Best Environmentally Friendly Backpacks
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
As always, the most sustainable backpack is the one you already own. But, understandably, sometimes it needs to be replaced. If you can’t find what you’re looking for secondhand, an environmentally-friendly backpack should be your next stop! We prioritize the planet when we purchase a higher quality and durable backpack made from sustainable materials. Whether it’s for school, work, travel, or outdoor recreation, you can feel good about your eco-friendly choices with these tips and recommendations to lead you to an environmentally friendly backpack.
Jump ahead to backpack recommendations:
Everyday use & school backpacks
Backpacks for outdoor activities
Travel worthy backpacks
Stylish backpacks
Don’t forget to pack your lunch in a sustainable lunchbox and accessories!
Why Choose Sustainable Backpacks?
For a long time, backpacks have been made with synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which have detrimental negative environmental impacts. Not only do virgin ballistic nylon and standard nylon production require massive amounts of water, but it also creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Polyester is made from plastic, is not biodegradable, and releases microplastics into our waterways when washed.
Another aspect to consider is the manufacturing process of the product. A sustainable backpack should be made by people who are paid well, treated fairly, and work in safe facilities.
When we choose socially responsible and eco-friendly backpacks, we can feel confident that we are positively impacting the environment and people.
Secondhand is Second Best!
While the first best option is using (or repairing) what you already own, searching for a used backpack comes next! So many market platforms exist now, on top of your traditional thrift shop that you’re more than likely to be successful in finding what you’re looking for secondhand.
A couple of great places to look specifically for backpacks are REI’s Re-supply website and Out & Back Outdoor.
Since buying new isn’t always avoidable, read on for some tips and recommendations for environmentally friendly backpacks!
Environmentally-Friendly Materials
So, what are the eco-friendly materials we should look for? There are many backpack material alternatives now available to make environmentally-friendly backpacks.
The Most Common Eco-Backpack Materials
Recycled materials in backpacks is becoming more common, like recycled polyester, that can be made from recycled plastic bottles or up-cycled ocean plastic. These recycled backpack materials are abrasion-resistant and ultra-durable. Recycled wool, leather, and nylon are also common materials used to make eco-friendly backpacks.
Natural materials such as hemp or organic cotton canvas are durable materials that help create more casual and flexible backpacks. There are now also many backpacks made from bio-based vegan leather on the market. If opting for real leather, seeking brands that source leather from Leather Working Group gold-rated tanneries is your best bet for sustainability.
When it comes to fastening your backpack, you can look for zippers and pulls made from recycled materials or aluminum hardware.
Eco-Friendly Waterproofing
Although a recycled plastic backpack may be fairly water resistant, other materials require a special coating to make them waterproof or water repellent.
In the past, PFC and PVC coating, which contain chemicals, and harmful and toxic plasticizers, have been used to waterproof materials. Polyurethane coating, or PU coating, is not much better as its manufacturing is energy-intensive and disposal options are limited because it contains plastic components.
Therefore, it’s best to seek out eco-friendly waterproofing options, like wax, BPA, PVC and PFC-free coatings.
Carbon and Water Conservation Commitments
Brands that produce environmentally friendly backpacks from earth-friendly materials are making the planet a priority, but it’s also important to consider energy and water use. Many brands are tracking their carbon emissions from manufacturing and shipping in attempts to decrease their carbon footprint or even become carbon-neutral certified.
If water conservation is important to you (as it should be!), do a deep dive to see if a company is committed to using eco-friendly dyes, uses water-saving techniques, and has a strict process for decontaminating wastewater.
Prioritizing Ethical backpack manufacturing
If you want to ensure your new backpack is made by people who are paid fair wages and treated well, looking into the brand you’re eyeing is a good idea. Checking their website for an ethics or social responsibility section is a start. Looking for third-party certifications, such as B Corp or Fair Trade, can also help you make your sustainable choice.
Best Eco-conscious Backpacks
Although it’s nearly impossible for brands to be perfect regarding sustainability, all the green backpack choices found in the following recommendations are made by earth-friendly backpack brands that are committed to being as green as possible!
Everyday Use & Sustainable Back-to-School Backpacks
Everyday Backpack by 8000 Kicks
8000 Kicks is known best for its vegan and eco-friendly hemp shoes with ecological soles created from algal blooms. Hemp fibre is natural, durable, sturdy, and flexible. They meet the OEKO-TEX gold standard for textile quality, guaranteeing no toxic substances or dyes are used. 8000 Kicks also sponsors Bloom, a CO2 capture and water cleaning partner.
