Eastpak Backpacks Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

As someone who appreciates both fashion and function when it comes to bags, I‘ve long been intrigued by Eastpak. This American lifestyle brand has built a reputation for creating stylish, practical and durable backpacks, luggage, and accessories. Collaborations with trendy names like Stranger Things and Raf Simons have only boosted their appeal.

But with so many bag brands out there, you may be wondering – are Eastpak products really worth their price tags? I dug deep into the brand‘s history, policies, and products and scoured hundreds of customer reviews to bring you this detailed Eastpak backpacks review. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if an Eastpak bag belongs on your back.

The History of Eastpak

Eastpak has an interesting origin story. The company started way back in 1952 as Eastern Canvas Products USA, Inc., a manufacturer that made duffels, backpacks and other bags for the US military. But in 1976, founder Monte Goldman‘s son Mark shifted the brand‘s focus to the consumer market, especially the college crowd. He also coined the catchy Eastpak name.

Fast forward to 2000, and apparel giant VF Corporation (owner of The North Face, Timberland and JanSport) snatched up the Eastpak brand. But the label‘s commitment to making ultra-tough, long-lasting bags remains unchanged. Over 50 years after their founding, Eastpak is now a major international brand known for their sturdy bags in bold designs.

Why Customers Love Eastpak

In the bag world, Eastpak has earned a reputation for balancing fashion and functionality. Their backpacks, duffels, luggage and accessories are built to last, with durable materials and reinforced stitching, but they also incorporate trendy colors and modern silhouettes. It‘s a combo that‘s earned them over 162,000 Instagram followers and over a million Facebook likes.

Hands-On with Eastpak‘s Best Selling Backpacks

Of course, the meat of any Eastpak backpacks review is taking a close look at the bags themselves. I examined some of the brand‘s most popular backpack models and came away very impressed with their thoughtful designs. These aren‘t your average flimsy backpacks – they‘re carefully constructed with smart features to make your life easier.

Eastpak Padded Pak‘r Backpack Review

The Padded Pak‘r is Eastpak‘s iconic everyday backpack. It has a classic, streamlined shape but don‘t be deceived by its simple look. This roomy bag can fit a ton – from textbooks and laptops to gym clothes and water bottles. Thick back and shoulder strap padding make it super comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded.

I love the convenient front zippered pocket for keeping small items within easy reach. The durable, water-resistant nylon material comes in a rainbow of 11 colors, from basic black to bold camo print. At just $50, the Padded Pak‘r is an affordable, reliable choice for students and commuters alike.

Eastpak Floid Backpack Review

Need space for a larger 15" laptop? Check out the Eastpak Floid, the Padded Pak‘r‘s bigger brother. The Floid‘s cavernous main compartment can handle anything you throw in it, but a padded laptop sleeve and internal zippered pockets keep your gear organized.

Adjustable padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap allow you to customize the fit and distribute weight evenly. I was impressed by the Floid‘s heavy-duty stitching and the water-repellent coating on the polyester fabric – this bag is built for daily use and abuse. Choose from 4 neutral colors for a stylish, understated look. At $70, it‘s pricier than the Pak‘r but well worth it for the added space and features.

Eastpak Floid Tact Backpack Review

For an even more souped-up backpack, consider the Floid Tact. It has a slightly sleeker silhouette than the standard Floid but provides the same roomy storage and laptop protection. Where the Tact really shines is its organizational features – it has an amazing array of interior and exterior pockets and compartments to keep every last pen, cable and personal item in its place.

The structured shape and contoured back and straps make it incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. If your current backpack is a black hole where things get lost, the hyper-organized Floid Tact could be your new best friend. At $80, it‘s definitely an investment, but a worthy one for the right person.

Pack Like a Pro with Eastpak Luggage

Backpacks aren‘t the only area where Eastpak excels – their luggage is equally impressive. Eastpak offers a wide array of rolling suitcases, duffel bags, and travel accessories with the same signature balance of toughness and trendiness. Here are two of their most popular models:

Eastpak Tranverz Suitcase Review

Available in 3 sizes, the Tranverz is Eastpak‘s take on a classic rolling hardside suitcase. The difference is in the details – I was wowed by the Tranverz‘s smart features like the two equally-sized packing compartments (so no more fighting to zip an overstuffed bag) and garment compression straps. A zippered pocket on the inside of the lid is perfect for toiletries.

Not only is the Tranverz spacious, it‘s flexible too, able to shrink down to a more compact size when not in use. Four twin spinner wheels make navigating this suitcase through a busy airport or cobblestone streets a breeze, while the combination zipper lock keeps your belongings secure. Prices for the Tranverz range from $170 to $230 depending on size – not cheap but fair for such a well designed piece of luggage.

