The Perfect Backpack Purse?

December 26, 2018 11:06 PM

My backpack purse is almost perfect, but it’s heavy on its own plus everything I have to carry. Is there something that meets my requirements in a lighter fabric?

My current bag weighs a lot on its own with faux leather with metal zips and large clasps - plus ALL the stuff I have to carry. Almost all the styles I like either have thick backpack straps or are also faux or real leather.

I’m looking for something up to about $100:


Nylon or Canvas - light weight
Vegan
Zip top - not drawstring, flap, or "anti-theft" zip only on the back side
MUST have at least 1 water bottle pocket
Slimmer shoulder straps
Purse style silhouette preferable or sleek cute backpack style
Extra shoulder strap
Some good external/internal pockets or spaces. 


I’m open to colors/patterns but within reason. I like it more neutral to match more outfits.

I’m fairly petite and small shouldered so more on the size of a larger purse or mini/medium backpack that can fit a deceptive amount of things.

My back needs your help! Ouch!

posted by Crystalinne to Shopping (14 answers total)

Take a look at Vera Bradley (their solid color stuff, not their horrible patterns stuff). The Hadley backpack seems to fit most of your requirements (that little pocket on the side should work for water bottles when unzipped), and I have been really pleased with the organization and durability of their bags.
posted by brainmouse at 11:14 PM on December 26, 2018

If you're up for something more backpack-y the Fjallraven Kanken might fit the bill, especially the mini child sized one.
posted by nerdfish at 1:45 AM on December 27, 2018

The Anello series of bags from Japan are made from nylon or canvas and come in a variety of sizes, colours and patterns, with plenty of internal pockets for easy organisation and access. I love that the zip opens wide so there's no digging around for stuff. It's very popular so it's inspired a whole slew of lookalikes, so you may be able to find one with the extra shoulder sling you want.
posted by hellopanda at 2:44 AM on December 27, 2018

This one has all the features you've asked for, weighs 8oz and is at a reasonable price point compared with Vera Bradley or Baggallini (which are also great, but expensive).
posted by essexjan at 4:20 AM on December 27, 2018

My current purse is skip hop diaper backpack which I get complements on often.

I don't know if it meets your vegan requirement.

It's perfect for my needs and fits ton of things. (I bought it for my baby, but it became my default purse).
posted by AlexiaSky at 5:19 AM on December 27, 2018

When I had this problem I switched to Kipling bags. They are extremely durable, comfortable, spacious, well-organized and lightweight. They seem to have a lot of backpack purses so maybe one of those would work.
posted by Polychrome at 5:24 AM on December 27, 2018

I carry this Eagle Creek bag.
posted by leslies at 5:53 AM on December 27, 2018

I've had Eagle Creek before and they're very well-made; mine lasted from 1992 through today. They don't appear to make the style today but it was stellar with leather accents and many organizer pockets.

Lately I've been rocking the Doughnut Macaroon backpacks, specifically the mini Doughnuts. Small enough not to overwhelm a petite frame, and I can fit a water bottle in there. Good luck in your backpack search!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:05 AM on December 27, 2018

I use a convertible Baggalini backpack purpose. My list of must-haves is essentially the same as yours, and I had an unbelievably hard time finding anything that wasn't a drawstring top (come on!!!! why!!!!) and had a water bottle pocket. The one I wound up with has a middle section that's just open and doesn't zip. Typically I wedge both my iPad and my water bottle in there and it works well enough...unless I try to do a headstand.
posted by wintersweet at 9:32 AM on December 27, 2018

Diophy Fashion Two Way Lightweight Backpack

Kalencom nylon Chicago Backpack

Hadaki nylon Urban Backpack

eBags Kalya Day Tour 2.0 small nylon backpack

(the ebags site winnows for material, size, water bottle pocket, organization, price, etc.)

(Also, if attaching some sort of bottle carrier is an option: baggalini Inspire Backpack, Derek Alexander Small Tear Drop Bike Pack)
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:21 AM on December 27, 2018

I asked a semi-related question a couple of years ago. I ended up going with the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote and have been quite happy with it, and not regretted a single penny spent! I suspect it might be a bit casual for you, but you may find other helpful suggestions responding to my Ask.
posted by stillmoving at 10:53 AM on December 27, 2018

Oh, just found this, too: Carhartt Legacy Tote, again may be too casual but may also fit your criteria.
posted by stillmoving at 11:01 AM on December 27, 2018

For the moment after hours of searching I'm trying to HotStyle Bestie bag. Hopefully it works! If that doesn't work then I may go for this one though I don't love the style/colors as much.

Thank you for your posts. I do love the style of the Fjallraven Kanken but no internal pockets on those or the Doughnut but those are made with leather AFAIK.

Also my current bag empty weighs almost 2 lbs and full is 7.5lbs.... so yeah. It's a struggle.
posted by Crystalinne at 1:28 PM on December 27, 2018

And I've ordered the similar More Pure (from HotStyle) bag to see which I like more.
posted by Crystalinne at 1:39 PM on December 27, 2018