7 Best Kipling Bags of 2025

This workhorse of a backpack delivers where it counts—spacious storage, laptop protection, and all-day comfort—making it a standout for students and professionals alike. With a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, dual water bottle pockets, and three zippered compartments, the Seoul keeps your essentials organized without sacrificing style. Crafted from Kipling’s signature crinkled nylon, it’s not only lightweight at just 1.41 lbs but also water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, tackling commutes, campus life, or weekend trips with ease.

In real-world testing, the Seoul shines during daily transit and travel, effortlessly holding textbooks, lunch containers, a water bottle, and tech gear. The adjustable padded straps reduce shoulder strain, even when fully loaded, while the front zip pockets offer quick access to keys or transit cards. However, the lack of a chest or sternum strap can make it feel less stable during long walks or crowded commutes. While the fabric resists light rain, prolonged exposure may seep through seams—so a rain cover is wise in downpours.

Compared to the sleeker but smaller Elysia or Gabbie crossbodies, the Seoul is the go-to when capacity trumps portability. It’s ideal for users who need a reliable, structured bag for school or office life—especially those juggling laptops and daily gear. Against budget picks like the Keiko Mini, it trades compactness for serious functionality, offering far more room and organization at a modest increase in price—a smarter investment for heavy daily use.

Don’t let its petite size fool you—the Keiko Mini is a pocket-sized powerhouse built for those who want style without the bulk. Weighing a mere 0.41 lbs and made from Kipling’s crinkled, water-resistant nylon, this crossbody is perfect for minimalist outings, festivals, or quick errands where you just need your phone, cards, and keys. The adjustable strap (12”–24”) ensures a snug fit whether worn across the chest or on the shoulder, and the three zip pockets—including an internal one—add surprising organizational depth for such a compact bag.

In practice, the Keiko excels as a hands-free companion for light-duty days. It fits a small wallet, phone, mask, and lip balm with room to spare, and the top zip closure keeps contents secure in crowds. However, its slim profile limits bulkier items—no room for a standard sunglasses case or large phone. While the fabric wipes clean easily, the zippers feel slightly flimsy under aggressive use, and the lack of padding means delicate items aren’t cushioned. It’s not built for hiking or heavy loads—just effortless, on-the-go style.

When stacked against the Sabian Mini or Abanu Multi, the Keiko holds its own as the most affordable entry point into Kipling’s lineup. It’s a no-frills, high-style option for teens or adults who prioritize cost and compactness over versatility. While the Gabbie or Elysia offer more pockets and structure, the Keiko wins on budget and portability—a steal for casual use and fashion-first needs.

The Elysia Bag is effortless elegance meets everyday function, striking a balance between fashion-forward design and practical carry. With a magnetic snap closure, two front zip pockets, and an interior slip pocket, it keeps essentials secure and accessible—ideal for coffee runs, shopping trips, or after-work hangs. At 0.9 lbs, it’s featherlight yet holds a surprising amount: phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a small makeup pouch fit comfortably. The crinkled nylon body resists stains and wipes clean in seconds, while the playful furry monkey keychain adds Kipling’s signature charm.

During real-world use, the Elysia shines as a go-to crossbody for urban strolls and light commuting. The shoulder strap is comfortable for short to medium durations, though it lacks padding for all-day wear. The main compartment opens wide, but the magnetic closure isn’t as secure as a zip—caution advised in crowded spaces. While it handles daily essentials with flair, it’s not suited for tech-heavy loads or adverse weather. The lack of a dedicated phone pocket means digging around when in a hurry.

Compared to the Gabbie, the Elysia trades some organization for a sleeker silhouette—fewer zip pockets, but a more polished look. Against the Seoul backpack, it’s less utilitarian but more stylish for social settings. It’s the ideal pick for users who want a mid-tier bag that blends form and function without breaking the bank—a versatile step up from mini crossbodies with better build than budget models.

The Abanu Multi is a chameleon in the world of bags, effortlessly shifting from crossbody to waist pack with a quick unzip and clip—making it a game-changer for travelers and active users. This 2-liter convertible weighs just 0.62 lbs and features two main zip compartments, a front mask pocket, and a sleek profile that hugs your body whether slung sideways or worn around the waist. Made from Kipling’s durable crinkled nylon, it’s water-resistant, lightweight, and ready for city hikes, festivals, or hands-free sightseeing.

