The 19 Best Skateboard Backpacks
Skateboarding and backpacks simply go hand-in-hand. Chances are, every time you go skate, you’re going to need to bring along some water, a hoodie, skate tool, skate wax, and all the other essentials for a good skate session! Whether you’re skating over to your local skatepark, longboarding through the city, or commuting to work on your electric skateboard, a skateboard backpack is the best choice to bring along your gear. Nowadays, there’s a wide selection of backpacks with features such as skateboard straps, breathable mesh back sections, and padded shoulder straps that make them great for skateboarding. In addition, the prices of skateboard backpacks can vary quite widely, making it difficult to sort through all the options. That’s why we’ve done the sorting work for you and put together this list of the 19 best skateboard backpacks!
Here, you’ll find skate backpacks ranging from $25 to $140 with all the skate-friendly features you could dream of. At the end, we’ve put together a complete skateboard backpack buyer’s guide to help you make the best decision before heading out to skate
Eastsport – Skater Backpack – $25
Even though Eastsport is not really a “skate brand”, we have to give them credit for this awesome backpack design at a seriously good price. This is the cheapest skateboard backpack on our list, but it’s definitely not lacking in features. One of the first things you’ll notice is how it uses Velcro for the skateboard straps on the front, allowing quick and easy access to your board. Inside, you’ll find a large compartment with a “tech pocket” that fits a 15-inch laptop. There’s three zip pockets on the front for smaller goodies and two elastic net pockets on the sides offer space for drink bottles or skate wax. Next, the bag has a feature that’s critical especially on hot days, breathable, padded mesh sections on the back. The shoulder straps can be connected with a plastic clip in the front to keep the bag securely in place while bombing hills. If you need to quickly pick it up to run from the cops at a skate spot, it has a durable plastic handle on the top. All in all, the Eastsport skater backpack offers practically all the backpack features a skater could desire at an unbeatable price.
Dakine – Wonder Backpack – $34.95
Dakine is well-known for quality, action-sports oriented products – and it’s for a good reason! They’ve been around since 1979 so it only makes sense that they know a thing or two about creating great gear. The Wonder skateboard backpack allows you to take advantage of the quality design and materials used by Dakine at a reasonable price. This bag is available in a wide range of colors and with 15 liters of space, it’s an excellent bag for bringing along your daily necessities without being too bulky. Your skateboard definitely won’t fall out, thanks to the buckled skateboard straps and elastic band system that can be used to tightly secure the board to your bag. Two net pockets on the side give you quick access to drinks and a small zip pocket found on the top of the bag offers quick access to your sunglasses, skate tool, etc. The Wonder skate backpack is perfect for day trips to skate spots and offers great quality at an excellent price. It’s no wonder the wonder backpack made our list!
Dakine – Atlas Backpack – $42
If you’re looking to take a step up from the Dakine Wonder backpack, look no further than the Atlas. While the Wonder backpack is excellent for day trips, the Atlas offers slightly more storage space, making it a great choice for bringing along a weekend’s worth of gear for a skate trip. It has a similar design to the Wonder bag but with some slightly beefed-up features. Adjustable Velcro straps in the front keep your board in place, there’s a spacious zip-pocket on the front, and a large main compartment with a separated inner pocket. Like the Wonder, you’ve got a sunglasses pocket on top but unlike the Wonder, the net pockets on the sides have been replaced with durable, zip-pockets with metal zippers. The Atlas comes in wide range of colors and pattern options, including some special designs featuring only contrast-color metal zippers, a feature that’s not often found on other skate backpacks. As always with Dakine, the Atlas backpack offers a great design with quality that’s sure to last through many skate trips – all at a very reasonable price for a brand name bag!
Volcom – Substrate Backpack – $45
There’s two things you can always count on with gear from Volcom – unique style and excellent functionality! The Volcom Substrate backpack is no exception. If you’re a fan of the unique Volcom style, this backpack leaves nothing to be desired. The front of the bag features a Volcom stone patch embroidery and the diagonal-cut seams at the bottom give it a classic Volcom look. On the comfortable padded back section, you’ll find a huge Volcom stone has been stitched in the center. It doesn’t just look good though, it’s got all the necessary features for skate-functionality. Durable skate straps with clips are found in the front, there’s a large main compartment with a tech pocket, and the whole front section offers a slim pocket that’s perfect for small laptops. Finally, you’ll find a stylish, diagonal cut zipper on the front that’s perfect for a skate tool or some wax. The Volcom Substrate backpack is an excellent choice for those looking for a practical bag that also looks super dope!
