Visvim has released new versions of their Ballistic backpacks, this time in 23 and 20 liter sizes. The Japanese brand is one of my favorites; their Ballistic collection of bags is famous for its heavy duty materials and user-friendly design. Season after season, I’ve seen Visvim release amazing bags from this collection, but I think the latest grey and brown 20L backpack is my new favorite. I should focus on finding a job before looking at four hundred dollar backpacks…

Undercover’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection, entitled Less But Better, includes a backpack and rucksuck, both very unique in form and color. As implied by the name, the bags are minimalistic but eye-catching. I’ve recently been loving the combination of grey and brown, and the above backpack just fuels this passion.

Available at Zozovilla

Checkout the rest of the accessories from the collection at Highsnobiety

Ever since grade school, I’ve thought of Jansport bags as reliable but ugly. But their recent offerings (especially their collaboration with HUF) have started to change that last sentiment. Jansport’s Urban Framework collection takes the brand back to their outdoor roots while giving the bags an urban look. Oddly enough, the pictures I’m showing you (which are from Hypebeast), feature a beautiful charcoal/brown/brass colorway that isn’t on the official website. And the two colorways that they decided to show on their website happen to be terrible. Marketing flaws aside, I like the direction that Jansport is going with their products and I’m excited to see what else they have in store.

Visvim is starting the year off right with their latest Veggie Collection, which includes two brand new bags! Along with the already famous Ballistic 20L backpack, the brand is introducing the 22L Rucksack and the Lumbar Mini, a smaller version of the 8L Lumbar waist bag. The collection is available in the black/black colorway or the bright-but-beautiful blue/brown. Visvim’s previous bags have become staples within the menswear/streetwear community and I can easily see these two becoming instant classics.

Available at Cliffedge

Oversized and slouchy seems to be the current style among high-fashion backpacks and Diet Butcher Slim Skin continues the trend with their latest offering. The D93G263 backpack is made of cotton blend with a nubuck bottom and features cowskin and chrome details. The bag has one large main compartment, an exterior zipper pocket, and most interestingly, another (sort of) exterior zipper pocket that is pressed against the wearer’s back. I’m not a huge fan of the oversized, slouchy backpacks, but this quality materials and high functionality of this one earn my approval.

Here’s another unique cyclist-inspired backpack, this time from Fred Perry and Japanese brand Resistant. The front of the bag is very simple, adorned only with huge cross straps meant to hold a bike wheel. The inside seems to be a classic rucksack design with some sleeves for organization. It’s a great bag, but unfortunately a bit difficult to acquire in the US.

Available at the Fred Perry Japan online shop.

An oversized, multifunctional bag from Diet Butcher Slim Skin. Available at Blackbird.

I’ve recently decided to cut down on the amount of Japan-only bags I blog about, mainly because of how difficult it is for outsiders to acquire them. But this backpack is just too good to ignore. Glamb has just released their Drome backpack, an outdoors inspired bag that’s been slimmed down for casual everyday use. It’s made of heavy duty and waterproof Cordura nylon and has plenty of compartments, including the now necessary laptop sleeve. What’s not to like?

Mission Workshop is a new company from the founders of Chrome, and their first bag is the Vandal Backpack. This unique and extremely functional bag was designed with cyclists in mind, but anybody could make good use of it. It has a sleek silhouette, but when needed, it can expand to hold ridiculous amounts of cargo. It’s near impossible to explain how it works, so click “more pics” to see the video. With their unique designs and heavy duty materials, I’m excited to see what Mission Workshop has in store for the future.

Call me bland, but grey is one of my favorite colors (along with black and beige). Combine that with my favorite bag and you have the latest Visvim collection. The Ballistic trio includes the 20L backpack, 18L E-Cat Messenger Bag, and Bi-Fold wallet. The only thing missing is the in-between sized 8L Lumbar Bag.

They were available at the honeyee store, but sold out quickly. Hopefully there are other places to find them…