14 Best Drawstring Backpacks for Travel
When it comes to travel, the right bag can make all the difference. Enter the wide world of drawstring backpacks — the versatile, lightweight, and stylish bags designed to simplify your adventures and ensure you can pack everything you need.
Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or a trip across the world, a drawstring backpack offers a perfect blend of fashion and functionality. Read on for our list of the best drawstring backpacks in 14 different categories.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
14 best drawstring backpacks for travel in 2024
1. Best overall drawstring backpack: Nisolo
Nisolo’s Daniela Drawstring Backpack easily takes the top spot on our list. Crafted from super soft, eco-friendly leather, this stylish backpack is sure to make your other bags green with envy. Thanks to this tote’s roomy interior, you can carry everything from your laptop (in a safe, padded sleeve) to your secret stash of snacks (because, priorities). And let's not forget about the chic drawstring closure, giving you an effortlessly cool edge wherever life takes you.
Price: starting at $230
2. Best affordable drawstring backpack: WANDF
This drawstring backpack from WANDF is your ultimate wingman for life’s adventures. Despite its humble appearance, this bag is made from seriously durable materials — meaning it can handle your gym gear, textbooks, or even an extra pair of shoes for slipping into after work. Plus, the drawstring closure makes accessing your belongings a breeze (while still keeping all your stuff secure). Coming in under $20 per bag, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with this purchase.
Price: starting at $15
3. Best everyday drawstring backpack: BAGGU
The Sport Backpack from BAGGU is designed for “all seasons and all phases of life” — AKA for school, for work, or just for everyday use. This style features two exterior zippered pockets (to keep your things accessible), as well as an interior sleeve to keep your laptop safe from accidental spills or scratches. What’s more, BAGGU uses sustainable materials (like recycled nylon) in all their products, making this a cool and conscious backpack all rolled into one.
Price: starting at $68
4. Best luxury drawstring backpack: Bandolier
For anyone who wants to splurge on a more high-end product, we’d recommend the signature drawstring backpack from Bandolier. This investment piece is a bit pricey, to be sure — but it somehow strikes “the perfect balance of luxury and practicality.” Highlights of this design include the timeless silhouette, durable pebble leather, and adjustable drawstring opening. There’s also a special place to store your laptop, making this bag an excellent choice for daily use.
Price: starting at $248
5. Best anti-theft drawstring backpack: Nordace
Looking for a backpack that combines fun and function? If so, turn your attention to the Comino Daypack from Nordace. Not only does this design have a large carrying capacity, designated laptop compartment, and hidden travel water bottle holder, but there are also RFID-blocking pockets to safeguard “valuable items like credit cards and passports that are susceptible to wireless pick-pocketing.” This is truly a safe, yet stylish sidekick you can count on for all your travels.
Price: starting at $130
6. Best bucket drawstring backpack: Portland Leather
Portland Leather’s ‘Almost Perfect’ Backpack is an “effortless hands-free bag you'll want to grab every day.” This bag has a classic bucket shape, a drawstring opening, and a magnetic closure to securely hold onto your essentials (wallet, keys, etc.). Plus, the interior pocket is the perfect size for stashing your phone while allowing quick access whenever you need to text or call. In short, this bag has everything you could want without any extras you don’t really need.
Price: starting at $124
7. Best sporty drawstring backpack: The North Face
We love this sporty drawstring pack from The North Face for its water-repellent, recycled materials and its cinch opening to access the (spacious) main compartment. And that all goes without mentioning the clever webbing straps which are specifically designed to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders. More simply, this bag guarantees a comfortable carry no matter how long you’ve got it on your back (or how many belongings you take with you).
Price: starting at $35
8. Best lightweight drawstring backpack: L.L.Bean
The Mountain Classic Drawstring Pack from L.L.Bean is inspired by the brand’s iconic anoraks — i.e. their hooded pullover jackets. This pack is incredibly lightweight, well-sized, and provides a hands-free way to carry your everyday travel essentials (all at a great price). So when you need a simple cinch bag for running errands or tackling a day hike, be sure to keep this design in mind. Choose from interesting color schemes like blue and rustic green, or spruce and Tuscan olive.
