When I first started getting into the idea of sustainability and adopting it into my life, a huge draw for me was my love of nature. Hikers, bikers, and other outdoor adventurers are often some of the first people to notice the effects poor environmental protections have on the world. Environmental problems surround us—from plastic washing ashore to trash and debris on top of Everest.
As such, we want products that last, with the environment as the top priority.
However, many of our adventures require a way to carry around gear, supplies, and snacks. Backpacks are usually the go-to bag for adventurers of all sorts.
So, it’s important to buy ones that are high quality, sustainable, eco-friendly, and come from companies that can demonstrate at least some transparency in their supply chains.
So what do these eco-friendly backpack companies look like? But what do these companies actually think about sustainability?
Lucky for you, we did some digging and asked some companies just that.
Best Eco Backpack for Urban Explorers
Company: 3QUARTERS
Location: Greece (ships Worldwide)
Ethical Features: Upcycled polyester from awnings; no plastic parts or chemical dyed leather; handmade and made to last; backpack recycling
Great For: The Urbanite; the lightweight carrier; a night out
Price: $$
What was the inspiration behind your line of sustainable backpacks?
We came back to Athens after living for many years in Northern Europe, and we wanted to do something about this beautiful, crazy city.
We stumbled upon balcony awnings since they are the quintessential accessory in almost all buildings of the city.
They add colour to the concrete jungle and protect the citizens from the harsh summers.
What key features make your backpack sustainable?
Since we work with leftovers, we have to use whatever fabrics we have available.
So, we promise that the backpack a customer buys will never be repeated. And, this way we create a very personal relationship with each one.
Best Sustainable Backpack for Hikers
Name: Fjällräven Kånken Re-Wool
Location: Sweden (with retailers across the US, UK, and Europe)
Ethical Features: Made with recycled materials; made to last; a repair service for products; supports environmental, animal conservation, and outdoor initiatives and groups around the world.
Great For: long hikes; trekking; mountaineering
Price: $-$$
What was the inspiration behind your line of sustainable backpacks?
As an outdoor company, we are acutely aware that everything we do has an impact on the world around us and the people and animals that inhabit it.
We consider nature and our impact on the environment on every product we develop.
What key features make your backpack sustainable?
Our Kånken Re-Wool is a great example where design, material choice, and raw-material sourcing work hand-in-hand.
Kånken Re-Wool is a special version of the classic Kånken backpack, made from recycled wool.
With the help of traditional methods, spill from the wool textile industry is transformed into a high-quality Melton fabric.
The back panel, base, pockets, and lining are in G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S (made from organic cotton and recycled polyesters), as is the seat pad that is stored in the main compartment.
Best Eco Friendly Backpack for Commuters
Name: Solgaard Shore-Tex LifePack Backpack
Location: USA (ships worldwide)
Ethical Features: Made from upcycled ocean plastic; solar-powered charging; supports ocean cleanup efforts; no single-use plastic in products
Great For: Travelers; train commuters; city dwellers
Price: $$
What was the inspiration behind your line of sustainable backpacks?
I was surfing on what was supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, but it was covered in plastic.
It was in my face as I was paddling through the waves and everything.
So, I thought there had to be a way we could clean this up and make something great from it too.
What key features make your backpack sustainable?
The first sustainable part of the Shore-Tex Lifepack was a solar-powered battery pack to charge your phone.
Secondly, we started using ocean-bound plastic to make the fabric.
On top of this, we pull an additional 5lbs of plastic from the ocean for every product we sell.
The Best All Natural Backpack for Students
Name: The Hemp Shop Kids’ Backpack
Location: UK (ships worldwide)
Ethical Features: 100 percent natural; vegan; made with hemp and organic cotton
Great For: Kids; students
Price: $
What was the inspiration behind your line of sustainable backpacks?
Our selection of backpacks is inspired by the motivation to show the world just how amazing hemp is as a practical material.
That it is a fantastic alternative to synthetic fabrics and even to other natural fibres, like cotton.
What key features make your backpack sustainable?
Hemp is strong and durable with five times the tensile strength of cotton and three times the durability, making it perfect for creating a bag that will last a lifetime.
It absorbs more carbon dioxide than any other crop or forest, and all within its short three-month growing period.
The Best Recycled Backpack for Gamers
Name: Ority Go Daypack
Location: Germany (ships worldwide)
Ethical Features: made from recycled plastics; transparent production
Great For: Gamers; digital nomads
Price: $$
Ority is a relatively new player in the sustainable backpack scene producing esports & gaming backpacks. Designed with gamers in mind, these backpacks carry all the gear you’ll need for gaming or working on-the-go.
What was the inspiration behind your line of sustainable backpacks?
We have chosen to act resource-conscious because we believe that companies have a far-reaching responsibility, and we would like to accept this responsibility.
We acknowledge that the world is connected and that only a global approach can succeed, we cannot turn a blind eye to our finite resources, and we must work together to find win-win solutions, which include the interest of the environment.
What key features make your backpack sustainable?
The ORITY Sustainability Concept is based on three columns – economical, ecological, and social.
Acknowledging the interconnection of the world, we choose to work with people who can share our vision and build long-term strategies.
Ecologically, the fabrics of our backpacks are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
Socially, no matter if it is the printing company in Germany or the production in Vietnam, the reach of our responsibility is as far as our scope.
Accepting this is key to finding better solutions.
The Best Sustainable Backpack for
Name: Noize <Backpack Name>
Location: Canada – Ships Internationally
Ethical Features: Peta approved; 100% vegan materials; Uses recycled plastic bottles including for insulation fill
Great For:
Price
The Best Eco Backpack for Everyday Travel
Name: United By Blue 22L Trek Pack
Location: US-based with retailers across North America and Europe; also online (ships worldwide)
Ethical Features: removes 1 lb. of trash from the ocean for every purchase; GOTS-certified cotton; B Corp-certified; responsibly sourced materials; recycled plastic; clear transparency about where they make clothes
Great For: Students; everyday use
Price: $-$$
United By Blue started with a mission–to remove one pound of trash for every purchased product. To date, they’ve removed over 3.5 million pounds of trash and counting.
Going beyond cleaning up the oceans, United By Blue makes products that don’t further contribute to the problem.
Made from recycled plastic, the Trek Pack is 100 percent vegan, water-resistant, and made responsibly.
It’s adjustable enough to take out on the trail or into the classroom. It has a convenient 15-inch laptop sleeve, padded mesh back, and two water bottle holders on the sides. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, you won’t have to worry.
Looking Forward
While all these companies have different approaches, utilize different styles, and target different types of adventures, one thing they all agree on is the future of sustainable fashion.
Every company we asked said they’re excited to be part of such an important transition in the fashion world and happy to see others jump aboard this fashion movement.
Whether you’re getting out in nature, exploring your city, or going to a gaming convention, there is a perfect backpack for you.
By using sustainable materials and practical designs, these companies are ensuring their products are made to last in the least environmentally disruptive way possible.
This means you can enjoy much more of it!
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