The best urban backpacks for women

We often tend to associate the backpack with hiking, school and travel. But did you know that there are also models designed for women and everyday life? This is the urban backpack. Available in more stylish versions, this timeless classic becomes a real fashion accessory in addition to being functional. Ready to adopt it? Find the best urban backpack for women in our list.

Mini sac à dos Aotian

Aotian Mini Backpack

17,59 £ on Amazon

The Aotian mini backpack, with its multi-pocket design, is made entirely of nylon (outer fabric, lining and stitching). This makes it particularly resistant and strong. Its shoulder strap can be easily adjusted to fit all sizes. The back padding will increase your comfort level.

Sac à dos en cuir synthétique Miss Lulu

Miss Lulu synthetic leather backpack

21,99 £ on Amazon

Forget the schoolgirl look. This Miss Lulu synthetic leather backpack can be mixed with a light and very feminine outfit. To set the tone, choose a little mid-thigh skirt and a pretty light colored blouse. Black heeled sandals will complete the look.

Sac à dos Travistar

Travistar Backpack

22,39 £ on Amazon

An urban backpack for women quite sober, this model from Travistar goes elegantly with colorful outfits. It seems small in appearance. Yet it easily accommodates A4 files, an umbrella and even a tablet or laptop.

Sac à dos pour femme Lovevook

Women's backpack Lovevook

29,59 £ on Amazon

Does your phone's battery frequently die during the day? Choose this urban handbag for women. Lovevook's trendy style includes a special compartment for your powerbank. Even better, it has a padded pocket for 14-inch laptops.

Sac à dos pour ordinateur Lekesky

Lekesky Computer Backpack

31,99 £ on Amazon

Succumb to the perfect working girl style by choosing this large capacity computer backpack. Measuring exactly 28 x 20 x 42 cm, you have enough space to store a PC up to 15.6 inches. The side pockets can hold a water bottle or an umbrella. The best part? The back pocket has an anti-theft system.

Sac à dos pour ordinateur EverVanz

Computer backpack EverVanz

35,19 £ on Amazon

Made of durable, lightweight and waterproof material, the EverVanz Computer Backpack has a volume ranging from 18 to 25L. Its large main pocket will hold your daily necessities. Your computer, up to 16 inches in size, will easily fit in the padded pocket.

Under Armour Hustle 5.0

Under Armour Hustle 5.0

36,79 £ on Amazon

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Women's Urban Backpack isn't just durable. You'll get the most out of its water-resistant quality. Its waterproof nature allows it to better resist the whims of Mother Nature. It is versatile and will accompany you in all your daily activities.

Sac à dos femme en cuir Cluci

Leather backpack for women Cluci

41,59 £ on Amazon

Despite its minimalist design, the Cluci PU leather women's backpack includes a main compartment with zip closure, 2 side pockets and a zipper pocket. It can be worn on the shoulders, on the back or on the elbow. Choose what suits you to gain comfort.

Kensington TripleTrek K62591EU

Kensington TripleTrek K62591EU

55,90 £ on Amazon

The Kensington TripleTrek K62591EU has the capacity to hold a laptop, iPad or Surface Pro up to 13.3″. Preferably place the device in the Snugfit compartment so that it can enjoy optimal protection. Its design from 1680D ballistic nylon gives it added durability.

Sac à dos en cuir véritable Bostanten

Genuine leather backpack Bostanten

87,99 £ on Amazon

This urban backpack made of genuine cowhide leather is sure to give you a businesswoman look. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 13 inch laptop, a few books and why not a smartphone and a wallet? There is also a zipped pocket and a shoulder strap.

Buying guide - urban backpack for women

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your urban backpack for women

More comfortable than a travel backpack and less bulky than a sports or hiking backpack, the urban backpack for women has everything to seduce. Apart from its functionality, it can complement any outfit. As there is a wide choice of models on the market, choosing the right one can be quite complicated. That's why it is essential to base your choice on the following criteria.
choisir sac à dos urbain pour femme

Criterion n°1 : The material

The urban backpack for women is designed with the same materials as the backpack for men. No matter what material is used, the most important thing is that it is strong and durable. It should be noted that in this area, the choice is not lacking. Here are the most popular materials of the moment:

