The 11 Best Mini Backpacks

The miniature version of Rebecca Minkoff’s now-iconic Julian bag, this backpack has the same cool details as the original, but with a much more compact footprint. All three zippers are adorned with long tassels, and the bottom has a clasp for extra security. It’s versatile, too: The straps can be adjusted and reconfigured, giving you the option to wear it as a crossbody or belt bag.

• Available colors: 1

Western-inspired dressing is thriving right now (see: the sudden resurgence of cowboy boots), so complete the look with this mini backpack, made from distressed leather and trimmed with faux-suede criss-cross lacing and studs down the front. If you don’t feel like bringing your whole wallet, you can store your cards in the handy built-in interior slots — and there are plenty of other pockets you can use, both inside and out. This is another backpack you can convert; just pull the straps from the top to wear it across your body.

• Available colors: 3

Whether you prefer the vivid tangerine hue seen here, something subdued like khaki, or a playful floral print, this mini JanSport backpack has all the ’90s energy of the original size. Unlike the larger version you carried in middle school, though, this one has extra pockets (including a front pocket where you can stash your phone) and a built-in key fob. Best of all, it’s made from the brand’s signature water-resistant fabric, which is created in part with recycled materials.

• Available colors/prints: 26

This petite backpack can accompany you day or night thanks to its convenient convertible straps, which switch from backpack to crossbody easily. Made from pebbled faux leather, it’s equipped with a broad, zippered pocket in the front, as well as an interior pocket for smaller essentials. The crisp white hue pictured here would look so fresh paired with a tonal, all-white outfit; though the same style is also available in black, if you prefer.

• Available colors: 2

Herschel is a household name for making high-quality, perfectly normcore backpacks, and this mini backpack is no exception. Measuring just under a foot tall, its surprisingly roomy interior can carry all of your essentials without feeling cumbersome. It even has a built-in storage sleeve, which can fit a smaller device, like an iPad mini, or keep your phone within easy reach. Plus, the dual top handles look so cute if you’re carrying it as tote. This comes in almost every color you can imagine, as well as a few prints.

• Available colors: 81

Keep your essentials organized in this streamlined mini backpack from Calvin Klein. It has a ton of sectioned storage space, including three zippered interior compartments to keep your valuables safe. There’s also a hidden pocket that’s concealed behind your back as you wear it, which makes for an extra-secure place to tuck your wallet. This vegan leather bag is available in a few classic neutrals (like black, gray, and the caramel shade featured here), as well as brights and pastels.

• Available colors: 8

You may already have a full-sized Fjallraven Kanken in your arsenal, but you should still consider its little cousin. This mini backpack has all the trappings of the original, like the iconic fox logo patch, two side pockets, a dual top handle with a snap closure, and a water-resistant finish. It can zip all the way open should you want to access all of your belongings at once, though its two-way-zip construction means you don’t have to if you just need to reach in quickly. Another feature unique to Fjallraven: It comes with a sitting pad, which you can remove and use as a seat if you’re bringing this to the park or beach.

• Available colors: 57

Make a statement with this color-blocked backpack from Kate Spade. Finished with a drawstring closure, it has a fold-over flap with a built-in zip pocket, which really maximizes the bag’s storage space (plus, it has two additional inside pockets). This blue/brown colorway is particularly chic, but it also comes in solid black, solid orange, two-tone beige, and a mixed-media option with gray leather and striped canvas. They’re all so unique, no one would blame you for grabbing two.

• Available colors: 5

This bucket bag has one silver chain and one gold chain, offering an eclectic touch to an otherwise quintessential silhouette. That goes for any color you opt for in addition to the navy seen here, like solid red, pink and black, or metallic silver or gold. This vegan leather bag can dress up any look you pair it with, though the backpack style keeps things a bit casual.

• Available colors: 5

How darling is this mini backpack from Michael Kors? Crafted from supple pebbled leather, this bag is extra versatile as its straps can zip together to be worn across your body, or even as a belt bag. Any way you wear it, it’ll offer just the right amount of storage space with three inner pockets and one in front. If you don’t love the pastel pink, you can go with black, gray, cream, or a logo-print version — or go even bolder with canary yellow adorned with multi-sized studs.

• Available colors: 5

Whether you’re heading to the gym or just embracing the athleisure trend, this adidas backpack is an excellent bag to add to your collection. It’s made from lightweight nylon with a screen-printed logo on the front, has a padded back for extra comfort, and is built with a lot more storage space than you’d expect (including an affixed key fob). For an extra touch of logomania, the brand name is woven into the straps. Pair this with a tennis skirt, high socks, and white sneakers to tap into this season’s biggest athleisure trends.

• Available colors: 8