11 not-unstylish backpacks
By request
My friend Margaret’s been searching for one of these for the same reason many of us do: because at this stage in the game, heavy shoulder bags can cause back pain. Locating a good everyday backpack requires some digging, but I found quite a few to like, including this nicely polished leather one from Clare V.
Just a really good classic shape, for $100, from Herschel.
I have wanted this Filson option for some time now; I also covet it in this tan iteration.
This is the Calpak Luka backpack, which I guess is a cousin to my much-beloved Calpak Luka duffel. Like the duffel, it fits a ton, with an embarrassment of pockets, and the price is pretty good. The perfect airplane personal item bag.
I’ve got quite a few convertible options here, that can be used as totes as well. I like the simple elegance of this one.
Another convertible choice, in such a good bright green (it comes in a few other good colors too).
A very slouchy convertible that fits more than it looks like it does.
I always like a hit of blue and brown together.
This Paravel fold-up backpack couldn’t be handier and is currently marked way down.
MZ Wallace’s quilted backpack is a fun choice; here’s something similar but cheaper.
And finally, here is Mansur Gavriel’s very luxe (and pricey) choice, which, BTW, you can find much cheaper on the Real Real.
Good Morning Friends, I want to be the cool one with this but also want this little business to thrive so here you go. I bought in a little shop in Bologna seeing the orange in the window. It's my most used bag now and bought Navy for a friend then kept it too. Such good quality, lined, heavy zipper. I had a water bottle leak in it last week and it still looks new 4 years in. I travel quite a bit and random fancy ladies in Paris took a picture of it on the spot to use google lens and found this Etsy page. I give you the coolest tote/backpack , yes it's leather but not heavy at all. https://www.etsy.com/listing/978545008/leather-bag-and-backpack-leather-milan?ref=yr_purchases
Kim: I love your recommendations. If you're open to it, I would love to see a similar post on messenger bags (big enough for a laptop.) I love the Cuyana bag, which is simple and made of soft leather, but they seem to have stopped making it.