Summer is here, and we simply can’t stop thinking about all the things one could do outdoors when the sun is shining and the birds are singing: cycling, trekking, long walks in the forest, or just sightseeing in the city – you name it, you do it. And since every good adventure – big or small, whether a fortnight away or just a weekend escape – requires a reliable backpack, we’ve got you covered with our favourite vegan brands.
While most backpacks for outdoor adventures are made from synthetic materials – vegan or not – these brands have taken it upon themselves to ensure that at least some of the materials used are recycled, upcycled, or repurposed. Think waterproof hemp, military canvas, recycled nylon, rPET, upcycled truck tarpaulin, discarded fishing nets, and kraft paper as a leather alternative. Details are crafted from reclaimed rubber, tyres, fire hoses or car parts. These bags are sure to keep you company – come rain, strain, or simply snack time.
You’re all welcome.
AIRPAQ (Germany)
AirPaq repurposes airbags, seatbelt buckles, and seatbelts from landfill, transforming them into new, durable products. First, the airbags are opened to extract the maximum amount of fabric, which is then dyed in an environmentally friendly manner and cut with precision. Seatbelts are repurposed as back panels, shoulder straps, and closures, while belt buckles serve as distinctive roll-top closures. Through this process, rugged materials become fully functional backpacks and accessories—with stories attached.
VFR’s pick: Rolltop-White Roll (upcycled airbag, set belts, belt buckles)
Regular price: €159,00
Bendl (The Netherlands)
Avid cyclist Casper Vloet, the founder of Bendl, built a business out of his lifestyle. His brand repurposes bicycle tyres, fire hoses, and truck tarpaulin to create accessories. Both he and his brand are actively involved in Huntington’s disease research, an effort that began with two bike rides in 2019 and 2022, organised by Edwin Stolp. Cyclists from across the Netherlands participated in a 110-kilometre relay or a 40-kilometre tour around Westzaan, raising over €50,000 for research. Though Stolp hosted his final tour in 2024, Bendl is carrying the torch, with a portion of proceeds from bicycle tyre belts going towards furthering the cause.
VFR’s pick: Responsible Backpack (red truck tarpaulin, fire hoses)
Regular price: €79,00
Boje11 (Germany)
Boje11, a startup founded by Joerg Wachenfeld in June 2023, set out to prove that it is possible to manufacture backpacks using entirely European-sourced recycled materials. After 20 months of research, discussions, setbacks, and breakthroughs, the first backpack was crafted in Poland using plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets. Even the back mesh, Velcro, plastic fasteners, patches, and sewing thread are made from recycled materials.
VFR’s pick: B11-Rolltop L (recycled fishnets, rPET)
Regular price: €159,00
8000Kicks (Portugal)
Founded in 2017 by Bernardo Carreira and his grandmother Otília, this remarkable duo spent a year developing the world’s first waterproof hemp shoe – pioneering an entirely new category. Hemp is the world’s most sustainable natural fibre, with anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, as well as a naturally porous structure, making it an ideal material for products requiring enhanced performance.
VFR’s pick: Everyday Backpack (hemp)
Regular price: €139,00
Kaala (Germany)
Founded in 2020 by Carolin van Eupen and Regina Winther, Kaala (meaning fish in Finnish) produces yoga bags and backpacks using MIPAN®, a recycled nylon made from industrial waste that retains the same quality as conventional nylon while requiring fewer resources. The bags’ linings are made from recycled PET bottles.
VFR’s pick: Inki (recycled nylon, rPET)
Regular price: €169,00
Paguro Upcyled (UK)
Paguro was founded by Yen Goo after meeting a designer while travelling in South-East Asia who created ethical bags and accessories using repurposed and recycled materials. Inspired, Yen began searching globally for designers with unique missions and creative stories. Paguro’s sustainability ethos also includes fair trade principles in manufacturing, supporting environmentally conscious practices and positive impact in local communities.
VFR’s pick: Colonel Vegan Water Resistant Backpack (recycled army tent and inner tubes)
Regular price: £155.00
Paper and Sons (Germany)
A brand born out of the search for an alternative to both leather and synthetic fibres – and found the answer in kraft paper. As a natural and renewable raw material, kraft paper offers a more sustainable route to a plastic-free future. Kraft paper is manufactured in Germany from FSC-certified long-fibre softwoods (spruce, pine). A special finish makes it exceptionally durable, tear-resistant, and water-repellent – ideal for long walks in the rain – and it can even be hand-washed at 30°C. With use, it softens and develops a distinctive, leather-like texture.
VFR’s pick: Oak Backpack (kraft paper)
Regular price: €52,90
Got Bag (USA)
Based in the eco-conscious hub of Oregon, Got Bag transforms ocean plastic waste into functional treasures. The brand operates the GOT BAG Indonesia Foundation, which runs a clean-up programme collecting Ocean Impact Plastic from marine and coastal areas. Each bag comes with a two-year warranty and access to an Oregon-based repair service at no extra cost. This backpack is from a special collaboration edition: So iLL x On The Roam, created together with Jason Momoa – a dedicated ambassador for ocean preservation.
VFR’s pick: Rolltop – On the Roam, by Jason Momoa (RE:PET)
Regular price: $169,00
Explore more vegan and sustainable bags in our Directory.