7 Sustainable Backpacks For Back-to-School (2026)

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We’ve carried these sustainable backpacks everywhere, from school to weekend getaways to work. These are our top picks for sustainable backpacks that last.

Whether you’re heading back to school, running errands around town, or hiking a trail, there are lots of reasons a backpack can come in handy. And as functional as they may be, we love for them to be fashionable, too. But what’s most important to us is to find one that is ethically and sustainably made — a bag that is kind to its makers and the environment.

These bags are responsibly made and/or give back to communities in need, and with different volumes and compartments, they can take you from the workday to the weekend with ease.

Our criteria:

Our editors have worn, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands for sustainable backpacks. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the criteria below.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | These backpacks are made with sustainable materials and recycled fabrics, minimizing waste and excess production during manufacturing.
AFFORDABILITY | If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck, as we’ve made sure to include affordable, sustainable backpack options on this list.
ETHICS | Each of these sustainable brands is intentional about sourcing and manufacturing, uses cruelty-free practices, and ensures safe, fair working conditions.

If you’ve got back-to-school vibes on the brain, check out our guides to online classes, shoes, and handbags.

Best Overall | Patagonia, $69+
Best For Commuters | Quince, $45+
Best For Kids | STATE, $80+

1. STATE

Best For | Personalized backpacks, backpacks for adults and kids
Ethics | Gives back, fair trade, ethical working conditions, recycled materials
Price | $80+

If you (or your kid) are into monogrammed bags, look no further than STATE, which lets you personalize your backpack with your initials or embroidered symbols. More than just style, though, STATE has got substance: For every bag purchased, the company supports American families in need, including donating backpacks full of supplies to local students and partnering with schools and charities. With a variety of vegan, water-resistant, and recycled material options, you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Customer Review | “Absolutely love this bag. I had tried out some other bags, even settled on another one which I had been using but didn’t love. Came across this one when I saw it on a mom while I was at an ice cream shop and just knew it would be a good fit. It has exceeded my expectations and while this may sound silly, it brings me a lot of joy.” – C.D. (Read all reviews.)

Person with long braids wearing a sleeveless shirt holds a large green backpack over one shoulder, facing away from the camera against a plain background.

Child wearing a pink jacket, leopard shorts, and black boots stands in front of lockers, holding a star-patterned pink backpack and matching lunchbox.

2. Patagonia

Best For | Technical & casual backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, recycled & sustainable materials, fair trade, gives back, secondhand options
Price | $69+

Patagonia is known for creating versatile products, and its extensive backpack collection is no exception. Carefully constructed for more conscious living, the Patagonia packs are made to meet all your needs. Find what you need by sorting the bags by volume, materials used (like recycled polyester and nylon), or features (like hydration compatibility and laptop compartments). Whether you use it for school, as a carry-on, or as an overnight bag, Patagonia backpacks are built for transition.

Customer Review | “Awesome backpack. Holds a lot but distributes the weight so you don’t feel like you are carrying a super heavy pack.” – Mary (Read all reviews.)

A woman wearing a blue textured sweater and black pants carries a large pink and purple Patagonia backpack. A red "The Good Trade Award Winner 2026" badge is in the corner.

3. Quince

Best For | Sustainable children’s backpacks
Ethics | Eco-friendly, natural & recycled materials, BSCI & Sedex Certified factory production, transparent manufacturing & pricing
Price | $55+

Quince makes it easy to stay organized with its collection of sustainable, child-friendly backpacks. These affordable, eco-friendly knapsacks are the perfect size and include all the compartments kids need to carry their essentials. Choose from recycled nylon, organic cotton or even neoprene options in a number of fun solid colors and patterns. Even better, these recycled backpacks are crafted from up to 29 recycled water bottles.

Customer Review | “I absolutely love my new leather backpack!!! The quality of the leather is amazing and it is a beautiful camel color. This is the perfect bag for my laptop and is much easier on my back. I can fit my computer in the back and keep the zipper up front hold so much too! I would highly recommend buying this. It was even better that I thougth it would be!!!” – Lisa C. (Read all reviews.)

