When you want backpacks that work well, last long, and look good, European brands are known for being some of the best. They’ve been making backpacks for years, perfecting them in places from Norway to Switzerland. These packs can handle tough conditions and keep you comfy on your trips.
Whether you’re going on a weekend hike, a months-long backpacking trip across Europe, or just need a good backpack for everyday use, European brands give you quality that’s worth the money. Let’s check out ten European backpack brands that are among the best in the world.
Why Go For European Backpack Brands?
European backpack companies have made a name for themselves based on a few important things. They try to make stuff in a way that doesn’t hurt the planet, often use recycled stuff, and use methods that are good for the environment. This is great for people who care about the world. They also really care about how their backpacks are made, testing them out in real situations to make sure they can handle anything.
Also, European brands get that everyone has different needs when they travel or spend time outdoors. That’s why they come up with cool designs, make sure the backpacks fit well, and pay attention to small details that can make a big difference when you’re using them for a long time.
1. Fjällräven (Sweden) – Classic Scandinavian Design
Fjällräven started in Sweden in 1960 and has become known for good outdoor gear and simple, timeless design. They believe in making useful, long-lasting stuff that makes people want to be outside more.
What Makes Fjällräven Special:
Their Kånken backpack is famous. It was first made in 1978 to help kids avoid back problems. Fjällräven backpacks are made of Vinylon F, which makes them water-resistant and able to keep their shape for years. They also try to be sustainable by using recycled stuff and offering repair services so you can use their products longer.
Best For: Getting around town, school, easy hikes, and travel
Price Range: $80-$400
Main Things: Vinylon F material, simple design, lifetime repair promise
Shop Fjällräven Backpacks Here
2. Deuter (Germany) – Comfort and Careful Design
Deuter has been making backpacks since 1898 in Germany. People like their backpacks because they pay close attention to detail and have good suspension systems. Hikers and climbers all over the world use them.
Why Deuter Is Great:
Deuter’s Aircontact and Futura suspension systems made backpacks way more comfy by letting air flow better and spreading weight evenly. They make sure every piece of the backpack has a purpose, so the backpacks work perfectly even when things get tough. They also have a special SL (Slim Line) series for women that fits them better.
Best For: Hiking for days, climbing mountains, carrying heavy stuff
Price Range: $120-$600
Main Things: Good suspension systems, fits well, lets air flow
Shop Deuter: Check out their website or stores that sell their stuff.
3. Vaude (Germany) – Leaders in Green Ideas
Vaude started in Germany in 1974. They’re known as one of the most environmentally friendly outdoor gear companies in Europe. They have a Green Shape standard that means their products are made in a way that’s good for the environment and people.
What Makes Vaude a Sustainability Leader:
Vaude was the first outdoor company in Europe to not harm the climate. They use things like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and materials that don’t have PFCs in their backpacks. They also let you change and upgrade parts of your pack, so you can use it longer and make less trash. They’re open about how they make their stuff, which is a good example for other companies.
Best For: People who care about the environment, bike trips, hikes, everyday use
Price Range: $90-$450
Main Things: Sustainable materials, changeable parts, doesn’t harm the climate
Shop Vaude: You can find Vaude products online or in European outdoor stores.
4. Mammut (Switzerland) – Mountain Heritage and New Ideas
Mammut started in Switzerland in 1862. They’ve been making gear for the Alps for over 160 years. Because they know a lot about mountains, their backpacks are made to handle the toughest places in the world.
Why Mammut Is The Best For Alpine Gear:
Mammut backpacks use things like their own materials that don’t tear easily and keep the weather out. They know what people need when they’re climbing mountains, so they add things like ice axe attachments, rope spots, and whistle buckles in case of an emergency. They also care about safety and make it easy to add avalanche safety gear.
Best For: Climbing mountains, tough hikes, winter sports
Price Range: $150-$500
Main Things: Good for mountains, strong materials, made for safety
Shop Mammut: You can buy Mammut backpacks online or at stores that sell climbing gear.
5. Haglöfs (Sweden) – Simple and Great
Haglöfs started in 1914 and believes in simple, useful, and good design. They make backpacks that don’t have extra stuff but still work well and are comfy.
Why Haglöfs Is Good At Minimalism:
Haglöfs backpacks have simple lines and make good use of space without being weak or uncomfortable. Their Tight series of backpacks is super light and gives you everything you need without extra weight. People who like to hike with as little as possible and travelers who want to be efficient like this brand.
Best For: Light hiking, simple travel, walking, day trips
Price Range: $100-$350
Main Things: Light, simple, Swedish-made
Shop Haglöfs: You can buy Haglöfs gear in Scandinavian outdoor stores and some other places around the world.
6. Bergans (Norway) – Outdoor History in Norway
Bergans started in Norway in 1908 and has been giving Norwegian explorers gear for over 100 years. They know a lot about Norway’s rough land, so they make backpacks that can handle tough Nordic conditions.
Why Bergans Is The Best In Tough Places:
Bergans backpacks can handle Norway’s crazy weather and rough land. They have air systems that keep you from getting too hot when you’re doing hard stuff, and their materials keep your stuff dry when it rains. They also make gear for the military, which shows they can make stuff that’s really strong.
Best For: Trips to the Arctic, hiking for days, military use, winter stuff
Price Range: $120-$450
Main Things: Weather protection, super strong, Norwegian design
Shop Bergans: You can find Bergans products in Norwegian outdoor stores and other places that sell them around the world.