  • Genuine leather : Although it has been used since ancient times, genuine leather has not lost any of its beauty. It is characterized by its durability and breathability. It is the most expensive of the trendy materials.
  • Vegetable leather: considered an ecological material, vegetable leather is made of natural fibers and vegetable oils. Like real leather, it is one of the most expensive materials.
  • Faux leather or PU leather: the least expensive, faux leather (fake leather, vegan leather, artificial leather or polyurethane leather) is thinner and softer than real leather. It resists very well to wear while being waterproof and very flexible.
  • Cotton canvas: cotton canvas is often organic. It can be mixed with synthetic fiber. Cheap, this material lends itself to unlimited customization (embroidery or printing).
  • Oxford fabric: very popular with manufacturers of urban backpacks for women, Oxford fabric is relatively thick. It is made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or PVC, which makes it waterproof, flexible and resistant.
  • Nylon : In addition to its waterproofing, stretchability, strength and especially its absorbency, nylon is a synthetic fiber that has the advantage of drying quickly.

Criterion n°2 : The compartments

The choice will be made according to the quantity and nature of the things you intend to store in the backpack. You can also draw up a list of suitable models according to the use of the accessory. Usually, an urban model for women is equipped with a main compartment and a front pocket. However, it is not uncommon to find side pockets that can accommodate a water bottle, a water bottle or an umbrella.

If you need to carry a lot of items, choose a women's urban backpack with several interior pockets. This will not only make it easier to store them, but also to organize them. In addition, those who want to carry their laptop should choose a model with a dedicated compartment.

Do you live in or have to cross a street where there is insecurity? Choose an urban backpack for women with an anti-theft system. Finally, to make the most of your favorite music and your smartphone, it is possible to find a backpack equipped with an outlet for headphones or for the power cable connected to a powerbank or an external solar battery.

Criterion n°3 : The capacity

Too charged, the urban backpack for women will quickly get damaged. Therefore, you need to match its capacity to the volume of stuff to be stored. To calculate the volume of a bag, in case the brand did not mention it, multiply its width by its length and height. On average, the capacity of such an accessory varies between 20 and 25 L. Some models can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches without a problem. Others can only hold tablets and smartphones. The mini bags, for their part, are intended only for small items such as lip balm, nail polish, bank cards, makeup brushes...

Criterion n°4 : The comfort

In order for the urban backpack for women to be comfortable, pay attention to these few rules:

  • The width of the bag should always be less than or equal to the width of the back.
  • When empty, the bag should be very light.
  • Padding in the shoulder straps and back is very useful if you have to carry heavy objects. The load will be better distributed.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps are welcome. You can adjust them according to your size.

Criterion n°5 : The design

The aesthetic aspect of the urban backpack for women is a criterion that is a matter of individual taste. Since it will act as a fashion accessory in its own right, choose it first based on its colors. You don't like to attract the eye? In that case, go for sobriety. Black, white, navy blue, brown and gray are always in vogue. In addition, these colors can be easily combined with any outfit. If, on the other hand, you like to draw attention or just want to bring out the originality of your look, we recommend bold colors like yellow, red, green...

Criterion n°6 : The closure

In terms of functionality and practicality, make sure that access to your stuff is easy. With this in mind, check the bag's opening and closing system. For the safety of your items, an ergonomic zipper will do the trick. A drawstring closure is an interesting option if it is covered by a strap closure on top. On the inside, a Velcro strap is more than enough.

How to wear urban backpack for women with style?

avis sac à dos urbain pour femme

The urban backpack is reminiscent of the university and college years. Back in the day, there was nothing fancy about the accessory; it just had to remain functional. The bag was almost double the weight of its wearer and weighed down on their back. But those days are gone. Despite its school connotation, the backpack is now available in smaller, practical and refined versions.

Certainly, this type of accessory will add style to your look. It is also a question of learning the basics to wear it well and not feel pain in the back or shoulders.

Urban backpack for women: an original look in all elegance

We can say it, the urban backpack for women goes with any outfit. You just have to pay attention to its design and color at the risk of looking like a little girl. You don't need to have any special knowledge in fashion, you just need to know how to match your bag with what you have in your wardrobe. The result can only be breathtaking!