Santa Cruz – Plaza Backpack – $48.95
Who could possibly make a better skateboarding backpack than one of the oldest and most legendary skateboarding companies in the world – Santa Cruz Skateboards! It’s pretty simple to understand why this backpack made our list as it was basically built from the ground up for skateboarding! The SC guys know what they’re doing, which is why the Plaza backpack features breathable, padded sections on the back, comfortable shoulder straps, and quick-access Velcro board straps on the front. Notice how the Santa Cruz logo patch is found on the outside of the board straps, keeping it in view when your board is strapped up. It’s the details that count! At 17 liters, the Plaza backpack features a large main compartment as well as a smaller front zipper pocket for your skate tool and essentials. An excellent size for day trips without feeling too bulky. Plus, with this backpack you know you’re not only getting a super awesome bag, you’ll be supporting a truly skater-owned company that you can be proud of!
Element – Mohave Backpack – $50
Ahh, the classic! The Element Mohave backpack is a staple inside and outside of the skateboarding community. This skate backpack has been around for years and is a true best-seller. If this bag wasn’t exceptionally good, it wouldn’t still be around – but it is. With the iconic Element “tree logo” embroidered proudly on the front, this bag offers style, quality, and an exceptional design at a reasonable price. The total storage volume amounts to 30 liters, leaving more than enough room for a weekend skate trip. It has a padded, breathable mesh back section for comfort, wide shoulder straps, a huge main compartment, and stylish, diagonal-cut side pockets. Strap your board on with the front straps and don’t be afraid to throw the bag down on the ground, thanks to the durable material along the bottom of the bag which helps it to last much longer. The Element Mohave backpack is iconic and an excellent choice to bring along on any skate trip.
Vans – Skatepack Backpack – $54.95
Simple, stylish, and durable Vans quality! If you’re looking for a classic skate backpack design, look no further than the Vans Skatepack Backpack. The name of this backpack alone tells you it was built for skateboarding! Like many great skate backpacks before it, the Skatepack features Velcro board straps on the front for quick access to your board. The Vans logo patch on the front stays visible even when your board is strapped up. Inside, you’ll find a large main compartment for your clothes, laptop, etc. It allows the perfect amount of space for a short weekend trip or a day trip. The front and sides of the bag offer you easy access to your skate tool, wax, phone and other small goods, thanks to the two spacious zip pockets and open side pockets. The Skatepack is an excellent choice for those searching for a minimalist design capable of fulfilling all the requirements for the perfect skateboard backpack.
Nike SB – Courthouse Backpack – $55
The Nike SB Courthouse backpack is actually named after one of the most legendary skate spots in history – The Los Angeles Courthouse! Considering this backpack is named after a skate spot itself, it’s safe to assume it’s a pretty good skateboarding backpack! While it may not be the biggest option in terms of size on our list, the Courthouse is possibly the best backpack to wear while skating through the city and searching for spots. It features a padded, mesh back section with Nike SB logo stitching, thick shoulder straps, and a reinforced section on the bottom for durability when tossing it on the ground. It has a large main compartment with an integrated, net pocket with a zipper on the inside. The very front of the bag can be opened by a vertical zipper along the left side which tucks away neatly under the Velcro board straps. For those looking for a bag to wear while skating from spot to spot, the Courthouse is your best bet.
Element – Jaywalker Backpack – $55
After proving themselves with the classic Mohave backpack, Element has seemingly outdone themselves again with the even more advanced Jaywalker skateboard backpack. Improving upon the successes of the Mohave, the Jaywalker ups the ante with an updated style and even more features. It still has a massive 30 liter storage space like the Mohave, but it comes with things like a RipStop 600 polyester bottom section which adds considerable strength and durability to the bag. In addition to the padded, breathable back section, one really cool feature to note is the metal hooks attached to the thick shoulder straps. These hooks allow you to easily attach your keys or other objects to the straps so you can access them without taking off the bag. The top of the bag is fitted with a stylish, diagonal-cut zipper that opens to the large main compartment and the zip-able side pockets give you quick access to smaller goodies. The Jaywalker is the step up from the iconic Mohave backpack and is a premium-quality option for those who need a good size skateboard backpack to use on trips.
