Backpacks, purses and bags: finding cruelty free options

We use bags to carry our stuff, be that small amount of our personal everyday objects during the day, our textbooks and notebooks on the way to school or packing our belongings for a long travel. There are different types, stiles and shapes of bags, each of which designed to fulfill it's unique purpose for the user. Their making materials, related properties and durability may differ considerably as well.
Bellow we mention some different types of bags, their common production materials and available vegan options.

Backpacks

Backpacks are commonly used by students, travelers and hikers. They are the most comfortable bags to carry moderate weights in. Even though most modern backpacks are produced from animal friendly materials, some can be made of wool or leather. Common plant based, man made and synthetic options include – polyester, nylon, cotton. Please choose those cruelty free options for your backpack applications. It will serve you well and will probably save you some money as animal based alternatives cost more money to purchase.

Purses/handbags

produced primarily for women. They are small in size and used for carrying the most essential everyday personal items for women. Frequently can be made of leather, including exotic types like snake or crocodile skins and more. Of coarse plant based and man made alternatives are freely available. We encourage you to choose those cruelty free options for your purse or handbag.

Briefcases

primarily used by men, mostly businessmen men, lawyers and other white collar professionals. It's main purpose is to carry papers, laptops and tablets and other light weight necessities.
Frequently briefcases can be made of leather. Plant based, man-made and synthetic alternatives of coarse are available on the market. We encourage you to choose those cruelty free options for your applications.

Messenger bags

primarily used by men. It is worn over one shoulder and is easy to carry small loads in especially on bicycle or motorcycle. Historically were used mainly by couriers and messengers, nowadays those bags also became popular everyday fashion item.
Plant based, man-made and synthetic alternatives are freely available on the market. Some even made to be waterproof. Minority of messenger bags can be made of leather, please remember to check what yours is produced from before making a purchase.

Pouch

is a small bag worn on persons waist as an external pocket. Men's and women's pouches are different in their styles but primarily are the same. Pouches can be made of all kinds of materials – mostly plant based, man made and synthetic, but some can be produces from wool or leather. Please beware.

Wallets.

Small in size, made for keeping your cash money, identification documents, credit cards, and other types of cards. Frequently made of leather, although you can easily find wallets made of plant based and synthetic fabrics that will hold your cards and money just as effectively.

Suitcases and luggage

spacious bags used primarily for travel. Often has a telescopic handle and wheels for easier movement for the owner. Modern suitcases are commonly made of hard plastic, synthetic or natural cloth – can sometimes be wool, or rarely leather. Please check your suitcase production materials and choose an animal-friendly options whenever possible.

Summary and more advise

There are various types of bags, each have it's unique design purpose and materials best suited for it. Animal-friendly, cruelty free options are available for all kinds of bags and purses, we encourage you to choose one of them for your bag applications, whatever type of bag it may be.
Also try to remember two other important ethical issues associated with your purchase and with textile industry in general – company policies on their workforce treatment and environmental impact of production both of bags themselves and bag's making materials. As a general rule, recycled, organic and vegan labeled brands frequently are more environmentally friendly and will offer better solution for ethical workforce treatment. Consumer awareness on ethical issues will push the industry one step further in solving them quicker, please try to keep it in mind and use your purchasing power accordingly.