11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Image by Sustainable Jungle #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Image by Sustainable Jungle
11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Image by Stubble & Co #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Image by Stubble & Co

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring

Lockdown may be a distant memory, but the love of the great outdoors that many rediscovered is being appreciated and embraced more than ever before. 

Of course, while you’re ogling over the view beyond your kitchen window, don’t forget a trusty sustainable backpack to keep your stuff and the planet safe.

Whether we’re trekking in the mountains or trekking to work, eco-friendly backpacks can help us pack up our everyday essentials while leaving our eco woes at home.

Because the hike downhill is always more fun, we’ll start at the top—the top eco-friendly backpacks for school, college, work, hiking, and more, that is.

Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.

Eco-Friendly Backpack Brands At the Forefront Of Sustainability

Solgaard’s sustainable work backpacks get full marks for do-it-all designs and innovation, all the while using recycled materials.

For a completely natural backpack, 8000Kicks uses waterproof and dustproof hemp fabric, meaning you’re getting a backpack that lasts for years—and composts when it’s finally lugged its last load.

For eco-friendly hiking backpacks, there’s nothing more comfortable for your back or the planet than the recycled material backpacks from Patagonia.

Need a little schooling on what makes these backpacks better, hike on down to the end of the article or watch our video above.

The Full List Of Sustainable & Recycled Backpacks


1. Solgaard

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly AdventuringImages by Solgaard#sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Solgaard

About Solgaard

Price Range: $125–$245

Looking for sustainable backpacks for school, college, the office, and everything in between?

Solgaard and their ultra-versatile “gear for global citizens” is your best bet.

As an eco-friendly luggage brand, they offer a range of bags, big and small, including eco-friendly laptop backpacks.

We love the ultra durable Lifepack, a range of cool recycled backpacks which we personally tested. It comes with a built-in solar panel and power bank, anti-theft lock, USB port for on-the-go charging, and optional integrated solar-powered boombox.

Basically a sustainable campers dream pack.

We’ve been using a Lifepack daily for about two years and it still looks like new. We’re so impressed with the durability, both with the backpack fabric itself and integrated technology. The Bluetooth speaker also gets regular use both at home and on the go.

Solgaard‘s Ethical & Sustainability Practices 

Materials: 

Solgaard’s Shore-Tex™ and Artemis environmentally friendly backpacks are made entirely of recycled ocean-bound plastic, so they’re on point when they claim they’re “Sustainable AF”.

The solar boombox encasement is also made of recycled ocean plastic called Shore-Plast™.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

As a Certified B Corp, factories and suppliers have to pass the highest standards of audits. 100% of travel gear factories have been audited within the last year. 

85% of partners use reputable third-party audits like WRAP or ICAS. The aim is for this to be 100%. 

Carbon commitments and green practices: 

Solgaard backs every ethical backpack with a 10-year warranty in an effort to ensure their products get to enjoy a really long life of adventure.

Thanks to their plastic removal partnerships, they have helped divert 1.4 million pounds of plastic from our oceans and are working on becoming a climate-positive company. 

Community & charitable giving: 

Each recycled plastic backpack is made possible through their partnership with Plastic Bank, an ocean plastic recovery organization based in the Philippines that employs locals.

For each item sold, they remove up to 6 pounds of plastic trash from the ocean.


2. 8000Kicks

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly AdventuringImages by 8000Kicks#sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by 8000Kicks

About 8000Kicks

Price Range: $159

8000Kicks wants you to “hemp yourself up from head to toe”.

They’re not only one of our favorite sustainable hiking shoe brands, but they also offer completely natural, sustainably-made backpacks to accompany you on that hike.

The Everyday Backpack is minimalist design with several stylish tri-color blocks. Did we mention it’s functionality is on-point?

They’re 18L but expand up to 30L, and feature a 15-inch laptop compartment, an embedded USB plug, and an anti-theft pocket. We love how easy this backpack is to use when out and about not to mention who robust the hemp fabric is at keeping wear and tear to a minimum.

8000Kicks’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

Hardwear aside, each eco backpack is made of 100% durable hemp fabric.

Because hemp is naturally water-repellent, these packs are water-resistant without the use of PFCs.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

8000Kicks manufacturers in both China and Portugal. Both factories are inspected often, especially since an 8000Kicks representative is stationed in both locations.

