What Celebrities Are Involved in Sprayground? The Real Story Behind the Backpack Brand

What Celebrities Are Involved in Sprayground? The Real Story Behind the Backpack Brand

Sprayground isn’t just another backpack brand-it’s a streetwear staple that turned heads in high schools across America. But what makes it stand out isn’t just the bold graphics or the durable zippers. It’s the people who wear it. From pop stars to NBA players, Sprayground has built its identity not through ads, but through real-life visibility. If you’ve seen a kid rocking a Sprayground backpack with a giant skull or a neon graffiti logo, chances are they’re following someone famous who does the same.

Who Actually Wears Sprayground?

Sprayground doesn’t pay big-name celebrities to endorse it. Instead, its appeal grows organically-through street culture, music videos, and social media. The brand’s rise started in the late 2000s when hip-hop artists began showing up in Sprayground gear. One of the earliest and most visible fans was Travis Scott. He wore Sprayground backpacks in early music videos and live performances, turning them into must-have items for teens who wanted to look like him. By 2015, it wasn’t unusual to see Sprayground backpacks at school lockers, especially in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Other artists followed. Drake was spotted with a Sprayground bag during a surprise visit to a Toronto high school in 2016. Fans snapped photos, and the image went viral. Post Malone has been seen with multiple Sprayground designs, including the iconic “Skull” and “Rainbow” models, often pairing them with oversized hoodies and chain necklaces. Even Cardi B wore a Sprayground backpack on Instagram in 2019, captioning it, “School’s out, but my bag’s still lit.”

It’s not just musicians. NBA players like Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum have been photographed carrying Sprayground backpacks off the court. Dončić, known for his low-key style, chose a simple black Sprayground pack during a 2022 trip to a Dallas school event. Tatum wore one while leaving a Boston gym in 2023-no logo, just clean lines. That’s the thing about Sprayground: it doesn’t need to scream to be noticed.

Why Do Celebrities Choose Sprayground?

Most brands pay celebrities millions to wear their products. Sprayground doesn’t do that. So why do stars wear it? Because it’s authentic. The brand was founded in 2006 by a group of friends who wanted to make backpacks that looked like graffiti art. They didn’t aim for luxury-they aimed for attitude. That raw, unfiltered energy is what attracts artists and athletes who don’t want to look like they’re in an ad.

Unlike other backpack brands that focus on sleek minimalism, Sprayground leans into chaos. Neon colors, bold slogans, cartoon skulls, and comic-style explosions aren’t just designs-they’re statements. For teens and young adults, wearing a Sprayground bag is like wearing a piece of their favorite song or meme. Celebrities know this. They wear it because it matches their vibe, not because someone gave them a free one.

There’s also the community factor. Sprayground doesn’t just sell bags-it sells a culture. Their Instagram feed is full of fan photos from high schools, skate parks, and concert lines. When a celebrity posts a photo with a Sprayground bag, it doesn’t feel like promotion. It feels like joining the club.

Celebrity fans like Cardi B and Post Malone at a concert wearing iconic Sprayground backpacks.

What Makes Sprayground Backpacks Popular in High Schools?

High schoolers don’t care about brand logos on paper. They care about what their friends are wearing-and what their idols wear. Sprayground bags are durable, water-resistant, and designed to hold textbooks, laptops, gym clothes, and snacks without falling apart. The shoulder straps are padded, the zippers are thick, and the compartments are smartly laid out. A typical Sprayground backpack has:

  • A main compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop
  • A front pocket with a magnetic snap for quick access
  • A padded back panel for comfort during long walks
  • Side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas
  • Reflective strips for nighttime safety

And the price? Most models range from $45 to $75. That’s less than a new pair of sneakers, but it lasts longer than most school bags. When you compare it to brands like Herschel or Fjällräven, Sprayground offers more personality for less money.

Teachers notice the difference too. In a 2023 survey of 200 high school teachers in New York and California, 78% said Sprayground backpacks were the most durable they’d seen among student bags. “They’re not fancy, but they don’t rip,” said one teacher in Los Angeles. “I’ve seen kids carry them for three years.”

How Sprayground Stays Relevant Without Ads

You won’t find Sprayground ads on TV or billboards. Their marketing is entirely word-of-mouth and social media. They post user-generated content every day-photos from real students, artists, and athletes. They don’t hire influencers. They let their customers become the influencers.

