Top 5 Sustainable Backpacks for Urban Adventurers
The quest for the perfect backpack, one that combines fashion, functionality, and sustainability can be an arduous one. Most recently, I've been on the lookout for a multi-purpose city backpack and thought I’d summarize and share my findings. I've scoured countless articles and visited many online stores to find a bag that is: durable, multi-purpose, intelligently designed, waterproof, and has a low environmental impact. Naturally, prices increase with size, features, sustainability, as well as the quality of the materials. Although most bags range from 100€ to 300€ it is worth remembering that this is an ethical investment that will get a lot of use.
Without any further ado, here are my top 5 backpack brands picks
Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons bags are built to travel light without compromising functionality and style. Every single high-quality feature was designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers, movers and shakers. Each bag is thoughtfully designed with features like meticulously placed pockets, compartments for tech essentials, and elements for smooth travels like an adjustable sleeve for sliding over suitcase handles.
Materials used: Recycled plastic, organic cotton and recycled nylon, Nappa leather.
Price range: $70 - $300
FREITAG
Freitag is a brand committed to the circular, closed-loop economy that makes one-of-a-kind bags and accessories.
Two brothers Markus and Daniel Freitag inspired by the multicolored heavy traffic that rumbled through the Zurich transit intersection in front of their flat, developed a messenger bag from used truck tarpaulins, discarded bicycle inner tubes and car seat belts. This is how the first FREITAG bags took shape in the living room of their shared apartment – each one recycled, each one unique.
Today Freitag has made themselves the unofficial outfitter of urban, bike-riding individuals.
Materials used: recycled truck tarp and fully compostable textiles
Price range: 175 - 300€
grünBAG
With a big heart for recycling and creative design, grünBAGs founder and designer Helen Leegaard, decided to redirect and reuse industrial materials that were on route to the landfill and then turn them into high quality bags.
Today, their colorful collection of bags offers a bold alternative to those searching for both unique design and sustainability.
Materials used: Recycled or sustainably sourced.
* The company is working towards a zero waste production model.
Price range: 128 - 170€
SEALAND
Rooted in Cape Town’s southern peninsula where mountains and ocean so vividly connect, Sealand was born with a conviction of prioritizing the environment, functional designs, and longevity. Smart material selection, compelling functionality, and product durability are all signatures of Sealand.
Materials used: Recycled or upcycled
Price range: 99 - 250€
SANDQVIST
The Swedish bag-brand Sandqvist has mastered the Nordic backpack. With its minimal aesthetic, attention to details, focus on functionality, and high-quality materials these bags stand as an embodiment of Scandinavian ethos.
From soft leathers to hard wearing canvas, Sandqvist stands for quality and urban style that seeks inspiration from the sparse nature of Northern Europe.
Materials used: Vegetable tanned leathers, organic cotton canvas, recycled polyester and recycled nylon.
Price range: 90 - 250€