Free healthcare and education are available for the workers in the family-owned Portuguese factory.

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

Their Portuguese and Chinese factories use ~50% renewable and ~40% renewable energy, respectively, and 8000Kicks works with them to keep increasing this number.

As a vegan shoe brand, 8000Kicks never uses leather, in shoes or backpacks. This means the carbon emissions from producing their shoes are 1/20 that of leather shoes.

They offset all emissions through tree planting and hemp farming.


3. Patagonia

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Patagonia #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Patagonia

About Patagonia

Price Range: $89–$299

We can’t mention any sustainable outdoor clothing or adventure-specific gear without a shout-out to Patagonia.

With over 30 different packs, divided into casual and technical, Patagonia has your back quite literally covered.

Some are more sustainable than others, but their best bets are their 100% recycled Arbor and Black Hole® eco-friendly travel backpacks.

For a sustainable hiking backpack, have a look at the Cragsmith and Middle Fork recycled backpacks, designed to carry your eco-friendly climbing rope with ease.

Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

For Patagonia’s backpacks, recycled materials (namely recycled polyester and nylon) are king, though some feature virgin percentages of each.

For the best recycled backpacks, the Black Hole® backpacks aren’t just 100% recycled, but made of bluesign® approved recycled polyester, including the lining, ripstop exterior, and even straps and external webbing.

The Arbor line is also recycled and dyed with a solution that uses 1/2 gallon of waterless and 96% less CO2 per bag.

All are PVC-free, phthalate-free, and treated with a PFC-free finish on the sustainable waterproof backpacks.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

Want to know why Fair Trade-certified Patagonia consistently falls in the top 20 brands of Fashion Revolution’s Fashion Transparency Index?

In The Footprint Chronicles, you’ll find the answer. At the bottom of each product page, you can learn about where the item is manufactured, and much more.

Their entire line of fair trade backpacks are manufactured in Kanaan Saigon Co., Ltd in Vietnam.

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

Can backpacks be recycled? 

They can if they’re from Patagonia. Send it back to Patagonia Worn Wear and after assessing it, they’ll either recycle it or resell it on the platform.

Not only are their backpacks made from recycled materials, but 94% of their line is, along with 100% of their cotton being organic or grown via their regenerative agriculture pilot program.

They use a Zero-Wastewater Discharging System to make their Black Hole® line, use kraft paper hang tags and recycled poly bags, and have solid climate goals in place, like reaching net zero by 2040.

Community & charitable giving: 

As co-founders of one of the biggest charitable brand programs around, 1% for the Planet, it’s safe to say Patagonia is passionate about giving back.

Not only are they now owned by two non-profits (meaning all profits are reinvested into climate positive action), but they fight political fronts to fight for the environment and promote responsible business practices across the industry.

Visit the Patagonia Action Works page to learn how you can get involved in your local community.


4. Jack Wolfskin

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Jack Wolfskin #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Jack Wolfskin

About Jack Wolfskin

Price range: $40–$500

How do you backpack sustainably? 

Well, aside from following eco camping tips, by choosing sustainable hiking backpacks made from recycled materials, like those by Jack Wolfskin.

This outdoor adventure clothing and accessory brand is so proud of its sustainability mission that it’s written a book about it. 

Backpacks aren’t always the most comfortable thing to wear, but Jack Wolfskin has analyzed their common misgivings and created a range that is not only breathable and resilient, but comfortable as well. 

With models designed for casual and extreme conditions alike, there’s something for everyone—including backcountry skiers, thanks to their RECCO® avalanche-safety equipped styles.

Jack Wolfskin’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

Their most sustainable backpacks are fully recycled, like the ECOLOADER 12 backpacks made from recycled plastic bottles—from the diamond grip Ripstop outer fabric down to the webbing and trim.

Not all are this top-notch, but most contain at least some recycled content.

The entire range is bluesign® certified and free of PVC and polyfluorinated chemicals. 

Supply chain & labor practices:

In the name of transparency, you can find detailed information on each of their many global partners on their website.

Suppliers and manufacturers have to meet strict standards relating to safe and fair working conditions, wastewater tests, and bluesign®-specific chemical use criteria. 

