Whether you’re staring down kindergarten or another month at the office, the best way to carry your homework remains the timeless two-strapped backpack. You just need to advance your style along with your years. Luckily, these local companies have new offerings for every stage of life.

Elementary Fjällräven Räven Mini, $60, fjallraven.us This backpack’s G-1000 Heavy Duty material means the Räven, made by Fjällräven (whose North American headquarters are in Louisville), can survive being a makeshift home plate. The wax coating guards four bright colors against inevitable Capri Sun spills. —Photo courtesy of Fjällräven
High School Madden Equipment Dan’s Pack, $100, maddenequipment.com Inspired by classic models (think: JanSport), Dan’s Pack fits in while still flashing some local style with Colorado bison leather details. There’s also an expandable front pocket for all the notebooks your teen needs during finals week. —Photo courtesy of Madden Equipment
College Topo Designs Y-Pack, $98, topodesigns.com This is the time to express yourself, and no one does that with more style than Topo Designs. Plus, beyond the standard book and laptop slots for school-day use, the low-profile straps make the Y-Pack a comfortable daypack for introspective hikes in Chautauqua Park. —Photo courtesy of Topo Designs
Professional Case Logic LoDo Medium Backpack, $90, caselogic.com The vital features are the thickly padded slots for both your laptop and your iPad. But with magnetic snaps instead of zippers on the front pockets, you also don’t have to worry about disturbing your boss’ next “Is this good for the company?” talk. —Photo courtesy of Case Logic