Backpacks Like Herschel Supply Co.

Last Updated: May 6th, 2020

Having a sturdy and multifunctional backpack is crucial for any adventurer. This is what made Herschel Supply Co. and its bestsellers Pop Quiz and Little America so popular. Its polyester material makes it very sturdy and low maintenance. Its padded and contoured straps are great for carrying different loads. It can be minimalistic with plain colors or attention-grabbing with fun color combinations. Though despite its many good traits, people still look for alternatives for Herschel backpacks that can are close enough but better, cheaper, or has more features.


At A Glance: Top 4 Backpacks Like Herschel


There are tons of backpack alternatives to Herschel, and we’ve done the research to find the best one for you.

OUR TOP PICKS

Fjallraven - Rucksack No.21 Medium, Black
Fjallraven - Rucksack No.21
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    Kamp New York Classic Flat Backpack
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      JanSport Outside Hatchet (Field Tan/Muted Green)
      Best Little America Alternative
      Jansport Hatchet Backpack
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        Vaschy School Backpack for Teens with Padded 15 inch Laptop Compartment Lightweight Casual Travel Rucksack Green
        Best Pop Quiz Lookalike
        Vaschy Unisex Classic Water-Resistant Backpack
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          Best Affordable Option
          Gysan Water-Resistant Backpack
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            JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Red Tape
            Jansport Superbreak Backpack
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              KAVU Camp Sherman Bag, Highlighter, One Size
              KAVU Camp Sherman Backpack
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                Lightweight Outdoor Backpack, KAUKKO Travel Casual Rucksack Laptop Daypack for 15'(6-11-Fairy Rose tan)
                Best Herschel Copy
                KAUKKO Travel Rucksack
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                  Timbuk2 Sunset Pack, Black
                  Timbuk2 Sunset Backpack
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                    Unisex Packable Lightweight Canvas College Backpacks Travel Hiking Laptop Backpack Rucksack Schoolbags School Book bag Daypack (Navy Blue Polka Dot)
                    SAMGOO Canvas Backpack
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                      Top Herschel Backpack Alternatives


                      Fjallraven - Rucksack No.21

                      Fjallraven - Rucksack No.21 Medium, Black

                      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.

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                      Kamp New York Classic Flat Backpack

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                      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.

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                      Jansport Hatchet Backpack

                      JanSport Outside Hatchet (Field Tan/Muted Green)

                      Yet another excellent backpack brand known for its durability and versatility is Jansport. It produces a wide selection of backpack styles and functions, but closes 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.

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                      Vaschy Unisex Classic Water-Resistant Backpack

                      Vaschy School Backpack for Teens with Padded 15 inch Laptop Compartment Lightweight Casual Travel Rucksack Green

                      If your biggest drawback to Herschel backpacks is price, then the Vaschy backpack is right up your alley. Don’t be fooled by the $25 price tag – this affordable Herschel alternative packs in a lot.

                      It comes in both plain and fun colors, mostly 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.

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                      Gysan Water-Resistant Backpack

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                      Very similar to 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.

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                      Jansport Superbreak Backpack

                      JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Red Tape

                      Another entry from Jansport is the ultra-classic Superbreak. Almost a direct alternative of 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.

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                      KAVU Camp Sherman Backpack

                      KAVU Camp Sherman Bag, Highlighter, One Size

                      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.

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                      KAUKKO Travel Rucksack

                      Lightweight Outdoor Backpack, KAUKKO Travel Casual Rucksack Laptop Daypack for 15'(6-11-Fairy Rose tan)

                      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 Herscel Retreat, which isn’t that far off from Little America.

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                      Timbuk2 Sunset Backpack

                      Timbuk2 Sunset Pack, Black

                      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.

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                      SAMGOO Canvas Backpack

                      Unisex Packable Lightweight Canvas College Backpacks Travel Hiking Laptop Backpack Rucksack Schoolbags School Book bag Daypack (Navy Blue Polka Dot)

                      If you’re into the Pop Quiz but want something more unique, go for the SAMGOO  Canvas Backpack. The canvas material is very sturdy and lightweight and keeps the bag from looking too dirty. It also has a leather bottom for extra durability and to protect the bag from dirt or dampness when set on the floor.

                      It has padded and mesh shoulder pads and back panels making for a very comfortable backpack. It’s a very casual and straightforward backpack, but it has great organization features. It has one main zipped compartment with a padded sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop. There are two zipped functional pockets for small items in the interior and a main front pocket in the exterior. There are also two side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella.

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                      Herschel is reputed as one of the best brands for travel gear and bags, and for good reason. The Little America and Pop Quiz have definitely created a loyal following, but there are other great alternatives for those who want something a little bit different. Whether you’re after a different material, a lower price tag, or more pockets, this list shows some of the best options.