Person wearing light gray sweatpants and white sneakers holds a brown quilted backpack by the top handle, standing against a plain light background.

Three bags with a colorful floral pattern: two backpacks of different sizes and a small matching pouch, displayed on a plain background.

4. Terra Thread

Best For | Organic cotton backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, fair trade, GOTS certified organic materials, gives back, carbon-neutral, eco-friendly packaging
Price | $66+

Made in fair trade factories using organic cotton, Terra Thread‘s affordable canvas backpacks are perfect for just about anything. With pockets and compartments for water bottles, laptops, and more, they’ll feel right at home when traveling or simply running errands. They’re also free of toxic dyes, lead, and any carbon footprint! Plus, in partnership with Feeding America, each backpack purchase provides meals to kids and families in need.

Customer Review | “I was so happy to find a backpack made with just canvas, no polyester or plastic, and ethically sourced. It’s really good quality, and I love the color options, though I expect I’ll need to get used to the firmer shoulder straps. Thank you!” – Julia V. (Read all reviews.)

A plain, coral-colored backpack with a front zip pocket and a small black label, photographed against a white background.

A brown backpack containing a laptop, books, a spiral notebook, a pencil pouch, and black over-ear headphones on a white surface.

5. Solgaard

Best For | Laptop backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, supports the prevention & removal of ocean-bound plastic, recycled materials, carbon neutral
Price | $125+

What do you get when you blend modern technology with sustainability? Solgaard! The brand’s Compass Backpack is a Red Dot Award winner for product design — and it’s easy to see why. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, from hidden compartments and laptop sleeves to cord pass-throughs, all in a slim profile made with recycled materials. Solgaard even offers backpacks with solar charging panels and a built-in travel closet system, so you can choose the pack that best fits your lifestyle. Plus, each bag comes with a two-year warranty that covers essential components, so your investment is protected for the long haul.

Customer Review | “I love my new lifepack backpack. I am a school bus driver, plus I homeschool my kids. They ride the bus with me every day, and this holds so many snacks, plus their tablets and our juicepack. They can plug in and not bother me while I concentrate on the road and get the kids home safely.” – Jill (Read all reviews.)

A person wearing a grey backpack and light-colored shorts stands outdoors in front of a modern building with a red and green facade.

A woman in a sleeveless beige top and blue jeans sits on a low concrete wall, holding a gray backpack, with a modern building and plants in the background.

6. Bellroy

Best For | Black minimalist backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, recycled materials, LWG certified
Price Range | $89+

Bellroy is an Aussie-based brand dedicated to creating tech, travel, and work products better and more sustainable for all. Each backpack uses either recycled materials like nylon offcuts and plastic water bottles or premium Leather Working Group gold-rated leather. Each backpack is lightweight and optimized for comfort, while still holding all your essentials, so you can carry what you need during long work or travel days without the extra baggage. We’re also seriously impressed by the range of styles and the included six-year warranty — whether you’re on the market for a simple, functional work backpack or a playful totepack or minipack, this B Corp has it handled!

Person wearing a beige puffer jacket and carrying a large black backpack stands in front of a light gray wall.

7. ORI London

Best For | Wide mouth backpacks
Ethics | B Corp Certified, recycled & upcycled materials, vegan-friendly, carbon-zero commitment
Price | $90+

Since 2020, ORI London has focused on reducing plastic waste by repurposing items like plastic bottles and pre-consumer fabric scraps for their eco-friendly bags and backpacks. Their canvas and nylon materials are recycled, water-resistant, and vegan-friendly, and they’re packaged in biodegradable cornstarch. As a certified B Corporation, ORI is dedicated to making a positive impact beyond their profits. Their goal is to achieve Carbon Zero within five years by supporting environmental and community initiatives.

Customer Review | “I love the backpacks and crossbody bags, they’re well made and handy as I walk with crutches.” – Jennifer Gall (Read all reviews.)