Ten Totally Unique and Innovative Backpacks For 2022
| Dustin Craft
While briefcases and tote bags may make for an occasional fashion accessory, nothing feels more natural, versatile, and practical than a backpack. It’s for this very reason that backpack sales have consistently dominated the storage and accessory market year after year, but what sets apart a good backpack from a great one? Well, we’ve found ten companies that are looking to separate themselves from the rest of the pack with original designs and features that will definitely turn more than a few heads. Check it out.
Voltaic Systems Solar Backpack
Voltaic specializes in solar-powered solutions, so it’s no surprise that a solar powered backpack might be in their wheelhouse. Complete with a large solar panel on the front and removable battery, the Voltaic Solar Backpack is ideal for those always on the go and want to guarantee their devices never run out of juice. Overall charge times vary depending on the device, but the impressive 24,000mAH battery can sustain gadgets ranging from smartphones to tablets and computers.
Voltaic’s Backpacks come in multiple sizes and are all composed of recycled materials. An average of 21–33 plastic bottles go into Voltaic’s PET fabric and the company will even reclaim your old pack and battery in exchange for a discount code on a new one. Talk about responsibility.
Features
- 24,000mAH Battery
- 25 Liter Capacity
- Padded 15” Laptop/Tablet Sleeve
- Composed of Recycled Materials
Where to Find?
https://voltaicsystems.com/solar-backpacks/
HoverGlide Backpack
When it comes to out-of-the-box thinking, the HoverGlide Backpack takes the cake. The HoverGlide utilizes a system of bungee cords and pulleys to reduce impact force from walking and running by as much as 86%. According to the company’s website, a significant amount of research and testing went into the creation of the HoverGlide including running a full marathon with a 20 pound payload!
The HoverGlide comes in four distinct sizes and styles and the frame is interchangeable for all but the smallest model.
Features
- Four Different Models
- Water Repellent Material
- 28 Liters to 55 Liter Capacity
- Military-grade Plastic Frame
Where to Find?
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hoverglide-world-s-first-floating-backpack#/
V.I.T.L. Cooling Backpack
Traveling anywhere is a breeze with the VITL active cooling backpack. A built-in fan and unique shape on the back panel minimizes contact between the user and the pack, while allowing cool air to circulate around the wearer’s back and shoulders. The pack significantly reduces what the creators refer to as “sweaty back syndrome” and helps to prevent sweat stains even after walking or biking around in hot summer weather. It’s a major win for any business professional or traveler looking to beat the heat.
The VITL pack weighs about the same as other quality packs and the active cooling panel on the back operates at a very low decibel range to keep things nice and quiet.
Features
- 28 Liter Capacity
- Built-in Fan with 3 Power Modes
- Convenient charge port
- Weather-Resistant Material
Where to Find?
Keeback IoT Wearable Backpack
For anyone looking to make a statement, then look no further than the Keeback Backpack. This capsule-looking backpack is somewhat reminiscent of EVE from Disney’s WALL-E and even has an LED display that connects to your phone to show custom messages and animations. The futuristic-looking pack includes a GPS for tracking your bag’s whereabouts, USB charge port, and bluetooth speakers too.
At just 8 liters, the capacity of the Keeback is significantly less than other bags on this list, placing it more in the category of a high-end daypack than a backpack. This means that you might have to leave your laptop at home if you want to travel in style.
Features
- 8 Liter Capacity
- LED display
- Built-in Bluetooth Speakers and GPS
- UVI Anti-scratch Shell
Where to Find?
PIX Programmable LED Backpack
Those who aren’t drawn in by the bells and whistles of the Keeback may be interested in a more familiar looking (and slightly less expensive) LED backpack. The PIX has a large surface area on the back for adorable pixel art and ample storage space to fit school books or supplies. The pack connects to your smartphone via app to choose from a variety of LED designs and even games to play.
At the time of writing, the PIX Programmable LED Backpack is currently out of stock, but retails for $259.00 at Walmart.com
Features
- 27 Liter Capacity
- Programmable LED Display
- Customizable LED Options
- Interior Dividers for Organization
Where to Find?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pix-Digital-Backpack-with-Customizable-LED-Screen-Cyan/942932484
Torch Urban Backpack
The Torch 4-in-1 Urban Backpack is a slick-looking commuter bag geared toward cyclists. Much like other packs on this list, the Torch connects the user’s smartphone and controls a range of lighting options, but the main difference is that the integrated lighting on the Torch can be combined with additional accessories to help inform drivers of a rider’s upcoming actions.
Add-ons like the nav remote and Faro Helmet can be combined with the Torch for additional versatility, such as providing additional lighting, fall detection, and access to turn signals.
At the time of writing, the Torch 4-in-1 Urban Backpack has finished its first round of backing on Kickstarter. Customers can stay informed about availability by visiting the Torch website.
Features
- 18 Liter and 23 Liter Capacity
- Integrated Lighting
- Wireless Phone Charger
- Waterproof Materials
Where to Find?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/unit1/torch-by-unit-1-an-urban-backpack-with-integrated-lights
Tajeezo Smart Backpack
The Tajeezo Smart Backpack looks like a cybertruck that someone strapped to their back, but it’s actually quite a capable piece of equipment. According to the company’s kickstarter page, the Tajeezo includes a built-in speaker, LED light for night-time commuting, and a concealed 5000 mAH battery for charging devices on the go.
The Tajeezo comes in two models: The P5 (Non-intelligent module) and PZ5 (Intelligent module). Similar-style packs can be found on the company’s website.
Features
- 22 Liter and 24 Liter Capacity
- Built-in Speakers
- 5000 mAH battery
- Waterproof exterior
Where to Find?
EUME Back Massaging Backpack
In what might be the most bizarre backpack iteration yet, Indian company EUME has created a personal massager backpack. The pack comes in a traditional form factor with the exception of a massaging apparatus on the back. According to the company’s Kickstarter page, the backpack has three separate modes for upper back, lower back, and a combination of the two.
The EUME comes in three separate styles: Classic, Daily Pack, and Travel Pack and ranges in size between 26 Liters and 42 Liters.
Features
- Three Sizes: 26 Liters, 27 Liters, and 42 Liters
- Built-in Back Massager
- Dedicated Internal Pouches
- Waterproof Rain Cover
Where to Find?
Dayventure Backpack Cooler
Dialing back the tech factor just a bit, we have the Dayventure Backpack Cooler from Pelican. Pelican is well-known for making solid cases and luggage, but also touts an impressive line of backpack variations. The completely waterproof design of the Dayventure pack is perfect for commuters who live in rainy environments or always find themselves in or around water. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the hard lined cooler compartment on the bottom and puncture-resistant material.
Features
- 18-Liter Capacity
- Insulated Cooler Compartment (Up to 6 cans)
- Wide Roll-Top Opening
- External Storage for Wet/Dry Items
Where to Find?
https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/coolers/backpack-cooler/dayventure/cbkpk
Petkit Breezy Dome
Oh yeah, we went there. You were probably expecting a pet backpack at some point and here it is! The Breezy Dome by Petkit allows your furry friends to travel in style and includes a spacious 13x12x18-inch compartment to accommodate all kinds of felines and (small) canines to boot. The Petkit dome includes a shock-proof back plate, built-in lamp, and built-in fan that circulates fresh air to ensure optimal comfort. Now that’s a mewoth full.
Features
- Shock-absorbing back plate
- Built-in lamp
- Built-in fan
- Multiple color SKUs
Where to Find?
https://petkit.com/products/breezy-dome
Which of these bags would you consider getting? Let us know in the comments below or send us a link to an even crazier design that wasn't mentioned above.