Here is a list of 10 high-quality, sustainable backpacks for school, work, and every use to carry your daily essentials in a more eco-friendly way.
Whether we need it to go to school or work, run errands, or travel, we all need a good-quality backpack in our lives.
Having a sturdy bag to carry all our essentials with us wherever we go is non-negotiable.
We can fit so many things in them, things that make our lives outside easier and more comfortable.
They are the ideal accessory to bring with us our laptop, wallet, water bottle, umbrella, book, snacks, and many more!
Unfortunately, most backpacks are not made to last and are produced with unsustainable, synthetic materials.
If you want to find a more eco-friendly option, read on!
I have rounded up 10 sustainable backpacks for school, work, and every use.
All of these are built to stand the test of time and better for the planet.
What makes a backpack sustainable?
Quality is one of the most important factors to take into account when looking for sustainable backpacks.
You want your bag to withstand your daily commutes and activities without wearing out fast.
It should last you for many years!
A sustainable backpack is also crafted using sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, recycled nylon, organic cotton, or hemp.
While leather is not an ethical and sustainable material, some prefer this option as it is long-lasting and durable.
If this is the case for you, try to choose recycled leather (if you can find it).
Or at least, buy leather that is vegetable-tanned and certified by the Leather Working Group.
Also, support brands that work to minimize their waste and environmental footprint.
Prefer those that received third-party certifications like B Corp, Climate-Neutral, Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
Where to find sustainable backpacks?
The most sustainable backpack is always the one you already have.
So go through your closets and see if you can’t find any.
However, if you need a new backpack, you can look for one second-hand online or at a thrift store.
Buying from a sustainable brand is another amazing option!
The following brands make sure their backpacks are made with longevity, sustainability, and ethics in mind.
10 sustainable backpacks for school, work, and everyday use
1. Quartz Please Recycle Backpack
Brand: Girlfriend Collective
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
Available in eight beautiful colors, this sleek, sustainable backpack has a timeless minimalist design and is water-resistant to protect your items from the rain.
It features padded straps for comfort and a main pocket with an interior sleeve for your laptop or notebooks, as well as a smaller front pocket and two open side pockets.
The backpack is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and you can send it back for recycling when you’re done with it.
Girlfriend Collective makes everything with sustainability and ethics in mind.
Plus, its recycled fabric is certified by OEKO-TEX, meaning that it’s completely free of harmful chemicals!
2. Hanover Deluxe 2 Backpack
Brand: Lo & Sons
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
If you like to keep your things neatly organized and want to know where everything is at all times, this backpack is for you!
It features countless pockets, including mesh interior pockets, an external laptop sleeve, and expandable side pockets for your water bottle and umbrella.
It even has a detachable key leash, a removable organizational insert, and a suitcase handle sleeve.
Lo & Sons crafts this backpack from recycled polyester, and the adjustable shoulder straps are lined with memory foam to keep you comfy on the go.
3. Daniela Drawstring Backpack
Brand: Nisolo
Materials: Leather
If you’re looking for an elegant leather backpack, Nisolo has you covered.
Its Daniela drawstring backpack, available in the colors almond and black, has a timeless, minimal look and is as functional as it is chic.
It features an easy drawstring, magnetic snap closure, and different internal pockets, including one designed for your precious tech devices.
This versatile backpack is made of high-quality leather certified by the Leather Working Group.
It also comes with a sustainability facts label so you can learn everything about its social and environmental impacts.
And Nisolo is a certified B Corp and it received the Climate-Neutral certification!
4. Fold-Up Backpack
Brand: Paravel
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
This compact, collapsible backpack from Paravel folds completely flat and zips into a tiny pouch.
How practical is that?!
With its interior and exterior zippered pockets, it’s the perfect lightweight bag for everyday adventures and daily commutes.
It is made from a water-resistant fabric produced using 15 recycled plastic bottles.
It’s also certified by OEKO-TEX and the Global Recycled Standard.
The Fold-Up backpack is very soft yet double-layered for durability.
You can get it in six colors and can even personalize it with custom embroidery.
To top it all off, the brand is Climate-Neutral certified!
BUY IT HERE
5. Unisex Mobius 35L Backpack
Brand: Tentree
Materials: Recycled Polyester, Algae-Based Foam
Certified B Corp Tentree offers you this high-quality backpack, which is perfect for everyday use and traveling.
