Veganism isn’t just limited to one industry or one community anymore. The desire not to hurt animals for the sake of fashion is growing, especially that we have more options nowadays.
Now, you can find vegan jackets, socks, shoes, and backpacks. In this article, we’ll focus on backpacks since they are a must-have. We have to consider all their features, besides being cruelty-free. So, without further ado, let’s review the best vegan backpacks on the market.
In today’s world, we no longer have to compromise our values to find stylish and cruelty-free accessories. From jackets to socks, shoes to backpacks, the options are plentiful. In today’s article, I want to bring your attention to an essential accessory: vegan backpacks. I’ve taken the time to update this article to show you the best vegan backpacks of 2023 and share my top picks and personal experiences with you.
The Best Vegan Backpacks for Men
The Best Vegan Backpacks for Women
Best Vegan Backpacks for Men in 2023
1. Himawari Laptop Backpack
Sometimes you don’t want to think too hard about what you’ll do exactly with the backpack, but you know you want it to carry your laptop, be waterproof, and look nice. Well, the Himawari Laptop Backpack does exactly that. I opted for the 9001-Gray&Black color, which gives it a professional and sophisticated look. It’s the ideal choice for both work and casual outings.
The eco-friendly, waterproof canvas material used in this backpack is fantastic. I’m a nature enthusiast, so knowing that I’m using a bag that doesn’t harm the environment is a huge plus for me. I’ve been caught in unexpected rain showers a few times, and the waterproof feature has come to the rescue, protecting my laptop and other belongings inside.
Comfort is essential when you’re carrying a laptop backpack, especially during long commutes or travel. The padded back panel and shoulder straps of the Himawari backpack provide excellent support and cushioning. I’ve worn it for hours without feeling any discomfort or strain on my shoulders. It’s truly designed with the user’s comfort in mind.
Organization is key for me, and this backpack excels in that department. The padded laptop compartment fits my 15-inch laptop perfectly, keeping it secure and protected. There’s also a dedicated padded compartment for my iPad, which prevents any scratches or damage. The multiple pockets, including the main pocket, zipper pocket, open pockets, side pockets, and front pocket, help me keep my belongings organized and easily accessible.
One feature that I find particularly convenient is the built-in detachable USB cable design. It allows me to connect my power bank inside the backpack and conveniently charge my phone while on the go. It has saved me countless times when my phone battery was running low, and I didn’t have to fumble around for charging cables.
If I had to mention a small downside, it would be the zippers. While they function well, they don’t feel as sturdy or durable as I would like. However, I believe that with proper care and occasional replacement, this won’t be a major issue.
Pros
Cons
2. Modoker Canvas Backpack
Canvas bags keep on improving day by day to the point that we may never need to hear of genuine leather ever again. In my quest for an attractive and convenient backpack, the Modoker Canvas Backpack has given me hope for the future of the vegan fashion industry since it is able to provide us with such an attractive and convenient backpack now. It has a vintage look with modern conveniences, and it comes in two attractive colors.
I was impressed by its craftsmanship and the use of high-quality, durable materials. The canvas construction, complemented by an attractive vegan leather trim and solid brass hardware, exudes both style and longevity. The bag not only looks sophisticated but also withstands the rigors of daily use. As I carry it on my shoulders, the adjustable mesh fabric shoulder straps provide a comfortable and gentle fit, ensuring that my journeys are pain-free.
With its seven compartments, this backpack ensures that I can neatly arrange my belongings. The main compartment is equipped with a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve and an 11-inch tablet sleeve, keeping my electronics safe and secure. I appreciate the inclusion of an interior nylon strap that offers an additional layer of protection. The slip zipper pocket allows for quick access to my wallet or valuables, adding a touch of convenience to my daily routine.
The utility zipper front pocket and two side zipper pockets with elastic bands have been a lifesaver. I can confidently store my essentials, knowing they are secure and easily accessible when needed. The thoughtful addition of a sunglasses hook and card slot on the shoulder straps has proven invaluable, allowing me to swiftly grab my sunglasses or access my frequently used cards without rummaging through the backpack
For those who need to stay connected on the go, the Modoker Canvas Backpack offers a USB charging port with a removable USB cable. It’s a convenient feature that allows you to charge your electronics effortlessly. However, one drawback I’ve noticed is that the USB charging port sometimes struggles to stay in place.Despite this, its convenience has outweighed the occasional inconvenience.
Pros
Cons
3. Matein Carry-On Backpack
If you’re a frequent traveler like myself, finding a convenient carry-on bag that meets flight standards is essential. That’s why the Matein Carry-On Backpack grabbed my attention and became a trusted companion on my journeys.