Made from weatherproof, durable hemp fibres, this 18L environmentally friendly backpack can expand up to 30L, fits a 15″ laptop, and features a USB plug! The wide open packing space makes it versatile for all kinds of packing, and the anti-theft pocket on the backside keeps your valuables safe. Comes in beige and pink, beige and green, black, and navy blue options.
The Backpack by Day Owl
Day Owl makes backpacks, totes and cross-body bags from recycled material from plastic bottles turned into fabric by First Mile™. The recycled yarn made from the plastic can be woven or knit to create unique fabrics and textures like the waxed canvas in the Day Owl backpack.
A minimal look great for e co-friendly students or for everyday use like running errands or a coffee date. This 18L pack features a floating top pocket to keep your sunnies safe, a spill-resistant water bottle pocket, a flat front pocket, and a secret side pocket. The padded laptop pocket can fit a 16″ device, and the luggage strap on the back makes it a great pair with your rolling luggage. Comes in multiple colour options!
Earth Backpack by Terra Thread
Terra Thread is a B Corp with an impressive number of third-party sustainability certifications, including Fair Trade Cotton, GOTS, and Carbon Neutral certified. They also give back – your purchase supports the Feeding America campaign, which donates meals to kids and families in need.
You can feel good about being eco with this durable bag made in a Fair Trade-certified factory with organic cotton canvas. With many pockets and compartments, you can easily organize yourself or your children. The internal sleeve fits a 13′-15 ‘ inch laptop or tablet, and it has two handy outer side pockets for those items you want easy access to.
Looking for something a little smaller than the 16L capacity of this bag? Check out these other sustainable backpack options from Terra Thread: Semi-Mini Backpack or Zem Mini Backpack.
Please Recycle Backpack by Girlfriend Collective
With recycled fabric certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, and an SA8000-certified factory, Girlfriend Collective is making sustainable commitments. A brand passionate about water conservation, every single drop of water that is used to dye their fabric gets sent to a wastewater treatment plant onsite. The water is then treated to separate out the OEKO-certified safe dyes and stray fibres. The excess dye mud is sent to a pavement facility, where it’s transformed into paving stones!
This sleek design’s body, lining, and straps are all made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. A simplistic and sleek backpack, ideal for kids and everyday wear to carry your lunch, books, and essentials. Padding on the adjustable straps increases comfort, and the bag is recyclable through the ReGirlfriend program when you’re done with it!
Outdoor Activity Packs
Out & Back Outdoor
What could be more sustainable on a budget than buying your gear secondhand? Use them to find your next super durable trekking pack and other sustainable outdoor gear and camping needs, or sell the gear you no longer need or use for extra pocket money!
Out & Back was founded in Denver in 2019 with the goal to keep trash out of landfills and make the outdoors accessible and affordable for all. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet. You can use the search function on their website homepage to check out the environmentally responsible bags they currently have available.
Roll Top Waterproof Backpack 30L by Red
Red is a B Corp that makes paddle boards and all kinds of outdoor gear and accessories for fun on the water. Their board production facility is now 100% waste free, and their paper and card packaging is 100% recyclable. They give back through The Red Foundation, which supports charities and organizations that work to make outdoor adventures accessible and inclusive for all.
This waterproof roll-top backpack is an excellent choice for eco-friendly hiking, cycling, and any other outdoor activity where you might end up getting your hands dirty (or a little wet!) You can carry up to 30L in this rugged, large bag, making it big enough for all the necessary gear. It’s made from CYCLEPET fabric using 100% recycled plastic bottles, with cooling foam straps and an airflow back panel. It has a removable padded organizer so you can use it for a green commuting backpack with a laptop in tow.
Green Guru Commuter 24L Roll Top Backpack by Alchemy Goods
This B Corp creates all kinds of bike accessories, wallets, belts, bags, and backpacks made in the USA. Their designs incorporate recycled content and up-cycled material like bicycle tubes and advertising banners, saving trash from the landfill.
