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The backpack purse has become increasingly popular. Since it’s versatile but beautiful, functional but fashionable – it’s a great fit for many different situations.
But there is also an overwhelming amount of choices out there, and the last thing you want to do is waste your hard-earned money. So we did the research, tested a variety of backpack purses, and aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews.
After much time spent, we were able to find the best backpack purse. Here are our top choices.
Our Top Pick
Marc Jacobs Pack Shot DTM
Marc Jacobs is known for quality, and this backpack purse is no exception. Made from fine materials, well-crafted, and elegant – it is a perfect buy.
Other Great Picks
Michael Kors Abbey MD
This stylish backpack purse from Michael Kors is a great statement. It works with nearly any outfit, and is very well-designed.
Coach Elle
This minimalist, elegant backpack purse from Coach is a beautiful choice. It goes great for any high-class occasion – but still works whenever you need it, too.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini Julian
This elegant and sleek backpack purse is a great statement piece – and it goes with nearly anything. We like the black color, as well as the pastel yellow.
La Poet Convertible Shoulder Bag Tote
We love this genuine leather backpack purse from La Poet. Stylish, classic – and bold.
Scarleton Chic Casual
With over 1,300 positive online reviews, this alluring bag from Scarleton works in any setting. It’s also very affordable – but doesn’t sacrifice in terms of quality.
Pincnel Backpack Purse
With over 2,700 glowing online reviews, this backpack purse is a great option. The sleek look is great for a night out – or for less formal settings.
Kurgool Backpack Purse
With over 95 stellar online reviews, this affordable backpack purse is fun, stylish, and great for any occasion.
XB Handbag Mini Leather Backpack
With over 100 stellar reviews, and a very affordable price – this cute backpack purse works for any fun occasion. We love the beige and black colors, as well as the cute rabbit ears.
Hotstyle Bestie
With over 100 glowing customer reviews, this budget pick is a great choice. Affordable, stylish, and functional – it’s a perfect selection.
What Is A Backpack Purse?
Whether you’re running to the market, going out on the town, or visiting your mother, there’s a good chance you’re bringing your purse. How else would you transport everything you need, like your phone, wallet, keys, and mismatched pieces of loose gum? The purse has been around for centuries because of its pure convenience and at this point, its necessity.
But what about making your purse even more convenient? Enter: the backpack purse. The mini backpack full of handy secrets that allow you to pack more and organize better, while you carry more easily. These backpacks are the ultimate fashion accessory but also the most useful.
The backpack purse was a shining star in the 90s and over the last few years, has come right back around into mainstream popularity…and for good reason. There’s no doubt the mini backpack is cute and comfortable, but it’s also been made into countless styles with various materials, price points, features and more. Even high-end designers have made their version of the beloved backpack purse.
A backpack purse, or mini backpack, is a convenient merge between a standard backpack and a small purse. While they range in [small] sizes, it’s always the perfect size to carry essentials. Backpack purses come in all sizes, colors, materials and come with their own functions and organizational aspects, as per the designer’s choice.
The backpack purse has become a household favorite and stylish accessory for decades. Unlike a purse or handbag that lies over your shoulder with one short or long strap, the backpack purse (as you could have guessed) has two straps and is worn exactly as your traditional backpack would be.
Shop for a backpack purse the way you would a standard purse. One typically bases that purchase off of price, material, quality, features, size, or designer. You can implement all of your fashion filtering systems while purchasing this nifty crossover.
What Styles Do Backpack Purses Come In?
The style of backpack purse can pertain to a number of features, especially since there are so many styles and designs to choose from. Do you want a designer backpack, such as Michael Kors, to make a statement? Do you only care about a secret zipper pocket in the back? Are you keen on vegan leather and sustainable material? You can certainly find the right backpack purse for you.
There are unique features that make it extremely convenient with its convertibility. Some backpack purses even have a zipper to mend the two straps together as one. You know, in case you wanted to one-shoulder it.
You can choose from classic leather backpacks, animal cruelty-free vegan leather or high-end elegant designer backpacks that standout amongst the rest (in the best way possible). There are backpack purses that are geared towards a more academic style, which can be fitted for the library, office, or errand run.
These backpacks are a great accessory not only because they are fashionable and fun, but because of how versatile their style is. If you’re purchasing a backpack purse to replace your everyday handbag, there’s a great chance you won’t have to swap out your bag for nights out, meetings, or events. They always look good!
What Size Are Backpack Purses?