Vans – Planned Backpack – $58
The Vans Planned Backpack is the mid-range option just between the original Vans skatepack and the Vans Authentic III skatepack. The Planned backpack is a super economical choice between the options from Vans as it offers improvements from the original skatepack at quite a lower price than the premium Authentic III backpack. Strap your board in with the Velcro straps, separate your gear with the two large main compartments, throw your skate tool and wax in the zip-able side pockets, and if you still need extra room, open up the smaller front pocket. Like other more premium skateboard backpack options, the Planned backpack also has a thick, reinforced bottom section to increase durability. A simple Vans logo patch is found on the front of the bag and there’s a classic Vans label flag on one of the shoulder straps for style. This backpack is probably the best mid-range option on our list and it offers ample space for weekend skate trips with all the features you could desire.
Dakine – Lid Skate Pack Backpack – $59.95
The Dakine Lid skateboard backpack breaks away from most of the other styles in our list with it’s large, “lid” style top opening. This style of backpack has gained popularity in recent years for it’s practical, easy-to-open design that can give the bag a bit more space inside. With 26 liters of overall storage space, the Lid backpack offers more than enough room for a weekend skate adventure with its spacious design. A cool feature of this bag is the padded, breathable mesh lining on the inside of the shoulder straps. You can kiss sweaty shoulders goodbye as you skate through the summer heat! The sides of the bag are fitted with large zip pockets capable of holding a small bottle and the bottom of the bag has a thick, reinforced section so you never have to worry about throwing the bag down on the ground. Of course, you can strap on your board with the durable board straps with clips. The Dakine Lid is the travelling skateboarder’s best companion!
Independent Truck Company – Transit Backpack – $59.95
As the old saying goes, “Ride the best, f**k the rest”! Independent Truck Company has been producing some of the best skateboarding trucks in the industry for over 40 years. With experience like that, they definitely know a thing or two about what skateboarders need! The Independent Transit backpack is one of the few bags on our list that features horizontal board straps. Therefore, your board will stay evenly horizontal with the weight evenly distributed across your back when it’s strapped in. In addition, it features a comfortable padded back section, wide padded shoulder straps, and the whole bag is made out of a durable outer material for strength. If that wasn’t enough, any fan of Independent Trucks wouldn’t be caught dead without this backpack considering the sick Indy patches and logo details found throughout the whole design. You can bet that the skaters on the Independent team use this backpack when going on skate tours, and you can too!
DC Shoes – The Breed Backpack – $60.00
The design of DC’s The Breed backpack is just as iconic as the Element Mohave. With years of experience under its belt, The Breed takes all the best features you could want in a skateboard backpack and combines them into one super stylish bag. Everything about the back and shoulder sections of this bag are designed for comfort and breathability while out skating. The thick shoulder straps are fully breathable and have no hard seams to irritate your shoulders and the breathable mesh continues throughout the whole back area. There are two spacious side pockets with zippers, a quick-access pocket for your skate tool on the front, and the bag opens up to a huge main compartment with inner zip pockets inside. The bag also proudly displays the DC shoe company brand with a large, embroidered DC logo on the front and a quality, rubberized logo patch at the top. The Breed skateboard backpack offers a super sleek design, performance features, and premium quality at a reasonable price.
Nike SB – Embarca Backpack – $64.95
If you’re not a fan of the Nike SB Courthouse backpack, perhaps the Embarca backpack is what you’re looking for! It’s yet to be known whether “Embarca” is referring to the famous San Francisco skate spot Embarcadero, but that’s reason enough to take this bag with you on your next skate trip to EMB! Speaking of skate trips, much like the Courthouse backpack, the Embarca is also an excellent choice to wear while skating through the city. The design has a comfortable and functional ergonomic fit with shoulder straps and back section that holds your back for ease of movement. The front of the bag features durable Velcro straps with a Nike SB logo patch on the top strap for style. The large main compartment offers ample space for your gear or laptop and a horizontal zipper is found on the front, a contrast from the vertical zipper design of the Courthouse bag. Overall, the Embarca is a step up from the Nike SB courthouse backpack and is a quality choice as a day trip or short weekend companion.
Burton – Kilo Backpack – $65
Who would have thought a snowboarding company could make an amazing skateboard backpack?! Well, Burton did! The Burton Kilo backpack is actually so well made that it’s earned an Amazon’s Choice award for all the high ratings it’s received online. The people have spoken and they’re saying this backpack is legit! The Kilo is loaded with every feature a skateboarder could possibly desire. From skate straps with buckles to four huge external accessory pockets, it certainly isn’t lacking in space. The giant main compartment features internal organization pockets including a 16.5” laptop pocket. The wide shoulder straps with center locking strap and the padded back section ensures a comfortable wear. Burton didn’t spare on style though. The quality leather logo patch on the front of the bag gives it a truly premium look. Even though Burton may not be a truly skate-oriented company, they have done an exceptional job creating a backpack for their skateboard brothers with the Kilo backpack!
