Back-to-school Herschel backpacks

From a Hamlet in Saskatchewan to Vancouver

The name Herschel comes from a tiny hamlet in Saskatchewan, in the Canadian Prairies, where Jamie and Lyndon Cormack's great-grandparents settled. The two brothers founded Herschel Supply in 2009 in Vancouver, British Columbia, with the idea of giving everyday bags the charm of vintage luggage. The old-school logo sewn on the front, faux leather straps, and the fine striped lining, which has become the brand's interior signature, maintain this embraced nostalgia. The brand primarily targets young adults, which explains its presence in high school corridors and on campuses.

Little America, Retreat or Heritage: three silhouettes

The Little America is the brand's large format: underneath its magnetic flap is a drawstring, and its padded pocket lined with fleece holds a fifteen or sixteen-inch laptop. The Retreat features the same flap in a smaller volume, of about twenty litres, popular with high schoolers and slim builds. The Heritage ditches the flap for a zipper on top and a front zipped pocket with a keycarabiner: it opens faster between classes when the Little America better protects its contents.

Choosing the right volume for classes

The volume is chosen based on what one carries every day. A high school student with binders, a pencil case, a water bottle, and sports gear quickly fills a bag of about twenty litres and benefits from switching to the large format if adding a laptop. A student who only carries a laptop and a few notebooks may, on the other hand, prefer a compact model, lighter on the shoulders. Before choosing, check the screen size accepted by the inner pocket: a laptop that's too large strains the seams and distorts the bag. The padded straps should be adjustable to keep the bottom of the bag above the lower back.

Other bag brands

The other brands in the selection, Eastpak, Sandqvist, Rains, adidas Originals, Reebok, Urban Classics, are gathered on the backpack back-to-school page.

Cleaning the fabric and preserving the shape of the bag

A Herschel bag should be cleaned by hand rather than in the machine. Empty it, shake out crumbs stuck in the seams, then scrub the fabric with a soft brush and slightly soapy lukewarm water, without bleach or fabric softener. The faux leather straps can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Drying should happen outdoors, with the flap open, away from a radiator that could warp the padded pocket. To maintain the shape of the bag, it’s best not to store it crushed under other items and to distribute the weight: heavy books against the back, small items in the front pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Herschel bag waterproof?

No, its fabric withstands light showers, but water can seep through the seams and closures in steady rain. To protect a laptop, a cover slipped into the padded pocket remains a useful precaution.

Is a Herschel bag suitable for a middle school student?

Yes, as long as you choose a size that suits their build: a model of about twenty litres, like the Retreat, prevents the bag from sagging too low on the back. The straps should shorten enough so it stays close to the student.

How to wear a bag on your back without hurting your back?

Wear it on both shoulders, with straps tightened so the bottom stays above the lower back, and place heavy items against your back. For children, it’s often recommended that the loaded bag shouldn’t exceed about one-tenth of their body weight.

What country is Herschel from?

Herschel Supply is a Canadian brand, based in Vancouver since its inception. Its name pays tribute to a hamlet in Saskatchewan linked to the family history of the two brothers who launched it.

How to recognize a Herschel bag?

By its rectangular tag with a vintage-inspired logo, sewn on the front, its faux leather straps, and its fine striped lining. Models with a flap add buckle straps reminiscent of old hiking bags.