Eastpak
American lifestyle brand specializing in backpacks, bags, travel gear and accessories.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Eastpak is an American lifestyle and travel-goods brand based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its roots date to 1952, when Bernard Godfrey established Eastern Canvas Products USA Inc. The company initially made safety equipment, bags and packs for the U.S. military. This technical and utilitarian heritage later became a central part of the consumer brand's identity, although Eastpak eventually became better known for colorful, durable backpacks and casual bags than for military equipment. A major transformation began in 1976, when Bernard Godfrey's son, William, and other family and business partners were involved in repositioning the company for consumers. Mark Goldman, who joined the business that year, redirected the product line toward retail and introduced the Eastpak brand. The first consumer-oriented collection was presented at a sportswear trade fair in Chicago in 1977. The move placed Eastpak within the emerging sportswear and youth-accessories market and laid the foundation for its later association with students, urban consumers and everyday travel. During the 1980s, Eastpak developed a stronger visual identity. In 1985 it introduced brighter colors and printed designs, moving beyond the subdued appearance traditionally associated with utility packs. Its advertising also became more distinctive and sometimes provocative, including campaigns using the comic-strip character Andy Capp. The company claimed a pioneering position in offering a lifetime warranty for bags; for legal reasons, the warranty is limited to 30 years. Durability, practical construction and a recognizable silhouette became important elements of the brand's positioning. Eastpak's initial international expansion included Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines. The brand entered Europe in 1986 through Kostia Belkin, who developed distribution in France, Switzerland and other European countries. France subsequently became Eastpak's largest market, even though the brand originated in the United States. This European development helped Eastpak evolve from a regional U.S. college-market label into a broadly distributed international brand. The product range expanded beyond backpacks. In 1999 Eastpak entered the luggage category with a wheeled trolley designed for consumer use. Later travel collections included holdalls, carry-on luggage and larger cases with two- or four-wheel configurations. Depending on the model, travel products have incorporated features such as adjustable shoulder straps, organizer compartments, laptop or multimedia sleeves, expansion zips, luggage-attachment loops and security-lock rings. The wider portfolio also includes shoulder bags, duffel bags and smaller accessories. VF Corporation acquired Eastpak in 2000, bringing it into a portfolio that also included brands such as JanSport, The North Face, Kipling, Lee and Wrangler at the time. Under VF, Eastpak has continued to operate as an international brand spanning bags, backpacks, travel products and accessories. Its design profile has also been reinforced through collaborations with fashion designers, including Walter Van Beirendonck, Kris Van Assche, Christopher Shannon and Raf Simons. In 2021 the brand relaunched in the United States through its own e-commerce site, complementing its established international distribution. Eastpak remains active, with a positioning centered on durable construction, functional design, expressive colors and prints, and the crossover between sportswear, streetwear and travel.
History
Eastpak began in 1952 as Eastern Canvas Products USA Inc., founded by Bernard Godfrey in Newton, Massachusetts. Its early business focused on safety equipment and bags for the U.S. Army, giving the company experience in durable canvas construction and functional pack design. Bernard's son William later joined the business, along with partner Monte Goldman. The company remained oriented toward practical equipment until a new consumer direction emerged in the 1970s. In 1976, Mark Goldman joined the company and helped turn its product line into a consumer brand. Eastpak's initial consumer collection was shown at a Chicago sportswear trade fair in 1977. The new positioning targeted retail customers rather than military procurement and connected the company with the expanding sportswear, college and youth markets. Norman Jacobs joined in 1980; together with Mark Goldman, he helped build a strong presence in the U.S. East Coast college market through much of the 1980s and early 1990s. Eastpak's design language changed significantly in 1985, when the brand introduced vivid colors and printed patterns. This helped distinguish it from conventional utility-bag manufacturers. The company also developed bold advertising, including campaigns featuring the controversial comic-book character Andy Capp. Durability remained a key message, reinforced by Eastpak's lifetime-warranty proposition. Although the warranty is legally limited to 30 years, the promise became an important differentiator in the bag category. International development occurred in stages. Eastpak found early export opportunities in Japan, South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines. In Europe, Kostia Belkin introduced the brand in 1986 and developed distribution in France, Switzerland and additional markets through the following years. European distribution became strategically important, and France later became the brand's largest market. This international expansion transformed Eastpak from an American college-oriented label into a global lifestyle brand. The company entered consumer luggage in 1999 with a wheeled trolley. It subsequently broadened its travel range to include soft holdalls, carry-on cases and larger luggage in two- and four-wheel formats. Product features across the range have included organizer pockets, laptop sleeves, expansion systems, adjustable straps, add-a-bag loops and security-lock rings. Alongside travel products, Eastpak has maintained collections of backpacks, shoulder bags, duffel bags and accessories. VF Corporation acquired Eastpak in 2000. The acquisition placed the brand within a large international apparel and outdoor group and gave it access to a broader corporate platform while preserving Eastpak's distinct identity. The brand later pursued fashion collaborations, including projects with Walter Van Beirendonck, Kris Van Assche, Christopher Shannon and Raf Simons. These partnerships extended Eastpak's visibility from functional bags into designer fashion and limited-edition culture. In 2021, Eastpak relaunched its U.S. presence through its own e-commerce site. The move reflected a renewed direct-to-consumer approach in an established worldwide distribution system. Eastpak remains active and is known for combining practical construction with expressive styling. Its current brand territory covers everyday carrying, student and urban use, weekend travel, luggage and accessories, with durability and recognizable design continuing to connect its original equipment heritage with contemporary lifestyle markets.
