Red Dot Award Winner: Ekster GRID Backpack
Imagine a backpack so good that it catches the eyes of the world’s elite design judges. That’s exactly what’s happened with our Ekster GRID Backpack.
It has been honored with the Red Dot Award for Product Design, which is one of design’s most prestigious seals of approval.
And for those who already know our backpack’s pedigree: this is a second major win. The GRID Backpack previously earned the iF Design Award, meaning your everyday carry is now double-award-winning.
What the Red Dot Award means
- The Red Dot Award is a global, annual design competition run by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
- It dates back to the 1950s and has grown into one of the most respected design honors worldwide.
- Winning a Red Dot means your product has impressed an international jury of design experts in areas like usability, innovation, aesthetics, and overall design quality.
- Products that win get showcased in the Red Dot Design Museum and featured in Red Dot yearbooks, cementing them as standouts in global design culture.
In short: a Red Dot isn’t just a nice sticker. It signals that your product belongs among the world’s design elite. Think iPods, big-name gadgets, and standout innovations from global brands. Yes, Ekster is among them.
Why the GRID Backpack stands out
So, what makes the GRID Backpack worthy of such recognition (twice over)?
- Award-winning design & functionality: The backpack features a 180° opening for easy packing, a water-resistant 600D body, padded back support, waterproof zippers, and a dedicated 16″ laptop compartment, all while maintaining a sleek and minimalist exterior.
- Thoughtful organisation: Inside, there are smart compartments for a laptop, documents, tech gear, and accessories. Outside, there’s a hidden zipped pocket, space for a water bottle, and external compression straps for extra items like jackets, a tripod, or gym gear.
- Built for the real world: It’s designed for commuting, travel, or daily carry. Water-resistance and durable materials help protect gear from weather and knocks.
- Sustainability baked in: The backpack is made from recycled PET bottles (rPET), aligning with Ekster’s eco-conscious values; an increasingly important factor in modern design and lifestyle choices.
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Double-certified quality: Having both Red Dot and iF Design Awards means this isn’t a fluke. It's a consistent standout in terms of design, quality, and user-centric engineering.
Why this matters to you
When you choose the GRID Backpack, you’re not just grabbing a bag for your laptop or weekend getaway. You’re investing in:
- A bag that looks good, feels comfortable to carry all day, and works hard, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or exploring. It’s literally designed for on- and off-the-grid life.
- A product vetted by global design pros, and a backpack that earns your trust before you even unzip it.
- Eco-conscious gear that reflects modern values: durability, sustainability, and no compromise on style.
- A subtle flex: carrying one of the few backpacks in the world that’s been officially crowned for its design excellence… twice.
Ready to upgrade your carry?
If you’re into gear that actually earns its place in your daily life, not just “meh it works okay” gear, take a closer look at the GRID Backpack.
With its award-winning design, smart layout, rugged build, and eco-friendly materials, it’s built to soldier through commutes, trips, and everyday chaos.
Own the backpack that made judges around the world nod.
FAQs
What makes a Red Dot Award prestigious?
The Red Dot Award is judged by an international panel of design experts, runs annually, and recognizes products that excel in innovation, quality, usability, and aesthetics. Winning means your product is among the best in the world.
What’s the difference between the Red Dot Award and the iF Design Award?
Both are internationally recognized design awards. While Red Dot is run by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the iF Design Award is another top global benchmark for design excellence. A product that wins both, like the GRID Backpack, signals exceptional quality, design and usability.
Why should I buy an award-winning backpack instead of a cheap one?
An award-winning backpack is more likely to deliver on durability, organisation, comfort, materials, and design, translating to real-world reliability, longevity, and a better carrying experience.
Is an eco-friendly design considered in awards like Red Dot?
Yes, modern design awards increasingly recognize sustainable materials and processes. The GRID Backpack’s recycled PET construction adds an extra layer of value for eco-conscious consumers.
Which backpack features should I look for when choosing a travel or everyday bag?
Look for water-resistance, thoughtful internal compartments, secure laptop storage, comfort (ventilated straps/back panel), durable materials, and sustainability. The GRID Backpack checks all these boxes.
