Backpack manufacturers need to keep an eye on industry dynamics and trends and understand the target market’s demand for bag types. Through European platforms such as Amazon, Zalando , ASOS, and Cdiscount , we have compiled the 9 most popular bag types in Europe in 2025.
Detailed explanation of the 9 most popular bag types in Europe
1. Tote Bag
- Core features: Large main bag with easy opening, suitable for daily commuting and shopping;
- Material: Canvas and sustainable cotton;
- Representative brands: LL Bean Boat & Tote (USA), Loewe Paula’s Ibiza (Spain);
- Price range: €40–€150;
- Origin and Manufacturer: European and American designs, Asian OEM production, many backpack manufacturers provide customized services;
- Annual sales in Europe: USD 0.78 billion (≈ €0.72 billion)
- Main markets: Germany, France, UK
2. Backpack
- Key features: Multiple compartments, water-repellent fabric, ergonomic shoulder straps;
- Material: nylon, high-strength polyester fiber;
- Representative brands: Osprey, JanSport, Samsonite;
- Price range: €30–€250;
- Origin and Manufacturer: European and American designs, produced in Vietnam, Bangladesh, etc.
- Annual sales in Europe: USD 6.75 billion (2024
- Major markets: Germany (28.1% share), the United Kingdom, France
3. Crossbody Bag
- Core features: Lightweight, can be worn on one shoulder or across the body, and is extremely convenient for taking items;
- Material: PU leather, Oxford cloth;
- Representative brands: Patagonia Atom Sling, Fjällräven Kånken Sling;
- Price range: €25–€120;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Designed in Europe/North America, produced in Asia;
- Global annual sales: USD 14.3 billion (2023)
- Major European markets: UK, France, Germany, Italy
4. Messenger Bag
- Core features: large flip cover design, multi-functional partitions, splash-proof;
- Material: Oxford cloth, polyester;
- Representative brands: Chrome Citizenship, Timbuk2 Classic Messenger;
- Price range: €40–€150;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Designed in the United States, manufactured in Asia;
- Global annual sales: USD 1.5 billion (2023)
- Estimated European share: ≈USD 0.34 billion
- Major European markets: Germany, UK, Spain
5. Briefcase/Satchel
- Core features: rigid structure, metal accessories, clear layers;
- Material: genuine leather, PU synthetic leather;
- Representative brands: Mulberry Classic Satchel, Coach Metropolitan Slim Briefcase;
- Price range: €100–€600;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Designed in England/Italy, produced in Europe and Asia;
- European handbag market size: USD 12.58 billion (2021)
- Satchel share estimate: ≈10% (≈USD 1.26 billion)
- Main markets: France, Italy, UK
6. Mini Backpack
- Core features: lightweight, small capacity, splash-proof, cute and fashionable;
- Material: Nylon, polyester blend;
- Representative brands: LOVEVOOK Small Backpack Purse;
- Price range: €20–€25;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Chinese brand, made in Asia;
- Global annual sales: ≈15% × USD 18.66 billion = USD 2.8 billion (2024)
- Major European markets: UK, Germany
7. Underseat Travel Backpack
- Core features: Meets the low-cost airline seat dimensions, USB charging, anti-theft pockets;
- Material: waterproof nylon;
- Representative brands: Yankony Underseat Cabin Backpack;
- Price range: €17–€25;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Made in China;
- European “Active Backpacking” Market Camping/Travel Segment: USD 1.52 billion (2022)
- Estimated share of travel bags: ≈20% (≈USD 0.30 billion)
- Main markets: UK, Germany
Business Travel Laptop Waterproof Backpack
| Material | Water-resistant oxford fabric |
| Style | Backpack |
| Color | Black |
| Lining | Dense polyester |
| Design | Business casual |
| Weight | 0.93kg |
| Dimensions | 32cm (W) × 45cm (H) × 20cm (D) |
| Capacity | Fits laptop/iPad/A4 magazines/phone/wallet |
8. Laptop Backpack
- Core features: dedicated laptop compartment, ergonomics, AirTag slot;
- Material: Recycled polyester, nylon;
- Representative brands: Troubadour Apex 3.0 (designed in the UK, produced in Vietnam);
- Price range: £245;
- Origin and manufacturer: UK/Vietnam;
- Global Laptop Bags and Computer Bags Market: USD 2.1 billion (2023)
- Estimated European share: ≈40% (≈USD 0.84 billion)
- Main markets: Germany, UK, France
9. Fanny Pack (Belt Bag)
- Core features: dual-purpose waist hanging/cross-body, anti-theft design;
- Material: PU leather, polyester;
- Representative brands: Eastpak Springer, Herschel Fifteen Hip Pack;
- Price range: €20–€80;
- Origin and Manufacturer: Europe, America and Asia;
- Global waist bag market: USD 1.2 billion (2024)
- Major European markets: Germany, France, UK
Comparison and trend insights of European bag market
In recent years, the European bag market has shown the following characteristics:
- High growth in backpack segment: The European active backpack market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030, with Germany leading the way, followed by the UK and France.
- Travel bag types expand steadily: The European Travel Bag Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the same period, thanks to increased travel frequency and improved infrastructure.
- Global demand for backpacks is heating up: the global backpack market will increase from US$20.56 billion to US$21.74 billion in 2024-2025, with a CAGR of 5.7%, and is expected to exceed US$27.85 billion by 2029.
Comparing the above nine types of packages, we can see:
- Business/official and doctor bags focus on quality and craftsmanship, and “backpack manufacturers” should highlight leather tanning and hardware details;
- Backpacks and travel/weekend bags rely on technical fabrics and ergonomics, and are the workhorses for outdoor and remote work;
- Urban lightweight bags (cross-body bags, waist bags) have become the emerging “last-mile” commuting choice due to their portability and fashion sense .
FAQ
Q: How to choose the right size travel bag?
A: First, check the free baggage allowance of the airline (underseat/carry-on baggage size), and then decide on a 20-30L travel backpack or a 40-60L checked baggage based on the number of days you are traveling and the amount of items you are carrying.
Q: Which materials are most suitable for daily waterproof needs?
A: Polyester and nylon perform best after being treated with waterproof coating, followed by PU leather, but high-density canvas can be selected when high breathability is required.
Q: What factors should I pay attention to when purchasing bags in bulk in Europe?
A: In addition to quality and price, we should pay attention to supplier qualifications (such as ISO certification), production capacity, logistics timeliness, international transportation compliance and environmental protection requirements.
Q: Can niche brands compete with the best-selling lists of large platforms?
A: With differentiated design, social marketing and quick response to trends, niche brands can also achieve high sales in specific market segments (such as sustainable backpacks and customized waist bags).