I can imagine wearing this stormproof bag while cycling to work for an environmentally friendly commute! With many different compartments and 24L capacity, this one would also be good for a day hike or camping. Materials known for their durability that withstand all the elements include up-cycled bicycle inner tubes and up-cycled street sign scraps.
eco-friendly Travel-Worthy Backpacks
Lifepack Endeavor (with closet) by Solgaard
Solgaard is a B Corp that makes suitcases, backpacks and accessories from ocean-bound plastic or biodegradables. Every product purchased cleans up six pounds of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities.
Geniously designed with a “work zone” and a “life zone,” this bag is the perfect piece of earth-aware travel gear. Keep your laptop (up to 16), cables, notebook and pens organized easily for remote work. The life zone features a removable hanging closet, four secret compartments for cash and passport and a sunglasses pocket. There is even a compartment for shoes!
The life zone can also expand to give 40% more space for longer travel. Comes in large and medium sizes (from 18-35 L considering expansion).
Shell Backpack by Tropicfeel
With 88% of their polyester fabrics made with recycled polyester, 100% of nylon fabrics made with recycled nylon, and organic cotton as their main materials, Tropicfeel keeps environmental sustainability in mind.
The details of this great bag are impressive. It literally contains a closet! With the complete wardrobe system, toiletry bag, pouch and camera bag, the 3-in-1 design can shift between 20-40L. These sturdy backpacks are made with weatherproof 100% recycled nylon and 64% recycled polyester and have a hidden hip belt.
Sustainable Fashion Backpacks
Large Backpack Satchel from Will’s Vegan Store
Will’s Vegan Store is a carbon-neutral company that manufactures beautiful shoes and bags in Italy and Portugal under EU employment, discrimination, and health and safety law. Your package will arrive in recyclable packaging, and you can use their return-to-recycle service at the end of the product’s (long) life.
A great option for the sustainable office, weekend stroll, or sightseeing, this vegan leather backpack is made from plants using bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe. The straps are adjustable and removable so that you can wear it as a backpack or a cross-body bag. The main compartment is even large enough to fit a 14″ laptop!
Cabana Backpack by Paravel
Paravel is a climate-neutral company that produces environmentally conscious luggage and accessories from up-cycled and sustainable materials like Ecocraft Canvas® and Negative Nylon™. To date, by planting trees through Eden Reforestation Projects, they have planted 14x the number of trees in New York’s Central Park.
If you want something unique, you can personalize this gorgeous bag with a hand-painted or embroidered monogram! This cute, durable, spill-proof, stain-repellent backpack is made from recycled vegan leather, and EcoCraft Canvas® made from five up-cycled plastic bottles. It comes in a few different colour styles, but this colour combo is my favourite!
The ReNew Transit Backpack by Everlane
Everlane has eliminated an impressive 90% of the virgin plastic from their supply chain. Their clothing, shoes, and accessories may contain ECONYL® yarn, ReWool & ReCashmere, or leather tanned at ISA Tantec, which is certified Gold by the Leather Working Group (LWG). Each product page also shows the cost to make the item, so you can see exactly where and how your money is being spent!
This sleek design can be worn with any outfit, yet it is super functional with a 15″ exterior laptop compartment, multiple slip and zipper pockets, water bottle pockets, and a strap for your rolling suitcase. Made with 100% recycled polyester, this chic-looking bag comes in a few different neutral colour choices.
Tokyo Tote Backpack by Bellroy
Bellroy is a Certified B Corp that uses various sustainable materials in bag design such as recycled polyester from water bottles, three kinds of recycled nylon from 100% recycled industrial nylon offcuts and bio-based materials made from renewable and up-cycled plant fibres. All of their leather comes from Leather Working Group gold-rated tanneries, although they also have several leather-free products.
This casual yet professional bag is made from durable, water-resistant fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles, and the Saltbush colour option shown here is leather-free. The straps can be tucked away to create a tote for a more sleek look, and pop pockets pop out when prompted and fold flat when closed. This 20L bag can hold a surprising amount of stuff, including your 15″ device!
Final Thoughts
True, eco-friendly backpacks might be more expensive than those made from cheap, environmentally harmful materials. But in the end, a backpack made from sustainable, durable and eco-friendly materials will last longer and cost less for humanity and the planet!
Remember, creating a sustainable lifestyle is like any other journey and must first begin with one single step. Perhaps making your next bag an environmentally friendly backpack will be yours!
All products recommended to you on Successfully Sustainable are independently researched in depth. To avoid waste and lead a minimal lifestyle, we test products only when required. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about this here.
