Which skateboard backpack brands are worth considering? Start with bags that actually secure a deck. Vans and Dakine publish models with skateboard straps. The Element Mohave may suit some skaters, but features vary by version. Not every bag listed here is a skate carrier: Nike’s Academy Team, for instance, is marketed for soccer and sports gear. This guide distinguishes verified skate-carry features from general-purpose backpacks.
A good backpack for skaters needs secure external board straps, practical storage, and comfortable shoulder support. Before ordering, confirm the exact model name and size, and whether the manufacturer explicitly specifies skateboard carry. A brand’s skateboarding reputation does not prove every backpack has these features.
How this guide differs: This is a brand overview based on published specifications, not a claim of hands-on product testing. For individual bag recommendations, see our best skateboarding backpacks guide. Older affiliate cards may show a different model, so verify the linked item’s details before purchase.
Quick comparison: Documented skateboard-carry models: Vans Obstacle Skatepack and Dakine Mission Street DLX. Verify the precise Element, Volcom and HEELYS model. Nike Academy Team is a general team-sports bag; Herschel and RVCA models discussed here are not confirmed skateboard carriers.
Table of Contents
A skateboard backpack is different from an ordinary school bag because it provides adjustable straps or a dedicated holder for your deck. Many everyday backpacks can hold clothes and electronics, but that does not make them suitable for hands-free skateboard transport.
Understanding Skateboard Backpacks
Dakine: Its Mission Street DLX 32L model explicitly lists skate/cargo straps, a deployable board tail pocket, laptop sleeve and organizer pockets. Those are manufacturer-documented skate features, not assumptions from the brand’s reputation.
Verify the exact Dakine model and capacity before buying. Not every Dakine pack has the same straps, pocket layout or dimensions, and a current retailer listing may differ from the model discussed here.
Top Skateboard Backpack Brands
1. Dakine – The Ultimate Skateboard Backpack Brand for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Nike Academy Team: This is a soccer/team backpack, not a verified skateboard-carry backpack. Nike’s official listing describes its rain fly, ball pocket, tech storage and padded straps but does not list external skateboard straps. It may suit school or gym use, but choose a dedicated skatepack to carry a deck securely.
Nike makes different backpack lines, and their features should not be confused. Do not transfer skateboard-specific claims from a Nike SB bag to the Academy Team model.
Dakine Skateboard Backpack
Specifications:
- Weather-resistant materials
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- Fleece-lined pockets for gadget protection
- Reflective details for visibility
- Breathable back panels
- Durable construction
Pros
- Long-lasting durability
- Comfortable for heavy loads
- Weatherproof against elements
- Enhanced night visibility
- Protective compartments for electronics
Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier than standard backpacks
- Limited style options
- Possibly over-engineered for casual use
- Not as versatile for non-sporting activities
2. Nike Academy Team – Sports Backpack, Not Skate-Specific
The Academy Team’s sports-storage compartments may be useful for daily gear, but its official specification does not establish a board-carry system. Match your purchase to your actual activity.
If you need to transport your skateboard on foot, look for a product that clearly identifies external skateboard straps. The Academy Team name alone does not verify that requirement.
Vans: The Obstacle Skatepack lists skateboard straps, a padded laptop sleeve, pockets and 23L capacity. It is a documented skate-carry model, unlike a general lifestyle backpack merely branded Vans.
Specifications:
- Designated compartments for phone, laptop, and ball
- Padded straps and back panel
- Durable fabric construction
- Spacious main compartment
- Easy access to compartments
Pros
- Organized storage
- Comfortable for heavy loads
- Specialized compartments for electronics and ball
- Durable for daily sports use
- Versatile for school or work
Cons
- Large size may be excessive for non-sport use
- Higher price due to special features
- Heavier due to robust materials
- Sports-focused design may not suit all tastes
- Limited color choices
3. Vans – Fashion-Forward Skateboard Backpacks with Iconic Designs
The Obstacle Skatepack product specifications are a good example of details to confirm: board straps, padded shoulder straps and laptop-fit dimensions. Vans also sells ordinary backpacks, so check the model.
Element: Some Mohave configurations feature skateboard-carry straps, but versions differ. Confirm the exact product photos, materials and attachment system rather than relying on broad claims about every Element bag.
Vans Fashion-Forward Skateboard Backpacks
Specifications:
- Large main compartment
- Recycled polyester material
- Adjustable padded straps
- Internal organization system
- External water bottle pocket
Pros
- Spacious for various items
- Eco-friendly materials
- Comfortable padded straps
- Efficient organization
- Stylish for skate and school
Cons
- Not fully water-resistant
- Can be uncomfortable when overpacked
- Skate-oriented design may not suit all
- Bulky for light-packers
- Limited color choices
4. Element – Verify the Mohave Skate Straps
The original article called Element’s backpacks eco-friendly without establishing that claim for the actual linked item. Verify any sustainability claim against the maker’s documentation for the precise model.
Herschel: Consider the brand for everyday organization and casual style, but check carefully for skateboard straps. General school backpacks are not automatically designed to carry a deck externally.
A Mohave-style pack can suit students who skate when its specific version has secure board straps and adequate daily storage. Do not assume its colorway guarantees particular features.