This maker of women’s and men’s sustainable backpacks has joined the Fair Wear Foundation, using its Code of Conduct that requires regular on-site audits to ensure compliance.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Effective supply chain management is at the heart of operations and what allows Jack Wolfskin to reduce carbon emissions on all transports. Cargo by ship is favored over air cargo, as are less frequent bulk shipments to stores.

The company encourages eco-friendly transportation for employees and its locations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have entirely converted to renewable energy, some of which it generates itself. 

Plastic bags are banned in individual stores, hang tags are made from FSC-certified paper, and plastic transport packaging is being replaced by 100% recycled bags.

Community & charitable giving: 

Jack Wolfskin is actively involved in the Outdoor Industry Microfibre Consortium and their work in addressing the pervasive microplastic problem, especially associated with synthetic outdoor gear.

They regularly donate to causes that work with disabled individuals and organize an annual “Wolf’s Run” with the proceeds going to charity.


5. Stubble & Co

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly AdventuringImages by Stubble & Co#sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Stubble&Co

About Stubble & Co

Price range: $35–$275

For sustainable backpacks UK readers can just as well take on a stroll through the Lake District as they can the streets of London, Stubble & Co provides thanks to their company motto: “That’ll do, will never do.”

Their range of mini, roll tops, day packs (like the Everyday Backpack pictured left), and sustainable backpacks for work is versatile for vacations, staycations, and everything in between, whatever your destination. 

If you’ve packed your eco-friendly tent and you’re heading out for your next road trip, you’ll have no problems fitting everything in The Weekender XL green travel backpack. It’s got a massive 60L capacity and is made from water-repelling British Millerain Tekwax®, you might even try it while scuba diving.

Stubble & Co’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

The Adventure Bag and the Roll Top designs are made from recycled materials, including 600D and 200D recycled PET, fabric and webbing.

The canvas range is made from British Millerain Tekwax® dry waxed canvas. Are canvas backpacks eco-friendly? 

Absolutely. They are usually made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and linen, which make them zero waste backpacks once any hardware is removed.

However, Stubble & Co’s canvas packs also contain full-grain leather, but we’ll be reaching out for more details on their leather sourcing and tanning practices.

Supply chain & labor practices:

Stubble & Co only works with suppliers who have passed BSCI audits to confirm workers are treated ethically and legally. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

All packaging is sized for the products and comes from certified FSC sources. It is fully recyclable, and compostable, and uses water-based inks. 

Climate Neutral Certified, they offset all carbon emissions by investing in climate change solutions. 

Community & charitable giving:

As part of 1% for the Planet, Stubble & Co is committed to giving 1% of annual sales to approved environmental nonprofits.


6. Pixie Mood

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Sustainable Jungle #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Sustainable Jungle

About Pixie Mood

Price range: $105–$135

For more than a decade, Pixie Mood has been making an attractive selection of backpacks made from recycled plastic bottles and other sustainable fabrics.

Some might consider them far too stylish for any outdoor adventures, but there’s plenty of room in their eco city backpacks for any about-town endeavors.

Take the Blossom Backpack, for example. Both eco-friendly and tech-friendly, this sustainable laptop backpack is spacious enough to fit a 15” MacBook Pro. It’s also ideal for working professionals, students, or travelers looking for a sustainable solution for everyday use.

Pixie Mood’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

This brand uses various GRS-certified materials including solvent-free vegan leather, recycled canvas, wool, and recycled plastic bottles.

Hardware used across the different backpack products is compliant with the European Union REACH standard, which means chemical usage is closely monitored and heavily restricted.

Supply chain & labor practices:

Manufacturing takes place in Asia and all sites are audited twice annually to ensure standards are met, including no forced/child labor, safe working environments, fair wages and benefits, and no harassment or abuse. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Thanks to its partnership with TerraPass, Pixie Mood can call itself a Carbon Positive company. This means every order shipped helps remove carbon from our atmosphere.

Pixie Mood uses biodegradable, corn-based packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastic. To help some products retain their shape during shipping, they’re packaged in recyclable EPE foam. 

Community & charitable giving:

Pixie Mood gives back and supports social and environmental causes through its membership with 1% for the Planet. They also partner with One Tree Planted and the Humane Society.


