Swedish backpack Gaston Luga takes its inspiration from an anonymous traveler who had customised his backpack to combine functionality with style. Similarly, Gaston Luga products combine fashion and function, with a focus on their sleek Scandinavian-Style designs that fit well into an adventurous and rugged lifestyle.

Minimal and elegant designs                                      

Gaston Luga’s backpack collections, which vary broadly in size and design, range from Clässy, Clässy Mini, Clässic and Pråper and comprise of minimalist and elegant designs, with functional features to make them practical and useful.

Went with Gaston Luga’s Pärlan backpack

After looking through the company’s selections, I picked a backpack from Gaston Luga’s Pärlan range (S$149) this time around. 

Measuring 28 x 23 x 13 (CM) with an inner volume of 8.3 (L) and made using lightweight, water-resistant nylon for durability, the Pärlan is one of Gaston Luga’s smaller backpack collections.

Some key features of the Pärlan backpack are that it comprises of an inner pocket for A5-sized documents, as well as a hidden back pocket to store valuables such as a small phone, house and car keys, according to Gaston Luga.

Colours, Design and Style

When the backpack initially arrived via courier, my first thought had been that it looked elegant and stylish. 

I thought that the design of the backpack would make it a great choice for media events, work meetings and conferences and it would not look out of place at such functions.

And at the same time, due to its practical features and ruggedness, I also feel that the Pärlan also works well as a casual backpack used for making quick trips out of the house.

The colour that I had opted for was the Black & Pink one, which is a good blend of colours, both of which contrast each other quite well and are also quite easy to match with the rest of my wardrobe, while offering a bit of vibrance at the same time.

Features and Compartments of Gaston Luga’s Pärlan

Despite the Pärlan being one of Gaston Luga’s smaller backpack designs, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my 11-inch MacBook can fit snugly into the main compartment of the Pärlan backpack, and there is still adequate room to put other stuff such as a bottle of water and a smartphone too. So I have to say that this main compartment is quite roomy indeed, more so than I had originally expected.

With items such as my iPhone being placed in this compartment, a bit of digging may be required to search for them. But otherwise, I think that the size of this compartment is about right; not too big and not too small.

As well, another smaller compartment within the main compartment also exists, for those who may want a divider to store their stuff. This can easily fit A5 sized documents, and in my case, it definitely looks useful for stowing away my media releases safely, when I have the chance to attend such events again once the Covid-19 coronavirus passes.

As well, there are also two smaller zippered compartments in front. Unfortunately my iPhone XS Max is a bit tall to fit into these compartments, so I guess it will have to go into the main one.

And I found these front compartments to be large enough to fit items like my over-stuffed wallet (snugly), with the other front compartment storing my house keys and coin purse. It is good to have these pockets for such items to be within easy reach.

The hidden back compartment, which is located away from prying eyes, is just the right size for my credit card-sized house keys or else my passport. My big iPhone XS Max can be squeezed inside too, but an inch or two will stick out from the top, though.

Carrying the backpack

Due to the current lockdown situation in Singapore, I have not been able to take out my Pärlan backpack as often as I would have liked. So far, I have taken it out on errands and to purchase essentials, such as getting a cheesecake for Mother’s Day recently.

The backpack has served me well and I would say it has been comfortable enough for me so far, with the straps being thin enough to rest easily on my shoulders, but not so narrow that they’ve cut into my skin.

After the Covid-19 lockdown ends and once we’re allowed to go on outings and gather in groups again, I look forward to utilising my Gaston Luga Pärlan backpack more frequently.

Buy the Pärlan + 15% OFF PROMO CODE

Head to https://gastonluga.com to find out more about the Pärlan backpack as well as Gaston Luga’s other collections, for both men and women.

And psst! Don’t forget that you are also entitled to get 15% OFF storewide, using the promo code “PRIS15.” 

Simply key in this code upon checkout to claim your discount.

Gaston Luga offers free delivery and returns.

A FREE Plånkan CardHolder with every purchase 

And as well, to further sweeten the deal, Gaston Luga will throw in a FREE Plånkan (Midnight Blue) CardHolder worth S$49 with every purchase of a backpack, while stocks last.

I received the Plånkan CardHolder together with my Pärlan backpack and my first impression was that this too, looks simplistic yet classy and elegant, thus remaining true to Gaston Luga’s style and vision. 

The Plånkan has 4 smaller compartments on both sides which can fit one card each, as well as one larger compartment which is big enough for two to four cards. 

This looks good and I think that it also matches very well with my Pärlan backpack.

So then what are you waiting for? Why not check out Gaston Luga’s backpack range now at https://gastonluga.com/sg/.