12 Eco-friendly Backpack Brands Using Sustainable Materials
Not only are eco-friendly backpacks made with sustainable materials and ethical practices, but they are also built to last. Say goodbye to having to buy a new backpack every year. When you purchase eco-friendly your backpack will be with you for a long time.
Buying a backpack can be a bit of an investment, but it’s worth it considering how less often you’ll have to buy a new one.
Some companies are even committing to repairing the product instead of creating a new one. This helps cut the environmental costs even more.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What To Look For When Buying an Eco-friendly Backpack
When you are on the hunt for a backpack there are a few sustainable fabrics that you’ll want to be on the look for.
These sustainable materials are great for making the backpacks durable, while also making the environment happy. Here are a few things to look for.
Recycled materials - for example, plastic water bottles can be turned into a durable fiber that can create sturdy bags.
Organic cotton - Organic cotton is better for the environment, the farmers and workers, and the consumers. I’ve got more information about the benefits of organic cotton vs. regular cotton here.
Lead free -Lead isn’t just dangerous to our health, but also is not good for the environment.
The Best Sustainable Backpack Brands for Work, Travel, & Class
Here are a few of the best eco-friendly backpack brands that have great options for you to consider when you are shopping.
These are some of the best backpacks featuring natural materials, recycled materials, and made in an ethical supply chain.
Terra Thread's Affordable Fair Trade Backpacks
If you're looking for backpacks made with natural fibers, Terra Thread might be a good fit for you as these are made with organic cotton canvas.
Terra Thread uses fair trade practices and is a certified b-corp which means they take environmental responsibility seriously. Their backpacks are carbon neutral which is great!
Terra Thread backpacks come at a great price point. The large bags are $65, while the smaller bags are $55. What’s even better is that with each purchase helps support Feeding America.
When you buy a Terra Thread backpack you are saving drinking water and avoiding driving emissions. The farms that the material comes from are also pesticide free. Not only are you helping the environment, but you are helping those in need as well. That is a purchase you can feel good about.
Out of the four brands we are discussing in this post, the Terra Thread backpacks have the most variety when it comes to the colors that are available. With the 10+ color options, it’s easy to express yourself, while still caring for the environment.
They currently offer two different sizes. The regular size is perfect for school, work, traveling, and more.
They also have a smaller size that is perfect to bring along on a day trip, or even for children to use for school. They are both made with lead-free zippers and fasteners as well as great storage space.
Ministry of Supply's Durable Backpack for Everyday Use
If you're looking for a durable, stylish backpack with minimalist design, Ministry of Supply has some great options. Ministry of Supply collaborated with Peak Designs to create a backpack that easily transitions from work to play and is made to last for years to come.
Both of these brands are Climate Neutral Certified, and their products feature emissions reducing materials such as recycled nylon and polyester. Their backpacks range from $150-$260.
You'll also discover a few other products within this collaboration such as a fanny pack, duffel bag, and more.
Fiddlehead Creations Nature Inspired Backpacks Made from Recycled Water Bottles
Fiddlehead Creations is on a mission is to surround others with Earth's unique and irreplaceable treasures.
This brand believes nature is the greatest designer and source of limitless inspiration. Through the lens of their cameras, this brand capture nature's incredible patterns and beauty.
All designs are created directly from Fiddlehead Creations' photographs, producing one-of-a-kind patterns. The high quality backpacks are sustainably made from rPET made from recycled water bottles, felt, and canvas.
The backpacks are ethically handmade in the USA. These backpacks can be purchased for $75.
Plus, Fiddlehead Creations gives back by donating 10% of net proceeds will to nature conservation efforts.
Crupon's Minimalist Backpacks Made from Environmentally Friendly Materials
Crupon backpacks are made with a leather alternative crafted with recycled fibres that derive from other processes of the paper industry.
They use materials that are environment-friendly through OEKO-TEX® and FSC® certified, protecting forest for future generations.
Crupon’s recycled washable paper material is a leather alternative that is extremely lightweight and super strong.
Their bags are handmade in small batches and feature a minimalist style sure to compliment any outfit. Their bags can be purchased from $84-$106.
The Junk's One of a Kind Upcycled Backpacks
The Junk creates one of a kind handmade backpacks that are crafted from discarded truck tarpaulin and safety belts. These upcycled materials make the backpack incredibly durable.