7. Fjällräven

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Fjällräven #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Fjällräven

About Fjällräven

Price Range: $70–$155

From the idyllic mountains of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, Fjällräven puts the environment first—so much so that you’ll be hard-pressed to find better sustainable outdoor backpacks in all shapes and sizes.

They even look sustainably-made backpacks, thanks to earthy tones and rustic color palettes for that understated adventurer. With 55 colors available, the choice is yours.

If you want to add some real color to your outdoor adventures or everyday excursions, check out the Fjallraven Kanken Rainbow pack. It features rainbow webbing straps for added visual interest and a removable seat pad.

Fjällräven’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

Fjällräven’s sorts sustainable materials into categories: excellent (recycled wool, organic hemp, and Tencel®); good (recycled polyester, G-1000 Eco and traceable woo)l; OK, (polyamide, cotton, metal buttons); and those they don’t use, (PFCs, PVCs, and angora wool).

Their sustainable backpack materials are considered “good” because the “excellent” ones wouldn’t be as durable.

They include mostly waterproof Bergshell fabric made from recycled nylon, G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco (a densely woven blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton), and recycled Corylon for fabric reinforcement.

A few packs include wool, which is either recycled or sourced ethically via their animal welfare policy, and their sustainable backpacking packs bear an FSC-certified birchwood frame.

Their Kånken packs are made of synthetic Vinylon F, which swells when they become damp making the weave tighter and the product weather-resistant sans chemical treatment.

Speaking of chemicals, the Fjällräven Chemical Guideline was compiled with the help of the Swedish Chemicals Group, and all products are tested rigorously in labs for non-toxicity.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Fair Labor Association and committed to the UN Global Compact, Fjällräven has a “non-negotiable” Code of Conduct for which they provide compliance training and support for all members of their supply chain.

These entities are also subject to brand visits and regular third-party audits.

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

Fjällräven designs“gear for generations” achieved through repairable designs, rigorous product testing, durable materials, and “emotional longevity” for timeless products that will never go out of style. 

Intentionally using just one or two materials makes their packs easier to recycle (eventually by Fjällräven themselves).

Hoping to go carbon-neutral by 2025, they support UN-verified renewable energy projects through carbon offset programs.

Community & charitable giving: 

Fjällräven means “arctic fox” in Swedish, and for over fifteen years, they’ve been funding scientists at Stockholm University to research the effects of climate change on the Scandinavian arctic fox.

In honor of the project that started it all, they now host the Arctic Fox Initiative, a grant program to which any environmental non-profit can apply. Winners are chosen by a jury and public voting system.

This fund supports other organizations—like the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics—via seasonal giving campaigns.


8. Cotopaxi

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Cotopaxi #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Cotopaxi

About Cotopaxi

Price Range: $55–$220

Cotopaxi, named after the iconic active volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes where founder Davis Smith spent a lot of time growing up, is on a simple yet inspiring mission to “do good”.

For your low-impact lugging purposes, their Del Dia line makes for the perfect sustainable backpacks for biking (and the office, if yours doesn’t mind a splash of color).

Part of their larger (Re)Purpose™ Collection, these bags “make leftovers shine” with their fun, one-of-a-kind color combos that’ll make you stand out on the trail, in town, or wherever you choose to sport it. 

Each maker is given full creative choice over the color combo, so Cotopaxi hopes you’ll see it as a signature of the artisan behind it.

Cotopaxi’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

“Made With (Re)Purpose™”, all Del Dia vegan eco-friendly backpacks are made from leftover fabric from other companies’ larger production runs. In other words, deadstock is the word of del dia. 

Other lines, like the Batac packs, also feature repurposed nylon, while some other styles still feature virgin synthetics.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

“We’re into funky; we’re into sustainable; we’re into treating those who sew our products with respect.”

As a Certified B Corp, Cotopaxi holds all factories to a rigorous code of conduct, verified by third-party audits.

All backpacks are made in Bataan, Philippines. This Higg Index-assessed factory specializes in collecting fabric scraps, making the Del Dia line possible. 

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

For the second year running, Cotopaxi is Climate Neutral certified and currently net zero. They track and publish their yearly carbon emissions (Scope 1-3) to hold themselves accountable for reducing it.

Cotopaxi is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, offers product repairs, and offsets bulk shipping (I.E. that of other retailers) by funding Amazon reforestation projects.

