10 Stylish Mini Backpacks With Just Enough Room for the Essentials

By Monica Mendal and Madeline Diamond

Updated July 25, 2020

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If there is one thing every traveler needs, it’s a backpack. Whether you’re toting it through the airport or using it as your day bag in a new city, it’s the ideal companion for a hands-free day. The perfect backpack is comfortable, lightweight, and practical, yet doesn’t compromise style. Mini backpacks are particularly trendy at the moment, because in today’s fast-paced world, carrying around less means the opportunity to do more.

Related: The Best Bag Organizers to Keep Your Purse From Becoming a Jumbled Mess

There are all kinds of small backpacks that appeal to various style aesthetics — whether you’re looking for a sportier, more functional style you can take from city streets to nature trails or a more classic silhouette that lends itself to casual and dressy outfits. Then, there’s also the fashion backpack that functions as a key ingredient to your travel look. Some backpacks can even be worn multiple ways so you get a bag that’s 2-in-1.

No matter your style, we’ve rounded up the best small backpacks to travel with.

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Madewell Mini Lorimer Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Madewell

The worn-in look of this cognanc leather mini backpack from Madewell gives it a distinctively vintage look. It's also available in black.

To buy: madewell.com, $158

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Herschel Supply Co. Mini Nova Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Herschel's classic style, minimized.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50 (originally $55)

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Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Always a crowd-favorite, Longchamp’s nylon backpack is durable and water-resistant. The best part? When you’re done using it, you can fold it up and store it in your suitcase.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $125

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Tumi Serra Mini Convertible Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Tumi

For the classic traveler who’s looking for a sized-down version of their favorite backpack, Tumi’s Serra Mini Convertible Backpack has everything you’ll need.

To buy: tumi.com, $295

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Cole Haan Grand Ambition Mini Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Cole Haan

Travel in style with this chic leather backpack with gold-tone hardware. Plus, interior and exterior pockets make it easier than ever to stay organized.

To buy: colehaan.com, $100 (originally $287)

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Mifland Bedford Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Mifland

This stylish, structured backpack is a miniature version of the brand's signature bag. It has adjustable straps that allow you to carry it as a traditional backpack, as well as a crossbody and shoulder bag.

To buy: mifland.com, $290

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Fjällräven Mini Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

The mini version of Fjällräven's customer-loved backpack has just enough room for the essentials. It's also made from durable, water resistant material, making it perfect for travel.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $70

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Matt & Nat BRAVEMINI Mini Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Matt & Nat

This mini backpack from Matt & Nat is perfect if you're in the market for a vegan leather bag. It's available in five colors, including this chic muted purple with industrial metal hardware.

To buy: mattandnat.com, from $94 (originally $125)

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Coach Parker Convertible Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Coach

Like several other of our favorite mini backpacks, this bag is impressively versatile, since you can also wear it as a crossbody and shoulder bag.

To buy: coach.com, $198 (originally $395)

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MZ Wallace Small Crosby Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of MZ Wallace

This backpack may be small, but with details like a phone pocket and key ring strap, you'll have no problem finding room for all your essentials.

To buy: mzwallace.com, $345

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