In testing, the Abanu proved its worth during travel and outdoor adventures, where switching modes was seamless and practical. Worn as a waist pack, it kept essentials secure during biking; as a crossbody, it offered balanced weight distribution. The zippered compartments keep items sorted, though the main space is tight for anything larger than a phone or passport holder. The strap isn’t padded, so extended wear can dig into shoulders. While perfect for minimalists, it’s not built for bulky wallets or large phones.

Against the Gabbie or Elysia, the Abanu wins on versatility and innovation, offering two carry styles in one. It’s less about deep organization and more about adaptive convenience—ideal for users who hate carrying extra bags. While the Seoul offers more space, the Abanu delivers maximum flexibility in a tiny footprint—a clever, functional pick for on-the-move lifestyles.

If organization is your obsession, the Gabbie is your new best friend—boasting six zip pockets, including two internal, two front, and two side compartments, it turns clutter into calm. This 0.9 lb crossbody is a masterclass in smart design, letting you separate cards, cash, phone, keys, and even a small power bank with ease. The adjustable 25.6-inch strap ensures a custom fit, while the crinkled nylon body resists stains and wipes clean in a flash—perfect for daily commutes or weekend getaways.

Real-world use confirms the Gabbie’s superior compartmentalization, making it ideal for travelers, parents, or anyone who hates digging through a black hole of a bag. The zip closures offer better security than magnetic snaps, and the structured shape holds its form even when packed. However, the small main volume means it’s not for large wallets or tablets. The strap, while adjustable, lacks padding—noticeable after hours of wear. And while it looks polished, the bulk of zippers can feel overwhelming for minimalist tastes.

Compared to the Elysia, the Gabbie is the clear winner for organization, trading sleekness for serious sorting power. Against the Seoul backpack, it’s less spacious but more convenient for quick outings. It’s the go-to for users who want maximum security and structure in a compact crossbody—a top-tier choice when order matters more than size.

The Anris Tote is Kipling’s answer to the modern professional who wants sleek style, eco-conscious materials, and everyday readiness in one polished package. With a 12L capacity, dual shoulder straps, and front and back zip pockets, it blends the structure of a work tote with the lightweight ease of Kipling’s signature nylon—now enhanced with recycled polyester lining. At just 0.73 lbs, it’s featherlight yet sturdy, featuring an internal zip pocket for valuables and slip pockets for pens or transit cards, making it a commuter’s dream.

In real use, the Anris shines during office commutes, grocery runs, or weekend errands, offering enough space for a tablet, wallet, water bottle, and small jacket. The top zip closure keeps contents secure, and the smooth zippers glide effortlessly—a step up from lower-tier models. However, the flat shoulder straps can dig into the skin under heavy loads, and the lack of padding means it’s best for light to medium carry. While water-resistant, it’s not fully weatherproof—avoid heavy rain.

Stacked against the Seoul backpack, the Anris offers a more professional aesthetic but less ergonomic support for heavy tech loads. Compared to the Gabbie or Elysia, it’s larger and more structured, ideal for users who want a grown-up Kipling bag without sacrificing brand charm. With its eco-friendly lining and premium feel, it justifies its position as the best overall tote in the lineup—refined, responsible, and ready for real life.

The Sabian Mini is small in size but big on charm, a featherlight (0.38 lbs) crossbody designed for those who believe less is more. With a magnetic flap closure, front zip pocket, and adjustable strap, it’s built for effortless outings where you only need the basics—phone, cards, and keys. Its 2-liter capacity is tight, but cleverly arranged: the interior fits a slim wallet, and the front zip pocket is perfect for masks or tickets. Made from crinkled, water-resistant nylon, it’s easy to clean and built to last, even in daily use.

In testing, the Sabian proved ideal for dinner dates, concerts, or quick store runs—any scenario where bulk is a burden. The magnetic snap opens and closes smoothly, though it’s not ideal for crowded spaces. The strap is thin and un-padded, so extended wear can be uncomfortable. While it holds essentials securely, it’s not for larger phones (like an iPhone Pro Max) or items with volume. It’s a fashion-first piece that sacrifices utility for cuteness.

Compared to the Keiko Mini, the Sabian feels slightly more refined, with a cleaner silhouette and better pocket layout. Against the Gabbie or Abanu, it lacks versatility and organization—but wins on pure portability and style. It’s the top pick for users who want a lightweight, cute, no-fuss bag for low-key days—the ultimate minimalist accessory with Kipling’s signature flair.