STATE Bags
This bag company founded in 2013 doesn't just make cool backpacks for the sake of doing so. With each purchase, it donates a backpack filled with school supplies to a student in need. The founders created the brand after seeing kids carrying their school things in ripped trash bags to their prior venture, a non-profit summer camp. Now, they help you carry your essentials in sleek leather, canvas, and nylon styles while supporting underprivileged kids and raising conversations around social issues.
What to buy:
- Nevins in Wool Panel Olive, $95
- Spencer in Cotton Canvas Navy, $100.75
- Kane in Smooth Black Leather, $224.25
- Wythe in Professional Black, $235
Learn more about STATE Bags:
Dagne Dover
Whenever we see a dark or dusty neoprene backpack out in public, we place a big bet that it's from Dagne Dover. These backpacks have become a favorite among urbanites who need a comfortable and well-organized bag they can carry from night to day. Since they're made from 100% premium neoprene, they're insulating and shock-absorbent, so you know your stuff will always be protected. If you're adventurous, choose the bright Sienna and Liberty colors, or the cute Camo prints.
What to buy:
Learn more about Dagne Dover:
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Caraa
Athleisure often revolves around clothing, but gym-bag startup Caraa focuses on the all-important backpack. It creates fashionable, versatile, and durable bags you won't be afraid to set on the ground or fill with sweaty clothes, including the famous and distinctive Studio Bag, which can be turned into a satchel, backpack, or crossbody with a switch of the straps. The bags are designed to perform, with breathable compartments, moisture wicking materials, and built-in USB chargers, to name a few features, and they look great.
What to buy:
- Stratus in Black, $195
- Sport Tote, $295
- Studio 2 Medium in Oxblood Blush, $395
- Studio Bag with Gold Hardware, $395
Learn more about Caraa:
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat makes composed and structured bags that also happen to be vegan. In addition to vegan leather, it uses recycled nylon, cork, and rubber in its bags, and all of its bag linings have been made from 100% recycled bottles since 2007. The backpacks are unique enough in color and silhouette to distinguish yourself from the pack, yet still simple and timeless — a design philosophy that encourages sustainable, long-term use.
What to buy:
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Senreve
We thought spending at least $700 on a backpack was slightly ridiculous, too, until we actually felt and wore one in person. Available in four finishes and a rotating lineup of curated colors, the 100% Italian leather bags are simply gorgeous. The brand reimagines luxury by also making beauty practical. On the inside, you'll find large padded compartments for laptops or tablets and small pockets for your essentials. If you ever tire of wearing it as a backpack, it can be converted to over-the-shoulder, on-the-arm, and crossbody configurations.
What to buy:
- Mini Maestra, from $695
- Midi Maestra, from $795
- Maestra, from $895 (fits a 13-inch laptop)
Learn more about Senreve:
BAGGU
You might know Baggu as the company behind the $10 reusable nylon bags people tote as casual day bags or grocery bags. Its backpacks, available in a variety of materials like velvet, canvas, and of course, nylon, are also worth your attention. The tiny backpacks are a light, cute companion for window shopping and museum visits, and its roomy drawstring bags make a practical everyday accessory. Best of all, most of its styles are under $50. If you don't want to spend too much, shop at Baggu.
What to buy:
- Canvas Mini Backpack in Lilac, $39
- Drawstring Backpack in Natural Grid, $42
- Mini Backpack in Indigo Velvet, $43
- Work Backpack in Taupe Nubuck, $170
Learn more about BAGGU:
Everlane
Minimalism, quality, and transparent pricing are the tenets of Everlane's business. In backpack form, this means clean designs, durable and travel-friendly construction, and affordable, under-$100 prices. With its eight pockets, water-resistant covering, and easy-access side zipper, the Commuter Backpack is a fan favorite, but the company is also experimenting with convertible formats, as shown through its Mover Pack, a hybrid duffel bag-backpack.
What to buy:
Learn more about Everlane:
- Everlane's new $80 convertible travel bag can be carried as a duffel or a backpack — and it holds more than enough for all your weekend trips
- 19 styles from Everlane that we wear in our everyday lives — for both men and women
- I’ve tried a lot of backpacks, but these are my favorite ones
- The best backpacks you can buy