Vans – Authentic III Sk8pack Backpack – $79.99
Welcome to the big leagues. Vans presents the Authentic III Skatepack Backpack – the top-of-the-line model in the Vans Skatepack series! The Authentic III skatepack features similar characteristics to its predecessors but with a few premium additions. Mainly, the Authentic III is designed for comfort as it has ergonomic shoulder straps and a soft, padded mesh back section that offers breathability to keep your back dry. Both of these features give the backpack a comfortable fit during movement such as ripping through the streets on your board. If you need to stow your board, strap it up with the durable Velcro board straps. It’s definitely not lacking on space either. The Authentic III features two large main compartments with top zippers. The main compartments also have inner organization pockets and some of the color options have a classic Vans checkerboard pattern on the interior fabric. This skateboard backpack offers more than enough room for weekend skate trips and the premium design is sure to offer you comfort and durability through many adventures.
Nike SB – RPM Backpack – $80
The Nike SB RPM Backpack essentially sets the standard for high-end skateboard backpacks on the market today. The RPM is the cream of the crop when it comes to design, durability, functionality, and style. The feature list is long as it includes basically everything a skater could desire in a backpack. Something that especially sticks out is that the whole outer shell is made of water-resistant 600D polyester, meaning that even if you’re caught in a summer downpour, all your gear will stay perfectly dry. If you have to run from the cops at a skate spot with it, don’t worry about sweating as the whole back section and shoulder straps are lined with a breathable mesh fabric which features a style Nike SB stitching. Space is no issue, thanks to two huge main compartments with interior pockets including a net pocket with zipper. Finally, the bottom of the bag is covered with a textured polyester material that resists scratches or scuffing. This bag is a higher priced option on our list but it is a great example of “you get what you pay for”. The RPM backpack will undoubtedly last you through countless skate sessions and trips with its super durable design. We wouldn’t mind taking it on a trip ourselves!
Dakine – Ledge Skate Backpack – $95
The Dakine Ledge backpack has made our list primarily for its excellent versatility to be used for photographers or filmers. Many times, skate filmers and photographers must keep up with their crew while skating through the streets holding a camera bag. Ditch the satchel-style camera bag for this premium-quality Ledge backpack! The Ledge is also one of only two skateboard backpacks on our list with horizontal board straps. In addition, the section of the backpack that skateboard griptape is touching when it’s strapped in has been covered in a durable, textured polyester section that won’t wear out from abrasion. The large front flap opens up to a huge, 25 liter main compartment and the flap itself has an easy-access, fleece lined phone or sunglass pocket. The left side pocket has an elastic band closure for drink bottles and the right size has a flap closure for protection. All-in-all, the Ledge backpack goes above and beyond with features not seen in other bags and is an especially good option for filmers and photographers to carry their gear as well.
Skunk – Nomad Backpack – $139
By now, you may have scrolled to the bottom of our list to see the prized skateboard backpack with the highest price point we’ve selected. Well, honestly you might not have even heard of this brand but don’t worry, we hadn’t either. In addition, they seem to have little connection to skateboarding. So, what gives?! It turns out that this brand “Skunk Bags” has been absolutely killing it this whole time and they just happen to have possibly the most practical, performance skateboard backpack on the market. What’s so special? The Nomad skate backpack is actually constructed of anti-bacterial silver nylon fibers and it features an integrated carbon filter air flow system. Why does it matter? Because you can throw your filthy, sweaty shirt, knee pads, socks, or whatever other disgusting skate gear you have in this bad boy and you won’t smell a thing! This is particularly life-changing during skate trips where you have to keep your dirty clothes in your bag for several days. In addition, don’t worry about even the worst storms because the whole thing is waterproof, including the zippers to the front pocket and laptop pocket. Plus, if you really have something to hide, it even features a combination lock on the top, something we haven’t seen in any other skate backpack on the market. So, we’ve saved the best for last – and the best is the Nomad skateboard backpack from Skunk Bags!
