Backpack Global Market Report 2026

A backpack, referred to as a sackpack, bookbag, rucksack, backsack, or knapsack, is a basic cloth sack designed to be carried on one's back. It typically features two straps that are worn over the shoulders for ease of carrying.

Backpacks come in various types, each serving specific purposes. The main categories include work bags, sports and recreation bags, travel bags, and others. Work bags exhibit a broad spectrum, ranging from strictly utilitarian designs to more decorative options, such as those made of satin and adorned with tassels, embroidery, and other embellishments. Some of these intricately designed work bags are crafted as thoughtful gifts for friends or loved ones. The materials used in manufacturing backpacks are diverse, including cotton, leather, nylon, and others. These backpacks are distributed through different retail channels, encompassing supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and other outlets. The availability of backpacks across these various channels ensures that consumers have a wide range of options to choose from based on their preferences and intended use.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are influencing the backpack market by increasing costs of imported fabrics, zippers, synthetic materials, and manufacturing equipment. Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs are most affected due to export reliance, while North America and Europe face higher import costs. These tariffs are increasing retail prices and impacting sourcing strategies. However, they are also encouraging regional manufacturing, alternative material sourcing, and investment in automated production to control costs.

The backpack market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides backpack market statistics, including backpack industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a backpack market share, detailed backpack market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the backpack industry. This backpack market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The backpack market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $21.53 billion in 2025 to $22.87 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing urban commuting needs, growth in student populations, rising participation in outdoor activities, expansion of travel and tourism, improved product accessibility.

The backpack market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $28.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for eco-friendly backpacks, rising adoption of smart backpack features, expansion of e-commerce channels, growing preference for multifunctional designs, increasing focus on brand differentiation. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for lightweight and durable backpacks, rising popularity of ergonomic and comfort-focused designs, expansion of sustainable and recycled materials, increasing customization and personalization options, growth of online backpack retail.

The rise in travel and recreational activities is expected to drive growth in the backpack market in the coming years. Recreation includes various activities that people pursue to rejuvenate their bodies and minds, making leisure time more engaging and enjoyable. Tourists commonly use backpacks to carry their belongings when traveling to other countries, both for leisure and business purposes, which boosts the demand for backpacks of various shapes and sizes. For example, in January 2024, reports by the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, U.S.-based organizations, indicated that the percentage of travelers planning trips within the next six months rose to 93% in January from 92% in December, according to Longwoods International's monthly survey. Thus, the increase in travel and recreational activities is fueling the growth of the backpack market.

Prominent companies in the backpack market are increasingly prioritizing the introduction of sustainable products, with a focus on eco-friendly backpacks, as a strategic move to gain a competitive advantage. Eco-friendly backpacks are specifically designed and manufactured with a commitment to environmental sustainability. A notable illustration of this trend is observed in the actions of Targus, a US-based accessories company. In June 2023, Targus launched the Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Locator, targeting Apple devices and ensuring compatibility with the Apple Find My app. The distinguishing feature of this eco-friendly backpack is its construction from GRS-certified recycled materials, utilizing the equivalent of 26 recycled water bottles in the manufacturing process. Adding a layer of innovation, the backpack incorporates a location module leveraging Low Energy Bluetooth technology. This module seamlessly pairs with the Apple Find My app, offering users a secure and convenient means to track their devices and personal items from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The strategic emphasis on sustainable practices, as exemplified by the introduction of eco-friendly backpacks, reflects a broader industry shift towards environmentally conscious products to meet the evolving preferences of consumers.

In January 2024, Yeti, a U.S.-based company recognized for its premium outdoor products such as coolers, drinkware, and accessories aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, acquired Mystery Ranch for an undisclosed amount. The purpose of Yeti's acquisition of Mystery Ranch is to broaden its outdoor product offerings and enhance its brand presence in the market. Mystery Ranch, also a U.S.-based brand, specializes in high-performance backpacks and gear tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and tactical users.

Major companies operating in the backpack market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Everest Trading Corp., VF Outdoor LLC, Under Armour Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Samsonite International S.A., L.L.Bean Inc., Eddie Bauer LLC, The North Face Inc., Arc'teryx Equipment Inc., V.I.P. Industries Limited, Mammut Sports Group AG, Patagonia Inc., Vaude Sport GmbH & Co. KG, Marmot Mountain LLC, Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Herschel Supply Company Ltd., Osprey Packs Inc., Wildcraft India Private Limited, Wenger SA, Dakine IP Holdings LLC, Mystery Ranch Ltd., Mountainsmith LLC, Gregory Mountain Products LLC, Kelty Inc., JanSport Inc., Deuter Sport GmbH, Lowe Alpine International Sarl, Tatonka GmbH, Fjallraven International AB, Haglofs AB, Granite Gear LLC, CamelBak Products LLC, Thule Group AB, Victorinox AG, Kipling USA, Timbuk2 Designs Inc., OGIO International Inc., High Sierra Sport Company

North America was the largest region in the backpack market share in 2025. The regions covered in the backpack market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the backpack market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The backpack market consists of sales of large backpacks, medium backpacks, daypacks and mini and small backpacks. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Backpack Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses backpack market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for backpack ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The backpack market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Work Bags; Sports And Recreation Bags; Travel Bags; Other Types
• 2) By Material: Cotton; Leather; Nylon; Other Materials
• 3) By Distribution Channel: Supermarket or Hypermarket; Convenience Stores; Online Stores; Other Distribution Channels
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Work Bags: Laptop Backpacks; Professional Backpacks
• 2) By Sports And Recreation Bags: Hiking Backpacks; Camping Backpacks; Fishing Backpacks; Cycling Backpacks
• 3) By Travel Bags: Carry-On Backpacks; Travel Daypacks; Wheeled Backpacks; Backpacking Packs
• 4) By Other Types: School Backpacks; Fashion Backpacks; Customizable Backpacks
• Companies Mentioned: Nike Inc.; Adidas AG; Everest Trading Corp.; VF Outdoor LLC; Under Armour Inc.; Columbia Sportswear Company; Samsonite International S.A.; L.L.Bean Inc.; Eddie Bauer LLC; The North Face Inc.; Arc'teryx Equipment Inc.; V.I.P. Industries Limited; Mammut Sports Group AG; Patagonia Inc.; Vaude Sport GmbH & Co. KG; Marmot Mountain LLC; Black Diamond Equipment Ltd.; Herschel Supply Company Ltd.; Osprey Packs Inc.; Wildcraft India Private Limited; Wenger SA; Dakine IP Holdings LLC; Mystery Ranch Ltd.; Mountainsmith LLC; Gregory Mountain Products LLC; Kelty Inc.; JanSport Inc.; Deuter Sport GmbH; Lowe Alpine International Sarl; Tatonka GmbH; Fjallraven International AB; Haglofs AB; Granite Gear LLC; CamelBak Products LLC; Thule Group AB; Victorinox AG; Kipling USA; Timbuk2 Designs Inc.; OGIO International Inc.; High Sierra Sport Company
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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