  • The leather backpack: no matter what color it is (black, brown, camel, blue...), the urban backpack ensures a 100% so chic look. The nobility of the material will add seriousness to your outfit. The accessory will be in harmony with a small flowing dress in fibranne. It will not be less with the famous dark jean shorts/white T-shirt. Add a little bow in your hair to complete your look.
  • The fabric bag: when dealing with a simple bag, made of cotton canvas or denim fabric, the possibilities of customization are endless. Let your imagination run wild and adorn your women's urban backpack with patches, sequins and even rhinestones. Prints are not excluded, as well as embroidery. Thanks to these small decorations, the bag is simply worn with casual outfits, on a sunny day.
  • The vintage urban backpack: is perfect for those who love retro style. Pair it smartly with an off shoulder dress or a flared or pleated blouse/skirt combo. If you frequently dress in a suit, wear your bag on one shoulder.

Tips for carrying your women's urban backpack

  • If you feel any pain or fatigue in your back or shoulders, change the position of the bag. Wear it as a shoulder bag or as a handbag.
  • Tighten the straps if you feel they are too loose. According to standards, the bag should reach above the buttocks.
  • For an optimal distribution of your belongings, place the heaviest items at the bottom (a computer for example) followed by the lightest items. This way, there will be no imbalance.
  • If your bag has one, don't hesitate to use the chest strap and/or the lumbar belt. An extra support system will be beneficial!

Avoid fashion faux pas

Avoid wearing an Aztec patterned women's urban backpack with a floral print outfit as much as possible. Plain clothes are compatible with multicolored models and vice versa.

The different types of urban backpacks for women

In terms of women's urban backpacks, the choice is very wide. It is however possible to classify them according to their use. Thus, we can mention the trendy backpack, the computer backpack, the mini backpack and the handbag worn back.

Trendy women's urban backpack

Sac à dos urbain tendance pour femme

The trendy urban backpack focuses mainly on the look and style. Apart from its basic functions, the model can be used to perfect or accompany a specific outfit. It is therefore a real fashion asset or, better yet, a must-have in a woman's wardrobe. Most of the time, the bag is designed with noble materials such as leather, linen, cork and cotton. Some have an innovative and futuristic design while others tend more towards vintage and Scandinavian minimalism.

Women's urban computer backpack

Sac à dos urbain d’ordinateur pour femme

As its name suggests, the urban backpack is for all those who own a laptop and want to facilitate its transportation from one place to another. Whatever your field of activity, this type of urban backpack for women is worn in an ergonomic way. It will relieve your lumbar and arms of the weight of the computer. As a rule, the accessory offers a very generous capacity and has a compartment dedicated to the laptop. This special pocket should be padded and reinforced to support the weight of the device while ensuring optimal security and protection.

Women's urban mini backpack

Mini sac à dos urbain pour femme

You can recognize a women's mini urban backpack by its small size and long adjustable straps. Its compactness gives it so much charm that it's easy to believe it's a girl's backpack. This mini version nevertheless brings a sophisticated touch to your everyday outfits. Paired with a casual outfit, it can only be more glamorous. Moreover, trendy girls don't hesitate to wear it on one shoulder.

Women's urban backpack

Sac à main urbain porté dos pour femme

In canvas, polyester or leather, the urban backpack for women is one of the most versatile. It stands out by the presence of a handle in addition to the traditional straps. You will be able to vary the styles of carrying according to your desires and your look simply. It is a very practical bag, especially if you go to work every day on an urban transport such as scooter, bike, motorcycle, scooter or hoverboard.

Anti-theft urban backpack for women

It is a kind of backpack very appreciated by those who regularly frequent public spaces and insecure places. It comes in two versions. On the one hand, there is the backpack with an exclusive compartment for valuables. This compartment can be placed either on the back or inside the bag. On the other hand, the accessory can be made from material (PVC, Oxford, polyester ...) resistant to wear and tear.

Urban backpack for women or handbag?

Urban backpack for women

The urban backpack adopts the same functionality as the classic model. However, it is specifically used to carry various personal belongings such as laptop, beauty accessories, wallet, bank cards, smartphone ... For everyday use, this type of bag is equipped with two straps (padded or not) and often a handle. It takes at least 10 L and is made of all kinds of material, from leather to cotton canvas.

Handbag

The handbag, meanwhile, allows you to store your daily necessities such as lipsticks, diary, makeup, etc.. It comes in different sizes depending on its capacity. As its name suggests, it can only be carried in the hand. Equipped with a main pocket and several pockets, the handbag can have one or two straps thanks to which it can be converted into a shoulder bag, to be worn on one shoulder or on the elbow.

