Backpack Statistics 2020: The Surprising Numbers Behind the Pack 🎒

2020 was a year like no other ā€” and the backpack industry felt every twist and turn. From plummeting travel sales to an unexpected surge in outdoor gear, the numbers tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and transformation. Did you know that while overall backpack sales dropped by over 40%, hiking and daypacks saw record demand as millions sought refuge in nature? Intrigued? Stick around as we unpack the most comprehensive backpack statistics of 2020, revealing who thrived, who struggled, and what it all means for your next pack purchase.

Whether youā€™re a student, commuter, traveler, or weekend adventurer, understanding these trends will give you the insider edge on what to look for in your next backpack. Plus, weā€™ll share expert insights on how the pandemic reshaped the market and what innovations are here to stay. Ready to dive in?

Key Takeaways

  • Backpack sales dropped sharply in 2020, primarily due to halted travel and commuting, with US retail sales falling from $4.077B in 2019 to $2.395B.
  • Outdoor and hiking backpacks surged, driven by a global craving for safe outdoor activities during lockdowns.
  • Versatility became the new must-have feature, as consumers sought packs that could handle work-from-home gear, groceries, and local adventures.
  • E-commerce exploded, with online backpack sales growing over 68% year-over-year by mid-2020.
  • Sustainability gained momentum, pushing brands to innovate with recycled materials and eco-friendly designs.
  • Top brands like JanSport, The North Face, and Osprey maintained dominance, but niche and sustainable brands also carved out strong followings.

Curious about which backpack categories thrived, how consumer preferences shifted, and what the future holds? Keep reading for the full breakdown!

Table of Contents

Howdy, fellow pack-thusiasts! Welcome to Backpack Brandsā„¢, where we live and breathe everything from burly backcountry behemoths to sleek city slickers. Today, we’re firing up the time machine and setting the dial to 2020. Why? Because that year was a wild, unpredictable rollercoaster for the backpack industry, and the aftershocks are still shaping the bags you carry today. We’re diving deep into the numbers, trends, and stories that defined a year of unprecedented change. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s unpack the fascinating world of backpack statistics from 2020!

⚡ļø Quick Tips and Facts: Your Backpack Brain Boost!

Short on time? Here’s the 2020 backpack scene in a nutshell. Chew on these stats while you ponder your next pack!

  • The COVID Cliff: US backpack retail sales took a massive hit, plummeting from a high of $4.077 billion in 2019 to $2.395 billion in 2020. That’s a drop steeper than a black diamond ski run!
  • Travel Takes a Tumble: With global tourism screeching to a halt, sales for travel-focused brands like Samsonite and Away fell by as much as 80-90% in the second quarter of 2020.
  • Outdoor Escapes Boom: While travel bags gathered dust, the outdoor backpack market was poised for growth, with a projected increase of over $777 million between 2020-2024. Why? We all desperately needed some fresh air!
  • Kings of the Campus (and Search): Even in a weird year, some things don’t change. VF Corp, the parent company of JanSport and The North Face, still accounted for over 55% of US backpack sales.
  • Digital Dominance: The pandemic supercharged the shift to online shopping. U.S. retailers saw their online year-over-year revenue growth shoot up by 68% by mid-April 2020.

🎒 The Backpacking Boom: A Look Back at the 2020 Market Landscape

Video: 2020 crime statistics.

Before 2020, the backpack market was on an absolute tear. From 2010 to 2019, US sales had skyrocketed by over 170%. We were traveling more, embracing outdoor adventures, and rocking casual packs in ever-more-casual workplaces. The backpack was the undisputed champion of carry, the perfect tool for our “on the go” lives.

Then, March 2020 happened. 😷

Suddenly, “on the go” meant a quick trip from the bedroom to the living room office. International travel plans evaporated. Daily commutes vanished. The forces that had propelled the backpack market to dizzying heights slammed into a brick wall. Major luggage and travel companies reported catastrophic losses. Samsonite’s net sales, for example, dropped by over 53% in the first half of 2020 alone.

But here’s where the story gets interesting. Was it game over for the humble backpack? Not by a long shot. The pandemic didn’t kill the backpack; it forced an evolution. It was a tale of two markets: one segment cratered while another unexpectedly thrived.

Unpacking the Numbers: Key Backpack Statistics 2020 Revealed

Video: Backpack Travel Bag Market | Industry Data Analytics | IDA Reports.

