Nitro Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Lifestyle Backpacks S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Nitro
Interviewee: Philip Haendeler – Head of Sales & Product Management

What trends are currently shaping the lifestyle backpack market (e.g., tech integration, modularity, minimalism)?
We’re seeing that the lines between school, leisure, and travel are continuing to blur – especially for Gen Z and younger Millennials. Backpacks today have to perform across different situations: carrying a laptop to school or university, packing gym gear, heading out for the weekend, or even traveling. That means durability, organization, and comfort are non-negotiable – but design and style are just as important. In the school and leisure market, we’re focusing on clean, timeless aesthetics that still allow for personal expression, combined with functional features like padded tech sleeves, ergonomic shoulder straps, and smart pocket layouts. There’s also a growing awareness of quality and sustainability – people want gear that lasts and aligns with their values. So recycled materials and long product lifecycles are a major part of our development strategy. Our mission at Nitro is to build backpacks that support this flexible, mobile lifestyle – whether you’re heading to school, skating in the city, or jumping on a train for a weekend trip.” And actually, our new brand slogan sums all of that up perfectly…
… but more on that later 😉

How do you see the role of lifestyle backpacks evolving in the context of hybrid work, travel, and everyday carry?
Lifestyle backpacks have become essential gear for navigating the new hybrid reality. Whether you’re a remote worker heading to a café, a co-working space, or even just moving between home and short business trips – your backpack is your mobile office. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t carry a backpack with a laptop sleeve these days?
But it goes beyond just work. People expect one backpack to do it all: commute, work, school, and whatever comes after – from gym sessions to weekend travel. That’s why we focus on versatile design: durable, comfortable, organized, and stylish enough to transition through all parts of the day. At Nitro, we see the backpack as a daily companion in a fluid lifestyle – built not just for carrying stuff, but for supporting the way people actually live and move today.

What role does storytelling or brand lifestyle play in selling backpacks today?
Storytelling plays a huge role – especially in a market where products can feel interchangeable. What really sets a brand apart today is authenticity and the lifestyle it represents. At Nitro, we bring over 35 years of experience as a snowboard company. That’s real heritage – something you can’t fake or buy. Our roots in snowboarding influence how we approach every product: with a focus on performance, durability, and freedom of movement. That spirit is built into our backpacks – and it’s something our customers genuinely connect with. We’re also in constant contact with our team riders around the world. Their input shapes our designs in a very real and practical way – from feature development to material testing in everyday use. Of course, storytelling around sustainability – especially when it comes to recycled materials and low-impact fabrics – has always been important to us. But we believe that true storytelling goes beyond just eco claims. Our snowboarding background, our long-term community, and the lifestyle we’ve lived for decades – that gives us more to talk about, and something deeper to stand for.

How are retail channels (DTC, wholesale, e-commerce) shifting for lifestyle backpacks, and how is your brand adapting?
We see a clear shift towards DTC and e-commerce, especially since the pandemic. Consumers want direct access to brands and a personalized shopping experience. Wholesale remains important, especially with partners who truly understand our products and audience. We continue to strongly support our brick-and-mortar retailers — our dedicated sales team works closely with them, which is why we still have very strong retail partners. Marketplaces demand increasing marketing spend to gain visibility, but the return isn’t always proportional. We’re very aware of this and focus on investing marketing budgets where it truly makes an impact — instead of blindly pouring money into visibility without strategic value. For Nitro, it’s key to differentiate through our genuine heritage and community, complemented by smart marketing investments. Our strategy combines expanding online DTC channels with strong wholesale partnerships, ensuring a consistent brand experience and the flexibility to adapt to changing consumer habits.

How are global trade issues—such as tariffs, shipping costs, or customs regulations—impacting your lifestyle backpack business strategy and supply chain?
We see positive developments in shipping efficiency and the harmonization of standards, which help streamline parts of our supply chain and improve reliability. However, many tariffs remain unnecessarily high and often cause more chaos than clarity. This complexity costs us valuable time and resources, as we have to constantly adapt to shifting regulations and unpredictable fees. To navigate these challenges, we’ve diversified our supplier network and production sites to maintain flexibility. Our supply chain team invests heavily in planning and risk management to stay ahead of disruptions. Importantly, we view the environmental aspect as a positive driver—even though it can come with higher costs. Using recycled materials and optimizing logistics to reduce transport emissions are investments that reflect our commitment to sustainability and long-term responsibility. Overall, while global trade challenges persist, they push us to be more agile, efficient, and responsible in how we produce and deliver our backpacks.

