YKRA

Inspired by the vivid colours and rugged practicality of 1970s Eastern European mountaineering gear, YKRA makes backpacks, totes and pouches from Italian leather and Czech tent canvas, handcrafted in Budapest since 2011 by founders Balázs Lakatos and Judit Balogh. The Mátra, named after Hungary's highest peak, is the brand's signature model: thick cotton canvas with an Italian leather base, felt-padded straps and copper buckle closures. The tricolour version in primary blue, red and yellow is the one that stops people in the street, which for a hiking backpack named after a mountain is a rather magnificent achievement.