16 Best Mini Backpacks in 2023 | Small & Travel Friendly

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic is a small backpack based on the uber popular, bigger version.

The 7-liter, squarish Kanken Mini can accommodate the essentials. A small tablet, your phone, wallet, a bottle of drink, a small camera and selfie stick, some snacks, and more. And, like the bigger version, this Swedish iconic bag has a seating pad for taking a break on a bench or boulder.

The price tag might shoo some people away. But it’s a worthy candidate for those who know and trust the Fjallraven name. And if you want a backpack for a kid, it fits a lunch box, drawing pad and a sweater.

Having used these bags on and off over a few years, here’s an in-depth review of the real score with Fjallraven Kanken Mini.

Perhaps the most budget-friendly pick is the Outlander Foldable Outdoor mini backpack. It is the only model that fits up to 33 liters of stuff while weighing less than a pound. That’s right, you can fit not only a change of clothes and a few edibles, but also some hiking essentials and electronic equipment that you would otherwise have to leave at home.

You can save a sufficient amount of space by bringing this mini backpack with you – just pack it into its own storage bag and unzip it once you reach your destination. This is ideal for when you know that you won’t be using it until you arrive at the desired location.

Made from rip-proof Nylon and reinforced with a two-way abrasion-resistant zipper, the risk of your backpack experiencing any damages is low. Instead, its breathable mesh shoulder strap and zippered inner pockets make it a long-lasting accessory that will assist you through many trips.

What is more girly than a backpack with a big bow placed on its front pocket? Hardly anything. When it comes to carrying your essentials all day long, the I IHAYNER Girls Leather mini backpack has got you covered.

Its girly design gives it an edge over the regular backpacks the market is filled with. The backpack is built from high-quality PU leather and a Polyester lining, which makes it a sturdy accessory that won’t budge under the rain.

There are 6 pockets in total for your disposal that include side pockets, front and back pockets and interior pockets perfect for keeping your valuables safe.

The grab handle is durable, and so are the adjustable shoulder straps. This means that your next trip to Disney is bound to be a success with this mini backpack in use.

You have probably been introduced to JanSport a long time ago when you went out to purchase a backpack for middle school. Well, the brand has since evolved and become a must-have in everyone’s collection of backpacks regardless of the purpose of use.

The Half Print model is the ideal on-the-go option that acts as your helping hand whenever a suitcase is not sufficient or your pockets can’t fit all of your essentials.

Constructed from the durable Polyester, the mini backpack is endowed with countless pockets for your organizational freak to be happy. Stuff it with your tablet, car keys and a camera for a day of sightseeing or with a bottle of water, snacks and sunscreen for a trail hike.

You can pick from over 30 patterns depending on the occasion and be sure it won’t rip apart anytime soon. The brand has been trusted for years due to its lifetime warranty, and so can you.

You might have luck finding Herschel Supply Company Nova mini backpack in your local Target or Walmart, but if you don’t – consider purchasing it online. This compact model has everything you might be looking for in a backpack, including internal storage sleeve and shoulder straps with webbing adjusters.

It is made from the durable Polyester that feels like a feather but in actuality has the power to protect your valuables from the nasty weather. You have got a big zippered pocket in the front of the backpack to pile your sunglasses and headphones and the main compartment for everything else.

The dual top carrying handle helps you easily transport the backpack from A to B. The signature striped lining is there, the classic woven label is there too – what else is there to wish for?

There might be solely one pocket in the front of the Madison & Dakota Canvas mini backpack, but this is not an issue as its main compartment makes up for it. One can certainly see the similarities between this and the famous Fjallraven backpack, and rightfully so. They are both made from sturdy fabric, have two grab handles and adjustable shoulder straps.

This model is distinguished by the padding in the shoulder straps, moon-shaped upper part and the leather-like clasp for securing the two handle straps.

It is a perfect choice for middle-schoolers and hikers alike due to the backpack’s roomy interior and an overall comfortable fit. Place a carabiner clip into the backpack’s piggy nose and attach things like keys and ID cards without losing them in the vast main compartment.

An everyday pack for essentials’ is what Nike calls this Kids’ Brasilia mini backpack. We couldn’t agree more – its size along with the handy features makes it a tempting buy. The woven Polyester makes it a durable accessory that is bound to last at least a few years in your child’s closet (even if he’s particularly messy).

The padded shoulder straps are the details that are worth observing as they provide your kid with the much-needed back support.

The two-way zipping on the main compartment allows him to throw his stuff in the backpack without having to fully open it. The top haul loop is durable too, which is a great feature to have when the backpack needs to be hung.

There are also 2 mesh side pockets for a water bottle and some snacks to keep your child full and happy at all times.

The multi-functioning HITOP mini backpack is what current-day plans consist of. Its durable canvas fabric makes it an essential piece of equipment that is comfortable to carry around all day long. You can make the most of the adjustable straps that have a zipper connecting them and thus creating a completely different fit.

Wear it as a chest bag, as a sling bag, as a one-shoulder bag – the choice is yours. If you feel your back starting to hurt, change the position of the mini backpack and you are good to carry on with your day.

You can easily fit a change of clothes, sporting gear or snacks to last you all day. The front pocket, the two-way smooth zipper and the interior pocket make it a spacious accessory that can be used as a complementary bag or on its own.

Bring it with you to your next city exploring adventure and you won’t be disappointed.

