11 Stylish Mini Backpacks With Just Enough Room for the Essentials

By Monica Mendal
February 06, 2019
Getty Images

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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Dagne Dover Small Dakota Backpack

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

This neoprene backpack by Dagne Dover is soft and lightweight making it a comfortable option for long travel days. While it may be small, it's got plenty of organizational features: an airmesh tablet sleeve, two interior pockets, two zipper exterior pockets, and the brand's signature key leash.

To buy: dagnedover.com, $135

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Madewell Mini Lorimer Backpack

Courtesy of Madewell

The distressed leather of this cognac mini backpack by Madewell gives it a distinctively vintage look. It's also available in black and a deep cabernet red.

To buy: shopbop.com, $158

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Stella McCartney Falabella Mini Eco Nylon Backpack

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Eco-friendly luxe brand Stella McCartney is famous for its chain-link falabella styles. This mini eco nylon backpack is small, yet stylish.

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $665

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Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

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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Away The Daypack

Courtesy of Away

Behind the facade of its sleek and minimal design, Away’s daypack is the perfect companion for a traveler. Not only does it blend seamlessly into your travel outfit, the functionality hits the sweet spot, with interior organization pockets and a sling that slides over your suitcase handle.

To buy: awaytravel.com, $175

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Proenza Schouler Leather Backpack

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

The ultimate fashion girl will love Proenza Schouler’s sleek and minimal backpack. It features a silver top handle and unzips to a suede panel that expands for a spacious interior. You can wear it across your back or over your shoulder.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $1,495

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Tumi Voyageur Witney Backpack

Courtesy of Shopbop

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

To buy: shopbop.com, $295

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Backpack

Courtesy of Farfetch

No one does a sleek leather bag quite like cult-favorite brand Mansur Gavriel. If you want a backpack silhouette without sacrificing style, Mansur Gavriel’s mini leather flap-top bag is your ticket.

To buy: farfetch.com, $675

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Steve Madden Mini Faux Fur Convertible Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Need a backpack to get you in the ski trip spirit? Steve Madden’s mini backpack can fit all of your necessities and is the perfect companion for a week on the slopes.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $41 (originally $68)

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Gucci GG Marmont 2.0 Matelassé Leather Mini Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Gucci’s take on the mini backpack is a fashionably comfortable option for a long day exploring a new city.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $1,980

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Smythson Panama Small Backpack

Courtesy of Smythson

Elegant, simple, and no-frills, this Smythson bag is the most classic option if you want functionality with a touch of luxe.

To buy: smythson.com, $1,195

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