- 2021
U.S. e-commerce relaunch
[1]Eastpak relaunches its U.S. market presence through its own e-commerce website.
- 2000
Acquisition by VF Corporation
[1]Eastpak becomes part of VF Corporation's brand portfolio.
- 1999
Eastpak enters wheeled luggage
[1]The brand launches its first consumer wheeled trolley and expands beyond backpacks and soft bags.
- 1986
European distribution begins
[1]Kostia Belkin introduces Eastpak to Europe, beginning with France and Switzerland and later extending distribution to other countries.
- 1985
Color and print become part of the brand identity
[1]Eastpak introduces brighter colors and printed patterns to its collections.
- 1977
First consumer line is presented
[1]Eastpak presents its first consumer collection at a sportswear trade fair in Chicago.
- 1976
Consumer repositioning begins
[1]Mark Goldman joins the company and redirects its product development toward the consumer market under the Eastpak name.
- 1952
Eastern Canvas Products is founded
[1]Bernard Godfrey establishes Eastern Canvas Products USA Inc. in Massachusetts to make safety equipment and bags, initially serving the U.S. military.
Products and positioning
Durable, functional and visually expressive bags and travel products positioned at the intersection of sportswear, streetwear, student lifestyle and everyday travel.
Backpack
Padded Pak'r
Padded Pak'r is a core Eastpak backpack line and a representative expression of the brand's everyday-carry identity. It is associated with a straightforward pack format, padded construction and the broad selection of colors, prints and fabrics that helped Eastpak move from utility equipment into youth, student and streetwear markets.
Bags · 1977
Backpacks
Eastpak's backpack range covers everyday, school, urban and travel-oriented formats. Collections are offered in varied silhouettes, colors, prints and materials, with selected designs incorporating organizational compartments and sleeves for laptops or other multimedia devices.
Bags
Shoulder bags and duffel bags
Shoulder bags, holdalls and duffel bags extend Eastpak's product system beyond the standard backpack. These products are designed for daily carrying, short trips and sport or leisure use, maintaining the brand's emphasis on practical storage, durable construction and recognizable styling.
Travel gear · 1999
Wheeled travel luggage
Eastpak entered consumer wheeled luggage in 1999 and later developed two-wheel and four-wheel trolleys in sizes ranging from compact carry-on models to larger cases. Depending on the design, the range can include expansion zips, organizer sections, shoulder straps, laptop or multimedia sleeves, add-a-bag loops and security-lock rings.
Accessories
Travel accessories
The brand's accessory offer supports its backpack and luggage lines and includes smaller products associated with organization and travel. These items extend Eastpak's lifestyle positioning while retaining its emphasis on portability and everyday functionality.
Marketing campaigns
- 1985Andy Capp advertising
United States · Europe
Eastpak used the controversial comic-book character Andy Capp in provocative advertising during the brand's mid-1980s shift toward brighter, more original styling.
Outcome. The campaign contributed to Eastpak's more distinctive and unconventional advertising identity.
Brand decisions
2021
U.S. direct e-commerce relaunchStrategyBackground
Eastpak had long been distributed internationally, while the United States remained its country of origin and an important historical market.
Action taken
The brand relaunched its U.S. presence through an owned e-commerce site.
Aftermath
The move strengthened Eastpak's direct digital channel in the U.S. market.
2000
Sale to VF CorporationM&ABackground
Eastpak had developed from a regional American bag business into an internationally distributed lifestyle brand.
Action taken
VF Corporation acquired Eastpak and added it to its portfolio of apparel, outdoor and lifestyle brands.
Aftermath
Eastpak continued operating as a distinct brand within VF Corporation.
1999
Launch of wheeled consumer luggageProduct launchBackground
The brand's established position in backpacks and soft bags created a platform for entering the broader travel-goods market.
Action taken
Eastpak introduced its first wheeled trolley for consumers.
Aftermath
The product decision expanded Eastpak into carry-on and larger travel luggage and was followed by broader two-wheel and four-wheel collections.
1985
Adoption of brighter colors and printsStrategyBackground
Eastpak sought to differentiate functional bags in a more competitive sportswear and youth market.
Action taken
The brand introduced vivid colors and printed designs and paired the product change with bolder advertising.
Aftermath
Eastpak developed a more recognizable expressive identity while retaining its durability message.
1976
Shift from military equipment to consumer bagsStrategyBackground
The company had developed around safety equipment and packs for the U.S. military, but changing leadership and family involvement created an opportunity to pursue retail consumers.
Action taken
Mark Goldman redirected the product line toward consumers and developed the Eastpak brand.
Aftermath
The strategy led to a consumer collection in 1977 and established the foundation for Eastpak's college, youth and lifestyle positioning.
Recent events
Reported
Timberland and Eastpak announce collaboration[2]
Timberland and Eastpak announced a collaborative backpack collection made with recycled materials. The collection was scheduled to go on sale through Timberland's official Tmall channel on July 21.
Reported
KISS announces new licensing partnerships[3]
KISS announced new licensing agreements and partnerships across product categories and territories, including deals with Dead Sled Coffee, Robert Graham, Lauren Moshi, Brands For Fans, Metal Departments, Fexpro, Konnekt and Eastpak. Some associated products were scheduled to launch later in 2021.
Reported
Ader Error and Eastpak collaborate on a collection[4]
Ader Error and Eastpak collaborated on a three-piece collection featuring a redesigned Padded Pak’r backpack and the new Ader Sling and Ader Crossbody. The collection was scheduled to become available online on December 19, 2019.
Sources4 sources
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