The Find: 10 chic backpacks that prove double shoulder straps don’t have to be dorky

If you haven’t worn a backpack since lugging textbooks home in a raggedy MEC tote, it may be time to reconsider the practical springtime accessory. Sleek, urban backpacks are everywhere this season. They’re chic, understated and so exquisitely comfortable that you might just ditch your shoulder bag for good. Here, 10 packs that are anything but dorky.

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264067

Montreal-based online menswear retailer <strong>Frank and Oak</strong> have come out with a limited-edition Black Series canvas and leather backback. We love the elegance and simplicity of the two-tone detailing. $95 <a href="https://www.frankandoak.com/product/17215#!shopid=shop " target="_blank">frankandoak.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264070

Toronto-based accessories brand <strong>Eleven Thirty</strong> has devised a few backpacks that transform into a shoulder bag. The simple and chic Haley Backpack is our favourite. $360 <a href="http://eleventhirtyshop.com/new-in-shop/haley-black-w-salt-pepper " target="_blank">eleventhirtyshop.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264077

Canadian brothers <strong>Dexter</strong> and <strong>Byron Peart</strong> are behind accessories label <strong>Want Les Essentials de la</strong> <strong>Vie</strong> (and they just won a <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/galleries/canadian-arts-fashion-awards-2014/8279d2e63b00a44d11c6769aedc5d891/#dexter-and-byron-peart1">CAFA)</a>. The Kastrup backpack comes in a variety of colours, but we prefer this royal blue. $510 <a href="http://www.wantessentiels.com/ca_en/in-the-city/backpacks/kastrup.html" target="_blank">wantessentiels.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264076

This relaxed black leather Aitoeri backpack from <strong>Tiger of Sweden</strong> is suitable for weekend adventures or toting around work shoes. $750 <a href="http://www.ssense.com/men/product/tiger_of_sweden/black_leather_aitoeri_backpack/97648" target="_blank">ssense.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264097

The City Backpack from Vancouver-based <strong>Hershel</strong> reminds us of an old-fashioned book bag. $50

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264075

<strong>Saturdays Surf NYC </strong>makes this unisex army-style backpack. $145 <a href="http://www.gravitypope.com/handbags/product/977-saturdays-surf-nyc-manhattan-backpack" target="_blank">gravitypope.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264074

For the ultimate luxury backpack, Belgian designer <strong>Kris Van Assche </strong>has it covered. This one features a white etched crocodile pattern. (You'll want to abstain from bringing it to the park). $1,675 <a href="http://www.ssense.com/men/product/krisvanassche/white_etched_croc_pattern_backpack/94210" target="_blank">ssense.com </a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264073

Made in Canada, this slouchy backpack by Toronto designer <strong>Krane </strong>is all about the understated cool factor. Wear it with a beanie, sneakers and cape for the full arts-student look. $670 <a href="http://www.gravitypope.com/handbags/product/670-krane-ander" target="_blank">gravitypope.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264071

This <strong>Herschel</strong> backpack is only available in Canada. (Who else would appreciate the mountaineering style?). $100 <a href="http://www.sportinglife.ca/sportinglife/product/24223612/Backpacks/Little-America-Mid-Volume-Backpack-%5B2014%5D" target="_blank">sportinglife.ca </a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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264066

French fashion label<strong> APC</strong> collaborated with the functional <strong>Eastpak</strong> for this trendy, practical pack. $250 <a href=" http://jonathanandolivia.com/APC-X-EASTPACK-KNAPSACK-32875-P.html " target="_blank">jonathanandolivia.com</a>

The Find: cool backpacks that scream sophistication

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