Community & charitable giving: 

1% of their earnings go directly to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which awards grants to various foundations aiming to improve conditions in impoverished countries.

They also donate money and emergency kits to refugees and disaster relief funds, encourage employee volunteering, and give discounts to customers that also do good (like firefighters and first responders).


9. Lo & Sons

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Lo & Sons #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Lo & Sons

About Lo & Sons

Price Range: $238–$658

Lo & Sons was founded by Helen Lo (a woman with an amazing life story) and her sons.

They create a handful of professional styles to choose from, most of which are unisex, so you can shop here for eco-friendly backpacks for women or men.

Each one bears a sleeve on the back to seamlessly integrate with the handle of their (or any other) luggage.

Lo & Sons has an upcycled collection that includes zero waste laptop sleeves as well as patchwork totes. They are 100% handmade from returned Lo & Sons bags, saved from landfill. 

Lo & Sons’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices 

Materials: 

The sustainable material used for backpacks by Lo & Sons is mostly recycled polyester from plastic bottles, some up to 100%.

If you’d prefer more professional-looking sustainable backpacks for college or work, some are made with vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather.

The most recent addition is a mix of recycled cotton canvas and organic canvas used in Lo & Sons’ Catalina collection of versatile travel bags.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

As members of the Future Fit Changemaker Community, Lo & Sons believes “it’s not enough to ‘do no harm‘”.

They keep their overseas factory closely monitored for fair labor practices.

To bring some production back to US soil, they’ve partnered with a small solar-powered domestic workshop for sustainable backpacks USA capsule collections.

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

Between solar energy in production, converting wastewater into drinking water, repairing, and reselling used bags via The Renewal Workshop, there are loads of green initiatives in the Lo & Sons supply chain.

They’re switching to biodegradable poly shipping bags and making 75% of their products eco-friendly by 2025.

Community & charitable giving: 

Lo & Sons donate regularly to Brooklyn Bridge Park and EcoHealth Alliance.


10. Terra Thread

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by Terra Thread #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by Terra Thread

About Terra Thread

Price Range: $60–$70

Terra Thread is taking us back(pack) to basics with their simple, yet all-purpose eco backpacks.

They want to help you “choose a bag you are proud to carry”.

Reliably simple and budget-friendly, these are especially suitable to use as sustainable school backpacks—you know, for all those zero waste school supplies

The Take the Earth backpack is the workhorse of Terra Thread’s line. Made from certified organic cotton canvas dyed into your choice of solid colors, it keeps things simple and sustainable.

Terra Thread’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

All these affordable eco-friendly backpacks are made of 100% Fairtrade GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas dyed with low-impact organic dyes.

They feature lead-free zippers and buckles.

Supply chain & labor practices: 

Terra Thread manufactures in a Fair Trade USA-certified factory in India.

Fair pay and good conditions aside, they also pay into a Fair Trade premium account controlled by the workers themselves and used for things like community development, education, healthcare, clean water, and leadership training. 

Carbon commitments & green practices: 

As a carbon-neutral business, they measure all impacts from each stage (fiber, production-factory, and transportation) and invest in projects to offset emissions.

Community & charitable giving: 

Every ethical backpack purchased allows Terra Thread to donate money to Feeding America which provides meals to those in need.


11. United By Blue

11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Images by United By Blue #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
Images by United By Blue

About United By Blue

Price Range: $88–$128

“Change comes in waves” thanks in part to the united efforts of United By Blue.

Designed for technical outdoor use, but sleek and unassuming in appearance, their colorful, sustainable backpacks are equally suitable for your long hike to work through the concrete jungle.

Their (R)evolution™ line of recycled environmentally friendly backpacks is available in a variety of colors and sizes. Our favorite is the Sidekick. 100% recycled body aside, we love its compact size and numerous pockets for use as an everyday backpack.

United By Blue’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials: 

All (R)evolution™ packs are 100% recycled backpacks, featuring a water-resistant recycled plastic bottle body, recycled polyester lining, recycled nylon straps, and a blend of recycled nylon and poly air mesh padding.

All aluminum hardware is recyclable. 

Supply chain & labor practices: 

This Certified B Corp’s above-average impact score has earned them the title of B Corp ‘Best for the World Honoree’ three years in a row.