Let’s get granular. The story of 2020 is written in the data, and we’ve been poring over it to give you the inside scoop.

1. Global Backpack Market Size & Growth: How Big Was the Bag Business?

Globally, the backpack market was a behemoth. While specific 2020 valuations fluctuate between reports due to different methodologies, the consensus is clear: it was a multi-billion dollar industry facing an unprecedented challenge. The decline in tourism alone, which fell by 65% globally, had a massive negative impact. However, the seeds of a powerful rebound were already being sown, with the market projected to roar back and reach values upwards of $31 billion by 2030.

2. Consumer Behavior & Preferences: What Were We Carrying in 2020?

In 2020, our needs changed overnight. The sleek, minimalist pack perfect for a 13-inch laptop and a subway ride was suddenly less critical than a bag that could handle a picnic, a change of clothes for a local hike, and a water bottle.

Consumer priorities shifted dramatically:

  • Versatility became key. Could a backpack handle a grocery run, a park hang, and a weekend road trip?
  • Outdoor functionality was in high demand. Features like water bottle pockets, durable materials, and comfortable suspension systems became more important.
  • Tech integration remained crucial, but for a different reason. It wasn’t about the commute; it was about the “work from anywhere” (even if “anywhere” was just the backyard) lifestyle.

3. Top-Selling Backpack Categories: From Commute to Summit

Here’s how the different slices of the backpack pie fared during the great disruption. Check out our deep dives into various Backpack Types for more info!

School & Student Backpacks: The Daily Grind

The “back-to-school” season, typically a massive sales spike in July and August, was… weird. With remote and hybrid learning, the urgent need for a new JanSport or Herschel was less pronounced. However, education didn’t stop, and with around 49.4 million students in public schools in the fall of 2020, this segment remained a foundational, if somewhat shaken, part of the market.

Laptop & Business Backpacks: The WFH & Office Essentials

The daily commute warrior took a backseat. But the need to protect our precious tech didn’t go away. Laptop backpacks remained relevant as we created makeshift offices at home and occasionally ventured out for a change of scenery. Brands known for their smart, protective designs like Nomatic and Timbuk2 had to adapt their messaging from the hustle of the city to the reality of the home office.

Travel & Luggage Backpacks: Navigating a New Normal

This category was the epicenter of the earthquake. 📉 With travel restrictions in place, sales for large travel packs and carry-ons plummeted. It was a brutal time for brands focused purely on tourism. One of our reviewers, who had just invested in a top-of-the-line Osprey travel pack for a year-long trip, ended up using it to store extra blankets. A sad fate for a magnificent bag!

Outdoor & Hiking Backpacks: Escaping to Nature

And now for the hero of our story! 🏞ļø With gyms closed and travel banned, the great outdoors became our collective sanctuary. Demand for hiking and camping gear surged as people discovered local trails and parks. This was a huge boon for outdoor-centric brands.

Backpack Type Average Volume Average Weight Common Materials
Hiking Daypacks 22.4 L 1.5 lbs Ripstop Nylon
Multiday Hiking Packs 51.9 L 4.5 lbs Ripstop Nylon

Data sourced from Travelfreak’s analysis.

Brands like Deuter, Patagonia, and Hyperlite Mountain Gear saw renewed interest as we all sought a bit of nature-fueled therapy.

👉 Shop Top Outdoor Brands on:

Specialty & Niche Backpacks: Beyond the Basics

2020 also highlighted some fascinating, ultra-niche uses for backpacks. It’s not all about books and hiking gear!

  • Scientific Research: In a study published in late 2020, researchers used a highly specialized Backpack Laser Scanner (BP-MLS-VUX1) to create 3D maps of forests in Finland. This beast, equipped with a Riegl VUX-1HA 2D laser scanner, shows just how specialized a “backpack” can be, providing data accuracy comparable to manual field measurements for things like tree diameter and volume. Who knew?!
  • Environmental Monitoring: As seen in the featured video in this article, Dyson developed a unique pollution-monitoring backpack. Volunteers wore these sensor-laden packs in 14 cities to track air quality changes during COVID-19 lockdowns, revealing initial drops in NO2 levels. It’s a prime example of how backpacks can become tools for citizen science.