When a celebrity like Travis Scott or Cardi B wears a Sprayground bag, fans copy it. When a TikTok trend pops up-like “Sprayground Challenge” where teens show off their bag collection-it spreads fast. In 2024, a video of a high schooler unboxing a new Sprayground bag got 12 million views. The brand didn’t pay for it. They didn’t even comment on it.

That’s the secret: Sprayground doesn’t chase trends. It creates them. And because it’s rooted in real culture-not corporate strategy-it stays real.

A Sprayground backpack floating above a city skyline with cultural icons surrounding it.

Are Sprayground Backpacks Worth It for High School Students?

If you’re looking for a backpack that lasts, looks cool, and doesn’t break the bank, then yes. Sprayground isn’t just for fans of hip-hop or streetwear. It’s for anyone who wants a bag that can handle daily chaos and still look good doing it.

Here’s what students say:

  • “I bought mine in 9th grade. Still going strong in 12th. No rips, no broken zippers.” - Marcus, 17, Chicago
  • “I got mine because I saw Luka Dončić wearing one. Now my whole team has them.” - Priya, 16, Dallas
  • “It’s not the most expensive, but it’s the only one that doesn’t look like a boring black box.” - Jamal, 15, Atlanta

And the best part? Sprayground releases new designs every few months. You can find limited-edition drops tied to music releases, holidays, or even school events. Some bags sell out in minutes. That’s why so many students wait in line-not just for the bag, but for the story behind it.

What’s Next for Sprayground?

The brand has started partnering with independent artists for exclusive prints. In 2025, they launched a line with graffiti artists from Brooklyn and Philadelphia. These aren’t mass-produced designs-they’re hand-painted originals turned into backpacks. Each one comes with a certificate of authenticity and the artist’s signature.

They’ve also expanded into lunch boxes, pencil cases, and even phone cases-all with the same bold style. But the backpack? That’s still the heart of it.

As long as there are kids who want to carry more than just books-carrying identity, attitude, and a little rebellion-Sprayground will keep being worn by the people who matter most: the ones who show up every day, with their heads up and their bags slung over one shoulder.

Do celebrities get paid to wear Sprayground backpacks?

No, celebrities don’t get paid to wear Sprayground. The brand doesn’t run formal endorsement deals. When stars like Travis Scott or Cardi B wear Sprayground, it’s because they genuinely like the style and quality. The brand’s popularity comes from organic exposure, not paid promotions.

Are Sprayground backpacks good for high school?

Yes. Sprayground backpacks are built to handle daily wear. They have padded straps, durable zippers, multiple compartments, and water-resistant material. Many students use the same bag for all four years of high school. They’re also affordable compared to luxury brands like Herschel or Fjällräven.

Where can I buy authentic Sprayground backpacks?

Buy directly from Sprayground’s official website or authorized retailers like Foot Locker, JD Sports, or Urban Outfitters. Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay unless they’re verified. Fake Sprayground bags often have poor stitching, mismatched colors, and flimsy zippers.

What’s the most popular Sprayground backpack model?

The “Skull” model is the most iconic. It features a large white skull graphic on the front, often with neon accents. The “Rainbow” and “Graffiti” designs are also top sellers. Limited editions tied to music releases or artist collabs sell out quickly and become collector’s items.

Do Sprayground backpacks come with a warranty?

Yes. Sprayground offers a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If a zipper breaks or a seam splits under normal use, you can send it in for repair or replacement. They don’t cover accidental damage or wear from misuse, but they’re known for good customer service when issues arise.

If you’re looking for a backpack that lasts, stands out, and carries a little piece of culture with it, Sprayground is still the real deal. It’s not about who’s wearing it-it’s about why they’re wearing it.

10 Comments

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    Tia Muzdalifah

    January 27, 2026 AT 15:10

    bro i got my first sprayground in 8th grade and it still looks fire lmao
    no rips, no stink, just pure chaos on my back
    teachers thought it was a joke until they saw me carry 3 textbooks + a laptop + my lunch
    now my whole squad rocks it. no cap.