All manufacturing occurs in just seven GOTS or Fair Trade-certified factories across Turkey, China, Vietnam, and the USA. 

Their backpacks specifically are made in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Carbon Commitments & green practices: 

UBB is working to #QuitSingleUse by removing poly bags, plastic hang tags, fabric roll packaging, shrink/bubble wrap, and plastic tape from operations.

For goal deadlines and progress, see their yearly Impact Report

Community & charitable giving: 

United By Blue removes one pound of trash from the ocean for every product sold.

Beyond paying for that dirty work, they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, too, with company-run and organized beach cleanups.


Did you know we Have a Newsletter?

We cover the latest in sustainable living, fashion, zero waste, beauty, travel, finance and more…

Why Choose Eco Backpacks?

Backpacks are strangely a common source of waste, especially since most are still useable long beyond when we deem them “out of style”.

Children may cycle through backpacks like loose-leaf paper, but they aren’t the only ones responsible (besides, it’s us adults who buy them).

It’s time we start changing our speed on how often we change our satchels. By opting for more durable pieces, we can keep backpacks around much longer.

Alternatively, we can choose sustainably-made backpacks that can actually biodegrade and compost at their end of life. Currently, the majority of backpacks are made of plastic (and even toxic PVC, which is concerning since our children often use these).


How We Found The Best Sustainable Backpacks

You know what shopping for new backpacks means… back to school (or the zero waste office…sigh).

Even if you’re well beyond your school days, you’re never too old to learn something new, so we thought we’d briefly school you all on our sustainable fashion criteria, so you know just how the best sustainable backpack brands made the grade. 

Materials:

What are eco-friendly backpacks made of?”

Organic cotton certainly had its place in some of these bags, but the majority of backpacks are made using synthetic fabrics, which aren’t inherently bad, as long as they’re recycled.

Recycled polyester and recycled nylon might be considered one of the most sustainable fabrics used for backpacks. This is because synthetics can be woven into far more durable and weather-resistant materials than natural fibers.

Since the best eco-friendly backpacks are those that last, that’s a big pro for recycled polyester.

To create a more durable backpack, many are also treated with water and stain-repellent finishes, and for those that were, we looked for brands using eco-friendly options, like wax, and BPA and PFC-free DWR coatings.

Leather was rarely included on this list, but for any sustainable leather backpacks we looked for recycled leather, vegetable tanning practices, and ethical leather sourcing.

Supply chain & labor practices:

Finding fair trade backpacks was as much of a priority as finding environmentally sustainable backpacks.

That didn’t necessarily mean the brand has to have manufacturing certifications (as that can be expensive, especially for smaller brands), but it does mean we looked for some form of proof or confirmation that a brand adheres to fair trade labor practices.

This is often a grey area (or rather a faux green one, thanks to all the greenwashing out there) so we look for as much transparency and traceability as possible.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Other ways makers of the best eco backpacks reduce their carbon footprint is by using renewable energy and solar panels, recycling wastewater, carbon offsetting, offering recycling and repair services, and using eco-friendly packaging.

We also look for clear impact reduction goals and proof of progress toward climate-conscious commitments. 

Community & charitable giving:

Brands that give us backpacks?

More like brands that give back!

Most of these did this either by donating money, planting trees, cleaning beaches, or something as seemingly small as giving their staff paid hours to get out and volunteer.


Final Thoughts On Eco-Friendly Backpacks

As conscious consumers, it’s our job to back(pack) better brands with our dollar in order to encourage widespread industry change.

But let’s back(pack) it up for just a second.

Jot down this note, because it’ll be on the exam: the best eco-friendly backpacks are those you already own. Use this list when you need a new, durable backpack, not to just fit in with the cool kids on the playground or in the conference room.

Feel free to pass notes (under the eco-friendly desk not required) and give this a share so we can get packing while still backing our planet.

Class dismissed!

Pin these:
11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Image by Cotopaxi #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle
11 Sustainable Backpacks for All Your Eco-Friendly Adventuring Image by United By Blue #sustainablebackpacks #bestsustainablebackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacks #ecofriendlybackpacksforschool #sustainablebackpackbrands #sustainablelaptopbackpacks #sustainablejungle

Leave a comment