Eastpak, the original bag for life

Founded in Boston by Monte Goldman in 1952, Eastpak started as Eastern Canvas Inc having been awarded a contract with the Pentagon to make quality bags and equipment for the US Army. Rigorous standards in materials, design and finishes were established when quality meant the difference between life and death.

In the 1970s, the bags found their way onto the backs of cash-strapped students.

When Monte’s son, Mark, joined the family business in 1976, he had noticed this growing trend and decided to change the brand’s direction, turning it into a lifestyle label targeted at those same students.

The Padded Pak’r daypack was launched and military manufacturing standards were combined with its rounded, compact shape, suede bottom and front zip pocket.

In 1984, the company introduced its lifetime warranty. It went on to incorporate the wild style of the 80s with tribal prints and bright colours. Eastpaks were seen on US college campuses – Marty McFly wears one as he catches a ride on his skateboard in one of Back to the Future’s famous scenes.

Eastpak was introduced to the European market in 1986. Launched in Paris, the brand was an instant hit. Its marketing continued to improve, and by the mid-90s, Eastpak’s provocative ads in magazines and on TV were as famous as the bags.

In 1999, Eastpak’s first wheeled luggage was launched, and in 2003, the brand started designer collaborations, with Dutch tattoo artist Hendrikus Schiffmacher, AKA Hanky Panky, taking the bags in a new direction. Latest designs are with Denham, Amsterdam’s denim brand, merging function-first aesthetic with Denham’s take on the classic five-pocket blue jeans.

eastpak.com