Top 12 Sustainable Backpacks for Slow Travelers
Slow travel is all about being intentional—taking your time to explore, immersing yourself in new cultures, and minimizing your environmental impact along the way. One of the best ways to support a slowmad lifestyle is by choosing a sustainable backpack that aligns with your values. Whether you're navigating cobblestone streets, hiking through forests, or working remotely from a cozy café, these eco-friendly backpacks have you covered for all your different travel needs.
Table of Contents: Open
What to Look for in a Sustainable Backpack
The most sustainable backpack you’ll ever use is the one you already own (or one you purchase second hand). However, if you do want to invest in a new travel companion, here are a few key factors to consider:
Quality: A durable, well-constructed, backpack ensures you won’t have to replace it frequently. This is a huge help in reducing waste, but it’s also great for saving money so you have more to spend at your destination.
Materials: Look for backpacks made from recycled or upcycled materials, such as post-consumer plastic, certified organic cotton, or hemp—all of which are wonderful alternatives to traditional synthetic materials.
Ethical production: Seek out brands that prioritize fair labor practices, participate in conservation efforts, and work to minimize their carbon footprint. That way, you know your purchase doesn’t harm the planet or its people.
To guide you on your search, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best sustainable backpacks for 2025 travel.
12 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Slow Travel in 2025
1. Best overall sustainable backpack: Airback
The Airback GO takes the top spot on our list, and it’s not too hard to see why. This high-performance and ultra-lightweight backpack is constructed from 100% recycled nylon (GRS certified and PFC-free) for a durable, yet eco-conscious design. Its innovative compression system reduces volume from 32L to 16L, helping you to minimize waste and maximize space efficiency. Lastly, the bag’s ergonomic shape offers unbeatable comfort and support—making it ideal for long-haul journeys.
Price: $211
2. Best sustainable backpack for everyday use: Terra Thread
Looking for a sustainable backpack that’s well-suited for everyday use? If so, the Earth Backpack from Terra Thread is just the thing to take on your travels. Made from 14-oz Certified Fair Trade Organic cotton canvas in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this backpack comes with a roomy 16L capacity, convenient laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets for easy organization. The best part? Every purchase supports Feeding America’s mission to “help people get the food and resources they need to thrive.”
Price: $77
3. Best sustainable backpack for outdoor adventures: Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is a renowned outdoor brand recognized for its ethical production practices and commitment to sustainability. Their Allpa 35L Travel Pack is crafted using 100% recycled fabrics, and is full of smart design elements like: an ergonomic weight distribution system, air mesh shoulder straps, and a suitcase-style opening for effortless organization on the go. But that’s not all! This clever pack also boasts theft-proof zippers, weather-resistant construction, and an ultra-comfortable carry design.
Price: $225
4. Best sustainable backpack for versatility: Tentree
Designed in Canada and ethically constructed in Vietnam, Tentree’s Mobius 35L Backpack is made out of 100% recycled polyester that’s sourced from post-industrial waste. Other highlights of this design include the foam-padded 15-inch laptop sleeve and multiple compartments for storing your daily travel essentials. Not to mention, the Mobius Backpack is also equipped with drawcords, belts, and straps that can be easily adjusted for fit or style. That’s the kind of versatility we love to see!
Price: $128
5. Best sustainable backpack for extra storage: 8000Kicks
The Everyday Backpack from 8000Kicks is the world’s first weatherproof hemp backpack. More specifically, the Everyday bag is made from 100% natural, PFC-free hemp—a highly durable (and eco-friendly) material that softens with age and wear. Designed with extra storage in mind, this backpack expands from 18L to an impressive 30L capacity, making it a great option for daily use or extended weekend adventures. Other notable features include the built-in USB plug and padded laptop sleeve.
Price: $139
6. Best sustainable backpack on the smaller side: Quince
Quince’s All-Day Neoprene Backpack definitely puts sustainability at the forefront. This attractive little pack is made using 100% recycled neoprene and nylon that’s repurposed from up to 27 post-consumer plastic bottles. Whether you need a backpack for remote work or a full day of sightseeing, you can do it *all* with this one bag thanks to its padded laptop sleeve, detachable zipper pouch, and handy exterior and interior compartments. Talk about a stylish and practical purchase!
