5 Eco-Friendly Backpacks for 2026
Eco-Friendly Backpacks for School, Work, and Everyday Adventures
Finding the perfect backpack doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or sustainability. Whether you’re gearing up for back-to-school, commuting, or weekend adventures, eco-friendly backpacks offer a smart way to carry your essentials while reducing your environmental impact. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best sustainable backpacks made from organic, recycled, and responsibly sourced materials—so you can choose a bag that’s as kind to the planet as it is practical for everyday life.
And if you’re building a sustainable back-to-school wardrobe, don’t miss our guide to eco-friendly school essentials.
Best Natural Material Backpack
The Terra Thread Earth Backpack is a minimalist dream—crafted from heavy-duty GOTS-certified organic cotton and produced in Fairtrade-certified factories. This backpack is designed for longevity, with strong zippers, reinforced stitching, and a clean, timeless style that works for school, work, or travel. Choosing organic cotton means avoiding harmful pesticides and reducing water use, making it one of the most eco-conscious options available. They have this style in both a medium and a mini with 10 colors to choose from!
Best Style for Kids and Adults
An icon of Scandinavian design, the Fjällräven Re-Kånken takes the brand’s classic style and makes it even more sustainable. Each bag is made entirely from recycled polyester, including fibers from eleven plastic bottles, and dyed with a water-saving SpinDye process. It’s lightweight yet incredibly durable, perfect for commuting, day trips, or daily errands. With multiple sizes, they work for everyone in the family from the littlest to the biggest. We are loving the ochre color!
Best Minimalist Look
For every Tentree backpack you buy, they plant ten trees! This recycled ripstop bag can be packed down and carried just about anywhere. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled materials!
Best for Commuting
The Refugio 26L Pack is perfect for school with its ideal size, organized compartments, laptop sleeve, eco-friendly materials, and durable design. Plus, it comes in some super cute colors!
Best Maximalist Look
Cotopaxi is known for its bold colors and even bolder commitment to sustainability. Their backpacks crafted from repurposed nylon, meaning no two bags are exactly alike. By using factory scrap materials, Cotopaxi keeps perfectly good fabric out of landfills and reduces the need for virgin resources. Even better, all their products are made in factories that uphold fair labor standards, ensuring ethical treatment for workers.
Choosing the Best Sustainable Backpack for You
Each of these eco-friendly backpacks offers something different—whether it’s Fairtrade certification, innovative recycled materials, or bold, distinctive designs. The common thread? They’re all built to last and designed with sustainability in mind, helping you make a purchase you can feel good about.
Ready to upgrade your backpack and lighten your environmental footprint? Explore our full collection of sustainable kids’ clothing and accessories to find the perfect match for your new bag.
Shop Best-Sellers
Meet the styles families love most. Our best-selling kids’ clothes are crafted from organic, sustainable fabrics and built to last through countless adventures—then passed on through our TradeUp program.
