7 Best Herschel Bags of 2025

This eco-conscious powerhouse delivers far more than just sustainable style—it’s a bold statement in responsible design without sacrificing function. Built from 600D fabric made entirely of recycled polyester, the Classic Tote feels rugged yet refined, pairing durability with environmental ethics. The metal snap closure offers quick access while keeping contents secure, and the tonal stripe liner, also crafted from 100% recycled materials, adds a signature Herschel touch that elevates the interior from basic to branded elegance. For eco-minded commuters or students tired of flimsy totes falling apart after a semester, this bag answers the call with integrity and grit.

In real-world use, the 19L capacity strikes a smart balance—roomy enough for a 13″ laptop, notebooks, and daily essentials, but compact enough to avoid bulk. The smooth webbing handles provide reliable comfort even when fully loaded, though extended shoulder carry (without a strap) can strain hands over long distances. It handles urban commutes and campus runs with ease, but isn’t built for heavy gear or wet conditions—there’s no weather resistance, and the open-top design (despite the snap) leaves items exposed if tipped. Still, the internal storage sleeve keeps phones or wallets within easy reach, and the inspirational “Put Yourself Out There” label serves as a subtle morale boost.

Compared to the Herschel Heritage Shoulder Bag, the Classic Tote trades zippered security and crossbody versatility for a cleaner, minimalist profile and lower price point—ideal for those prioritizing sustainability and simplicity. It doesn’t match the duffle-sized capacity of the Novel or Portland travel totes, but it’s a standout for eco-focused users who want a lightweight, ethical everyday carrier that looks put together. If your mission is to reduce environmental impact without compromising on durability or design, this tote punches above its weight—offering more sustainability per dollar than pricier alternatives.

Meet the commuter’s secret weapon—a shoulder bag that blends urban practicality with eco-smart construction and sleek, no-fuss design. Crafted from 600D recycled polyester, the Heritage Shoulder Bag feels tough enough for daily transit while reducing plastic waste, one bag at a time. Its dual access points—a main zippered compartment and a side entry zipper—make grabbing transit cards or phones effortless, even when the bag is on your shoulder. For professionals and students alike, this thoughtful layout eliminates the frustration of digging through clutter, while the tonal stripe liner adds a touch of brand authenticity that feels premium, not flashy.

During real-world testing, the adjustable webbing strap proved a game-changer—offering hands-free convenience whether walking to work or biking across town. The 15″ internal storage sleeve fits most tablets or slim notebooks, and the front pocket with key clip keeps small items like wallets or earbuds secure and instantly accessible. At medium capacity, the bag distributes weight evenly, but when fully packed, the flat bottom can cause it to tip over if set down quickly. While the smooth webbing handle works for short lifts, it’s clearly designed as a secondary carry option.

Against the Legacy Backpack, the Heritage trades back support and laptop protection for a slimmer, more professional silhouette—perfect for low-tech commutes or minimalist packers. It lacks the Legacy’s padded sleeve and water bottle pocket, but wins in boardroom-ready aesthetics and easy airport navigation. Compared to the Pop Quiz Hip Pack, it offers significantly more space and organization, though with added bulk. For anyone seeking a versatile, eco-conscious shoulder companion that transitions from office to evening with ease, this bag delivers refined functionality—offering smarter access and better structure than most in its class.

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you—this ultra-packable tote is engineered for travelers who refuse to choose between convenience and conscience. Made from EcoSystem 70D ripstop fabric derived entirely from recycled water bottles, it’s astonishingly lightweight (barely registering on a scale) yet surprisingly resilient against snags and tears. The real magic lies in its self-storage pocket: the internal hanging pocket doubles as a pouch to fold the entire bag into, making it the ultimate grab-and-go solution for impromptu shopping, travel extras, or beach days. When unpacked, the zippered top closure keeps contents secure, a rare and welcome upgrade in the packable category.

In action, the Portland shines brightest as a secondary bag—slipped into a suitcase or daypack and deployed when needed. The top-carrying handles are narrow but reinforced, comfortable for short hauls of groceries or souvenirs. The rear luggage trolley strap is a thoughtful touch, letting you slide it over suitcase handles to keep hands free. However, it’s not built for heavy loads—overstuffing risks seam stress—and the lack of internal organization means small items get lost quickly. It won’t replace a structured tote, but as a sustainable emergency carrier, it outperforms most reusable shopping bags on the market.

Compared to the Classic Tote, the Portland sacrifices durability and fixed shape for compressibility and portability—making it a better fit for travelers than daily commuters. It doesn’t offer the structured storage of the Heritage Duffle, but it’s far more convenient as a backup. For jet-setters and eco-conscious adventurers who value space-saving design and sustainability, this tote is a stealth MVP. It delivers unmatched packability with a stronger environmental story than competitors—proving that lightweight doesn’t have to mean low-impact.

This is the daily driver that never quits—a backpack built for the grind, whether you’re navigating lecture halls, city subways, or weekend errands. The floating laptop sleeve is the star here, designed to snugly fit most 15” to 16” devices with cushioned protection that survives bumpy commutes. Combined with a front organizational pocket and side water bottle holder, the Legacy XL creates a seamless ecosystem for carrying tech, snacks, and essentials without chaos. The Prusik cord zipper pulls aren’t just stylish—they’re tactile and easy to grip, even in cold weather, adding a functional flourish to the signature Herschel silhouette.

