Eastpak
VF Corporation · United States
Eastpak is a backpack and bag brand founded in the United States in 1952, now owned by VF Corporation and run from Europe. It is known for backpacks and collaborations with designers such as Raf Simons.
| Founded | 1952 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Bernard Godfrey and Monte Goldman |
| Owner | VF Corporation (since 2000) |
| Headquarters | Bornem, Belgium (per Wikipedia) |
| Website | eastpak.com |
What is Eastpak?
Eastpak is a bag brand known for backpacks, duffel bags and travel gear. It was founded in the United States and is today operated largely from Europe.
History
Wikipedia says the company began in 1952 as Eastern Canvas Products USA Inc., founded by Bernard Godfrey with partner Monte Goldman, in the Boston area of Massachusetts. VF Corporation acquired the brand in 2000.
Products and positioning
The range includes backpacks, duffel bags, luggage and travel gear, accessories and apparel. Collaborations with designers, including Walter Van Beirendonck and Raf Simons, are noted by Wikipedia.
Ownership and distribution
Wikipedia lists headquarters in Bornem, Belgium, and Stabio, Switzerland. Eastpak is distributed worldwide, and it relaunched in the US market through its own e-commerce site in 2021.
VF Corporation's news page still lists Eastpak in its portfolio in 2026. A February 2023 trade report said VF was seeking buyers for Eastpak, JanSport and Kipling, but the sources reviewed show no completed sale.
Why it matters
Eastpak is a leading European backpack name with American roots, and a useful example of a brand whose centre of gravity moved across the Atlantic after acquisition. The sources reviewed do not name current executives or give financial figures, so none are stated.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Eastpak?
VF Corporation has owned Eastpak since 2000. A 2023 report said VF was looking for a buyer, but no completed sale appears in the sources reviewed.
Where is Eastpak from?
Eastpak was founded in the United States in 1952. Today its headquarters is listed in Bornem, Belgium, and Stabio, Switzerland.