7. Jack Wolfskin (Germany) – Adventure Gear For Everyone
Jack Wolfskin started in Germany in 1981. They wanted to make good outdoor gear that everyone could get, no matter how much experience they have or how much money they want to spend.
Why Jack Wolfskin Appeals To Everyone:
Jack Wolfskin backpacks are a good deal without being cheap. They have all kinds of backpacks, from schoolbags to hiking packs for big trips. They have cool things like the ACS (Air Comfort System) that makes their products comfy to use for a long time without costing too much.
Best For: Hiking with family, school, people on a budget, beginners
Price Range: $50-$250
Main Things: Good price, easy to use, lots of choices
Shop Jack Wolfskin: You can find Jack Wolfskin gear in lots of European outdoor stores and online.
8. Ortlieb (Germany) – Waterproof Experts
Ortlieb has been making waterproof outdoor gear since 1982 in Germany. They’re good at sealing seams and using waterproof materials, which makes them the best choice for trips where it might rain.
Why Ortlieb Is The Best At Waterproofing:
Ortlieb backpacks have roll-top closures and sealed seams that make them totally waterproof. They use materials that don’t have PVC, which is better for the environment and still keeps water out. They also have systems that let you add things to your pack for stuff like bike trips or kayaking.
Best For: Water sports, bike trips, rainy hikes, motorcycle trips
Price Range: $80-$300
Main Things: Totally waterproof, sealed seams, can add parts
Shop Ortlieb: You can buy Ortlieb gear in water sports stores and online.
9. Klättermusen (Sweden) – New Ideas For Sustainability
Klättermusen started in Sweden in 1975. They’re all about coming up with new ways to make sustainable outdoor gear. They try to use materials and ways of making stuff that are good for the environment.
Why Klättermusen Leads Innovation:
Klättermusen backpacks use things like nylon made from plants and recycled parts without being weak. Their ways of building packs make less trash and make the packs stronger. They don’t make a lot of each backpack, so they can pay attention to every detail.
Best For: People who care about the environment and want nice stuff, climbing mountains, collecting special editions
Price Range: $200-$600
Main Things: Materials from plants, not many made, Swedish innovation
Shop Klättermusen: You can buy Klättermusen gear in fancy outdoor stores and online.
10. Db (Norway) – Modern New Ideas For Adventure
Db designs backpacks for surfers, skiers, mountain bikers, and even photographers—some of the world’s top athletes use Db. The brand is a newer generation, mixing classic and modern ideas.
Why Db Shows The Future:
Db is always trying to come up with something better. The Db Hugger line has padded sides with a built-in ABS rib cage that adds structure and protection. Their hook-up system lets you connect multiple packs, which is great for long trips.
Best For: Action sports, photography, modern travelers, people who like tech
Price Range: $150-$400
Main Things: ABS rib cage protection, can connect parts, tested by athletes
Shop Db: You can buy Db gear in sports stores and online.
How to Pick the Right European Backpack Brand
When you’re picking a European backpack, think about what you need it for:
What Will You Use It For?: Getting around town needs different things than climbing mountains for days. Fjällräven is good for cities, while Mammut is good for the mountains.
Do You Care About The Environment?: If you do, then Vaude and Klättermusen are good choices.
What’s Your Budget?: European brands have different prices. Jack Wolfskin is a good deal, while Klättermusen costs more because it has special features.
Does It Fit And Is It Comfy?: Deuter is good at making backpacks that fit well, while Scandinavian brands are simple and can fit different people.
How to Take Care of European Backpacks
If you take care of your backpack, it will last longer:
Clean It Regularly: Use light soap and warm water. Don’t use strong stuff that can hurt the materials.
Store It Right: Keep backpacks in a cool, dry place where the sun doesn’t hit them. Put newspaper in big packs to keep their shape.
Take Care Of Zippers: Use wax or soap to keep zippers from getting stuck.
Get It Repaired: Lots of European brands will fix your backpack. This helps it last longer.
What’s Next For European Backpacks
European backpack companies are always trying to make stuff better by using sustainable materials, adding smart tech, and making them fit better. We’ll probably see more materials from plants, chargers built into the backpacks, and systems that let you change the pack for different trips.
They also want to make stuff that can be taken apart and recycled, so their products are good for the environment for their whole life.
In Conclusion: Why European Backpack Brands Are The Best
European backpack brands are the best because they care about quality, new ideas, and the environment. Whether you pick Fjällräven’s Kånken, Deuter’s suspension systems, or Vaude’s green ideas, you’re getting something that will last for years.
They mix classic European ways of making things with new ideas, so their backpacks not only work great but also have a story behind them. When you carry a European backpack, you’re carrying something that’s made well and designed to make great memories on your trips.
#EuropeanBackpacks #OutdoorGear #TravelBackpacks #HikingGear #SustainableOutdoor #Fjallraven #DeuterBackpacks #Vaude #MammutGear #Bergans #JackWolfskin #OrtoliebWaterproof #Klattermusen #DbBackpacks #HaglofsSweden #BackpackReview #OutdoorBrands #EuropeanQuality #AdventureGear #BackpackingEurope #OutdoorEquipment #TravelGear #HikingBackpack #QualityBackpacks #OutdoorInnovation
