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.

Editors' Recommendations

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…
The best chronograph watches for every budget and style
These timeless men's watches will look great on your wrist
TAG Heuer Carrera face

In the realm of horology, where craftsmanship meets sophistication, one type of timepiece stands as a testament to precision and versatility: the chronograph watch. But what is a chronograph watch, you might ask? It's not merely a piece of jewelry; it's a marvel that marries the elegance of a wristwatch with the functionality of a stopwatch. This exquisite blend of form and function has solidified the chronograph watch as an icon of style and utility.

In this article, we're delving into the world of timekeeping and presenting you with a curated list of the best five chronograph watches. These timepieces span across various styles and budgets, ensuring that every enthusiast finds their perfect match. So, whether you're drawn to luxury, seeking affordability, or yearning for a specific style, this guide is your compass to navigating the world of chronograph watches with finesse.

Read more
The 6 must-have men’s sweaters to keep you warm and stylish this fall
Building a sweater wardrobe shouldn't be overwhelming: Here are the types you should own
Man wearing James Bond cashmere wool sweater.

A man's wardrobe is built with the basic building blocks of timeless garments. Everything from the right denim to the right shoes will define a man's style and the image he projects to others. One of the pieces of a man's fall and winter wardrobe that will define some of his most catching outfits is the sweater.

There are numerous types of sweaters for every occasion. Below is a list of the six different men's sweaters that every guy should own to have a complete wardrobe. Keep in mind that your need for sweaters will depend on where you live. If you live the beach life, sweaters may not be a huge part of your everyday wardrobe, but for most of us, there are at least four months out of the year when these will come in handy.

Read more
New Longines Spirit Flyback is a callback to aviation history with a timeless flyback complication
Longines has done it again
Longines Spirit Flyback collection

Longines, a name synonymous with precision and elegance in watchmaking, has a rich heritage deeply intertwined with aviation history. The brand has consistently paid homage to its aviation legacy through its watch collections, and the new Longines Spirit Flyback is no exception. We're diving into the remarkable world of Longines and exploring the exceptional features of three distinct variations of the Spirit Flyback, highlighting their significance in the realm of men's watches.
Longines: A legacy of aviation
Before we embark on the journey of discovering this luxury watch, it's essential to appreciate the brand's historical connection to aviation. For over 100 years, Longines has been a prominent figure in the aviation industry, providing pilots with precise timekeeping instruments. This heritage is not only a testament to Longines's commitment to excellence, but also a source of inspiration for its aviation-themed collections.

The Longines Spirit Flyback collection pays tribute to the brand's aviation heritage by combining classic design elements with modern technology. This collection includes three remarkable timepieces, each with its own unique strap. For those who appreciate a more classic look, a brown leather strap is often associated with pilot's watches and perilous exploration. They can remind us of the pioneering aviators like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, who relied on durable and stylish timepieces during their historic flights. Or perhaps, Steven McQueen, famous for his rugged and masculine style, especially in movies like Bullitt. If you appreciate a more contemporary look, the Longines Spirit Flyback with a stainless steel bracelet and blue dial exudes confidence, while the beige NATO strap adds a more casual vibe.

Read more