WIRED’s gear team has put numerous bags to the test, focusing on those designed for daily commutes and built to withstand wear and varying weather conditions. Our top picks for eco-friendly bags are not only durable and functional but are also crafted from recycled materials such as plastic water bottles, old nylon, and even fishing nets recovered from the ocean. It is crucial to find ways to repurpose items that would otherwise harm our environment by polluting oceans and occupying landfills indefinitely.
Before making a new bag purchase, it is essential to evaluate whether you truly need one. Acquiring sustainable items is most beneficial when replacing items that are no longer suitable for use. If your current bag is not meeting your needs, consider our recommendations below, which feature bags made from recycled materials. While not all bags are constructed entirely from recycled materials, every effort to incorporate sustainability counts towards a greener future.
Bag sizes are often measured in liters, a topic we delve into further in a separate article. Explore more bag options in our guides on the Best Backpacks, Best Totes and Purses, and Best Messenger and Sling Bags. Additionally, check out our other eco-friendly product roundups, such as the Best Recycled and Upcycled Products, Best Recycled Clothing, and Best Reusable Products.
In our latest update as of July 2024, we have included a crossbody purse and reusable shopping bags from Kind Bag, along with Sherpani’s Skye Mini Crossbody. Prices and links have been refreshed throughout the article.
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How Do We Evaluate Bags?
Personal style plays a significant role in bag preferences, influencing our selections. We strive to test a diverse range of bag types in various styles to ensure they not only look appealing but also offer comfort and durability worth the investment.
Upon receiving a new bag, we engage in typical use scenarios to assess their performance. This involves taking purses to stores or social outings, loading backpacks and totes with work essentials and heading to cafes for extended work sessions, and packing travel bags with clothing and accessories. We evaluate storage capacity, organization features, and strap comfort levels. Additionally, we subject bags to heavy loads, including weights and miscellaneous items under review, testing for any signs of wear or discomfort. Bags that exhibit signs of strain are eliminated from consideration.
Whenever feasible, we continue using bags over extended periods, lasting months or even years, to assess long-term durability. Any changes in our opinions are promptly updated in this guide.
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