Let’s discuss the convertible design. The backpack has hideaway padded shoulder straps that disconnect easily and store away in the zippered back panel, which turns the backpack into a carry-on duffel or briefcase-style.
In addition, it has a luggage strap designed on the back that enables the backpack to fit on top of the luggage or suitcase. The sternum strap can be adjusted upward or downward across your chest to take a bit of the weight away from your shoulder.
Speaking of shoulders, the adjustable shoulder straps and the comfortable air-mesh ventilated back panel keep your shoulders and back comfortable.
Our carry-on pick is made from water-resistant, lightweight polyester, which gives it an affordable price point and an excellent tolerance for travel.
With its multiple organized pockets and a spacious main compartment, this backpack provides ample storage space. Utilizing the inner compression straps, I’ve been able to maximize the capacity of up to 40 liters, which adheres to the maximum size allowed on an IATA flight. Furthermore, the expandable zipper compartment adds an additional 8 liters of storage, perfect for those times when I need a little extra space.
While the Matein Carry-On Backpack boasts an array of features, I must acknowledge that it may not be the most durable item on my list. However, its impressive functionality and affordability have made it a valuable asset during my travels.
Pros
Cons
Best Vegan Backpacks for Women in 2023
1. Corkor Vegan Backpack for Women
If you thought that avoiding animal-based products is the most ethical decision to make, wait till you find out that there are eco-friendly, vegan backpacks. The Corkor Vegan Backpack for Women offers a lot, and it’s completely guilt-free.
Of course, we’ll start with how it looks. This beauty has a feminine and warm look, which is unique among other backpacks on the market. That’s not all: it comes in five neutral colors, and my wife’s favorite is the red one, without a doubt. The elegant metallic details pop with this color.
The material of this backpack is its selling point. Wine cork, the soft material that will leave genuine leather jobless, doesn’t crack or crumble. In addition, this durable material is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant, and you can clean it with water and soap.
The best quality in cork isn’t just its durability or softness; it is how eco-friendly it is. While any material that saves animals is welcome by vegans, sustainability is essential to help save the planet, protect animals, and preserve their habitats.
What sets this backpack apart, in my opinion, is the added reassurance of a full money-back guarantee, instilling confidence in your purchase and affirming the commitment to customer satisfaction.
While it must be noted that this backpack is the priciest option on our list, we believe it offers excellent value for the investment.
Pros
Cons
2. Estarer Upgraded Version Women Backpack
At some point in time, women had to choose between their moral code or sense of style. They either dressed nicely, knowing that the origin of what they wore was gruesome, or wore bags and clothes that looked ugly to avoid harming animals. Not anymore.
The Estarer Upgraded Version Women Backpack impresses at first sight with its fashionable, vintage look.
The detachable bandage decoration on the front and the mixed ribbon shoulder strap add a unique touch of charm. With various color options available, I highly recommend the captivating Wine Red variant.
If you love animal leather but lament its loss, you won’t have to anymore. PU leather replicates the look and smooth feel of genuine leather at a much more affordable price point. The adjustable faux leather straps are pretty comfortable.
This backpack has quite a large capacity, and it utilizes it with two main compartments and thirteen pockets.
The front compartment has five card slots, two pen slots, and an open pocket. The main compartment has a 15.6-inch laptop padded divider, an iPad divider, two open pockets, a zipper closed pocket, and a rear zipper pocket.
We would also like to note that even with all the fantastic features and benefits there’s a downside to consider. Like the Himawari Laptop Backpack, this backpack has some low-quality zippers that don’t live up to the quality of the backpack itself.
Pros
Cons
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How to Pick a Vegan Backpack
Materials
Materials are a top priority when it comes to fashion items because they either make or break the deal. Besides the importance of quality materials, you have to make sure you’re buying 100% vegan bags that are free from genuine leather, wool, nubuck, suede, fur, and so on.
If you think that vegan backpacks have very few options, you’re quite mistaken. Vegan bags come in all shapes, forms, and materials. We’ll discuss the most popular ones below.
Vegan Leather
Since leather is the most sought-after material in non-vegan bags, it makes sense that vegan leather is a big deal in the vegan fashion industry. Not all vegan leather comes from the same sources; some leather is made from plant waste, while other types are made from plastic.
Natural vegan leather is a sustainable option that comes from the waste of pineapples, apples, grapes, mushrooms, coffee, cactus, cork, and more. Our favorite type is cork leather because while many people shrug it off as the less-attractive leather, it is the sturdiest and most durable.
