Sometimes a backpack is just a backpack. And then sometimes, it’s a carefully considered piece of design that makes you rethink what’s possible. The AXIS Backpack by Maverick & Co., designed by Andrea Ponti, falls firmly into the second category. This is a product that proves functionality and beauty aren’t opposing forces, they’re partners in creating something genuinely special.
Let’s start with the silhouette, because it’s where you’ll notice something different right away. AXIS features a thoughtfully designed rectilinear shape that’s been softened with rounded corners. It’s a smart move that does two things at once: maximizes the internal capacity so you can actually fit everything you need, while keeping the overall profile clean and compact. You get all the space without looking like you’re hauling around a bulky box.
Designer: Andrea Ponti
But here’s where it gets really interesting. The unique side hinge system is what sets AXIS apart from every other backpack you’ve seen. It offers versatile access that adapts to how you actually use it. Need quick access from the top? Done. Want to lay it completely flat at 180 degrees for suitcase-style packing? You’ve got it. This kind of flexibility means you’re not fighting with your backpack to get what you need, whether you’re standing on a crowded subway or unpacking in a hotel room. The two iconic front pockets are another thoughtful touch. They’re not just there for show, though they do add real character to the design. These pockets offer practical storage for all those things you need within reach during your commute or travels. Your phone, wallet, keys, boarding pass, whatever you grab for constantly throughout the day.
Material choices matter, and AXIS doesn’t compromise. It’s crafted from premium vegan leather and 100% recycled polyester, proving that sustainable and luxurious can absolutely coexist. The manufacturing approach combines advanced techniques with hand-tailored sewing and finishing. You can see the attention to quality in every detail, from the zipper pullers to the straps. Nothing feels like an afterthought. Every component has been meticulously designed to work together, creating a cohesive, modern design language.
Open up AXIS and you’ll find an interior that actually makes sense. The system of zippered and slip pockets offers intuitive storage with easy access to your belongings. It’s organized in a way that feels natural, not like someone just threw in a bunch of random compartments and hoped for the best. The CMF design, that’s Color, Material, and Finish for those not immersed in design speak, reflects a sophisticated identity throughout. The muted tonal palette and precise detailing create something timeless. This isn’t a backpack that’s going to look dated in two years. It balances practicality and elegance in that sweet spot where you can take it anywhere and feel confident.
Andrea Ponti, the designer behind AXIS, brings a unique perspective shaped by his Italian heritage and seven years working with Japanese design masters. Now based in Hong Kong, he’s known for combining the elegance of Italian design with the lightness of Japanese minimalism. His work for major brands like Samsonite, Fender, and KEF has earned multiple Red Dot Design Awards and iF Design Awards. With AXIS, you can see how that global design sensibility translates into something both sophisticated and genuinely useful.
The AXIS Backpack represents thoughtful design at its best. It’s for people who appreciate when every detail serves a purpose, when sustainability doesn’t mean compromise, and when your everyday carry can be something you’re actually proud to use. Whether you’re navigating city life or exploring new places, AXIS adapts to your needs with style and intelligence. That’s what great design should do.
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