Verdict

The urban backpack for women stands out especially for its practicality. It will free your hands and limit back and shoulder pain. Indeed, the weight of your belongings is distributed evenly thanks to the straps. The urban backpack can accommodate a large number of objects, including a laptop. On the other hand, use a handbag if you have a short daily commute, if you carry very few objects (therefore a light load) or if you have no muscular health problems.

Why buy an urban backpack for women?

pourquoi acheter sac à dos urbain pour femme

Practicality

The backpack has always been appreciated for its practicality. It is much easier to carry than other luggage. Its urban version is no exception. The urban backpack for women remains a very practical storage accessory that you could carry everywhere without much difficulty. It is even more comfortable to carry when you have to walk for some distance.

Balance and comfort

The design of an urban backpack is made with balance in mind. The two handles spread the load over both shoulders, which is not the case with a handbag or a shoulder bag. Of course, you will have the choice to adjust the length of the handles according to your height and your body type in order to enjoy optimal comfort.

Storage space

The urban backpack for women generally offers less space than a classic backpack. This does not mean that it is narrow. On the contrary. When its storage space is well arranged, the urban backpack can surprise you with the amount of items it can hold. A tablet or laptop under 13 inches can fit in the main compartment, depending on the size of the backpack, not to mention the space in the internal and external pockets.

The design and the trend

The women's urban backpack has never really strayed from trends. In recent years, it has nevertheless regained its reputation as one of the most popular fashion accessories. Wearing an urban backpack is trendy. The accessory is all the more appreciated as brands compete in creativity to produce ever more beautiful and original models.

The prices

Women's urban backpacks come in a wide variety of brands, models and ranges with their respective prices. You can afford a basic model from about ten euros. High-end urban backpacks, made with noble materials and prestigious brands, can be bought for several hundred euros. The range is wide enough for you to find a model that suits you in terms of design and quality and whose price is adapted to your budget.

The best brands of urban backpacks for women

In our opinion, the best brands of urban backpacks for women in 2022 are :

Miss Lulu
Under Armour
Herschel
Travistar
Eastpak

Miss Lulu is a British brand specializing in the sale of fashion accessories such as watches, scarves and especially bags. The company adopts a business model that allows it to offer particularly affordable prices on very good quality urban backpacks. Choose Miss Lulu if you want to treat yourself to an urban backpack while enjoying excellent value.

Under Armour has gained a very strong reputation over the past few years by positioning itself as an equipment manufacturer perfectly capable of competing with leaders like Nike and Adidas. But Under Armour is an apparel and accessories brand in its own right. You will find in its collections very high quality urban backpacks with original and authentic designs.

Founded in 2009, Herschel is a Canadian brand specialized in backpacks and fashion accessories. It gained its notoriety by adopting a timeless retro hispter style. The famous Retreat urban backpack is the brand's flagship model. The best-seller combines style and quality with genius. Turn to Herschel if you're looking for an urban backpack in hipster style.

Travistar is a manufacturer of trendy and modern urban bags and totes. The firm sells its products exclusively online, a strategy that allows it to apply lower prices. Travistar's catalog contains a wide selection of urban backpacks suitable for men and women who want to keep up with the trend without spending huge amounts of money.

Eastpak has been making bags, backpacks and travel gear since 1952. In the 1980s, the American brand became a forerunner of the urban backpack concept by changing the color code of the accessory. Today, Eastpak urban backpacks have kept their dynamic spirit with bright colors and are sold all over the world.

What is the price for an urban backpack for women

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 50 £
Mid-range
50 £ to 75 £
High-end
more than 75 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Delicate and noble materials

The canvas or synthetic backpack may seem childish, the image of the schoolgirl sticking to it. To avoid this image, choose a women's backpack made from more delicate and high quality materials such as leather, suede or velvet. This will give the accessory more style and make it a fashion accessory for adults.

Varying ways to carry your urban backpack

Initially, the women's urban backpack is designed to be worn on the back, with the two handles resting on the shoulders. This mode of carrying is comfortable. It is not mandatory. You can perfectly carry the accessory on the shoulder, with a single handle. Models with a top handle can be converted from a backpack to a handbag. In short, wear your urban backpack according to your feeling and according to the style you are looking for.

Pockets and pouches

We don't always pay attention to it, but the pockets and pouches are of paramount importance on a women's urban backpack. They provide additional and accessible storage space. The more pockets, the better. Of course, the presence of pockets and pouches should not detract from the look of the urban backpack.

