As a manufacturer with over a decade of experience in exporting products to more than 50 countries around the world, let us tell you that in global outdoor and daily equipment scenarios, Canada has won people’s trust with its outstanding product quality and design.
Whether we are talking about high-performance backpacks for hikers and mountain enthusiasts or fashionable bags for urban commuting and travel work, these Canadian local brands all have such a unique style.
Many of them insist on small-batch production and local craftsmanship – maintaining the compactness of their products and remaining true to their roots – while some larger and more well-known brands are expanding globally to attract more people.
Now in 2025, these manufacturers are not only enhancing their games with better materials and cooler new features, but they are also doubling down on sustainability and environmental values, which is a great victory. In this article, we will list 8 Canadian backpack brands that you definitely need to pay attention to this year. We will delve into their background stories, what makes their products stand out, and the ideas that drive their designs – so that you can find the right manufacturer here!
Northern Ultralight
This is a small outdoor equipment manufacturer (Northern Ultralight (abbreviated as NUL)) located in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, specializing in the design and factory production of lightweight backpacks and related outdoor gear. Its founder, Scott Matson, is a long-distance hiker. Many of NUL’s design concepts originated from his experiences of crossing the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The company emphasizes the combination of innovative design and high-end raw materials, and ensures quality and respect for the environment through local small-scale production
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Nelson, British Columbia, Canada |
| Establishment Time | 2018 |
| Prodotti principali | Lightweight backpacks (e.g., “Sundown” series), waist bags/shoulder bags, stuff sacks, dry bags, etc. |
| Materials | Recycled fabrics; X-Pac waterproof fabric; aluminum alloy hardware; lightweight padding; Dreamline ski backpack uses REPREVE rPET fiber & eco-friendly DWR coating (VOC/solvent-free) |
| Sito web | northernultralight.com |
Herschel Supply Co.
This is Herschel Supply Co. (referred to as Herschel), a lifestyle and accessories brand headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 2009 by brothers Lyndon Cormack and Jamie Cormack. The brand mainly features a retro style, with simple designs and a sense of nostalgia. At the same time, it is mainly targeted at the young market (approximately 18 to 35 years old).
Although their design and brand concept are based in Canada, most of their products are manufactured in third-party factories in China and Southeast Asia. Herschel’s product line includes backpacks, luggage bags, travel accessories, hats, clothing, etc. The company sells its products in many countries around the world through its official online website, some self-operated stores, and a network of distributors/retail partners
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Establishment Time | 2009 |
| Prodotti principali | Backpacks, duffel bags, travel luggage, accessories (wallets, hats, apparel) |
| Materials | Mainly polyester, canvas, and synthetic fabrics; EcoSystem line uses recycled materials and eco-friendly fabrics |
| Sito web | Mainly polyester, canvas, and synthetic fabrics; the EcoSystem line uses recycled materials and eco-friendly fabrics |
Durston Gear
Durston Gear is a lightweight outdoor equipment brand headquartered in Golden, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded by outdoor explorer Dan Durston in 2018. The brand is renowned for its design philosophy of “starting from the first principle”, and is committed to providing high-performance equipment for long-distance hiking and minimalist exploration.
Its product line includes ultra-light tents (X-Mid series), backpacks (Kakwa series), trekking poles, and related accessories, which are highly praised by the ultra-light hiking community. Durston Gear extensively employs advanced composite materials and eco-friendly lightweight fabrics in its design, balancing durability and minimalist weight.
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Golden, British Columbia, Canada |
| Establishment Time | 2018 |
| Prodotti principali | Ultralight tents (X-Mid series), lightweight backpacks (Kakwa 55, Kakwa 40), trekking poles, accessories |
| Materials | Ultra-200, Graflyte/Aluula composite fabrics, silpoly, silnylon, waterproof technical fabrics, aluminum hardware |
| Sito web | durstongear.com |
Paul Brodie
Paul Brodie is a Canadian designer brand based in Ontario, Canada, known for its premium outerwear, footwear, and accessories. The brand emphasizes high-quality craftsmanship, combining rugged classic aesthetics with modern style. Its products include jackets, coats, boots, shoes, and bags, all crafted with attention to detail and durable materials such as wool tartan, tweed, Pendleton wool, and leather. Paul Brodie blends functionality, comfort, and style, appealing to customers who value Canadian-made quality and distinctive design.
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Ontario, Canada |
| Establishment Time | Not specified (active for several years) |
| Prodotti principali | Outerwear (jackets, coats), footwear (boots, shoes), accessories (hats, bags, socks) |
| Materials | High-quality fabrics, including wool tartan, tweed, Pendleton wool, and leather for bags and accessories |
| Sito web | paulbrodie.com |
Janie Nicole Leather
Janie-Nicole Leather is a handicraft company located in Calgary, Alberta, specializing in handcrafted leather bags and accessories. Each product is independently crafted to ensure its uniqueness and high quality. The company uses aged Kodiak oil-tanned leather, which is renowned for its durability and develops a unique luster over time.