Price: $100
7. Best sustainable backpack for making a statement: Topo Designs
If you want a backpack that stands out from the crowd, Topo Designs really delivers with their bold colors and retro aesthetic. But the brand’s Rover Pack Classic isn’t just eye-catching—it also holds up to travel wear and tear. This rugged, yet eco-friendly design is crafted from 100% recycled nylon with high abrasion resistance to give it a longer lifespan. And because it’s produced in a Fair Wear certified facility, you can be sure ethical labor practices are used throughout the manufacturing process.
Price: $99
8. Best sustainable backpack for minimalists: Monos
In the market for a minimalist backpack that’s still super functional? The Metro Backpack from Monos is a fantastic choice. This pick is made from sleek (and water-resistant) ultra-microfiber vegan leather, offering a durable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional materials. The Metro Backpack also features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a waterproof privacy compartment, and a built-in trolley sleeve so you can stack this bag on your sustainable luggage. The perfect thing for modern slow travelers!
Price: $235
9. Best sustainable backpack for organization: Passenger
The Boondocker Recycled 26L Backpack certainly lives up to its name. Designed by the team at Passenger, this pack is made with 100% recycled 600D polyester—reducing reliance on virgin materials while keeping waste out of landfills. Even better, the Boondocker bag is treated with a PFC-free, water-resistant coating to protect what’s inside while minimizing harmful chemicals. In terms of organization, you can take your pick from the top pocket, front pocket, mesh accessory pocket, and more.
Price: $87
10. Best sustainable backpack for durability: Patagonia
As one of the leaders in sustainable outdoor gear, you can count on Patagonia to deliver quality products that are built to last. Their Refugio Daypack 26L is crafted from 100% recycled polyester, complete with a PFAS-free water-repellent finish to keep your belongings dry wherever you go. With a removable padded laptop sleeve, breathable back panel, and multiple compartments for organization, this backpack proves sustainable design and everyday functionality can go hand in hand.
Price: $109
11. Best sustainable backpack for all kinds of weather: Sealand
Built to withstand the elements, Sealand’s Commuter Backpack is crafted entirely out of recycled CORDURA® fabric—a durable and water-repellent material that reduces waste while providing long-lasting performance. This bag is manufactured at a bluesign® certified factory, and is overflowing with practical features like waterproof YKK zips, a padded laptop sleeve, and ergonomic back padding. There’s no doubt this bag will serve you well on all sorts of slow travels.
Price: $236
12. Best sustainable backpack for added comfort: Sandqvist
Sandqvist’s Bernt Rolltop Backpack is made from 100% recycled polyester, helping to breathe new life into otherwise discarded materials. What’s more, this bag’s expandable 21-25L capacity, external 16-inch laptop compartment, and adjustable side straps provide some major versatility depending on where the day takes you. But the biggest selling point? The ergonomic shoulder straps plus padded back panel that prioritize your comfort even when you’re wearing this pack for hours on end.
Price: $205
Sustainable Backpack FAQs
Learn more about sustainable backpacks with the help of our FAQ section.
How can a backpack be sustainable?
A backpack can be considered sustainable based on its materials, production process, durability, and end-of-life disposal. In other words, sustainable backpacks are those that use ethical and low-impact manufacturing processes, and are made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, or plant-based leather.
Which backpacks are sustainably designed?
Today, there are tons of different sustainable backpacks out there to choose from. Some of the leading brands making fashionable and sustainable backpacks include Topo Designs, Airback, Quince, Passenger, and Cotopaxi.
What backpack materials are environmentally friendly?
Sustainable backpacks typically feature materials like: recycled polyester (rPET), recycled nylon (ECONYL®), organic cotton, hemp, or plant-based leather alternatives made from pineapple, mushroom, etc. The idea is that the materials are mainly recycled or upcycled so they have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional fabrics.