Price: starting at $40
9. Best convertible drawstring backpack: White Elm
We love a bag that offers versatility of use/wear — and the Luna Drawstring Backpack from White Elm definitely delivers on that front. This cute, colorful design can be worn as a traditional backpack, of course. But you can also “wear it long over the shoulder or crossbody, and use the top handle for easy grab-and-go.” Aside from being convertible, this pick has a padded interior sleeve (to store your favorite device), and there’s even a built-in luggage sleeve to boot.
Price: starting at $150
10. Best vegan drawstring backpack: Matt & Nat
The Matt & Nat brand excels at creating gorgeous handbag collections — all of which incorporate vegan and/or recycled materials. Obviously, their Mumbai Backpack is no exception. This vegan leather bag is equipped with adjustable straps, drawstring closure, and a hidden tab under the flap to secure those drawstrings (and all your valuables). In addition, there’s a handy zippered pocket on the exterior so you have reliable access to your most used items.
Price: starting at $93
11. Best drawstring backpack for hiking: Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi’s Surprise Pack has a sporty, durable design that pairs well with outdoor excursions like hiking, biking, and more. That said, you might be wondering what the *surprise* is all about. Well, each pack in Cotopaxi’s collection is one-of-a-kind — meaning, the brand chooses a bag for you at random and you just get to enjoy it. Cool, right? Other features you might like include the hidden zippered pocket, front accessory pocket, and repurposed nylon materials.
Price: starting at $40
12. Best drawstring backpack for organization: Levenger
Get ready to enjoy organization galore with the Carrie Drawstring Backpack from Levenger. Touted as “the ideal companion for travel or everyday adventures,” this beauty is made from softly pebbled leather and has a pocket for every one of your essentials. We’re not kidding — there’s a space specifically for your phone, credit cards, water bottle, and more. You can also take advantage of the padded pocket to safely store your iPad mini or other small devices.
Price: starting at $240
13. Best drawstring backpack with trolley sleeve: Vera Bradley
The ReActive Daytripper Backpack from Vera Bradley is the perfect pick for school days, long commutes, or catching your next flight. This innovative backpack is overflowing with smart features like a padded laptop compartment, buckle closure, and trolley sleeve you can slip over the handle of your luggage. But that’s not all — this backpack also comes with three exterior zippered pockets, two mesh side pockets, and an impressive 14L carrying capacity.
Price: starting at $115
14. Best drawstring backpack with magnetic closure: Parker Clay
The Abby Drawstring Backpack from Parker Clay is crafted from premium Ethiopian full grain leather and is designed with an unlined interior (that can hold up to the wear and tear of consistent use). Along with those aesthetics, this bag comes with two exterior pockets on the front, an interior D-ring to attach your keys, and a magnetic closure (in addition to the drawstrings) to make sure your belongings stay secure at all times. Talk about peace of mind!
Price: starting at $186
Common FAQs
Is a drawstring backpack ideal for travel?
Yes, a drawstring backpack is ideal for travel due to its lightweight and versatile design — making it easy to carry and suitable for all sorts of different activities. Drawstring bags are great for travelers who want a compact, stylish, and functional option for their adventures.
What brands carry drawstring backpacks?
These days, there are tons of brands offering drawstring backpacks to appeal to consumers’ travel needs. With that said, some of the best brands selling drawstring bags include Nisolo, BAGGU, Nordace, Cotopaxi, and Portland Leather.
How much should I expect to spend on a drawstring backpack?
The price of a drawstring backpack will vary depending on the brand, materials, and features included. On average, you can find basic drawstring backpacks for as low as $20, while designer options and premium materials are likely to cost $200 (or more).