Eco-friendly backpacks are a real thing these days.
They are long-lasting, functional, ethically made and friendly to the environment.
Whether you’re after a stylish backpack for work or college, or a school bag for your kids, a day hike backpack or a weekend trip bag to pack up extra clothes and toiletries, here is a comprehensive list of the best eco-friendly backpacks available.
Our Reviews for the Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks
1. United By Blue
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United By Blue eco backpacks are great for daily commute or day hike. The backpacks are made using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and vegetable-tanned leather.
The company is also B Corp certified meaning that the brand meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
A majority of the United By Blue backpacks feature a laptop sleeve and have compartments of different sizes. These backpacks are versatile and can be used for school, work or weekend getaways.
2. Patagonia
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Patagonia’s extensive backpack collection features versatile and multi-purpose backpacks. The brand’s main goal is to encourage people to live consciously. One backpack is bound to meet all your needs.
Whether you use it for school, as a carry-on, or as an overnight bag, Patagonia backpacks will suit each function.
The backpacks are built to last. These water-resistant backpacks can withstand sun, rain, or hail.
Patagonia’s backpacks are made responsibly using eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled nylon. They are also dyed with a solution that saves 1/2 gallon of water per bag and uses 96% less CO2 than conventional dyes. This makes the backpacks kind to the environment.
3. Fjällräven
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Sustainability is key to Fjallraven. Thus, the company uses natural and recycled materials and does not use harmful chemicals when making make its backpacks.
Fjallraven prioritizes longevity, recyclability, function, and simplicity.
To push further with its commitment to sustainability, the company is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Fair Labor Association.
4. thredUP
Buying secondhand backpacks is definitely the most sustainable and affordable option
thredUP’s line of gently-used backpacks takes away textile waste and amplifies functionality. From this line of recycled backpacks, you can easily find a backpack you love for super cheap.
Sometimes you can find the most expensive brands for almost 90% off. Some of the items still have tags on them.
5. REI
REI carries a number of backpack brands. The company, however, ensures that each brand it features meets a minimum standard of ethical and sustainable operation.
REI has a wide variety of backpacks made from recycled and natural materials to choose from. These backpacks are not only made sustainably but are incredibly durable and made to last long.
6. Parker Clay
Parker Clay sells handcrafted luxury leather goods made in Ethiopia, where they employ over 100 artisans.
The company is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to providing dignity and empowerment for its employees. Parker Clay also focuses on producing the highest quality products.
Parker Clay backpacks are made from full-grain leather that’s produced in a metal-free tanning environment. The leather is produced using less water, energy, no chrome or metals, and no sulfide.
7. Everlane
Everlane is a brand popular for its affordable eco-friendly products.
The brand features responsibly-made backpacks that are spacious and stylish. Their backpacks are designed for the modern man and woman.
Everlane’s sustainable backpacks are big enough to hold your laptop, notebooks, water bottle, and accessories.
The majority of Everlane backpacks are also water-resistant making then perfect for a weekend trip or a day hike.
8. Mokuyobi
Mokuyobi backpacks are perfect for students who love to stand out and turn heads.
Mokuyobi intentionally designs funky and unique backpacks meant to brighten up your mood. The backpacks come in patches, vibrant colors, and unique prints.
Made from scratch in Los Angeles, these responsibly-made packs are perfect for school, or just to carry around on the weekend.
Mokuyobi backpacks are made responsibly and are durable. The company is so confident in the quality of its backpacks that it offers a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
9. EST WST
As its name suggests, EST WST is a brand that values cultures.
The company manufactures fun and quirky backpacks that are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Nepal, India and the United States.
These ethical backpacks are manufactured using chemical and pesticide-free materials such as organic canvas and organic cotton lining, recycled waterproof lining, and vegetable-tanned leather.
10. TUMI Recycled Capsule Backpacks
TUMI recently launched a line of recycled backpacks known as Recycled Capsule collection. This collection features exceptionally designed backpacks made from post-consumer recycled bottles and post-industrial recycled nylon.
TUMI stylish backpacks are ideal for work, school, travel and everywhere in between.
11. Terra Thread
Terra Thread features a super affordable, casual backpack that is responsibly produced under Fair Trade certified conditions.
The backpack is made of GOTS certified organic cotton and GOTS certified dyes. The zippers and fasteners are lead-free.
The Terra Thread backpack comes with a laptop sleeve, padded shoulders, and lead-free zippers.
The backpack comes in one style but with nine earth-tone color options to choose from for customization.
12. Stubble & Co
Stubble & Co Stylish produces durable and multifunctional backpacks made from 100% recycled RPET plastic. The backpacks also have to pass stringent performance tests.
The backpacks are quite versatile and can be used anywhere– traveling to work, the gym, overnight trips, and even weekend getaways.
Stubble & Co is also exploring other sustainability practices including setting up a repair workshop where they repair and replace backpacks where possible.
If you’re looking to buy a durable backpack that will last forever to avoid waste, then go for an eco-friendly backpack.
Buying an eco-friendly backpack will also be great for your wallet and for the planet too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backpacks eco friendly?
This depends on the material used to make the backpacks. Eco-friendly backpacks are made using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and vegetable-tanned leather.
Can backpacks be recycled?
Backpacks can be recycled depending on the materials used to make them. There are lots of backpacks made of recyclable materials. For backpacks made from nonrecyclable material, you can take them apart and reuse individuals parts such as zips, buttons, pockets, laptop sleeves, etc.