4. E-commerce vs. Brick-and-Mortar Sales: The Digital Shift of 2020

With lockdowns shuttering physical stores, the shift to e-commerce wasn’t just a trend; it was a lifeline. Brands and retailers who had invested in their online presence were far better positioned to weather the storm. In fact, nearly 80% of businesses in the sporting goods sector planned to increase their online sales to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Consumers adapted quickly, with studies showing that 82% planned to continue shopping online even after stores reopened. This fundamentally changed how we discover and buy backpacks.

North America has traditionally dominated the backpack market, and this continued through 2020, driven by high disposable income and a strong culture of outdoor recreation and education. Within the US, search interest for backpacks was highest in states known for their outdoor access, like South Carolina, California, and Hawaii. The Midwest, by contrast, showed the lowest search interest.

6. Material Trends & Sustainability: What Were Backpacks Made Of?

Nylon and polyester remained the workhorse materials for their durability and versatility. However, 2020 also saw an acceleration in one of our favorite Backpack Trends: sustainability. With more time to reflect on their consumption habits, many buyers showed a growing preference for backpacks made from recycled and eco-friendly materials. This put brands like Cotopaxi, with its vibrant Del DĆ­a line made from remnant fabrics, in a fantastic position.

7. Brand Performance & Market Share: Who Led the Pack?

Despite the market upheaval, the big players largely held their ground. As mentioned, VF Corp’s duo of JanSport and The North Face continued to dominate. But looking at what people were searching for online tells a more nuanced story. For more on top brands, check out our Brand Spotlights.

Here are the top brands by Google search volume, giving a glimpse into the consumer’s mind in 2020:

Rank Brand Monthly Searches Primary Category
1 JanSport 191,000 Everyday / School
2 Nike 90,000 Everyday / Athletic
3 The North Face 83,000 Outdoor / Everyday
4 Lululemon 52,000 Everyday / Athletic
5 Herschel 40,000 Everyday / Fashion
6 Patagonia 35,000 Outdoor / Everyday
7 Osprey 34,000 Outdoor / Travel
8 Carhartt 33,000 Workwear / Everyday
9 Tumi 29,000 Travel / Business
10 Adidas 27,000 Everyday / Athletic

Data sourced from Travelfreak’s analysis.

This list shows a fascinating mix of school-yard classics, outdoor powerhouses, and athletic/fashion brands, reflecting the multifaceted role backpacks play in our lives.

The COVID-19 Impact: How the Pandemic Reshaped Backpack Demands in 2020

Video: Dyson Backpacks Collect Data By ‘Breathing’ Polluted Air.

To put it bluntly, the impact was seismic. The pandemic acted as a great filter, ruthlessly culling demand in some areas while amplifying it in others.

  • ✅ Winners: Outdoor and hiking packs, versatile daypacks, and brands with strong e-commerce platforms. The demand for camping and outdoor equipment was higher in every month of 2020 than it was in 2019.
  • ❌ Losers: Travel backpacks, business commuter bags, and brands heavily reliant on brick-and-mortar stores and tourism.

The key takeaway? Adaptability was everything. Brands that could pivot their marketing, manage their supply chains, and meet the consumer’s new reality were the ones that survived and even thrived. It was a stressful, chaotic, but ultimately transformative period for the entire industry.

Video: Precise and fast LiDAR mapping using backpack data inside campus.

Here at Backpack Brandsā„¢, we weren’t just watching the data; we were living the changes. We saw our readers’ questions shift from “What’s the best carry-on for Europe?” to “What’s a durable pack for hiking with my kids?”

Our take? 2020 was the year of the “Do-It-All Daypack.” The perfect bag was no longer hyper-specialized for one activity. It needed to be a chameleon. It had to be organized enough for your tech, comfortable enough for a 5-mile hike, and expandable enough for a spontaneous grocery haul. This accelerated a trend toward versatile, hybrid designs that we’re still seeing dominate the market today. Check out our latest Backpack Reviews to see how this trend has evolved.

What These Statistics Mean for You: A Consumer’s Guide to Smart Backpack Choices

Video: Brown Bag Seminar Series with Anita Graser: Exploring Movement Data.

So, what does a look back at 2020 stats mean for you, the savvy backpack buyer, today?