On the other hand, synthetic leather is a more popular option because it is more affordable and more low-maintenance if you will. In addition, it offers a more consistent look. Synthetic leather is either PVC or, its more eco-friendly counterpart, PU.
Polyester
Polyester is one of the most common synthetic fibers for a few good reasons.
First and foremost, polyester is really affordable. Also, it is durable, and with proper care, which isn’t much, it can last you a decade or more. Plus, it doesn’t stretch, shrink or wrinkle, and it pretty much stays in its shape forever. It can also be washed with ease.
In addition, it is resistant to water and stains, which is perfect for hikers, travelers, athletes, and so on. And while polyester isn’t necessarily environmentally friendly, it is widely recycled.
Also, it comes in a variety of colors, which is nice for people who care about the colors and prints of their backpacks.
Nylon
The first thing that you notice about nylon is its elasticity when compared to other materials. Stretchy fabric means an impressive ability to accommodate heavy baggage without being torn.
Also, despite being a lightweight fabric, it is one of the strongest optionsout there. Its strength-to-weight capacity is impressive, and the abrasion-resistance is extraordinary.
In addition, it does a pretty good job in humid conditions; it doesn’t grow mold or mildew. Plus, it is very easy to clean.
Canvas
Canvas bags aren’t just the reusable shopping ones, even though that brings light to why canvas bags are cool.
Canvas fabric is a low-maintenance gem that is water-resistant and sometimes waterproof. In addition, its impressive durability makes it popular in both everyday and hiking backpacks.
Moreover, canvas backpacks tend to come in a wider selection of colors and prints than other types.
Purpose
Before you buy any fashion item, vegan or not, you have to ask yourself a very important question: What will you wear it for? This question decides how the bag should look and its capacity in liters.
Style
Backpacks come in different styles and looks that work better on some occasions than others.
Drawstring backpacks are excellent for everyday use or for a day in the gym, while fashion enthusiasts love satchels.
Clamshell backpacks are great for carrying a lot in one large compartment. If you travel a lot, then you need a carry-on backpack.
Laptop backpacks are essential if you always need to take your laptop somewhere. Sports backpacks are excellent for carrying your sports gear, clothes, and shoes. Cyclists, hikers, and runners will love the hydration backpacks.
Capacity
If your future backpack is for everyday use, maybe for school, work, or going on a run, you won’t need more than 10 liters. However, if you have a trip that will take the whole day, you need a bag with up to 30 liters of capacity.
What about overnight and weekend trips? You need to up your game by getting a backpack with up to 40 liters. Multi-day trips need 10 liters more, then add 10 more if you’re carrying a sleeping bag or items for more than one person going on a multi-day trip, and so on.
Just keep on adding or subtracting liters according to what you plan on doing with the backpack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vegan Leather Good?
Vegan leather has a reputation for being less durable than genuine leather, which makes sense when you consider the fact that it is more affordable.
However, with much less maintenance than what you have to do with genuine leather, vegan leather can last for a long time. Also, you can choose the type of vegan leather, whether synthetic or natural, that feels the best to you.
Which Designer Bags are Vegan?
Some high-end brands only make vegan bags, while other brands aren’t strictly vegan but still offer vegan options.
Strictly vegan designer brands that make excellent bags include LaBante London, HFS Collective, Matt & Nat, Stella McCartney, Dalia Macphee, Svala, and SportsChic.
Are Backpacks Better Than Shoulder Bags?
Shoulder bags are great for everyday use, and they come in nice designs. However, putting extra weight on one shoulder for prolonged periods of time may lead to muscle tightness, headaches, and backaches.
On the other hand, backpacks are excellent for carrying a heavy load or just carrying your items for a long time without affecting your balance or giving you any aches.
Final Thoughts
This list of the best vegan backpacks has the ones that we believe are worth your time. However, there are some highlights on the list and qualities that set some bags apart from the others.
For example, the men’s Himawari Laptop Backpack has it all in terms of attractive minimalist design and eco-friendly, waterproof material. The charging port and 15-inch laptop compartment make it even better. Also, the vertical back zipper gives unique access to the main compartment.
Next in line, we have the Modoker Canvas Backpack, which stands out with a vintage look and a high-quality, durable canvas material. You can’t beat the seven compartments that have a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve and an 11-inch tablet sleeve. It also has a charging port.
In our opinion, the best vegan backpack for women is the Corkor Vegan Backpack for Women. It has a feminine and warm look. The wine cork construction makes it water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. In addition, it is eco-friendly. The bag comes with a full money-back guarantee too.
