Is Sprayground Owned by Bape? The Real Story Behind These Streetwear Backpack Brands

When you walk into a high school hallway, you’ll see backpacks everywhere-but not just any backpacks. You’ll spot bold graphics, camouflage patterns, and logos that scream streetwear. Two names come up again and again: Sprayground and Bape. And if you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen someone ask: Sprayground owned by Bape? The answer isn’t simple, and the confusion isn’t just random-it’s built into how these brands market themselves.

What Sprayground Actually Is

Sprayground started in 2007 in New York City as a small streetwear brand focused on bold, graphic-heavy backpacks. Their designs? Think cartoon characters, graffiti-style fonts, and oversized logos. They didn’t try to be luxury. They tried to be loud. And it worked. By 2015, they were selling over 500,000 backpacks a year, mostly to teens and young adults who wanted to stand out.

Sprayground backpacks aren’t made in Japan or Italy. They’re manufactured in China, like most mass-market bags. But what sets them apart is the design. Each season, they drop new collections with themes like anime, horror movies, or pop culture references. A Sprayground backpack isn’t just storage-it’s a statement. And that’s why it’s so popular in high schools across the U.S.

What Bape Really Is

Bape, short for A Bathing Ape, was founded in 1993 by Nigo in Tokyo. It started as a high-end streetwear label with a cult following. The iconic shark hoodies, camouflage prints, and ape head logos became symbols of status. Bape didn’t just sell clothes-it sold exclusivity. Limited drops, collaborations with artists and musicians, and insane resale prices made it a global phenomenon.

Bape backpacks? They’re expensive. A single Bape backpack can cost between $250 and $600. They’re made with higher-grade materials, often feature hand-stitched details, and come with serial numbers. You won’t find them at Target or Walmart. You’ll find them at select boutiques, or on StockX, where they sell for double the retail price.

Why People Think Sprayground Is Owned by Bape

Here’s the real reason the confusion exists: both brands use similar visual language. Camouflage. Animal motifs. Bold, blocky lettering. Both target the same age group. Both sell backpacks with oversized front pockets and padded straps. To a 15-year-old scrolling through Instagram, they look like twins.

But here’s the truth: Sprayground and Bape are completely separate companies. Sprayground is owned by a private U.S.-based company called Sprayground LLC, headquartered in New York. Bape is owned by A Bathing Ape Co., Ltd., which is now under the umbrella of the Japanese conglomerate I.T Group since 2011.

No merger. No acquisition. No shared ownership. Just two brands that accidentally ended up looking alike.

Key Differences Between Sprayground and Bape Backpacks

It’s not just about price. The whole experience is different.

If you’re a high school student looking for a backpack that gets attention without breaking the bank, Sprayground makes sense. If you’re saving up for months, tracking drops, and care about brand history and resale value, Bape is the move.

What High School Students Actually Want

Most teens don’t care about corporate ownership. They care about two things: does it look cool, and can they afford it?

A 2024 survey of over 1,200 U.S. high school students found that 68% chose their backpack based on appearance, not brand reputation. Only 12% could name the parent company of their bag. For the rest, it’s about the design, the color, and whether their friends have one.

Sprayground wins here because it’s accessible. You can walk into a Target and grab one on the spot. Bape? You need a PayPal balance, a good internet connection, and luck.

And let’s be real-most high schoolers aren’t buying backpacks as investments. They’re buying them because they want to look like the person in the TikTok video they watched last night.

Counterfeit Backpacks Are a Real Problem

Because both brands are popular, knockoffs are everywhere. Amazon, eBay, AliExpress-there are dozens of fake Sprayground and fake Bape backpacks sold as "authentic."

How to tell the difference?

• Sprayground: Real ones have a small embroidered logo on the side strap. Fake ones often have printed logos that peel off after a few weeks.
• Bape: Authentic Bape backpacks come with a numbered authenticity card, a dust bag, and a tag with a unique serial code. If it doesn’t have these, it’s fake.

Buying from a trusted retailer matters. Don’t risk $500 on a backpack from a random seller on Instagram.

Should You Buy Sprayground or Bape?

Let’s cut through the noise.

If you’re a high school student on a budget, want a backpack that turns heads, and don’t care about resale value-go with Sprayground. It’s durable enough for daily use, and you can replace it every year without guilt.

If you’re an older student, a collector, or someone who treats fashion like an investment-Bape is worth the wait. But be prepared to spend serious money and time.

And no, Sprayground is not owned by Bape. They’re not even in the same league. One is mass-market fun. The other is high-end hype. Confusing them is like thinking a $50 Nike hoodie is the same as a $500 Supreme one. They might look similar from far away-but up close, the difference is clear.

What to Look for in a High School Backpack

Whether you pick Sprayground, Bape, or something else, here’s what actually matters:

• Weight distribution: Padded straps and a waist belt make a huge difference when you’re carrying 15 pounds of books.
• Water resistance: Rain happens. Look for coated zippers and a water-repellent finish.
• Compartment layout: A laptop sleeve (15-inch or larger), a front pocket for pens, and a side pocket for water bottles are non-negotiable.
• Warranty: Sprayground offers a one-year warranty. Bape doesn’t advertise one-but if you buy from an official store, they’ll often replace damaged items.

Don’t get sucked into brand wars. Get a bag that works for your life.

Final Thoughts

Brands like Sprayground and Bape aren’t just about bags-they’re about identity. For most high schoolers, the backpack is the first real fashion choice they make on their own. It’s not about who owns the company. It’s about what it says about you.

So if you’re wondering whether Sprayground is owned by Bape, the real question is: what kind of statement do you want to make?