6 Recycled Backpack Finds: Be Stylish & Sustainable

If you want a backpack that’s durable and friendly to the environment, we have good news: it’s totally possible to carry your sustainability efforts on your back! There are plenty of environmentally-conscious brands producing high-quality backpacks out of recycled materials. We’ve browsed dozens of sustainable backpacks to round up this list of the six best finds on the market.

Jump To Our Picks

What is a Recycled Backpack?

Recycled backpacks are crafted with the environment in mind. Unsurprisingly, they’re backpacks made from recycled materials (like old water bottles), but some might also be mixed with other new, sustainable materials. Plenty of brands offer environmentally conscientious options when shopping for a backpack! For the office, for school, for the gym, or everywhere in between, consider incorporating an eco-friendly backpack into your daily routine.    

The 6 Best Recycled Backpacks: How We Chose

We’ve taken a hard look at the many available options on the market. We considered the materials used, their sustainability, customer reviews, and overall product benefits to pick our favorites. We only wanted to uplift products that we believe help make the world a better place. Below is a list of our picks for the best sustainable backpacks for all your needs. 

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Solo Re:Solve Backpack

Made of recycled PET bottles, Solo’s Re:Solve backpack is equipped to suit all your needs. This bag is designed to hold most standard-sized Laptops and Ultrabooks, making it the ideal choice for students on the go.  

Highlights

This bag has a unique feature: an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacteria growth inside and outside your bag. By balancing functionality with sustainable style, Solo has you covered. 

Things to Consider

Solo’s bags include adjustable shoulder straps for maximum comfortability. No need to fear- this is a “one size fits all” ordeal!

2. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pak – Del Dia

For the ultimate adventurer and outdoorsman, this recycled material backpack is equipped to keep your belongings strapped and secure. A TSA-compliant carry-on size, this bag is ready for the airport and the outdoors alike. 

Highlights

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiative is a large part of its brand. Each Del Dia bag is made of repurposed fabrics, reducing the amount that ends up in landfills. They are proud to stand behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

Things to Consider

Cotopaxi backpacks aren’t necessarily cheap – since they start at a $190 price point, they may not be the right choice for everyone.

3. Coalatree Compass Backpack

The Compass Backpack is a durable, waterproof choice. Coalatree produces its fabric from recycled plastic bottles. Not only does this defray the amount of plastic waste that makes its way to the trash, but it also provides a durable, rip-resistant fabric for a durable backpack.

Highlights

Keep your tech stowed safely away with a secure, hidden pocket. Slash-proof fabric and a padded laptop sleeve protect all your valuables. Plus, a TSA-approved lock ensures your tech is safe from the outside world.  

Things to Consider

With raving five-star reviews, Coalatree backpacks seem to be all the rage! However, if you’re looking for an outdoor bag, this may not be your best option. This bag is best for students or those carrying their tech on the go.

4. GOTBAG Rolltop Small

GOTBAG’s minimalist, chic Rolltop bag is the perfect companion for travelers and fashionistas alike. This versatile bag is eco-friendly and sustainable, with its main fabric comprising recycled ocean plastic. 

Highlights

This stylish backpack is both PFC- and PVC-free. These sustainable bags are crafted from upcycled boat sails. Each unique creation provides the durability and toughness of the sails that have once hit the water and that they are sewn together from. 

Things to Consider

GOTBAG stands behind its mission- the GOTBAG Indonesia Foundation helps support the cleanup of plastics from the ocean. 

5. Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane’s ReNew Transit Backpack is where sustainability meets functionality. Available in five neutral color choices, you’ll never have to choose between environmentally friendly or fashion-forward again. 

Highlights

The fabric of this bag is made from 100% recycled polyester, sourced from plastics typically sent to a landfill, such as water bottles. A water-resistant finish ensures your tech and other valuables are safely stowed away.  

Things to Consider

Everlane’s commitment to “clean chemistry” means better health for the environment and yourself! Thanks to Bluesign-approved dyes, harsh chemicals are not present in this backpack, leaving you to feel at ease with your purchase. 

6. Paravel Rove Backpack

Look no further for a luxurious backpack made with sustainable materials you can feel good about. Paravel’s Rove Backpack is a sleek accessory appropriate for the office. 

Highlights

Each Rove backpack is produced from 43 recycled water bottles, which means 43 fewer plastic bottles in a landfill or the ocean! Rest assured, when you purchase a Rove backpack, you are making a personal impact. 

Things to Consider

This beautifully designed bag is sustainable and environmentally friendly but may not be best suited for outdoor adventures and other activities. 

How to Find the Right Recycled Backpack for You

With so many great choices to pick from, how can you determine which brand of sustainable backpacks is right for you?  To help make your decision a little easier, consider the following:

• Needs: Is this backpack appropriate for how I plan to utilize it?
• Price Point: Is the backpack an affordable purchase for me? Does the price make sense for how often I’ll use it?
• Protective Features: Does this backpack have enough space to hold my valuables? Does it have a lock or any other security features to keep my belongings safe?

We hope this list helps you find the best-recycled backpack for your lifestyle. Luckily, there are many different environmentally friendly companies producing high-quality bags ready to suit all your needs. 

Photo by Dmytro Matsiuk on Unsplash