The 8 Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks of 2023

Best Overall

Terra Thread Sustainable Backpacks for College and Everyday Use

4.8

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Terra Thread’s backpacks may just be the best one out there, with ample five-star reviews that tout the product's quality. The backpacks are made with 100 percent organic and Fairtrade cotton and are processed and manufactured to meet Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). GOTS is a worldwide textile processing standard made for organic fibers and takes social and ecological criteria into consideration. The dyes used for the backpack are also GOTS certified.

These backpacks are also carbon neutral. The company offsets around 52 pounds of CO2 by supporting reforestation and solar power projects in India. Every purchase also supports Feeding America, with one purchase contributing around 20 meals. Terra Thread’s parent company, Gallant, is a Certified B Corporation. The backpack is great for everyday use and comes in 14 different colors. There is also a laptop pouch that can fit a 15-inch laptop, and the bag itself measures 16 x 12 x 5 inches.

Price at time of publish: $70

Best Budget

Ecogear Mohave Tui II Backpack

4.7

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Ecogear’s Mohave Tui II backpack is ideal for those that are looking for an affordable, eco-friendly backpack. The pack has a rugged and sleek design that is good to use for both school or day travel. The pack is 18 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches, with mesh side pockets for water bottles, and padded straps for added comfort.

The backpack is made of Repreve recycled fiber. Repreve transforms recycled bottles into a durable yarn that is then used to create the fabric of Ecogear’s backpack. All of Ecogear's products come with a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $45

Best for Kids

Apple Park Eco-Friendly Backpack

4.6

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Give the kid in your life a :backpack pal." Apple Park’s Eco-Friendly Backpacks come in either a fox, raccoon, or owl and are made with 100 percent recycled PET water-resistant fabric, saving 24 plastic bottles from the landfill. Recycled PET is made by melting down existing plastic bottles and and respinning them into a new polyester fiber that can be used for a variety of items. Recycled PET also decreases greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to manufacturing virgin polyester. 

The backpack includes padded fabric on the shoulder straps, a name tag on the back of the backpack, and Apple Park’s signature heart-shaped apple on the zipper. The company also has matching lunch boxes and eco-friendly goodies that you could pack in the backpack, as well as larger backpacks for older kids.

Price at time of publish: $39

Best for Laptops

Looptworks Kasum Upcycled Laptop Backpack

4.6

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This backpack by Looptworks is 100 percent upcycled, meaning this pack is made from materials that were previously designated for landfill or recycling. Since the backpack is a low-impact product, it comes with a ‘Loopt4Life’ guarantee that the products can last a lifetime.

The Kasum backpack has a separate compartment that can fit laptops or tablets up to 15 inches, as well as other slots and pockets to make storage and organization easier. The bag has padded handles and straps and measures 12 x 17 x 7.5 inches.

Price at time of publish: $70

Best for Work

Solo New York Re:Utilize Backpack Briefcase

4.6

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Transform your backpack into a briefcase with Solo New York’s Re:Utilize hybrid pack. The Re:Cycled collection, which includes the backpack briefcase, is made from Recycled PET Polyester yarn, which uses 50% less energy, 20% less water, and emits 60 percent less air pollution than regular polyester yarn. The padded laptop compartment can hold laptops up to 15 inches. It has two strap options: An adjustable shoulder strap and hideaway backpack straps that are padded for comfort.

Solo New York has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by attempting to recycle 40,000,000 plastic bottles by 2024 and implementing solar energy in some of the company’s headquarters. They have even partnered with the National Forest Foundation to help restore the nation’s forests.

Price at time of publish: $77

Best Waterproof

Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack

4.6

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Fjällräven’s High Coast Fold Sack is perfect for day trips or traveling, because it's light and 100 percent waterproof. Though the seams and zipper are not water-resistant, the main fabric is and offers good protection against rain. It also has detachable chest and hip straps.

The fabric itself is made from 100 percent recycled nylon. The fold-over top of this pack allows you to make more space in the main compartment of the pack. The pack allows space for a 15-inch laptop and has various interior and exterior pockets that are easily accessible. Fjällräven uses a number of sustainable manufacturing strategies and has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. It's a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Price at time of publish: $98

Best Vegan

United By Blue 15L Commuter Pack

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Another pick from United by Blue, the commuter backpack is also 100 percent vegan and made from recycled plastic bottles. It's is a sleek and lightweight everyday carry. This backpack has a padded interior laptop sleep that has a flap and can hold a laptop up to 13 inches. 

The pack is also water-resistant and stain-resistant and comes with a lifetime guarantee. When a backpack is purchased, you must register the bag with United by Blue, that way if any problem occurs or you need a repair, United by Blue can take care of it (though general wear and tear are not included in this).

Price at time of publish: $78