Choose according to your look

The women's urban backpack comes in a huge variety of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. The choice is subjective. Take into account your taste, but especially your clothing style to find the model that will suit you best. Identify the look you are looking for (vintage, sophisticated, casual, sporty...), juggle with colors and shapes until you get the visual rendering you want.

Print a women's urban leather backpack

Leather is one of the most popular materials in the manufacture of urban backpacks for women. Although it is very sturdy, leather is vulnerable to excessive moisture. So before using the bag, consider protecting it with a waterproofing product. The coating will prevent water from seeping onto the material and will act as a protective barrier against stains.

FAQ

How to organize your women's urban backpack?

There is no magic formula fororganizing a woman's urban backpack. It all depends on the storage space available, but also on the things you plan to carry in the bag. Ideally, prepare these things by folding them to reduce their size. Also consider rolling up small, angular items in clothing or scarves. This will save you a few extra liters.

How to store your women's urban backpack?

The women's urban backpack has fairly limited storage space. That's not to say you couldn't store a lot of accessories in it. The makeup bag, the smartphone, small fashion and beauty accessories will find their places there. Make the most of every square inch of the urban backpack's storage space, including the pockets and various compartments.

How to maintain your women's urban backpack?

In order to extend the life of a women's urban backpack, you need to maintain it. This maintenance involves regular cleaning. The right type of cleaning will then depend on the material your women's urban backpack is made of. Use a specific product when cleaning leather, suede and delicate materials. Polyester bags can, in most cases, be washed in the washing machine.

Can you wear a women's urban backpack if you are pregnant?

There are urban backpacks specifically designed for pregnant women. These include drawstring backpacks that are lightweight and apply very little pressure to the spine. Other more advanced models are also available from major brands. Wearing a backpack is therefore permitted for a pregnant woman. But be careful, the loads carried must remain very limited.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How did the backpack become a trendy piece?, cosmopolitan.fr
  2. How to wear a backpack without looking like a college student?20+ fashionable looks swiped from fashionistas!, deavita.fr
  3. 5 good reasons to wear a backpack, mariefrance.fr
  4. How to wash a backpack, wikihow.com
  5. How to care for your leather bag?, letanneur.com
  6. How to wash your canvas, leather or suede bags?, rtbf.be
  7. 12 best work backpacks for women to buy in 2021, thesun.co.uk
  8. 17 Best Women's Backpacks for Work, fairygodboss.com
  9. The best backpacks for women, mumsnet.com
  10. We've Got Your Back(Pack): The 19 Best Backpacks For Women, luxe.digital
  11. Women's Urban Backpacks | Lafuma, lafuma.com
  12. Urban Backpacks : backpacks with computer pocket | Lafuma, lafuma.com
  13. Women's Urban Backpacks | Etsy, etsy.com
  14. A very good urban backpack for women with maximized storage, fashion-bags.fr
  15. UrbanLife Bag | Anti-theft city backpack store ..., sac-urbanlife.com
  16. Women's Backpacks | Zalando, zalando.fr
  17. Women's Backpacks | Hexagona Paris, hexagona.com
  18. Women's Backpacks in many colors and sizes ..., c-and-a.com
  19. Women's Anti-Theft Backpacks and Secure Bags - My Anti-Theft Bag, monsacantivol.com
  20. Bike Backpacks - Discover Probikeshop's Offer, probikeshop.fr
  21. Women's Backpacks | Zalando, zalando.fr
  22. Women's Urban Backpacks | Etsy, etsy.com
  23. Urban Backpacks | La Redoute, laredoute.fr
  24. Mazon.fr : women's urban backpack, amazon.co.uk
  25. Customizable backpacks with lifetime guarantee | Cabaia, cabaia.fr
  26. Women's backpacks | Eastpak FR, eastpak.com
  27. Women's backpacks | Simons Canada, simons.ca
  28. Bags and purses | Urban Outfitters FR, urbanoutfitters.com
  29. Women's backpacks, practical and trendy - edisac, edisac.com
  30. Backpacks, Women's Backpacks | Galeries Lafayette, galerieslafayette.com
  31. ABORDAGE | Trendy Backpack & Urban Cyclist Accessory ...., abordage-shop.com
  32. Amazon.co.uk : women's urban backpacks | Women's Leather Backpacks | ASOS, amazon.co.uk
  33. Hiking backpacks 20 - 30 L, light, for walking and hiking ..., asos.com
  34. , rayonrando.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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