The 10 Best Eco-Friendly Backpack Brands

Whether you need an upgrade from your monogrammed high school bookbag or you're looking for something durable to take on your travels, there are so many options out there for sustainable backpacks. Here are the 10 best brands making backpacks from a mix of recycled, earth-friendly, and vegan materials, according to our readers.

ORI London makes five types of backpacks in various colors, composed of recycled or upcycled materials. The company is a Certified B Corp, and the most common materials used for its backpacks are recycled nylon and recycled canvas made from RPET. Additionally, the waterproof bags are made without PFAS or PFOA. ORI London has a commitment to become carbon-zero, and the company's packaging is cornstarch-based and biodegradable.

TORRAIN takes used feed and cement bags, and upcycles them into new backpacks and bags. The interior liner of these bags is made with recycled plastic bottles. TORRAIN bags are crafted by artisans in Cambodia, and for every item sold, TORRAIN donates $1 to sustainable practices and communities in need worldwide.

Swedish brand Sandqvist makes its backpacks and other travel bags from sustainable materials like recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. The company also uses leather for some products. Sandqvist is part of the Swedish Textile Initiative for Climate Action, with the goal of reducing its emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Sandqvist is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and implements its Code of Labor Practices in all supplier locations.

Canadian company Bedi originally began its sustainability journey by recycling old seatbelts into items. The company's stylish backpacks, totes, and "totepacks" are made of vegan leather, ECONYL, or upcycled leather. Bedi is a Certified B Corp and uses materials that are USDA Certified Organic and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Bedi also has a second life program with discounted items.

Terra Thread's backpacks and bags use Fair Trade organic cotton and other GOTS-certified materials. The Everyday Backpack and the Mini Backpack are available in over eight colors, and each purchase supports Feeding America by donating meals to those in need. The company is a Certified B Corp, carbon neutral, and a Regenerative Organic Certified brand. Terra Thread's factory is also Fair Trade certified.

Troubadour makes several types of backpacks, but its bestselling model, the Apex Backpack 3.0, is made from recycled plastic bottles, and features fluorocarbon-free waterproofing. The company is a Certified B Corp, its packaging is made from 100 percent recycled materials, and Troubadour also aims to make its products 100 percent recyclable by 2026. Additionally, the Orbis Circular Collection is entirely zero-waste, as it is made from recycled polyester that can be recycled again.

Certified B Corp United by Blue prioritizes using biodegradable materials for its backpacks and other products, including GOTS and OCS-certified organic cotton, Oeko-Tex/GRS standard recycled cotton, recycled nylon, and recycled plastic bottles. Each backpack is composesd of roughly eight recycled plastic bottles. For every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from the oceans and waterways.

8000Kicks's products revolve around the wonders of industrial hemp. The company's hemp backpacks are not only 100 percent hemp but PFC-free weatherproof and can fit a 15-inch laptop. 8000Kicks has CITEVE and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications. The company is also working on minimizing and offsetting its greenhouse emissions. Additionally, 8000Kicks makes vegan, waterproof, hemp shoes.

Cotopaxi is known for its eco-friendly packs and travel gear. The Allpa backpacks use 100 percent recycled fabrics. Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corp, and the company has a ReSale option where customers can purchase secondhand items at a discount. At least 96 percent of Cotopaxi's products are made with either deadstock, recycled, or responsible materials.

Topo Designs makes backpacks and travel bags. Topo Designs' website states that currently, 82 percent of its products use organic or recycled materials, and the company aims to make this 100 percent in 2025. The company also aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. In an effort to reduce waste, Topo Designs also has a repair program.