It is entirely crafted using sustainable materials.
For instance, it features recycled polyester lining and recycled trims made from post-industrial waste.
Not to mention its built-in laptop sleeve padded with an eco-friendly algae-based foam!
This unisex backpack has many pockets and a dual-access zippered or roll-top closure.
It is also highly adjustable thanks to its drawcords, straps, belts, and other practical details.
You will also love that the brand will plant ten trees with your purchase, and it offsets its entire carbon footprint!
6. Slim Backpack
Brand: Day Owl
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles, Algae-Based Foam
The Slim backpack from Day Owl allows you to carry your daily essentials wherever you go.
You will be able to choose from 11 lovely colors, including bright, bold ones like clay orange or lavender.
This backpack is thoughtfully designed to be incredibly functional and comfortable while being sustainable.
It has tons of pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, a flat front pocket, and a floating top pocket that is perfect for small items like glasses.
It even features a luggage strap and a bottle pocket lined with water-repellent neoprene.
Day Owl makes its backpack using a stain-resistant, cotton-like canvas fabric made from 25 recycled plastic bottles.
It also uses recycled polyester lining and trims, and algae-based foam.
7. Kylie Backpack
Brand: Pixie Mood
Materials: Vegan Leather
The Kylie backpack is the most versatile bag you will ever have!
You can convert it from a backpack to a shoulder bag with the switch of a strap!
It is also made with 100% recycled vegan leather produced from recycled plastic bottles.
It features detachable double straps, a top handle, a trolley sleeve, and an interior laptop compartment.
Pixie Mood also includes cool details like pen holders, zip pockets, and an interior key chain strap.
The backpack is certified vegan by PETA, and the brand offers carbon-neutral shipping on every order.
8. Abera Convertible Backpack
Brand: Able
Materials: Leather, Cotton
Here is another versatile backpack that you can easily convert to a handbag!
You can get this one in a beautiful cognac color or buy it in black with cognac straps and handles.
It is handcrafted in Ethiopia from full-grain leather sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry, and using semi-vegetable tanning.
It is incredibly durable and made to stand the test of time!
The Abera backpack combines style, function, and comfort.
It also features large handles, adjustable and removable backpack straps, and an interior zipper pocket.
It is lined with cotton and the discreet Able logo adds a nice touch.
9. Kane Double Pocket Backpack
Brand: STATE Bags
Materials: Recycled Polyester, Polyester
Although STATE Bags primarily sells backpacks for children, it also has some cool models for adults.
This one made from 45% recycled polyester will be able to fit everything you may need!
It has a small front pocket and two large main compartments with zip-around closures, so you can organize all your essentials easily and effortlessly.
The back compartment also features a padded laptop sleeve, and you will find two water bottle pockets on the sides.
You can even attach it to a suitcase thanks to its luggage slip sleeve in the back.
Plus, for every bag purchased, the brand supports families in need by funding projects with partner schools, donating backpacks, or shedding light on social injustices!
10. Sport Backpack
Brand: BAGGU
Materials: Recycled Nylon
This is the perfect backpack for school, work, and everyday life!
You will be able to fit your laptop in its interior tech sleeve and have your essentials easily accessible in the two exterior zippered pockets.
It features comfortable adjustable straps and an expandable drawstring and buckle closure.
And the best thing is that it is completely machine washable!
The backpack is made of heavyweight recycled nylon produced from pre-consumer waste that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
BAGGU has also taken steps to minimize waste throughout its production process and uses FSC-certified recycled paper packaging to ship its products.
Final thoughts on these sustainable backpacks for school, work, and everyday use
I hope you’ve found this list of sustainable backpacks for school, work, and everyday use helpful.
Hopefully, you could find exactly what you were looking for.
You should now be able to use your new sustainable backpack for many years, knowing it was made without harming the planet!
To make it last even longer, make sure to take good care of it and be gentle with it.
If you liked this article, you will also enjoy reading:
- How to make your wardrobe more sustainable
- 20 sustainable clothing brands to support
- The 14 best sustainable shoe brands for an eco-friendly footprint
- 9 sustainable winter coats & jackets for braving the cold & staying toasty
- Why you should quit fast fashion (& how to do it)
What are your favorite sustainable backpacks for school, work, and everyday use?
Let’s spread the word about sustainable backpack brands in the comment section!
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends to help them find more sustainable backpacks the next time they need a new one.
