This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase I may earn a commission. Learn more.
High-quality vegan leather backpacks bring you the best of both worlds: the convenience of hands-free carrying and the joy of supple, durable materials that are better for the earth and animals. I put together a post similar to this in 2020, and now in 2024 I’m amazed how the selection of vegan leather backpacks has grown even bigger and better.
The criteria for the backpacks in this roundup were as follows: versatility, craftsmanship, and spaciousness. That all 7 backpacks in this post are black was an accident, but they do check that versatility box unlike anything else.
You’ll see quality and craftsmanship reflected in the premium prices of these backpacks. But I’ll stand by the philosophy that longevity = value in the long run. You can find a million and one PVC (cheap vegan leather) backpacks, but are they really inexpensive if they start giving at the seams after the third use?
Finally, spaciousness. There’s a time and a place for mini backpacks (I suppose, since they exist?) but spaciousness is next to godliness when it comes to everyday usefulness. The smallest backpack here is about 10.5″ high by 10.5″ wide, so still far from mini.
Note: when possible I’m including links to purchase these options through Immaculate Vegan, which brings together so many amazing, ethical vegan brands in one place for ease of shopping. If you notice different pricing between the brand site and Immaculate Vegan, it’s likely accounted for by shipping costs.
High-Quality Vegan Backpacks
Lively Apple Skin and Recycled Nylon Black Backpack
Ashoka Paris
Price: $173 (on sale for $114 as of the time of this post). Shipping is $15 to the US if purchased via Ashoka Paris’ site.
Materials: Apple skin and recycled nylon. Interior is powder pink PET, made from recycled water bottles.
Detail: This sporty-sleek vegan backpack will hold a 13-inch laptop and has two 2 pockets, one of which zips closed. It’s got a simple, chic profile that makes it truly versatile. Ready for everyday, but sharp enough for professional settings.
The Honey Pie Backpack
BRINN Bags
Price: $448 (but on sale for $270 as of the time of this post). Shipping is $5 within US, and free on orders $250+.
Materials: Vegan leather (not specified what kind, but 75% of their collection is recycled vegan leather, and they work with plant-based and organic materials, having given up PU vegan leather in 2020). Velvet interior.
Detail: This chunky boy is spacious and practical without foregoing looks, thanks to that snazzy quilting. BRINN notes the ways this “utility backpack” is typically used, including as a carry-on and as a gear carrier for hairstylists, photographers, make-up artists, designers, and traveling tattoo artists. It’s also water resistant.
Urban Laptop Backpack
Canussa
Price: $309 (but on sale for $25o as of the time of this post). Cost to ship to US isn’t specified on Canussa’s site; through Immaculate Vegan it’s £10 (about $12).
Materials: Microfiber vegan leather.
Detail: Designed to efficiently hold and organize its contents, this is among the most pocket-rich vegan leather backpacks you’ll find. There’s a pocket for anything you might need or want (pictured on Canussa’s site) and it can fit up to a 15″ laptop. Hand-crafted in Spain.
Cork Backpack
Corkor
Price: $175 (on sale for $150 as of the time of this post). Free shipping to the US.
Materials: Cork. Cotton interior.
Detail: This is the second-to-smallest backpack in this post, and it’s a nice compact option to hold your essentials without being weighed down. Cork is great leather alternative and beyond being supple, it’s also water repellent, scratch and stain resistant, and easy to clean.
The WEEK/DAY Vegan Backpack / Tote
FRIDA ROME
Price: $514. Shipping is £15 (about $18.50) to US if purchased through Frida Rome site; through Immaculate Vegan it’s £10 (about $12).
Materials: Cactus leather. Lined with luxury beige eco suede.
Detail: This investment piece is a stunner, and can be worn over the shoulder or as a backpack. Highly sophisticated, and ideal for work and business travel. In keeping with Frida Rome’s branding, this bag comes with their erotic design detail on the label inside. (It’s their fun, juicy nod to the fact that “not all vegans are entirely saintly.”) You can choose “Saint” at checkout to opt out of this detail.
Metropolitan Backpack, Charcoal
Lee Coren
Price: $165 (on sale for $140 as of the time of this post). Shipping to the US is free on orders over $50.
Materials: Microfiber and cotton backed PU vegan leather.
Detail: Beloved by reviewers for being spacious, comfortable, stylish, and sturdy, this is a lovely and relatively inexpensive option from Lee Coren. With pockets aplenty and a slim, soft shape, it’s ready for work or play (or errands). It can fit a 15.5″ laptop.
Gemma Backpack Purse – Black
Svala
Price: $295 (on sale for $177 as of time of this post). Free shipping within the US.
Materials: PU vegan leather from Italy. Lined with recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Detail: This is the smallest backpack in this post, but still big enough to be useful. The embossed faux snakeskin gives it a li’l flair and as Svala notes, it’s “polished enough for your work meetings but is also perfect for your favorite music or art festival.” You can also remove the backpack straps to make it a shoulder bag.
