10 Best Halloween Backpack Costume Ideas
Oct 19, 2023
Searching for the perfect DIY Halloween costume? You can start with a great idea from scratch, of course, but you can also draw inspiration from what you already have in your closet.
Creating your own costume makes Halloween even more exciting because you'll feel extra proud when you get tons of compliments. Once you put together a costume from your existing wardrobe, all you need is a backpack to finish the look. It’s fun and functional—and, even better, you’ll stand out from the hordes of princesses, superheroes, ghosts, and monsters carrying boring old regular bags. Here are some Halloween backpack costume ideas for the spookiest night of the year.
1. SPACE EXPLORER COSTUME
Ready to see the stars? Channel some astronaut vibes with a white turtleneck and pants. Add a few NASA patches, and ideally a fishbowl-style helmet if you have one lying around. (If you don’t, you can try getting creative with some papier-mâché.)
To create your jetpack for this backpack–centered costume, start with an out-of-this-world pack. The Black Seattle Packwill get you halfway there with spacious side water bottle pockets that already add to the jet-pack look. Or opt for the Red Tape pack for a bolder base. Another great option is the Big Student Backpack in Cyberspace Galaxy pattern. While less realistic, this look will make partygoers and fellow trick-or-treaters feel like you're about to launch right into outer space.
To make the jets, paint two old paper towel rolls or two-liter soda bottles to attach to either side of the backpack. Add flames by cutting up orange, yellow, and red pieces of construction paper, foam, or crumpled-up tissue paper to make it look like you're blasting off.
A more aquatic take on this look? Wear all black and goggles and pretend you’re a scuba diver exploring the ocean floor. Stuffed animal sea creatures complete the look.
2. TURTLE COSTUME
Transform yourself into a turtle this year with the help of the Right Pack in Curry Corduroy. In all brown, the fabric will create a great base for your shell. Cut out green hexagons of foam or construction paper to fasten on the backpack to create the turtle shell pattern. To round out the look, all you have to do is dress in all green and brown—and don't forget to walk as slowly as possible.
3. ‘80S FITNESS INSTRUCTOR COSTUME
It’s time to go retro. Break a sweat—or at least look like you’re ready to—by dressing up as an ’80s fitness instructor. These fitness fanatics were known for wearing a leotard over tights, often with leg warmers, all in bright colors or pastels. Once you assemble the outfit, add a finishing touch with the Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack in fun colors like Misty Rose or Pastel Lilac. Don't forget to jump around and do a few lunges while you're out on Halloween night.
4. PARK RANGER COSTUME
Live your outdoorsy dreams for one night by dressing up as a park ranger. It's one of the easiest DIY costumes ever, because you probably already own most of its components. Put on some khaki or cargo pants and pair them with a neutral-toned collared shirt. Grab an outdoorsy campaign hat and boots, and you're almost ready to head outside. But don't forget your park ranger Halloween backpack. To finish your look, go for a camping or hiking-style backpack like the Hatchet Backpack in Curry or Army Green.
5. PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR COSTUME
Ghosts, witches, and monsters are on the prowl on All Hallows’ Eve. Dress up as a paranormal investigator to celebrate Halloween and ward off evil spirits, ghouls, and vampires. Dress up in all khaki with a black belt for a classic Hollywood look. Pop on the Odyssey Backpack and make sure to secure the sternum strap. You can create your own paranormal scanner out of old bottles and a hose or by adding decoration to a hair dryer or curling iron.
Wear all black with the Mesh Pack Backpack in Black if you want a more modern, simple look. Your creativity can truly shine with this partially transparent bag because you can fill it with props to enhance your costume, like garlic to keep vampires at bay, bottles with handmade labels that read Banshee Repellant and Monster Spray, and maybe even some toy creatures trapped in jars.
6. TOURIST COSTUME
Pop on a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and sunglasses, and you'll look just like a stereotypical tourist. For bonus points, wear a brightly-colored visor and ask everyone around you for directions to the resort's pool. No tourist DIY costume is complete without a fanny pack, such as the Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack. Choose a bright color with a loud pattern, like Power to the Flower or Mia Brown Mint Julep. If you want to go (or fly) the extra mile, drag the rolling Driver 8 Backpack behind you as your luggage as a creative way to carry your Halloween candy.
7. BARBIE COSTUME
Nothing screams Barbie more than that iconic hot pink. No matter your Barbie style, the Posh Pink Main Campus will be the perfect accent. Pretty much anything pink in your closet will get the message across, from a gingham dress to bright pants to a blazer, paired with high heels of course. Then just have fun coming up with your Barbie edition, or even draw on your face with makeup to channel Weird Barbie. Unfortunately, Ken and Dream House are not included.
8. SUPER MARIO BROS. COSTUME
Team up with your bestie and channel everyone’s favorite plumber siblings this Halloween. The Right Pack Backpack in Red Tape and Deep Juniper are the perfect shades for Mario and Luigi. All you’ll need are matching shirts and overalls to complete the look, plus caps with M and L on the front. And don’t forget your mustaches!
9. DISCO COSTUME
Whether you’re a dancing queen or a boogie man, the Platinum Puddles Cool Student pack will help you light up the dance floor. This groovy pack will fit right in with your bell bottoms and platform shoes. Or you can opt for the Half Pint Mini Backpack in Power to the Flower, if you want to carry something more lightweight while you boogie down. Now all you need is to practice your dance moves so you’re ready to break out the hustle when your song comes on. Catch you on the flip side!
10. WIZARD OF OZ COSTUME
Excited for the new Wicked movie? Or maybe you’re more of a fan of the Judy Garland classic. Either way, you can channel your Oz fantasies with the Pink Ice and Jelly Kelly Right Packs. The former will fit right into a Glinda getup, while the emerald-hued pack screams Wicked Witch of the West. To complete your good witch look, rock a pink princess dress or really anything pink and puffy. Or no one will question your allegiances with enough green face paint, a witch hat, and a black dress. Attach wings to a monkey stuffed animal to round out the ensemble.
Searching for more DIY Halloween costume tips? Here's a guide to help you craft your own costume.
With additional reporting by: Nicole Price Fasig