  1. The Outdoor Market is Stronger Than Ever: The 2020 boom in outdoor recreation poured money and R&D into hiking and camping packs. That means you’re benefiting from years of accelerated innovation. The materials are lighter, the suspension systems are more comfortable, and the features are more dialed-in than ever before.
  2. Versatility is the New Black: Brands learned that hyper-niche bags are risky. You’ll now find more packs that blend outdoor durability with everyday usability. Look for features like padded laptop sleeves in hiking packs or comfortable harnesses on sleek commuter bags.
  3. Sustainability is Here to Stay: The consumer demand for eco-friendly products that gained momentum in 2020 is now a core pillar for many top brands. It’s easier than ever to find a high-quality pack made from recycled materials.

Future Forward: Predicting Backpack Market Trajectories Post-2020

Video: Tool Bags Market | Industry Data Analytics | IDA Market Reports.

The recovery that began in 2021, when US sales jumped back to $3.136 billion, proved the resilience of the backpack market. The lessons of 2020 have created a more robust, dynamic, and interesting industry.

We predict a continued rise in:

  • Hybrid Designs: Bags that defy easy categorization and serve the needs of the hybrid worker and weekend adventurer.
  • Smart Features: More integration of tech-friendly elements like built-in charging ports and RFID-blocking pockets.
  • Sustainable Innovation: A deeper push into recycled materials and ethical manufacturing processes as brands compete on their environmental credentials.

The world may have changed in 2020, but our fundamental need to carry our stuff with usā€”whether to the office, the mountains, or just the local coffee shopā€”remains. And for that, there will always be the perfect backpack.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Humble Backpack 🎒✨

hiking backpacks on grass with mountains background

What a ride 2020 was for backpacks! From the dizzying highs of pre-pandemic growth to the sudden, sharp dip caused by global lockdowns, the backpack market proved its resilience and adaptability. Our deep dive into the data and trends reveals a story of transformation rather than collapse.

✅ Positives:

  • The outdoor and hiking backpack segment surged as people sought refuge in nature, driving innovation and sustainability forward.
  • Versatility became king, with consumers demanding bags that could juggle work-from-home gear, groceries, and weekend adventures.
  • E-commerce adoption accelerated, permanently changing how we shop for backpacks.
  • Sustainability gained serious traction, pushing brands to rethink materials and manufacturing.

❌ Negatives:

  • Travel and business backpacks took a huge hit, with many models gathering dust as international travel froze.
  • Brick-and-mortar stores suffered, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on physical retail.
  • Some niche categories struggled to find footing amid rapidly shifting consumer priorities.

But hereā€™s the clincher: the backpack is far from obsolete. Itā€™s evolved into a smarter, more versatile, and more sustainable companion for our livesā€”whether thatā€™s a mountain trail, a home office, or a socially distanced picnic in the park. The question we teased earlierā€”ā€œIs the backpack still relevant in a world thatā€™s changing so fast?ā€ā€”has a resounding answer: Absolutely!

Looking ahead, the backpack market is poised not just to recover but to thrive, fueled by innovation, sustainability, and the timeless human need to carry our essentials comfortably and stylishly. So, whether youā€™re hunting for a rugged hiking pack or a sleek commuter bag, 2020ā€™s lessons have made the options better than ever.

📚 Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Backpack Insights & Shop Smart

Ready to upgrade your carry game? Here are some top picks and resources to explore:

Must-Read Books on Backpacks & Outdoor Gear

  • The Backpacker’s Field Manual by Rick Curtis ā€” Amazon Link
  • Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips by Mike Clelland ā€” Amazon Link
  • The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka ā€” Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Backpack Questions Answered

a blue and white thank you note with numbers

What was the market share of online vs. in-store backpack sales in 2020?

In 2020, the pandemic accelerated the shift to online sales dramatically. While exact market share varies by region, studies show that e-commerce sales in the sporting goods sector, including backpacks, increased by over 68% year-over-year by mid-2020. Many retailers reported online sales accounting for up to 50-60% of total sales during peak lockdown months, compared to roughly 20-30% pre-pandemic. This shift is expected to have a lasting impact on how backpacks are marketed and sold. Source: McKinsey & Company

Read more about “🎒 12 Must-Know Backpack Statistics for 2020 USA”

How did the pandemic affect backpack sales and usage in 2020?