This brand was founded by Janie-Nicole, who has been engaged in sewing since childhood and has now developed from making fabric products to focusing on leather goods.
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Establishment | Not specified (active for several years) |
| Prodotti principali | Leather bags (crossbody, messenger, totes), wallets, journals, accessories |
| Materials | Distressed Kodiak oil-tanned leather, brass hardware |
| Sito web | www.janienicole.com |
Monte & coe
Monte & Coe is a Canadian luxury accessory brand founded in 2012 by Andrew Coelho, Ron Scarafile, Nicholas Wiktorczyk, and Matt Montemurro. This brand focuses on handcrafted weekend bags and travel accessories, combining timeless design with sustainable materials. Each product is meticulously crafted in small batches in Toronto and Montreal, using eco-friendly materials such as plant-tanned leather and Italian Merino wool from family workshops.
This brand emphasizes the principle of slow fashion, focusing on quality, durability, and ethical production practices. Monte & Coe’s products are designed to be multi-functional, fashionable, and durable, catering to the discerning travelers seeking luxurious necessities.
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Toronto and Montreal, Canada |
| Establishment | 2012 |
| Prodotti principali | Weekender bags, travel accessories, tote bags, laptop sleeves, wallets |
| Materials | Vegetable-tanned leather, Italian merino wool, organic cotton, brass hardware |
| Sito web | monteandcoe.com |
Opolaire
Opolaire is a Canadian brand specializing in eco-friendly backpacks and bags. This brand was founded by Deon, emphasizing sustainable manufacturing practices and designing products that are both functional and environmentally conscious.
Their main products include backpacks suitable for daily use, hiking, and traveling, all carefully crafted with attention to durability and style.
| project | content |
|---|---|
| Posizione | Canada |
| Establishment | Not specified (active for several years) |
| Prodotti principali | Backpacks (e.g., Amma Backpack, Kaya 3-in-1 Bag, Koda Messenger Bag) |
| Materials | Organic cotton canvas, hemp/cotton blend, YKK zippers |
| Sito web | opolaire.com |
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor clothing and equipment company renowned for its high-performance products, including backpacks, jackets, and rock climbing gear. The company was founded in 1989, originally named Rock Solid, and was renamed in 1991.
Their headquarters are located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Arc’teryx is renowned for its innovative design and commitment to quality, catering to the needs of both outdoor enthusiasts and urban consumers.
| Articolo | Dettagli |
|---|---|
| Posizione | North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Establishment | 1989 (as Rock Solid), rebranded to Arc’teryx in 1991 |
| Prodotti principali | Backpacks (e.g., Konseal, Aerios, Mantis), jackets, climbing gear, footwear |
| Materials | Gore-Tex, ALUULA composites, advanced technical fabrics |
| Sito web | arcteryx.com |
Informazioni su RONEER
Are you familiar with Chinese manufacturers? Yes, after introducing these eight Canadian bag manufacturers, RONEER is our highlight. A manufacturer with 18 years of experience in China (as of 2025), the brand was founded by David in 2003 and specializes in producing high-quality products such as borse, zaini, borse da viaggio, e borse crossbody. Headquartered in Jiangmen, we also have a factory in Huadu, Guangzhou, with over 200 employees, capable of handling bulk orders.
Whether you are a brand designer or preparing to start a business, at RONEER, we provide one-stop service from design to finished product! Act now.
Why choose a Chinese manufacturer?
While you can find some bag makers in Canada as well, China has long been a leader in the global bag-making industry. That’s why I’d recommend: when you’re picking a manufacturer, don’t sleep on the perks of going with a Chinese one.
First off, cost—total win here. Labor and production costs are way lower, so scaling up production is way more budget-friendly.
Then there’s the supply chain—super mature. Everything from fabric and hardware to sewing and packaging is a one-stop deal. No running around; it’s efficient and hassle-free.
Tech and craftsmanship? They’ve got that down pat. They’re pros at things like waterproof coatings, aluminum alloy back panels, and tricky sewing work—all the stuff that makes a bag durable and functional.
Production flexibility is another big plus. They can do small-batch runs, or if you need to tweak specs fast—like changing colors, sizes, or accessories—they can handle that too.
Logistics? A total breeze. Exporting is straightforward, so getting your products out to the global market is no hassle at all.
And here’s the best part for keeping your brand’s identity: you can keep design, R&D, and quality checks right in Canada. That way, you never lose that “Canadian design” vibe you want.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing cost and quality. You save money with overseas production, but still keep your products high-quality—and that keeps you competitive worldwide.