In real-world use, the padded shoulder straps make a noticeable difference during extended wear, distributing weight comfortably even when the 25L compartment is fully packed. Students will appreciate the breathability during campus walks, and professionals will value the clean, understated look that works in casual offices. The tonal stripe liner adds a pop of brand identity without being loud, and the zippers glide smoothly under stress. However, the back panel isn’t heavily ventilated, so sweaty backs can be an issue on hot days or long hikes. It’s best suited for urban environments, not rugged trails.

Stacked against the Heritage Shoulder Bag, the Legacy offers superior comfort for heavy loads and better tech protection, making it the smarter pick for students or hybrid workers. While the Novel Duffle provides more volume, it lacks the backpack ergonomics and on-the-go access. For those needing a reliable, organized, and comfortable daily pack, the Legacy XL hits the sweet spot between form and function. It doesn’t have flashy tech features, but in terms of balanced design and everyday dependability, it outperforms pricier competitors with less personality.

Step into weekend mode with a duffle that blends heritage style and sustainable substance—a bag built for quick getaways and gym sessions with a conscience. The 40L U-shaped zippered opening lays the bag completely flat, making packing and unpacking feel almost luxurious—no more digging through a black hole for your toiletries. Constructed from 600D recycled polyester, it’s sturdy enough to handle tossed overhead bins and muddy sneakers, while the tonal stripe liner maintains that unmistakable Herschel identity. The removable shoulder strap offers hands-free versatility, and the smooth top handles feel robust, not flimsy.

On trips, the duffle proves its worth: it fits a week’s worth of clothes for a short vacation or a full gym kit with room to spare. The front sleeve pocket is perfect for passports, keys, or a phone, though it lacks internal compartments for serious organization. When carried by hand, the webbing handles are comfortable for short distances, but lack padding for heavy loads. The duffle maintains its shape well, but lacks compression straps—so overstuffing can strain the seams. It’s not waterproof, so rain exposure requires a cover or protective liner.

Compared to the Novel Duffle, the Heritage offers nearly the same capacity but skips the waterproof zippers and vegan leather accents—making it a more affordable, slightly less premium option. Against the Legacy Backpack, it trades back support for greater volume and easier access. Ideal for travelers and gym-goers who want a durable, eco-friendly weekend companion, this duffle delivers classic functionality with modern sustainability. It may not have the flair of higher-end models, but in terms of practical weekend performance, it holds its own—offering more openness and ease than backpack-style alternatives.

This is the premium duffle that does it all—a rugged, responsibly built travel companion that refuses to compromise on style, sustainability, or security. With 43L of smartly designed space and waterproof zippered closures, the Novel Duffle stands out in a sea of flimsy weekenders, confidently shrugging off rain, spills, and rough handling. Its EcoSystem 600D fabric, made entirely from recycled water bottles, feels thick and resilient, while the low-profile vegan leather handles add a touch of sophistication without sacrificing ethics. The EVA-padded removable strap makes shoulder carry genuinely comfortable, even when loaded with gear.

In real travel scenarios, the Novel excels: it fits a weekend wardrobe, toiletry kit, and even a pair of shoes with ease. The tonal stripe EcoSystem liner isn’t just decorative—it’s durable and easy to wipe down, a bonus for messy travelers. The front sleeve pocket keeps essentials handy, though internal organization is still limited to one main compartment. When used as a carry-on, it slides smoothly under seats or into overhead bins, and the luggage trolley strap (missing on other duffles) makes airport transit seamless. It’s heavier than the Portland tote, but that’s the trade-off for its robust build.

Versus the Heritage Duffle, the Novel adds waterproof zippers, better padding, and a trolley strap—justifying its higher cost for frequent travelers. Compared to the Legacy Backpack, it offers more volume and easier packing, though less ergonomic carry. For those seeking the ultimate blend of eco-performance and travel-ready design, this duffle is the clear leader. It doesn’t just match competitors—it sets the benchmark—delivering superior protection and polish without compromising on sustainability.

Don’t sleep on this pocket-sized powerhouse—a minimalist hip pack that turns heads with Herschel’s signature style and surprising functionality. Made from 600D recycled polyester, the Pop Quiz feels far more durable than most budget-friendly waist bags, resisting scrapes and daily wear with ease. The smooth, adjustable webbing strap fits comfortably around the waist or across the chest, staying put during walks, bike rides, or crowded events. With a waterproof zipper on the front pocket, your phone or cards stay dry in light rain, and the main compartment offers just enough space for keys, wallet, and earbuds—perfect for keeping essentials secure without bulk.

In real use, this pack shines during hands-free outings: concerts, festivals, urban hikes, or quick errands where carrying a full bag feels excessive. The tonal stripe liner adds a pop of brand flair, and the compact shape sits flat against the body, avoiding bounce. However, the lack of padding means heavier loads (like a large power bank) can dig in over time. It’s not designed for tech or travel, but as a minimalist urban sidekick, it outperforms many in its class. The one-size-fits-all strap works for most, but taller or shorter users may need to tuck excess length.

Against the Heritage Shoulder Bag, the Pop Quiz sacrifices storage and laptop space for ultimate portability and affordability. Compared to the Legacy Backpack, it’s not a replacement—but a perfect companion for low-load days. For anyone wanting a stylish, eco-conscious waist pack that keeps essentials close without breaking the bank, this is the go-to. It delivers more design and durability per dollar than nearly any other budget hip pack—proving that small size doesn’t mean small impact.