away from it being a great travel bag.

Instead of polyester, however, the Gysan backpack is made of nylon with a polyester lining. This gives double protection against water, though it’s not completely waterproof. It also has padded straps and a padded bottom for comfort and protection.

Jansport Superbreak Backpack

Another entry from Jansport is the ultra-classic Superbreak. Almost a direct alternative to the Herschel Pop Quiz, the Jansport Superbreak is one of the brand’s most iconic models.

One thing that deducts cool points from the Superbreak is the lack of pockets. It only has the main compartment and the front zippered pocket. Unless you use your own pouches, everything essentially will just roll around in the bag altogether. No laptop compartments, no internal pockets; the Superbreak is simply a backpack that will last you a lifetime.

Not sure if it’s worth your time? Perhaps the under $30 price tag will convince you.

KAVU Camp Sherman Backpack

Another outdoorsy option is the KAVU Camp Sherman Backpack. Made by a company based out of Seattle, this is the perfect alternative to the Herschel Little America that can take a lot more wear and tear.

As an adventour gear, the KAVU Camp Sherman backpack has a padded and contoured back panel to provide support and comfort for a whole day of carrying a heavy load for a hike or when traveling. Its heavy-duty 600D polyester makes sure that the bag can take a beating. Despite its rugged features, it comes in really fun colors, too.

Naturally, this backpack also out-pockets the Herschel Little America. The KAVU Camp Sherman Backpack has a bunch of unique features like two side zip pockets for phone chargers or headphones and a rear zipper opening so you can access the main compartment without taking off your bag.

KAUKKO Travel Rucksack

Herschel might be known for providing a variety of colors, but the KAUKKO Travel Rucksack takes it up a notch in terms of trendy designs.

Looking very similar to Little America, the KAUKKO Travel Rucksack features a nylon outer material and polyester lining for improved water-resistance. It has a device pocket that can fit a 12-inch laptop or tablet, but the main compartment is roomy enough for a 15-inch laptop.

It has a flap opening secured by two leather straps with a snap, a small front pocket, and four more inner slip pockets. It also has a drawstring closure.

Save for some a few features, the KAUKKO Travel Rucksack is actually an exact dupe for the Herschel Retreat, which isn’t that far off from Little America.

Timbuk2 Sunset Backpack

For those looking for a Herschel alternative that’s a bit more luxe, the Timbuk2 Sunset Backpack is a great modern alternative. It’s more urban than the Little America as evidenced by a lot more pockets and compartments for devices, trinkets, and other items.

It’s not too bulky and can fit a 13-inch laptop, making it a good option as a business backpack, too. While it’s roomy and can hold a lot of stuff, the shoulder straps are not padded. The material is very soft and flexible, but an overloaded backpack will feel very uncomfortable for long periods of carrying the bag.