About the Brand:

What is your brand’s vision when it comes to lifestyle backpacks, and how does it reflect your overall identity?
Our vision is to create lifestyle backpacks that feel like natural companions — practical, reliable, and with a design that just works, no matter the day. What truly sets our backpacks apart is the attention to detail. From hidden compartments and ergonomic straps to clean aesthetics and durable fabrics — every element is carefully thought through. That love for detail is something you can feel in every model. At the same time, our lineup is broad and versatile. It’s designed to be embraced in many ways — whether for commuting, school, travel, or everyday adventures. We build backpacks that are easy to use, hard to wear out, and appreciated by a wide range of users. That’s why our slogan says it best:
“From everyday to getaway. Your pack. Zero fuss.” It’s not just about carrying things — it’s about simplifying your day, no matter where you’re headed.

How do you integrate sustainability into your lifestyle backpack line — from sourcing to end-of-life?
At Nitro, sustainability hasn’t just become important recently — it has always been a fundamental part of how we think and act. Over the years, it has continuously shaped our design, sourcing, and production decisions. In our SS26 lifestyle line, this mindset is clearly reflected. All products are bluesign® approved, meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and are equipped with YKK® zippers, known for their durability and environmentally responsible manufacturing. We exclusively source PFC-free and DWR-0 fabrics and place strong emphasis on the use of recycled materials — around 80% of the line is made from certified recycled fabrics. With the introduction of our new 1000D fabric in the SS26 collection, we’ve also taken a big step forward in terms of durability and long-term performance — because we believe that real sustainability starts with products that are built to last. Beyond sourcing, we continuously collaborate with our production partners to enhance ecological standards — optimizing packaging, minimizing fabric waste, and reducing transport emissions wherever possible. As part of our long-term product responsibility, we aim to repair damages whenever possible, rather than replacing items outright. Equally important: we strive to design multi-functional lifestyle backpacks that allow every customer to find their one perfect bag — rather than needing three separate ones for different purposes. That’s better for the user, and better for the planet.

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?
At Nitro, every backpack starts with one question: What’s its purpose?
Our technical packs – like Slash 25 Pro, Rover 14, or Splitpack 30 – are built for performance in alpine terrain: robust, feature-rich, and made to endure. Fully inspired by our global Teamriders. In our urban lifestyle range, we focus on modern aesthetics, clean silhouettes, trend-driven details, and versatile features that fit city life — all without compromising comfort or quality. The school & daypack range focuses on structure, comfort, and everyday practicality for younger users. While some material choices are shared across segments, technical packs often require more specific fabrics, such as reinforced weaves, waterproof coatings, or snow-repellent finishes. In contrast, urban and school packs prioritize weight, water resistance, and a pleasant feel — all carefully balanced with durability. What unites all Nitro bags is the attention to detail — from construction to componentry, each product is designed to deliver real value in daily use.

How are you segmenting your SS26 lifestyle backpack collection and what are the price points?
For SS26, we’re building on a clear multi-segment approach — combining urban lifestyle, school & uni, and technical performance under one coherent design and quality philosophy. In the urban and school segment (MSRP €54.95–139.95), the focus is on versatile daypacks, smart organization, and a mix of timeless colorways and seasonal trend accents. A highlight this season is our pastel color story for women, with the new Lavender tone — crafted in durable 450D — joining existing shades like Mint and Woodrose. The result: a fresh and summer-ready palette that feels soft without compromising on durability. We’ve also added a new hybrid duffle bag to this category named Shuffle, positioned under €100 — combining smart travel or sportive features with a clean, urban look. Another key material story: our new workwear-style fabric called „Amber Glow“ used across multiple models, delivering unmatched durability at an incredibly lean cost base of just €10 per bag. It’s built to last — and to stand out. The technical pack segment (MSRP €99–169) continues to cater to active and outdoor-driven users, with performance-focused features and premium constructions — including updated versions of the Slash, Splitpack, and Rover platforms.

How will you be supporting retailers with the SS25 sales?
We offer our retail partners a strong all-round package for SS25: A user-friendly server system provides high-quality product data and imagery — perfect for a strong online presence. Our new order tool simplifies data handling for both sides and speeds up the process significantly. Customer service is always on point and available when needed. We believe in real proximity, which is why we’re present at all key trade shows and maintain close relationships with our partners. Of course, we continue to support retail stores with POS materials and plan joint window campaigns. One of this season’s highlights is our creative POSCA collaboration — water-based acrylic markers for customers to personalize their bags. It’s fun, it’s eye-catching, and it drives traffic.

Key Products:

Cosmo Mint (MSRP€ 89.95):
Our brand-new, lightweight, and versatile Roll-Top Backpack is the ultimate everyday companion, designed to meet all your needs for daily adventures

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Nikuro Traveler Amber Glow
Nitro’s professional city bag is made clean on the outside but stacked on the inside with all features an urban explorer needs from Monday to Sunday.

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Shuffle tough black
Our new hybrid bag is built for everyday moves and weekend missions. Carry it as a backpack or grab it by hand — it blends the spaciousness of a classic duffle with the comfort of a backpack. Perfect for the gym, campus, or quick getaways.

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