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Tend to carry a lot around with you? Always the friend with a snack, lipstick, or a pen on hand to borrow? Our shoulders are sore just thinking of you.
Tote bags are great for dumping items in, but a total “Bermuda Triangle” when it comes to finding things again. There’s a bag out there that can hold your things, save your shoulders, and look stylish doing so: the backpack.
As we head towards fall, backpacks are popping up left and right, and so are sales for this style of bag. We’ve found styles that are definitely too cool for school, and are meant to be worn to work, travel, festivals and more.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 9 Image Credits: Shopbop
Best Splurge
ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Top Handle Polka Dot Convertible Backpack
This bag is polished, preppy and professional. You can fit your pens, notepads, iPad, phone, keys and more into this convertible backpack. Use the optional adjustable strap to transform this backpack into a shoulder bag when your load is lighter.
2 of 9 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best for Workouts
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack
Sporty, sleek, and in a delightful vintage pink, this Rebecca Minkoff backpack will look right at home as you head to the gym. It has a unique, center zipper design, silver hardware, and plenty of storage for your workout accessories. (Note: This backpack is not waterproof.)
3 of 9 Image Credits: Kate Spade New York
Best Quality
Kate Spade New York Kingston Drive Simona
If you're not looking for a lot of embellishing or crazy hardware on your backpack, then this simple Kate Spade bag is the one for you. Magnetic closures for easy access, interior pockets, and rich pebbled leather make a case for minimalism. For any chic lady who never thought she would be caught dead carrying a backpack, meet your match.
4 of 9 Image Credits: Free People
Best for Travel and Festivals
FP Collection Tie-Dye Mixed Material Backpack
Tie-dye is no longer just for festivals, but still feels right at home there. Backpacks are a necessity for long hours standing listening to concert after concert. This one will keep your sunscreen, valuables, and water bottles together while looking cool. Made of a slouch leather with a printed on tie-dye design, it will go well with your vintage sundress and sunglasses.
5 of 9 Image Credits: Shopbop
Best Bag for a Cause
STATE Mini Lorimer Backpack
Buy a bag, give a bag. When you purchase a STATE backpack, STATE then gives a backpack that's packed full of school essentials to an American child in need. It's the gift that keeps on giving, and this punchy pink and orange color is an eye catcher.
6 of 9 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Quality Bag
Frye Small Ilana Harness Leather Backpack
We can already smell the scent of leather just looking at this gorgeous bag. This handcrafted Italian leather Frye backpack is the quality, luxury bag you've been seeking. It's a smaller size for when you're looking to carry the basics, but keep your hands free. It even comes in a black leather version with silver hardware for an edgier style.
7 of 9 Image Credits: Target
Best Looking Bag
A New Day Straw Basket Backpack
Who doesn't love a wicker bag? As of late they're everywhere, but we're gravitating towards this woven backpack as a must for your next park picnic. It may only hold your phone, keys, and wallet, so you'll need an additional bag to carry the blanket and food. But come on! Think of all the Instagram opportunities.
8 of 9 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Deal
8 Other Reasons x Jill Jacobs Croc Embossed Leather Backpack
8 Other Reasons collaborated with celeb stylist Jill Jacobs to create this angular backpack. At 50 percent off, this is one you're going to want to snatch up quick. Chic croc embossed leather and 18k-gold plated chains put this bag, at this price, a tier above the rest.
9 of 9 Image Credits: Nike
Most Affordable
Nike Leopard Print Just Do It Mini Backpack
This sporty Nike backpack gets a fun twist with this roaring leopard print. For those backpack traditionalists out there, this design has all the classic parts you're wanting. Big zipper main pocket, front zipper pocket, side mesh water bottle pockets, and padded straps for comfort.
