The 10 Best Designer Backpacks For Women
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in March of 2018. There are some situations where it's inconvenient to carry a purse, such as when you're going on a trip or planning to be on your feet all day. One of these designer backpacks will solve all of your travel woes. Many provide plenty of pockets and straps that won't dig into your shoulders, and they allow you to take all your essentials on the go without sacrificing style. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Michael Kors Rhea
2. Gucci Soho Chain
3. Kate Spade Chester Street Aveline
Editor's Notes
April 22, 2020:
Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or meeting friends for lunch, a stylish and sturdy designer backpack is great to have on hand for holding all of your essentials. In today’s update, we rounded out our list by adding in a couple of exciting options that are both comfortable and sure to turn heads. The Italian-made Gucci Soho Chain features grained calfskin leather and boasts striking pink and red colors and the brand’s embossed interlocking logo front and center. Its gold-tone hardware includes the chain straps and connecting rings, as well as the zipper pulls. The interior of the main compartment is lined in an attractive beige canvas, and a small front pocket is convenient for holding your phone, wallet, or other essentials. It stands 12 inches in height and is available in multiple colors.
The newly added Kate Spade Chester Street Aveline boasts more of a classically polished look, with its neutral beige color with a black tassel and trim. It’s also made of textured leather, and sports a foil logo and a smooth, jacquard fabric lining. It’s great for commuters and shoppers alike, with plenty of space for your electronics, books, a small makeup bag, and other items.
The Michael Kors Rhea retains its number one spot in our selection and, like many other Michael Kors bags, is available in a wide array of both neutral and vibrant colors. Unlike some other backpacks, this one conveniently comes with a divided interior for easy organization, so you’ll never have to dig around too much to find things. For a bag made of durable nylon, look to the Tumi Voyageur Nadia which, in addition to having a hard-wearing exterior also boasts plenty of pockets to keep everything in order. It’s got gold-toned accents for an eye-catching effect. Anyone partial to Coach will appreciate the Coach Pebbled Leather, which seals tightly to keep your belongings secure, thanks to its drawstring closure. Its neutral color and silver-toned hardware will complement most everyday outfits.
Special Honors
Mansur Gavriel Black Mini Backpack Made in Italy from vegetable-tanned leather, this sturdy and sophisticated little bag includes an interior zip pocket and highly adjustable straps. It features an 8-inch height and a 10-inch width and an interior that’s available in beige, pink, or red. mansurgavriel.com
Rachel Comey Mini Cash Backpack Made of goatskin leather, this striking black and white bag features a gold-tone ring at the top and stylish crochet trim. It’s got highly adjustable straps and that attach via hooks to the bottom loops. It stands just under 10 inches tall and is great for securely holding your phone, wallet, and a few other essentials. shopbop.com
Prada Nylon and Saffiano Leather Backpack Featuring a combination of durable nylon and luxurious Saffiano leather details, this bag offers both modernist charm and contemporary functionality. Its roomy interior compartment has a Prada logo lining and two inside pockets, one of which has a zipper closure. It’s got a fabric handle, adjustable shoulder straps, and a flap with a buckle and a magnetic button. prada.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff Julian
5. Tumi Voyageur Nadia
6. Coach Pebbled Leather
7. Knomo Mayfair Beauchamp Business
8. Vince Camuto Giani
9. Marc Jacobs Nylon
10. Coach Mini Charlie
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.