This multi-purpose Urban style waterproof backpack features adjustable shoulder straps, inner compartment and a capacity ranging from 13 to 27 liters. The Junk's unique backpacks range from $90 to $139.
Carry Courage Vegan messenger Bags
While not a backpack, the NOMAD messenger Bags offer sustainability and style. These eco-friendly bags are ethically made in the USA with cork fabric and organic cotton.
These vegan bags are perfect for anyone on their way to work or college classes! The roomy bag has space for a laptop, notebooks, and all your essentials. With a range of pockets and pouches within the bag, you're sure to stay organized.
These vegan bags can be purchased for $349. Carry Courage offers three different color options!
Cotopaxi's Vibrant Backpacks for Everyday Life & Adventure
Cotopaxi has a Gear for Good® promise which is to make durable gear as ethically and sustainably as possible, and to use their company as a way to support communities in need.
To back up these claims Cotopaxi is a certified B corporation and Climate Neutral. They also have a lifetime warranty on their products stating they will "replace any item that has been affected by a manufacturing defect for the lifetime of the product."
Cotopaxi also has a trade in program allowing consumers to trade in their lightly used gear for store credit.
Sustainable shoppers can learn in depth about where specific products are made on their Sustainable by Design page which features bios for each of the factories.
Cotopaxi has a range of backpack including backpacks for everyday use and adventure outdoor type backpacks. They also have kids backpacks.
Cotopaxi backpacks are made with recycled materials and range in price from $60-$200. Their eco-friendly backpacks feature vibrant colors.
Patagonia Recycled Nylon backpacks
Patagonia is an outdoor sustainable lifestyle brand that has been at the forefront of eco-conscious consumerism for years. Patagonia's backpacks are mainly made from recycled nylon ensuring a strong hold and durability. Patagonia's backpacks range from $89-$299.
Patagonia also gives back through their partnership with 1% for the Planet.
Torrain's Repurposed Backpacks Made for Adventure & Daily Use
TORRAIN specializes in handcrafted goods made for adventure. Their eco-friendly bags and backpacks are made with materials that were originally used to transport feed, rice, malt and cement and their liner is made from plastic bottles which makes the products extremely durable, lightweight and water resistant!
TORRAIN materials are then washed, cut and sewn both in the Pacific Northwest and by partnering communities in Cambodia.
Their backpacks features unique designs from the upcycled materials and range in price from $50-$54. TORRAIN also gives back by donating $1 from every bag sold.
Alchemy Goods's Upcycled Backpacks
At Alchemy Goods you can choose from the traditional backpack or a messenger bag, both are eco-friendly of course. On their website you’ll see that there are seven different options between the backpacks and messenger bags. They range from $100-$140.
These bags are made from materials like upcycled bicycle inner tubes, nylon fabric, foam padding, and more. Alchemy Goods not only source their upcycled eco-friendly materials from the United States, they also make their products here.
United by Blue’s Sustainable Backpacks Built for the Everyday Use
United by Blue has a backpack for every situation/activity that you would need one for. There are a few trendy, everyday backpacks that are great for school or a trip to a coffee shop. Then you have more rugged, adventurous backpacks that are great for camping, hiking, and any outdoor activities.
United by Blue backpacks range from $78-$148, depending on what type of backpack you are wanting. United by Blue uses recycled plastic bottles, as well as other sustainable materials, to make their products eco-friendly.
United by Blue is passionate about their products, their employees, their customers, and the ocean. They have factories all over the world. Each one has the employees in mind to make sure the working conditions are safe.
Aside from their company, they also are intentional about doing their part in the environment. They do this by having cleanup days. Volunteers come to one of these events to help clean the beaches from trash. You can even buy a cleanup kit to organize your own cleanup event near you.
Stubble and Co's Waterproof Backpacks
Stubble and Co creates bags and backpacks made from waterproof recycled materials. This brand encourages people to "do more" while being conscious of their environmental impact. Their sturdy backpacks and duffel bags range from $135-$255.
Choose from a variety of styles such as the Adventure Bag or the everyday backpack to meet your specific bags. Stubble and Co also offers a range of color options.
Hopefully our list of the best eco-friendly backpacks helped give you a good starting place to shop! Happy shopping!
More Helpful Sustainable Accessory Guides:
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