Element Eco-Friendly Skateboard Backpacks
Specifications:
- Element Men’s Mohave Backpack
- Color: Burnt Orange 2.0
- One size
- Lightweight
- Skateboard straps
- Multiple compartments
- Padded shoulder straps
Pros
- Skate-friendly design
- Lightweight for comfort
- Stylish burnt orange color
- Comfortable padded straps
- Versatile for school and sports
Cons
- One size only
- Color may not suit everyone
- Limited carrying capacity
- Potential durability issues
- Possibly expensive for budget-conscious buyers
5. Herschel – Everyday Bags, Check Board Carry
Volcom: Skate-culture styling alone does not verify board-carry capability. Confirm whether the individual product has secure deck straps and enough room for the gear you actually use.
A laptop sleeve and attractive fabric are useful daypack features, not proof of a skateboard-carry system. If board transport matters, compare the model’s documented straps and fittings.
Herschel Supply Co. Skateboard Backpack
Specifications:
- Signature striped fabric liner
- Padded, fleece-lined 15″ laptop sleeve
- Adjustable drawcord closure
- Magnetic strap closures with metal pin clips
- Dimensions: 6x12x17 inches
- Part of the Herschel Collection
Pros
- Stylish design with signature liner
- High protection for laptops
- A secure closure system for safety
- Ample space for daily essentials
- Easy access to belongings
- Variety of options within the Herschel Collection
Cons
- Limited size options (one dimension)
- Magnetic straps may wear out over time
- Style may not suit all personal preferences
- Potential premium price point for brand and features
6. Volcom – Embracing the Skateboarding Spirit with True To This Backpacks
HEELYS: The earlier article conflated the names Heelys and Thrasher; a partnership or product identity should not be assumed without documentation. Verify the maker, exact model and external carry straps on the linked bag.
Some Volcom bags may suit skate travel, but this guide has not independently verified the linked model’s exact strap system. Use its current product specifications rather than marketing slogans.
Volcom Skateboarding Backpack
Specifications:
- Model: Volcom Men’s Romer Backpack
- Color: Black
- One Size
- Dimensions: 12 1/4″ x 6″ x 19 1/4″ (31cm x 15cm x 49cm)
- Volume: 26L
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- 4 compartments
- Insulated PEVA-lined lower front compartment
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Spacious 26L capacity
- Organizational compartments
- Insulated compartment for cooling
- Durable design
Cons
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Spacious 26L capacity
- Organizational compartments
- Insulated compartment for cooling
- Durable design
7. HEELYS – Verify the Exact Bag Model
RVCA: A casual canvas backpack may work well for books and daily items, but it is not necessarily a skateboard carrier. The exact model needs a documented board-holding system before being recommended for that task.
Request clear photographs of any HEELYS bag’s attachment straps, back panel and buckles before buying it as a skateboard carrier. Similar product names can refer to different designs.
Judge the model by how securely it holds the board and how comfortable the shoulder straps are when loaded. Neither point was established by independent testing in the original article.
Heelys Thrasher Skateboard Backpacks
Specifications:
- Brand: HEELYS
- Color: Grey/Red
- Size: One Size
- Closure: Zipper
- Straps: Adjustable, padded with chest buckle
- Features: Skateboard straps, Heelys wheel pocket
- Pockets: Multiple
Pros
- Specialized storage for skateboards and wheels
- Comfortable, adjustable straps
- Versatile for various activities
- Stylish color scheme
- Good organizational capacity
Cons
- Only one size is available
- Limited color options
- Extra features may be unnecessary for some
- Potential bulkiness
- Possibly higher price due to special features
8. RVCA – Casual Backpacks, Check for Skate Straps
The earlier RVCA Lukas Canvas description primarily concerns pockets and style. Dedicated skateboard straps for the linked version have not been independently verified here.
For ordinary commuting, compare pocket security and laptop fit; for skating, first confirm a proper external deck holder.
Unless the current RVCA model specifies skateboard straps, consider it a regular daypack rather than a skate-specific backpack.
RVCA Skateboard Backpacks
Specifications:
- Material: Soft canvas, cotton lining
- Color: Canyon Rose
- Size: One size fits most adults
- Volume: 27 liters
- Closure: Zipper
- Compartments: Laptop pocket, interior folder pocket, exterior zip pocket
- Straps: Padded with RVCA patches
Pros
- Versatile 27-liter capacity
- Secure laptop storage
- Comfortable padded straps
- Stylish design and color
- Efficient organization with multiple pockets
Cons
- Limited color choice
- One size only
- Canvas may lack durability in harsh conditions
- Can feel heavy when fully packed
- May be priced higher due to branding and style
Choosing the Right Skateboard Backpack Brands
Buying checklist: Verify board straps, buckles, capacity, shoulder padding, laptop fit and a clear product model number. Prefer the manufacturer’s current published specifications over generic advertising claims.
- Capacity and Organization: Ensure the backpack has enough space for your skateboard, laptop, and other essentials. Look for backpacks with multiple compartments and pockets for easy organization.
- Durability: Skateboarding can be tough on gear, so choose a backpack made from durable materials that can withstand abrasion and rough handling.
- Comfort: Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps and back panels. Ergonomic designs and adjustable straps can significantly enhance comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- Style: Skateboarding is as much about personal expression as it is about the sport. Select a backpack that reflects your style and fits in with the skateboarding culture.
Conclusion
Verdict: The Vans Obstacle Skatepack and Dakine Mission Street DLX are examples with publicly documented board-carry systems. Nike Academy Team is a team-sports bag. Other names here require checking an exact model rather than assuming every branded backpack suits skateboarding.
Choose the bag that matches your use, not just a logo. We have not personally wear-tested these products; prices, stock and item versions can change. For a product-by-product comparison, see our skateboard backpack roundup.
