The OG Eastpak Backpack Turns 40 This Year

What started out in the ’50s as a manufacturer of military-issue packs and duffels, Eastpak eventually evolved into a lifestyle staple that’s crossed most of our closets. With a simple design and high tolerance for wear and tear, the Padded Pak’r model in particular seemed to become an overnight success with both travellers and students alike. As years went on, the beloved backpack saw countless interesting reworks and collaborations while maintaining its original form. To honor the classic, HYPEBEAST has selected its top 5 collaborations from the last 40 years. Check out the photos below and visit the Eastpak website for info on the latest collabs as well as the 40-year anniversary edition of the Padded Pak’r.

Eastpak x Dzia Krank
For several seasons, Eastpak collaborated with different artists for their conceptual take on the classic Padded Pak’r. In 2014, the brand tapped Antwerp-based Dzia Krank whose design was inspired by ’60s pop art and comics. A limited 250 backpacks were also released with a copy of a full feature comic book from the artist.

Eastpak x Kuroki
The brand has come along way from its utilitarian days and is no stranger to high-end collaborations, such as the most recent with Japanese denim manufacturer Kuroki which was released only weeks ago. The backpack is seen decked-out in quality selvedge denim for an overall heritage look and feel.

Eastpak x Raf Simons
This model from fall/winter 2013 was the fourth collaboration the backpack brand had worked on with the Antwerp-based designer. Raf Simons opted for a more couture look with the bag, making use of luxurious silk, glossy webbing, polished hardware and embroidered branding.

Eastpak x Jean Paul Gaultier
As part of the artist series releases, this Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration was released just last year in 2015. The backpack was designed to resemble one of the designer’s signature bombers with its olive and bright orange color palette, and was also sold to benefit the ”Designers Against Aids” cause.

Eastpak Back to the Future
Although not technically a collaboration but more of a tribute, this classic version of the Padded Pak’r had to be featured in our list. In 1985, the backpack appeared in what would become one of the most famous cult movies of all time: Back to the Future. It was seen on Marty McFly as he was skating through Hill Valley. In 2015, Eastpak produced a re-edition of the iconic bag to pay tribute to the year that Marty travels into the future to, in Back to the Future II. This edition saw a very limited release with only 250 being made in total.