The pandemic caused a dramatic drop in travel and business backpack sales, with some brands experiencing declines of up to 80-90% in Q2 2020. Conversely, outdoor and hiking backpack sales surged as consumers sought safe ways to get outside. Remote work and schooling shifted demand toward versatile daypacks and laptop bags suitable for home and local use. Overall, total backpack sales dropped sharply in 2020 but began recovering in 2021. Source: Travelfreak

Read more about “🎒 17 Must-Know Backpack Statistics 2020 Worldwide”

Key trends included:

  • Versatility: Packs designed for multiple uses, blending work, travel, and outdoor features.
  • Sustainability: Increased use of recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing.
  • Comfort & Ergonomics: Enhanced suspension systems and adjustable fits for longer wear.
  • Tech Integration: Features like padded laptop compartments, USB charging ports, and RFID-blocking pockets gained popularity.
    These trends reflect the changing lifestyles and priorities of consumers during the pandemic.

Read more about “What Age Group Uses Backpacks the Most in 2020? 🎒”

What were the most common materials used in backpacks in 2020?

The majority of backpacks used nylon and polyester fabrics, particularly midweight woven nylon (400D-800D) and ripstop nylon for durability and water resistance. There was a growing shift toward recycled and eco-friendly materials, especially among outdoor and lifestyle brands like Cotopaxi and Patagonia. TPU and PVC coatings were common for water resistance in everyday backpacks.

Read more about “How Many People Use Backpacks? 10 Surprising Stats (2025) 🎒”

How did backpack sales change in 2020 compared to previous years?

US backpack retail sales peaked at around $4.077 billion in 2019 but dropped to approximately $2.395 billion in 2020, a decline of over 40%. This was primarily due to the collapse of travel and commuting-related demand. However, sales rebounded to about $3.136 billion in 2021, indicating a strong recovery trajectory.

What percentage of students used backpacks in 2020?

Despite remote learning, backpacks remained a staple for many students. With approximately 49.4 million public school students enrolled in fall 2020 in the US, a significant majority continued to use backpacks for carrying books and supplies during hybrid or in-person instruction days. However, the overall demand for new backpacks was somewhat muted due to reduced in-person attendance and economic uncertainty.

Top brands by consumer interest and sales included:

  • JanSport (dominant in school and everyday backpacks)
  • The North Face (outdoor and lifestyle)
  • Nike and Adidas (athletic and casual)
  • Osprey and Patagonia (outdoor and hiking)
  • Tumi and Nomatic (travel and business)
    VF Corporation, owning JanSport and The North Face, controlled over 55% of US backpack sales.

Read more about “Backpack Statistics 2020 by Age: 5 Surprising Trends Revealed 🎒”

What was the average price of backpacks sold in 2020?

Average prices varied by category:

  • Carry-On Travel Backpacks: ~$237
  • Everyday Backpacks: ~$200
  • Hiking Daypacks: ~$146
  • Multiday Hiking Backpacks: ~$290
    Prices reflected a wide range of features, materials, and brand positioning. Premium packs with ultralight materials or advanced tech features could command higher prices.

Is the backpack industry growing?

Yes! Despite the 2020 dip, the global backpack market is projected to grow steadily, expected to reach over $31 billion by 2030. Growth drivers include increasing outdoor recreation, urban commuting, and demand for versatile, sustainable products.

Read more about “What Is the Market Research for Backpacks? 🎒 Insights & Trends (2025)”

What is the backpack market trend?

The market trend is toward versatile, sustainable, and tech-integrated backpacks that serve multiple lifestylesā€”from remote work to outdoor adventure. E-commerce dominance and direct-to-consumer sales models are reshaping retail.

Read more about “What Age Group Uses Backpacks the Most in USA? 🎒 (2025)”

What is the demand for backpacks?

Demand remains strong and diversified. While travel backpacks faced setbacks in 2020, outdoor, school, and everyday backpacks saw stable or growing demand. The pandemic accelerated interest in outdoor gear, and hybrid work lifestyles continue to fuel demand for versatile packs.

Read more about “What is the demand for backpacks?”

Thanks for trekking through the 2020 backpack landscape with us! Stay tuned for more expert insights and reviews right here at Backpack Brandsā„¢. Your perfect pack is out there ā€” and now you know exactly what shaped it.

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the teamā€™s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

Articles: 177

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

The Best Patagonia Backpack for Laptop [2024] 🎒
Best Hiking Backpack Brands [2024]
Best Backpack Brands for Work [2024]
What is the Best Backpack Brand in 2024? 🎒