Eastpak Leatherface Duffel Review

Not into a pure rolling suitcase but still want easy transport? Meet the Eastpak Leatherface, a hybrid duffel bag with detachable padded straps that convert it into a backpack. This bag is all about versatility – carry it by the handles, sling it over your shoulder or wear it on your back.

Inside, it has two spacious main compartments with zippered dividers and compression straps to keep your belongings neat and tidy. Like all Eastpak models it‘s crafted from high-quality, water-resistant polyester that‘s meant to last. The 35-litre capacity of the small model is sufficient for short trips while the 55-litre large works well for a week‘s travel. It retails for around $135 to $150, an accessible price for a multipurpose travel bag that will literally last decades.

What Do Customers Think of Eastpak?

I scoured the web for Eastpak customer reviews and found overwhelmingly positive feedback. On Trustpilot, the brand has a 4.2 out of 5 star average rating from over 3600 reviews! Satisfied buyers rave about Eastpak‘s:

Sturdy, long-lasting quality
Comfortable, ergonomic designs
Surprising amount of interior space and pockets
Bold and stylish color options
Fast delivery and easy returns

Of course, no brand is perfect. A small number of reviewers mentioned issues like broken zippers, straps or wheels with heavy use over time. A few felt Eastpak‘s prices were a bit high. But the vast majority of customers said their Eastpak bags exceeded expectations and they would gladly buy from the brand again.

Eastpak vs JanSport: Which is Better?

It‘s impossible to talk about Eastpak without comparing them to their biggest rival: JanSport. Both are American bag brands now owned by VF Corporation, but they‘ve maintained distinct styles and personalities.

Compared to Eastpak, JanSport has a slightly more outdoorsy, casual vibe. Their bags tend to be cheaper, with simpler designs and a wider variety of patterns and prints. JanSport also offers a more generous 100-day return policy and lifetime warranty (vs Eastpak‘s 30 days and 30 years).

Eastpak‘s aesthetic is more urban, streamlined and sleek. Their bags generally have higher-end features like laptop sleeves and leather details. They‘re also pricier, starting at $45 for a basic backpack, while JanSport‘s begin under $35.

Ultimately, neither brand is inherently "better" than the other – which you prefer comes down to your personal taste, needs and budget. Both make high-quality, long-lasting bags that are widely available online and in stores. You really can‘t go wrong with either.

Is Eastpak Worth It?

So, are Eastpak bags worth their heftier price tags? In my opinion, absolutely. Their outstanding quality, smart designs and incredible 30-year warranty make them a wise long-term investment. You definitely get what you pay for (and then some) with an Eastpak backpack, duffel or luggage.

One important thing to note – Eastpak‘s popularity has made them a prime target for counterfeiters. To ensure you get the real deal, only buy from authorized Eastpak retailers, either online or in person. You can check for the holographic Eastpak authenticity tag inside the bag if you‘re unsure.

Frequently Asked Eastpak Questions

To round out this Eastpak backpacks review, here are quick answers to some common questions about the brand and its products:

Are Eastpak bags waterproof? No, but most are made from water-resistant fabrics that will repel light rain and spills.
Are Eastpak bags comfortable to wear? Yes, Eastpak puts a big emphasis on comfort with features like padded back panels and straps, adjustable straps, and ergonomic shapes.
Does Eastpak make bags for men, women or both? Eastpak designs unisex bags intended for all genders. They don‘t have separate men‘s and women‘s styles.
How do you clean an Eastpak bag? Spot clean the exterior with a soft, damp cloth and gentle soap. Don‘t put it in the washing machine or dryer.
Where are Eastpak bags made? Eastpak bags and luggage are manufactured primarily in Asia and then distributed worldwide.
How do Eastpak‘s shipping, returns and warranty policies work? Eastpak.com offers free shipping on all US orders, plus free returns within 30 days. Their 30-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and damage, but not normal wear and tear.

The Verdict on Eastpak

Eastpak has been in the bag business for over half a century and they know what they‘re doing. By combining fashion and function, and backing it up with a amazing guarantee, they‘ve built a devoted worldwide following. While their bags may cost a bit more than budget brands, their exceptional quality and designs are 100% worth it in my book.

Whether you‘re a student, professional, traveler or just someone who wants a stylish, comfortable and nearly indestructible bag, Eastpak is a solid choice. Their huge selection of backpacks, duffels, rolling luggage and more means there‘s truly an Eastpak for everyone.

So yes, I‘m very comfortable recommending Eastpak to anyone looking to buy a bag they can count on day in and day out, for years and years to come. Add one to your cart – your shoulders will thank you!

Eastpak Backpacks Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

The History of Eastpak

Why Customers Love Eastpak