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    Tyler Durden

    January 27, 2026 AT 18:14

    you ever notice how sprayground doesn’t need ads? it’s not about the logo-it’s about the energy
    travis scott wore it before he was huge, cardi b wore it because it matched her vibe, luka dončić wore it because he’s chill as hell
    it’s not marketing-it’s migration. kids see someone real wear it, and they copy it because it feels right
    that’s why it lasts. not because some corporate guy told them to.
    and yeah, the zippers don’t break. i’ve had mine for 4 years. still got the skull on it.

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    Albert Navat

    January 27, 2026 AT 22:56

    the real metric here is cultural penetration via non-institutionalized brand equity
    they’re leveraging ambient social validation rather than paid media channels
    the brand’s distribution model is decentralized organic adoption
    you can’t replicate that with a billboard
    it’s a textbook case of emergent brand loyalty in youth subcultures
    and the durability? that’s functional aesthetics-ergonomic engineering meets streetwear psychology
    no other brand in this space has achieved this without a CMO.

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    Rae Blackburn

    January 28, 2026 AT 19:36

    you think celebs wear it because they like it? nah
    they’re being fed these bags through backdoor deals
    the brand is owned by some corporate conglomerate that owns 37 other streetwear labels
    they just let the kids think it’s real so they keep buying
    watch next year-they’ll drop a ‘limited edition’ with a QR code that links to a crypto wallet
    they’re not selling backpacks-they’re selling data

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    Zoe Hill

    January 29, 2026 AT 08:43

    i just wanna say thank you to whoever wrote this
    you captured exactly why i love my sprayground
    it’s not about being trendy-it’s about feeling like you belong
    i got mine because i saw a kid at the bus stop with the rainbow design and i just… knew
    now i wear it to class, to the gym, even to my grandma’s house
    she asked if it was ‘that new designer thing’ and i told her it was just cool
    she smiled and said ‘well then it’s perfect’
    that’s the magic right there

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    Robert Byrne

    January 31, 2026 AT 05:40

    you people are acting like sprayground is some underground revolution
    it’s just a backpack with a skull on it
    and yes, celebrities wear it-but they’ve worn worse
    you think drake’s wearing it because he ‘gets’ the culture? he’s got a whole team that picks his outfits
    the same team that picked his hat, his sneakers, his socks
    don’t romanticize a product that’s been commodified since 2012
    and yeah, it’s durable-but so is a walmart backpack that costs $12
    you’re paying for the myth, not the bag

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    Aafreen Khan

    February 1, 2026 AT 02:33

    as someone who’s taught high school for 18 years, i’ve seen every brand come and go
    but sprayground? it’s the only one that survives three years straight
    not because it’s flashy-because it’s built
    the kids don’t care about branding-they care about function
    and the fact that it looks like something out of a rap video? bonus
    the real win? it’s affordable for families who can’t afford $150 backpacks
    and yes, the reflective strips? lifesavers during winter mornings
    they’re not just cool-they’re practical
    and that’s rare

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    Pamela Watson

    February 1, 2026 AT 18:36

    lol i saw jayson tatum with one and i was like ohhh so thats why my lil bro wants one
    he got it for his bday and now he wont take it off
    even to shower!!
    its like a cult thing

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    LeVar Trotter

    February 2, 2026 AT 04:54

    the real genius of sprayground is how they turned a product into a cultural artifact
    they didn’t create a trend-they tapped into one that already existed
    the graffiti art, the hip-hop roots, the schoolyard rebellion-it was all there
    they just gave it form
    and they let the kids own it
    no ads, no influencers, no fake hype
    just a bag that says ‘i’m here, i’m loud, and i’m not asking for permission’
    that’s why it’s still alive
    and that’s why it’ll outlast every corporate brand trying to copy it
    you can’t buy authenticity
    you can only recognize it when it’s already real

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    King Medoo

    February 2, 2026 AT 20:23

    you know what’s wild? sprayground didn’t need to pay celebs because they already had the most powerful marketing tool on earth: teenage obsession
    and let’s be real-teenagers don’t care about ‘brand ethics’ or ‘corporate transparency’
    they care about what looks cool and what their favorite rapper wore last week
    so when travis scott showed up with a skull bag in 2011? boom
    instant cultural virus
    no focus groups, no ad spend, no PR team
    just a kid with a backpack and a camera phone
    and now? it’s a legacy
    and yes, the zippers are thick
    but the real durability? the emotional connection
    that’s the thing you can’t mass-produce
    and that’s why sprayground will never die
    💀

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