Bags are one of those things that most people rarely think about until they fail. We tend to take the good ones for granted, while complaining about flimsy travel bags and ill fitting day packs. We’re here to change that by shining a light on 8 of our favorite bags. Not only are these guaranteed to be fail free, they’re so feature rich that you’ll be waxing poetic about them in no time.
The Every Day Carry-All – Vaan & Co Hobo Backpack $49.00
This roomy bag has plenty of space for everything, but still looks sleek, thanks to the classic leather styling. It’s constructed from upcycled remnant materials, so it’s also got major eco-cred.
The Grab and Go Clutch – Malia Designs Convertible Clutch – $18.00
We’re huge fans of this clutch’s organic looking pattern. It’s also just the right size to keep your wallet, phone, and keys on hand. Because Malia designs bags provide fair employment for vulnerable artisans in Cambodia, it’s a purchase you’ll feel good about.
The Perfect School Bag – Fjallraven Kanken Art – $90.00
The Fjallraven Kanken is a classic Scandinavian school bag packed with clever features. We love the removable mat in the back pocket – perfect for impromptu picnics. While you could opt for a classic color, we love the playful animal print available on the art edition.
The Weekend Getaway Bag – Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L – $139.00
Sure, the Black Hole Duffel has been around for awhile, but there’s a reason for that – it’s tough to beat. This burly duffle is made of recycled polyester ripstop laminated for extra durability and superb water resistance. It has well thought out design features like exterior gear loops and handles that double as backpack straps. Plus, it folds down into it’s own pocket for compact storage.
The Work-to-Play Bag – Mystery Ranch Urban Assault – $125.00
Mystery Ranch started out making bags for wilderness fire fighters, so they know a thing or two about durability and comfort. The Urban Assault features a polished look, plenty of organization, and a padded laptop sleeve – perfect for a day at the office. But it’s still constructed to take on a day on the trail.
The Tailgating Hero – Hydroflask Unbound 24L Cooler – $199.95
Football season calls for a cooler that can keep up. This sleek soft cooler is durable, watertight, and keeps ice for up to 48 hours. The best part? Its lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry, even fully loaded.
The Day Hike Companion – Osprey Daylite Plus – $65.00
Sometimes you just want to keep your gear simple and focus on the trail. The Daylite Plus features a comfortable back panel, a couple simple pockets, a hydration sleeve, and that’s it. No frills, just a really great pack that comes with Osprey’s unbeatable warranty.
The Carbon Footprint Cutting Tote – Eagles Nest Outdoors Earth Bag – $11.95
This compact tote makes going plastic free a breeze. Just toss one in your purse or trunk and you’ll always be ready with a reusable bag. These sturdy bags are made using remnants from ENO’s hammocks and can easily hold up to 25 lbs.