Cotopaxi Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Cotopaxi
Interviewee: Caroline Nieuwenhuis, Marketing Exec

What trends are currently shaping the lifestyle backpack market (e.g., tech integration, modularity, minimalism)?
Customers are looking for modular systems, such as detachable compartments and configurable layouts, meaning they can buy one bag and it will fit the bill for a variety of different activities. This is reflected in the popularity of our new Allpa 50L Adventure Travel Pack, which has a zip-off compartment that is perfect for storing your hand luggage with easy access. In addition, with a growing awareness of sustainable practices and supply chain transparency, consumers are also much more eco-conscious when making a purchase, prioritising recycled materials and utilising repair programs. This puts an emphasis on the importance of credible brand values and practices.

How do you see the role of lifestyle backpacks evolving in the context of hybrid work, travel, and everyday carry?
With an increase in hybrid working and a rise in digital nomad visas, customers aren’t buying for work and travel as two separate activities anymore. They’re looking for backpacks that crossover for more of a hybrid offering, meaning they can go from office to adventure without any laptop mishaps along the way. An example of this is the new Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack, which not only includes a zippered laptop panel, but also boasts a durable fabric exterior and pass-through luggage strap for those out of office excursions.

What role does storytelling or brand lifestyle play in selling backpacks today?
From day one, Cotopaxi, set out to build a brand for people who didn’t see themselves in the traditional outdoor narrative. The brand is colourful, joyful, purpose-driven, and welcoming to all, resulting in a combination of accessibility and personality that is quite rare across the industry. This brand storytelling has enabled us to build a strong following of outdoor-lovers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, resulting in an emotive feeling of belonging and sense of community that they haven’t been able to find elsewhere. For this reason, we’re seeing customers seek out Cotopaxi products to stand out from the crowd and showcase backpacks that are as unique as they are!

How are retail channels (DTC, wholesale, e-commerce) shifting for lifestyle backpacks, and how is your brand adapting?
Our ecommerce channels have seen an increase in demand for day packs, resulting in us widening the range with more colourways and styles than we’ve had previously. We’ve also backed up sales with extra inventory to ensure stock levels remain adequate. This trend is also consistent at wholesale, with a demand in day packs being driven by the hybrid-working commuter who wants a bag that will equip them for all aspects, including working, going to the gym and meeting friends for a post-work pint.

How are global trade issues—such as tariffs, shipping costs, or customs regulations—impacting your lifestyle backpack business strategy and supply chain?
Overall, we have managed to reduce the impacts, however, due to US tariffs we have experienced a rise in costs for recycled materials used in our backpacks, resulting in higher production costs. We have absorbed some costs, but have to pass part of the increase to customers. We have also seen a rise in shipping costs due to Red Sea disruptions and port congestions. We have managed to minimise the impact of these by diverting to cost-effective freight forwarder and alternative shipping options.

What is your brand’s vision when it comes to lifestyle backpacks, and how does it reflect your overall identity?
Cotopaxi’s focus is on continuing to create bold, inspiring products that help people get outside on their own terms, reaching more consumers, and building a sustainable business that can thrive within a changing market. We’re leaning into what has always set us apart: redefining what it means to be an outdoor brand, not just through purpose, but in product, design, and the consumers we serve. What doesn’t change is our positioning, where outdoor performance meets lifestyle, and where business success drives meaningful social impact. That will always be at the core of who we are and how we grow.

How do you integrate sustainability into your lifestyle backpack line — from sourcing to end-of-life?
We design our products to generate as little waste as possible. Since 2024, 100% of our products are made with leftover, recycled or certified responsible materials, and we’re actively working to find more ways to limit our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce waste. In fact, our whole Del Dia range celebrates the unique products that utilising leftover fabrics can produce, offering a completely bespoke item for consumers looking to stand out from the crowd.

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?
The outdoor industry is shifting, and we are uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter. While many legacy brands cater to hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, we’re focused on the growing number of consumers who want their performance products to be more approachable and accessible. Our customers don’t always see themselves in the traditional outdoor narrative, so we offer a fresh take and proudly embrace being an outsider.

How are you segmenting your SS26 lifestyle backpack collection and what are the price points?
We’re continuing to segment by specific travel products, which focuses on our popular Allpa collection, and outdoor packs for hiking and hydration. In addition, we’ve got our new day packs which serve the commuting consumer looking for a ‘one size fits all’ product. In terms of price point, we have hip packs and accessories from just £35 all the way up to our 65L roller bag at £330, so there’s something for everyone.

How will you be supporting retailers with the SS25 sales?
We’ll be moving into FW25 in a couple of weeks and will be supporting retailers by collaborating with them on our ‘Celebrate Your Colours’ campaign, which will highlight the Del Dia range of packs and backpacks as we gear up for Christmas gifting season.

Key Products:

Allpa 50L Adventure Travel Pack:
The Allpa Adventure Travel Pack is designed to rack up some serious passport stamps. With a contoured back panel and padded tuckable hip straps, you can comfortably stroll through city streets and bustling stations. The removable 8L sling bag lets you stash essentials for spontaneous adventures and makes for the perfect in-flight companion.

Torre 24L Bucket Pack Spruce_f

Allpa 26L Day Pack:
The Allpa Daypack lets you commute in style with all your essentials in tow, no matter the excursion. This traditional panel-loader pack features a separate zippered laptop panel and water bottle pockets for every day use. When it’s time to switch from work to play, the highly durable fabric can handle getting roughed up on commuter trains and mountain terrains.

S24 Chiquillo 26L Backpack Cada Dia Abyss_F

Allpa 35L Travel Pack:
Our redesigned Allpa 35L reflects our quest for pack perfection, with new features including better weight distribution and air mesh shoulder straps for an ultra-comfortable carry. An exterior stretch water bottle pocket, luggage pass-through strap that easily slides over the handle of a roller bag and suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening make it the perfect travel companion.

Allpa 35L Travel Pack