8 of the Best Backpack Brands for Everyday

The most sustainable backpack is the one you already own. Before buying a new one, consider repairing your current bag to extend its life — many brands even offer repair services to help you do just that.

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Also read: How to Repair Your Backpack

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But if you truly need a new one, there are plenty of sustainable options made with durable, low-impact materials and built to last. Here are some standout sustainable backpack brands worth checking out:

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Fjällräven

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Fjällräven builds tough, versatile backpacks that handle the trail and the city with ease. The lineup includes daypacks, trekking packs, and travel bags built for all kinds of adventures. The brand backs its gear with repair services, a lifetime warranty, and a take-back program to resell used items. Many styles stick around for years — some have been going strong since the 1960s.

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Topo Designs

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Topo Designs makes rugged, do-it-all backpacks built to last and designed with the planet in mind. The lineup includes everything from backpacks and duffels to crossbody bags, bike bags, hip packs, and travel gear. The brand uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and 100% recycled nylon. Every bag comes with a lifetime warranty, plus repair services and care guides to help you keep your gear going strong for years.

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Terra Thread

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From full-sized school bags to the compact Zem Mini, every backpack from Terra Thread is designed to be functional, durable, and sustainable. The brand uses 100% organic cotton canvas grown by smallholder farmers in India using rain-fed farming, no harmful chemicals or excess water. All of its bags are made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories that ensure safe conditions and fair treatment for workers.

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United by Blue

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United by Blue makes practical, sustainable backpacks that turn trash into treasure. Its (R)evolution™ collection transforms plastic bottles into durable, water-resistant bags in various sizes — from the compact 3.5L Mini Tote to the commuter-friendly 25L Transit Pack. For every product sold, the brand removes one pound of trash from waterways. The backpacks are stain-resistant and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

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8000 Kicks

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8000 Kicks crafts sustainable backpacks from industrial hemp, a highly durable and sustainable material that's been used since 8000 BC (hence the name). Hemp requires almost no water or fertilizers to grow, naturally restores soil nutrients, and has anti-bacterial properties, making it a sustainable material. The brand backs its products with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

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Rothy's

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Rothy's stylish backpacks blend function with sustainability. Its machine-washable bags incorporate 600-900 grams of ocean-bound marine plastic, using thread collected within 30 miles of waterways, combined with Rothy’s signature thread spun from plastic bottles. The brand also runs a take-back recycling program for its own items.

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Cotopaxi

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Travel, outdoor activities, or everyday work — Cotopaxi has a colorful backpack for every occasion. Its one of a kind backpacks are made from excess fabric, which comes from leftover deadstock fabric. Some of its other backpacks are made from 100% recycled polyester and nylon. Cotopaxi has a repair program, offers a lifetime warranty, and has a take-back program that accepts its own brand's items for resale.

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Patagonia

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Patagonia offers a wide range of backpacks designed for various needs, from outdoor adventures to everyday use and travel. Its activity-based designs cater to specific outdoor pursuits including hiking, alpine climbing, rock climbing, trail running, and fly fishing. The backpacks are crafted from sustainable materials like recycled nylon and organic cotton. All Patagonia backpacks are produced in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, ensuring ethical manufacturing practices.

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For budget-conscious shoppers seeking a more sustainable option, check out Patagonia's Worn Wear program, which offers pre-loved backpacks at lower prices.

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Geartrade

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While this is not your usual sustainable backpack brand, you’ll find a range of secondhand, pre-owned backpacks on Geartrade. You can easily filter products by condition (new, good, excellent, or fair) and by specific brands, including Patagonia and Fjällräven, from our list. By buying secondhand backpacks, you will help reduce waste and leave a lighter ecological footprint.

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