WIRED Gear Team We’ve tested dozens of bags designed to make your commute easier and stand up to wear and tear. These favorite eco-friendly bags are functional and durable, but they’re also made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, old nylon, and even fishing nets salvaged from the ocean.
It’s important to find ways to reuse things that would otherwise pollute our oceans and end up in landfills forever, but first ask yourself: need Looking for a new bag? If you already have a good one at home, buying a sustainable item won’t do you much good. But if your current bag isn’t doing the trick, these recycled material recommendations might give you peace of mind. Not all bags are made from 100% recycled materials, but every little bit counts.
Bags are often categorized by the number of litres they hold, which we explain in more detail in another article. For more bag recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Backpacks, Best Tote Bags & Handbags and Best Messenger Bags & Sling Bags. Also, be sure to read our other sustainable roundups, including the Best Recycled and Upcycled Products, Best Recycled Clothing and Best Reusable Products.
Update July 2024: We’ve added the Kind Bag crossbody bag and reusable shopping bag, as well as the Skye Mini Crossbody by Sherpani. We’ve also updated prices and links throughout.
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How do you test your bags?
When it comes to products like bags, personal style dictates your (and our) preferences – that’s what we look at first. We make sure to test different types of bags in different styles – to make sure they not only look good, but actually offer value for money in terms of comfort and durability.
When you get a new bag, start by using it as you normally would: take your handbag out to the grocery store or a bar, put your laptop and work tools in a backpack or tote bag to work at a coffee shop for the afternoon, stuff your clothes and shoes in the travel bag. Check what fits in it, how organized it is, are the straps comfortable, do they start to dig in after a while, etc. Also, fill it with heavy objects (sometimes weights, sometimes other random products we’re testing) and toss it around. If threads or straps start to pull, it’s out. Whenever possible, we’ll also test our bags for long-term durability by using them repeatedly for months or years, and update this guide if we feel differently.