Backpack purses come in a range of sizes, but many of them are smaller than your average backpack. If you’re going on a week-long hike up the Pacific Coast Highway, we wouldn’t suggest a backpack purse as your go-to. If you’re going to work or to drink cosmos at happy hour, then we do.
An average backpack purse is between 9 and 13 inches in height, 7 to 9 inches in width, and an average of 6 inches in depth. We weren’t lying, they vary. If you are only carrying your essentials, you can absolutely get away with the smallest size available. There are also many backpack purses that aim to fit essentials PLUS a laptop or iPad. We tend to think of convenience and style to go hand and hand with backpack purses, so we like a little more room.
The majority of backpack purses offer an adjustable back strap so you can fit the purse to your preferred degree. Do you want it seen over your shoulders or rested on the small of your back? Totally up to you!
What Features Do Backpack Purses Have?
Backpack purses are unique because their essential form is a feature in and of itself. The backpack! The main features are the backstraps, allowing you to wear this stylish accessory the way you would any ole backpack. It’s beyond convenient.
Backpack purses also offer more pockets and secret compartments than many standard purses or handbags. Each style and designer varies, but usually, a backpack purse will have a front zipper pocket, back pocket, multiple inside compartments, and usually, a secret pocket (sometimes in the section where you rest the bag on your back).
A backpack purse will either zipper around the opening of the purse, snap shut at the opening flat or clasp with a locker loop. The interior is typically lined and many come with their own dust bag and additional wallet.
Are Backpack Purses Safe?
Treat your backpack purse the way you would a backpack…or purse. While we won’t say that backpack purses singlehandedly ward off theft, we will say that the majority of quality backpack purses are designed with security in mind. They are created to be worn on your back, leaving your hands free.
The majority of backpack purses zipper shut completely to ensure that your belongings are kept safely inside. Many even have hidden zipper pockets and enclosed compartments inside to keep you safe and organized. Make sure to close your backpack purse before taking off like you would any other bag!
How Do You Wear A Backpack Purse?
Technically, you’ll put one arm through each of the straps, making sure the bag is right side up with the hand strap at the top.
Fashionably speaking, a backpack purse is suited for any casual or delicately high-end activity. Replace your purse or handbag for a backpack purse for style and convenience.
Can You Buy A Backpack Purse On A Budget?
Absolutely! Backpack purses range in price, much like every other accessory (or anything…ever). A backpack purse worth the purchase will range from around $25 to $300 (and more if you’re investing in high-end designers).
Leather is a durable, quality material that is destined to last you a lifetime. If real leather is not in your budget, synthetic leather is still worth it.
Many backpack purses, even synthetic materials, look expensive and chic. If you’re looking to save money, we can bet that you can find a backpack purse in your range. These purses make for a wonderful addition to your wardrobe and an even better gift for someone else (because you’ll feel good giving it!)
How Do You Choose The Best Backpack Purse For Yourself?
Well, consider this list as a starting point. We’ve compiled our favorite backpack purses that are all stylish, affordable, and easy to purchase (click the link!).
Ask yourself a few questions to narrow down the options when choosing the best backpack purse to buy.
Material– What material do you want? Would you like authentic leather, vegan leather, or synthetic leather? What about nylon or canvas?
Size– What size do you want or need? What do you plan on putting in your backpack purse? Are you going to need to tote your laptop or tablet to the office (go a bit bigger!)? Are you only carrying a wallet, phone, and keys (go small!)?
Style– Where do you plan on wearing your backpack purse to? Are you purchasing your backpack purse for everyday use (go casual!) or are you wearing it out on the town (go designer or high-end!)?
The Best Backpack Purse
The best backpack purse can replace your everyday purse with the added bonus of convenience and even more flair. The backpack purse is a chic and affordable fashion accessory that stands out. You can find virtually any style, size, material and color of backpack purse.
If fashion is your love and designers are your passion, then there are ample high-end designer backpack purses for you to choose from (Coach! Michael Kors!). If you’re on a budget, there are countless affordable backpack purses to choose from. All backpack purses are different and come with varying features, but they are all designed to be worn on your back with security in mind. Full zippers and zipper pockets typically adorn the face of the backpack purse, while convenient pouches and compartments hold your belongings inside.
Backpack purses are a fun, fashionable way to make a statement, carry your essentials, free your hands, and look great doing it! Whether you’re wearing a beautiful Summer dress, carrying your groceries, taking your dog for a walk, going to the office (we can go on and on), the backpack purse is the perfect, functional accessory.
There you have it – our picks for the best backpack purse. There are a ton of great fashion accessories besides these, so be sure to take a look at our other reviews in the women’s fashion section.