Topo Designs Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: TOPO DESIGNS
Interviewee: European Brand Manager

What trends are currently shaping the lifestyle backpack market (e.g., tech integration, modularity, minimalism)?
I believe the lifestyle backpack market is currently shaped by a strong focus on sustainability and eco-conscious materials, which have become essential rather than optional. Consumers are increasingly drawn to long-lasting and reparable bags, seeking products that align with responsible consumption and are built to endure. The influence of outdoor gear is increasingly present, particularly through the use of technical materials, weather-resistant fabrics, and performance-driven details, making these bags not only stylish but also highly functional. In terms of design, there is a growing demand for multifunctional and versatile backpacks that can adapt to various uses, from daily commutes, to weekend travel. These bags often feature dedicated compartments, smart organizers, and a multitude of inner pockets that suit the hybrid lifestyles of today’s consumers. Minimalist bags are also taking up significant space in the market, with clean cuts, sleek lines, and sober, neutral color palettes that make them timeless and easy to integrate into any wardrobe. Finally, we are seeing a resurgence of the customization trend, inspired by the fashion world, where users personalize their backpacks with charms, patches, or other accessories, allowing for individual expression and uniqueness.

How do you see the role of lifestyle backpacks evolving in the context of hybrid work, travel, and everyday carry?
Today, backpacks need to be increasingly durable and functional, our everyday ally, not just in terms of style, but above all in terms of practicality! Everyone needs to find a backpack that fits their lifestyle and personal style, whether it’s for biking to the office, carrying gym gear, or accommodating everything from compact laptops to larger devices. So we have to be full of creativity and clever design solutions to make our backpacks the best possible companions for everyday life.

What role does storytelling or brand lifestyle play in selling backpacks today?
At Topo Designs, we believe that a strong brand narrative helps customers connect emotionally with what we create. Our storytelling is rooted in adventure, versatility, and sustainability, blending urban functionality with outdoor authenticity. We don’t just sell backpacks, we promote a way of life that embraces movement, exploration, and conscious living.

How are retail channels (DTC, wholesale, e-commerce) shifting for lifestyle backpacks, and how is your brand adapting?
Our bags have always been inspired by the outdoors, designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Now, we’re launching a brand-new, more premium line, with clean cuts, refined features, very durable fabric and built specifically for commuting and travel.

About the Brand:

What is your brand’s vision when it comes to lifestyle backpacks, and how does it reflect your overall identity?
At Topo Designs, bags are the heart of our brand, they were the starting point of our story and remain at the core of what we do. Our vision for lifestyle backpacks is to create products that are versatile, durable, and timeless, bridging the gap between outdoor performance and everyday functionality. We believe a backpack should be more than just a carrying tool, it should reflect your lifestyle, adapt to your routine, and last for years. That’s why we focus on clean design, smart functionality, and responsible manufacturing, using high-quality materials and construction methods that stand the test of time.

How do you integrate sustainability into your lifestyle backpack line — from sourcing to end-of-life?
At Topo Designs, sustainability is integrated into every stage of our backpack design and production process, not as a trend, but as a core value. We start by carefully sourcing responsible materials, and today, 98% of our products are made from recycled or organic materials, including recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Our manufacturing partners are chosen not only for their craftsmanship but also for their ethical and environmental standards. Our design philosophy emphasizes longevity over disposability. We build our bags to be reparable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. We also back our commitment with a MAP guarantee, we repair our products whenever possible, extending their life and reducing waste.

How do you differentiate your lifestyle backpacks in terms of design, materials, or functionality? How do urban use and outdoor functionality influence your backpack designs?
Functionality is where our outdoor DNA really shines. Our backpacks feature technical details like weather-resistant fabrics, reinforced stitching, padded laptop sleeves, modular compartments, and multiple access points, all developed to meet the needs of both commuters and adventurers. Recently, we launched a new line called Commuter Pro, a more premium, technical, and refined collection, with cleaner aesthetics and more discreet styling. It was developed to reach a different kind of customer, one who values performance and practicality, but also seeks a more subtle, professional look for daily urban use.

How are you segmenting your SS26 lifestyle backpack collection and what are the price points?
At Topo Designs, all of our bags are designed with lifestyle in mind — we’re not making gear to climb Mount Everest, but rather to support modern, everyday adventures with a functional and versatile approach. For SS26, our lifestyle backpack collection is segmented into three key lines:
Mountain Series: This is where we bring the outdoor spirit into the fashion world, bold colours, heritage-inspired silhouettes, and durable materials that perform just as well in the city as on the trail.
Global Travel Series: Designed for mobility, organization, and versatility, these packs are perfect for long weekends, work trips, or daily commuting.
Global Pro Series: Our newest and most premium line, developed with a more technical, minimalist, and urban aesthetic.
Across these collections, price points range from accessible mid-tier products to premium offerings, allowing us to meet the needs of both our core outdoor-inspired community and a broader urban audience.

How will you be supporting retailers with the SS26 sales?
We will support our retail partners through dedicated in-store communication, including wooden block logo displays, window installations, and customization events where customers can personalize their products with patches, pins, and other accessories. In addition, we’ll activate digital support, including social media contests, co-branded content, and other online campaigns to drive traffic and engagement both in-store and online.

Key Products:

ROVER TRAIL PACK:
The Rover Trail Pack upgrades our classic Rover Pack design with a bigger capacity and outdoor-ready performance. Featuring a lightweight frame sheet, hydration port, exterior gear loops, and a padded laptop sleeve, it’s ideal for travel, commuting, or hitting the trail. Built with recycled nylon and clean technical styling, it merges trail DNA with urban practicality.

Rover Trail pack

GLOBAL TRAVEL BACKPACK
The new Global Travel Backpack is the perfect carry-on with a clamshell opening, padded laptop compartment, and hidden passport pocket. Made from premium recycled materials, it offers structure and comfort for modern lifestyles. It also attaches securely to the handle of our Global roller luggage, making travel more practical and seamless.

Global back pack

GLOBAL PRO BRIEFCASE
The Global Pro Briefcase offers technical performance with sleek urban style. Wear it as a brief, shoulder bag, or backpack. Made from recycled, water-resistant materials with smart organization, it’s perfect for versatile commuters. It also securely attaches to our premium Global roller luggage, completing the ideal high-end travel set.

Pro Brisefcase