Skateboard Backpack Buyer’s Guide
Skateboard backpacks are designed to offer special features that cater to the needs of skateboarders. Given the naturally active nature of skateboarding and the unique demands that skateboarders have while out in the streets, a quality skateboard backpack must be designed to suit these requirements. Lucky for us, both skateboarding companies and several action sports-oriented brands have done an excellent job creating performance skateboard backpacks within a wide price range. However, the products from all these brands have many different features and designs, meaning there can be a lot of info to dig through to find just what’s best for you. That’s why we’ve put together this skateboard backpack buyer’s guide – to help you pick out the perfect skateboard backpack for you!
Step 1: Understanding what you need!
As with any purchase decision, you should simply start with asking yourself what you will really use the backpack for. Are you using it mainly to wear while skating through the city to look for spots? Will you wear it to school every day? Do you want to be able to bring camera equipment along with you? Will you be using it to go on skate trips that last several days? Questions like these are what will determine the ideal size, level of durability, and specific features that are best suited for you. Below you will find more information on these specifics to understand your perfect backpack.
The ideal skateboard backpack size for you.
The size of backpacks are generally measured in liters. Moreso, the size of a typical backpack will range from about 15 liters to 30 liters. But what does this really mean? Here are some examples to help you understand these sizes when buying online. First, an example of a 17-liter skateboard backpack is the Santa Cruz Plaza backpack on our list. Generally speaking, this backpack size will fit a small laptop or tablet and they often feature one main compartment. Bigger is not always better when it comes to skateboard backpacks because this size bag is perfect for skaters who will wear the bag frequently while skating places and who do not need to bring a weekend’s worth of gear with them everywhere. If you use your backpack for this, a larger bag will become a nuisance as excess space also means more weight and less move-ability. On the other end of the spectrum, we could go up to the 30-liter range of backpacks. An example of this is the Element Mohave backpack on our list. As you could guess, more space means you can bring more stuff along and a 30-liter backpack is capable of carrying a full-sized laptop as well as a weekend’s worth of clothes and gear. They often have more than one main compartment and ample pocket space for the necessities of a trip. Of course, if you’re looking for something with more room than a day bag but less than a travel-size bag, you’ll want to look around the 22-27 liter range of skateboard backpacks.
Do you really need a super durable backpack?
While a tough and durable design is nice, the reality is that not everybody truly needs a backpack that’s built to go through war. Many skateboard backpacks have special material features that help them withstand travel or harsh daily use. But, these features come at a price and when you’re trying to make an educated purchase decision, you shouldn’t pay for more than you truly need! Here are some tips. If you plan to bring your backpack to the skatepark every day and set it down on the asphalt ground frequently, consider a bag with a reinforced bottom section which is often found in more premium-level bags. If you’re going to wear the bag from home to your school locker every day and it’s not often out in the elements, you probably don’t need to pay more for this feature. Do you pick your backpack up by the top handle all the time? If not, you probably don’t need a top handle that’s reinforced with plastic, or maybe even no top handle at all! Do you drive or ride the bus every day? Maybe high-tech water-resistant fabric isn’t important for you. Understanding your personal requirements will help you understand how much it makes sense for you to spend more on these features.
Features cost $. Make sure you understand what matters for you.
When considering features, we’ve decided that skateboard straps are sort of a given if you’re searching for a skateboard backpack. This is largely the key feature the distinguishes a skateboard backpack from a standard backpack, so the only thing to consider here is whether you want a bag with vertical or horizontal board straps. This is just a personal preference. However, there are many other features that differ widely between bags, here are some key points to consider. First, a bag with two main compartments can make a big difference. Do you need to separate your clean clothes and dirty clothes while on trips? If not, this probably isn’t that important and will make a difference in the price of the bag you need. Do you bring your laptop or books places? This will help you understand if you need a laptop or “media” pocket. Do you carry your sunglasses or cell phone in your backpack? Some bags feature a special top pocket that’s lined with anti-scratch material for sunglasses or phone screens. Do you live someplace hot or plan to wear the bag while skateboarding? A mesh-lined back section or shoulder straps can make wearing your bag more comfortable in these situations but this feature often comes at a price. Finally, do you plan to go on trips where your bag is filled with dirty clothes for a period of time? If so, maybe the higher priced Skunk bag on our list is actually worth the investment for how you will use the bag.
In conclusion, finding the perfect skateboard backpack to suit your needs will really come down to being realistic about your personal use of the backpack. Bigger is not always better, many people do not always need military-grade materials and strength, and maybe you don’t really need a sunglasses pocket on the top of the bag. However, backpacks are something that we often use for several years and that impact our daily lives. Therefore, it absolutely makes sense to put some thought into the purchase and consider making an investment into a backpack with fitting quality to our needs.