Yet another outdoor recreation giant The North Face released a piece of equipment that caught our attention. The Berkeley mini backpack is a classy accessory that is useful for festivals as much as for college.

Its main compartment is spacious enough to fit voluminous binders and a mid-size blanket, whereas its front pocket is roomy enough to store your hands-on essentials like wet wipes, a flashlight and a pack of nuts for snacking.

Besides the adjustable shoulder straps, the mini backpack has a handle grip that allows you to carry it both ways depending on your particular situation. The back panel is padded for extra comfort and the avoidance of the next day back pain.

Don’t shy away from stuffing your Berkeley with every necessity for your next hike and bring some entertainment in the form of cards and a tablet too.

If sleek and stylish is what you aim for when purchasing a new bag, the Sandqvist Stig mini backpack is your best choice. It is made from organic cotton with only a few leather details, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly mini backpacks on the market.

Suitable for everyday use, this model can accommodate you to the furthest locations in the world with its spacious design and sturdy construction.

Apart from the high-quality lining, the bag has an iPad sleeve and a zippered pocket located in the main compartment that helps you organize your stuff. The shoulder straps are adjustable, while the top carry handle gives you an option to carry the bag in your hands when in crowded places.

Whether you bring your mini backpack to work or travel with it to remote destinations, you will quickly reap its benefits.

Although there is no age restriction applied to this mini backpack by Dickies, it will certainly suit the younger generation much better. You won’t find any unique features or never-seen-before materials used for the creation of this bag, but you will definitely get good use out of it.

If you are planning on purchasing a backpack for hanging outside with your friends while having a picnic or attending a local music festival, this model will satisfy your requirements.

The manufacturer used Polyester when constructing the backpack to make it sturdy yet lightweight. The shoulder straps are made to be adjustable, while the grab handle was introduced to free your back in crowded spaces. You can fit all your basic essentials in the main compartment of the bag and make use of the outer front pocket too.

We don’t recommend storing your valuables in it – stick to wet wipes, sunglasses and some snacks. This way you will feel secure that no one at the festival is going to steal your stuff.

In need of a tough backpack that is compact yet roomy? The Mountain Warehouse mini trek backpack checks off both of the characteristics. It might not be the backpack to bring to your office, but it is surely the bag to take with you when going on a hike, a day trip to a faraway destination or a daytime picnic.

Due to the unique construction of the mini backpack, you can stuff it with things for a long time before it starts hinting you about the possible explosion.

The multiple exterior and interior pockets allow you to keep your valuables safe and your edibles fresh before you reach your point B. The shoulder straps can be easily adjusted depending on how tight you want the fit to be.There is also reflective piping that makes you visible in the dark in case you lose the track of time during your hiking adventures.

The wet-weather best friend is no doubt the RAINS one size mini backpack. Crafted from the water-resistant Polyurethane and Polyester and coated with a matte finish, this piece of equipment comes in handy more often than not.

You will find yourself gravitating towards it quite frequently due to its convenient construction that involves an interior laptop pocket, user-friendly rectangle shape and innovative carabiner plus magnetic closing system.

The main compartment of this mini waterproof backpack is spacious, meaning that you can comfortably fit your rainy day essentials and some more unrelated bits and bobs to entertain you along the way. There is a hidden phone pocket on the back of the backpack for you to store your valuable electronic device and not worry about losing it.

Use it for the office, for running errands or for a weekend hike – no matter what the occasion is, you will come to appreciate its original look.

Are you a sporty wizard who finds joy in carrying mini backpacks that can store multiple things? Then the Adidas Core mini backpack is for you. Made from long-lasting Polyester, it has a compact design that is reinforced by the padded back panel that also happens to be quilted.

As per the company’s branding, the backpack has three stripes placed on the webbing straps that can also be adjusted if needed. The linear logo is present, and so is the zippered pocket located on the front of the pack.

You can store your small items in the front pocket and the bigger units in the main compartment and its mesh pocket. The construction of the mini backpack is so rugged that no rain or snow will be able to ruin it.

The manufacturer offers you a limited lifetime warranty to give you the security in the bag’s high quality and the possibility of free repairs too.

PUMA’s Evercat Rhythm mini backpack might have the word ‘mini’ in its title, but the practice shows it’s nowhere near as mini as you would think.

Built from durable Polyester, it features a brand logo detail in the front that has a holographic pattern to it. The front has also got a big zippered pocket that can be filled with a multitude of knick knacks that would otherwise be lost in the main compartment.

Whether you bring it with you to work in the metropolitan city or a yoga session somewhere in Bali, you are given the adjustable straps to alter the fit and a haul loop to easily transport it from A to B.
The interior zippered pocket allows you to safely store your valuables and not worry about someone stealing them. You are likely to be the only one with a sporty backpack that also happens to be stylish and spacious.

The Himawari mini waterproof backpack is a steal – it is both cute and practical, which is always a win-win. Just like other long-lasting backpacks, this one is made from scratch-resistant Nylon with leather inserts and a smooth metal zipper.

The interior of the backpack has a convenient pocket for your tablet or a 12-inch laptop and 4 more pockets for organizing your small-scale essentials. There are 2 more pockets on each side of the pack for your water bottle and snacks and a front pocket for keys, wet wipes and sunnies.

The extendable straps can accommodate every body shape and thus not cause back pains after long hours of wearing the backpack. In case your back gets tired, however, you can always switch to carrying your pack in hand by grabbing the top handle.