Travel backpack to replace a purse

March 31, 2023 3:27 PM

We're headed to Japan. I'd like to use a backpack instead of a purse since we'll have long days. I would like to be able to carry more with me while avoiding the sore shoulder I get from carrying a purse full of stuff day. I'd like it to be acceptable as a "personal item" on a flight (not a carry-on), at least moderately water resistant, and $100 or less. Do you have any recommendations?
posted by Comrade Doll to Travel & Transportation (15 answers total)

Away has lots of backpacks that would suit, but they’re a bit above your budget. One exception is an on sale F.A.R. backpack-this color is $84.
posted by little mouth at 3:52 PM on March 31, 2023

This backpack from REI would be my choice. I have the 40L version of it, and it's great. If I needed/wanted a smaller option, this would be it.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 3:56 PM on March 31, 2023

The ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane is a backpack that seems a bit more like a purse in vibe, if that makes sense, in case you are still wanting to have that handbag feel, just in backpack form.
posted by shesbookish at 4:01 PM on March 31, 2023

The Rains backpacks are waterproof, on the smaller side, and very stylish. The Backpack Mini, which is what I used for a long time, is only just over your budget, and fits nicely under airplane seats even in Economy. The downside is if you stuff it full of heavy things, the straps get uncomfortable. They're fine with a reasonable amount of stuff in them (notebook, sunglasses, hairbrush, cosmetics bag, water bottle, jacket, tablet/iPad), but once you add a large laptop and a hardback book it's too much.

Once you're in Japan, look for Anello bags. I use a mini size one as a travel purse and I love it. (You can buy them online in the US, too, if you have time to have them shipped--but they'll be way more expensive, and knockoffs are a problem.)
posted by rhiannonstone at 5:10 PM on March 31, 2023 [1 favorite]

Kavu rope bags come in two sizes, the rope sling is water-resistant polyester. Also super easy to pull up to wear on your front on crowded transit, or if you need to wear it with another backpack, and you can get into it without taking it off. The main downsides is no open exterior pockets and you can only wear it over your right shoulder, but a lot of other sling bags are adjustable to either side and I think the style is overall good for travel.
posted by jameaterblues at 5:13 PM on March 31, 2023

I use Eddie Bauer’s Stowaway Packable 30L backpack as a daily bag. It’s almost weightless, decently water resistant (though I wouldn’t carry loose paperwork in it in an absolute downpour for very long). There’s a zippered pocket at the top for a wallet and a front open pouch, other than that the inside is just one big, unstructured compartment. I put anything that needs to be protected inside a plastic document holder or waterproof bag. For me the weight is the big bonus. When it’s not full, it sort of slouches in on itself which I like.

If I need more regular access to stuff that would go inside a purse (eg taking a wallet or transit pass that I don’t want to have to take my backpack off to access), I have a very small, also lightweight crossbody purse that I wear as well.
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:38 PM on March 31, 2023

I think cotopaxi backpacks are very stylish and would suit a trip to Japan! Weirdly, so might one from IKEA.
posted by happyfrog at 7:00 PM on March 31, 2023

I’m a big fan of my backpack from sakroots. I have this one, I love the fabric (water resistant but lighter and warmer than leather) and the subtlety of the pattern, the symmetrical pockets on the outside for a water bottle and umbrella each, the hidden zip pocket on the back for my phone and wallet. But, they have a lot of backpack options including a smaller one, a sling, a thicker one for textbooks, and a big range of pretty patterns. Currently there’s some pretty great ones on sale. Their “mother” brand, the sak, has some different options in leather, crochet, and solid subdued textiles.
posted by Mizu at 7:51 PM on March 31, 2023

I replaced my work purse with this pink backpack from Light Flight about 9 months ago and it's been very durable and perfect for transporting my laptop, notebook and everyday stuff. I love it for flights, fits well under the seat. I also get lots of compliments on the pink and gold color scheme, stands out from the typical black or gray.
posted by platinum at 12:16 AM on April 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack (shadow grey)
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack (shadow grey)
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack (black)
May be on sale at REI, eBay, etc.
Enjoy Japan!
posted by eyeball at 8:47 AM on April 1, 2023 [2 favorites]

Seconding one of the small Osprey backpacks. They’re more expensive than some of the cheap ones out there, but they’re well-made and I appreciate it every time I use it.
posted by Betelgeuse at 9:00 AM on April 1, 2023 [2 favorites]

I used the Everlane Renew Transit backpack mentioned above as my everyday bag for about a year before I had a chance to travel with it. I’ve brought it on a couple international trips now, and I really like it as my personal item — it’s spacious and very durable. Mine looks basically new after two years of regular use. And the top flap pocket which I almost never use on a daily basis is especially really handy when traveling. The padded straps are comfortable enough that I think it would be ok to carry for long days as long as the weight of the contents wasn’t too great (there’s no waist strap to help distribute the backpack weight).
posted by sk932 at 9:01 AM on April 1, 2023

Another "if you can wait until you get to Japan..." voice here. Porter Yoshida has the most well thought-out bags I have ever used. Whenever I get back to Japan I'm bringing an empty suitcase to fill with their stuff.
posted by rednikki at 5:47 PM on April 1, 2023

I'm an ecologist, and the Osprey Daylite Plus is that bag that my colleagues and I carry to work, in the field, to conferences, and on airplanes. It is just a fantastic little backpack, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. If you're not interested in the back laptop/water bladder compartment, you could go with with the regular Daylight
posted by hydropsyche at 4:42 AM on April 2, 2023 [1 favorite]

The Uniqlo Nylon 2Way Bag is excellent as a lightweight, water-resistant, zippered, foldable and convertible tote bag/backpack. I sometimes have mine in my purse so that I can chuck the latter in it and switch to backpack mode when my shoulder starts hurting from the weight.

It doesn't seem to be marketed in the US (if that's where you are) but you can definitely pick it up in a Uniqlo store once you're in Japan.
posted by pendrift at 11:39 AM on April 2, 2023