Bape, short for A Bathing Ape, is one of the most influential brands in streetwear culture. Known for its bold designs, signature camo prints, and limited-edition releases, Bape products, including Bape backpacks, are highly sought after. Unfortunately, the high demand has led to a flood of counterfeit products in the market, making it essential to know how to identify an authentic Bape backpack and avoid fakes.
If you’re a sneakerhead, hypebeast, or streetwear enthusiast looking to invest in a real Bape backpack, this guide will walk you through the key signs of authenticity, how to spot a fake, and where to buy genuine Bape products.
1. Why Are Fake Bape Backpacks a Problem?
Counterfeit Bape backpacks are everywhere, and many buyers unknowingly purchase low-quality knockoffs thinking they are real.
Dangers of Buying Fake Bape Backpacks:
- Poor Quality – Fake backpacks use cheap materials, weak stitching, and low-quality zippers.
- No Resale Value – Counterfeit products hold zero value in the resale market.
- Supporting Illegal Operations – Many counterfeit operations involve unethical labor practices.
- Wasted Money – Paying premium prices for a fake product is a major financial loss.
Being able to distinguish a real Bape backpack from a fake will help you protect your investment and ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
2. Check the Quality of Materials
Authentic Bape backpacks are made from premium materials that ensure durability and longevity.
Key Quality Checks:
- Fabric – Real Bape backpacks use high-grade polyester, nylon, or leather, while fakes often feel thin and flimsy.
- Stitching – Authentic bags have clean, even, and reinforced stitching, whereas counterfeit versions may have loose or uneven stitches.
- Zippers – Genuine Bape backpacks use smooth-gliding YKK or custom-branded zippers, while fakes have cheap, rough zippers that break easily.
- Logos and Prints – The camo patterns and logos on a real Bape backpack are crisp, vibrant, and perfectly aligned, while fakes may have faded colors and misaligned prints.
If the backpack feels cheap or looks off, there’s a high chance it’s not authentic.
3. Inspect the Bape Tags and Labels
One of the easiest ways to spot a fake Bape backpack is by examining the tags and labels.
How to Verify Bape Tags:
- Gold Foil Ape Head Tag – Authentic Bape backpacks come with a gold foil Ape Head tag that is shiny, embossed, and high-quality.
- Neck Tags – The A Bathing Ape® logo should be clear, sharp, and well-printed, not blurry or pixelated.
- Wash Tags – Look for Japan-specific washing instructions on the label. Fakes often misspell words or have low-quality printing.
- QR Code or RFID Tag – Some newer Bape backpacks have QR codes or RFID chips for authenticity verification.
Fake backpacks often have faded, incorrect, or poorly printed tags, making this a crucial detail to check.
4. Examine the Bape Camo Pattern and Logos
Bape’s ABC camo print is one of its most recognizable features, but counterfeit backpacks often get it wrong.
How to Spot Fake Camo Prints:
- Real Bape Camo Is Clean and Sharp – The cloud-like camo design should be detailed and symmetrical.
- Fake Bape Camo Looks Blurry or Uneven – Counterfeit versions may have irregular shapes, missing details, or faded colors.
- Logo Placement Should Be Precise – The Ape Head logo should be correctly positioned and not stretched or distorted.
If the camo pattern looks messy or lacks crisp details, you’re likely dealing with a fake Bape backpack.
5. Verify the Price and Seller
If a Bape backpack’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Red Flags for Fake Bape Backpacks:
- Suspiciously Low Prices – Authentic Bape backpacks typically range from $150 to $400. If someone is selling one for $50 or less, it’s fake.
- Unknown Sellers – Avoid purchasing from sketchy websites, street vendors, or social media resellers with no credibility.
- No Original Packaging – Real Bape backpacks come in branded packaging. If the seller only offers the bag with no tags or packaging, be cautious.
Always buy from trusted and verified sources to ensure authenticity.
6. Where to Buy Authentic Bape Backpacks
To avoid fakes, always shop at official or authorized retailers.
Best Places to Buy Genuine Bape Backpacks:
- Bape’s Official Website – The most reliable place to get authentic Bape products.
- Bape Flagship Stores – Locations in Tokyo, New York, London, and Hong Kong carry legit stock.
- Dover Street Market – An official retailer selling real Bape gear.
- Trusted Resale Platforms – Websites like StockX, GOAT, Grailed, and Farfetch authenticate products before listing.
Avoid marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace unless the seller has 100% positive reviews and proof of authenticity.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself from Fake Bape Backpacks
If you’re a hypebeast, sneakerhead, or streetwear collector, owning a real Bape backpack is a must. However, fake Bape backpacks flood the market, making it crucial to verify authenticity before purchasing.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re investing in a genuine Bape backpack while avoiding fakes that flood the market.
FAQs
1. How much does an authentic Bape backpack cost?
A real Bape backpack costs between $150 and $400, depending on the design and collection.
2. Do all Bape backpacks have a gold Ape Head tag?
Yes. Most authentic Bape backpacks feature a gold foil Ape Head tag as a mark of authenticity.
3. Can I authenticate a Bape backpack using a QR code?
Some newer models include QR codes or RFID chips for verification, but not all. Always check other authenticity markers.
4. What should I do if I accidentally buy a fake Bape backpack?
If purchased from an online marketplace, report the seller and request a refund. If from a physical store, avoid shopping there in the future.
5. Is it worth investing in a Bape backpack?
Yes. Bape backpacks hold value, are highly collectible, and add a unique touch to any streetwear outfit.
