Backpack Market Report 2025

The backpack market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $20.56 billion in 2024 to $21.74 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to outdoor recreation trends, fashion and style preferences, back-to-school shopping, workplace and commuting needs, innovations in materials and design.

The backpack market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $27.85 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a rise in remote work culture, growth in adventure tourism, sustainable and eco-friendly preferences, digital nomad lifestyle, and e-commerce expansion. Major trends in the forecast period include ergonomic and comfort-driven designs, digital nomad and work-friendly features, hybrid backpacks for multifunctionality, innovations in anti-theft and security features, collaborations and limited edition releases.

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.

The anticipated surge in sports participation rates is poised to drive the expansion of the backpack market in the foreseeable future. Sports participants, encompassing players, contestants, team members, coaches, managers, trainers, and other closely affiliated individuals, are increasingly relying on backpacks to facilitate the organized and convenient carriage of sports gear, hydration, and personal items. This enhances their overall mobility and functionality during a diverse range of sporting activities. As an illustrative example, in January 2022, data from Football Australia, the governing body of football in Australia, revealed a significant year-over-year increase in total sports participation from 1,181,931 to 1,421,804 participants nationwide, marking a notable 20% growth. Outdoor football participation specifically experienced a substantial 16% increase, representing 77,107 additional participants. Moreover, football engagement within schools witnessed a robust rise, with a 64% increase, totaling 151,088 students, among whom 44,380 engaged in sports at their schools and 116,882 participated in interschool competitions. Consequently, the heightened rates of sports participation are a key catalyst for the growth of the backpack market.

The prevailing trend shaping the backpack market is the widespread adoption of smart technology integration. Leading companies in the market are strategically incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Bluetooth, GPS, USB ports, mobile apps, and more to solidify their market standing. A notable example is Huawei Technologies Co Ltd., a prominent China-based provider of infrastructure and smart devices in information and communications technology (ICT). In January 2022, Huawei unveiled a smart school bag designed to offer enhanced functionalities. This innovative product, the Huawei 9um Smart Positioning Children's School Bag, features an LCD, intelligent scheduling capabilities, and GPS connectivity to monitor children's movements. The bag is seamlessly integrated with the Huawei Smart Life App and HarmonyOS Connect. Notably, the app sends real-time message alerts to parents when their children's backpacks, and consequently the children themselves, enter or exit predefined areas. Moreover, parents can access a comprehensive bag usage report through the app, providing real-time tracking of their child's location. This integration of smart technology into backpacks reflects a key trend that is gaining popularity in the market, as consumers increasingly seek advanced features and connectivity in their everyday products.

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 include 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, Sierra Designs, Mystery Ranch Ltd., Mountainsmith LLC, Gregory Mountain Products LLC, Kelty Inc., JanSport Inc., Deuter Sport GmbH, Lowe Alpine International Sàrl, Tatonka GmbH, Fjällräven International AB, Haglöfs AB, GREGORY PACKS INC., 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 2024. The regions covered in the backpack market report are Asia-Pacific, 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, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

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

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.

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