Hey there, conscious fashionista! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for stylish, functional accessories that don‘t harm the planet. So when I heard about Day Owl, a certified B Corp making sustainable backpacks from recycled plastic bottles, I knew I had to check them out.
I‘ve been rocking my Day Owl backpack for a few months now, and let me tell you – this brand is the real deal. In this super detailed Day Owl backpack review, I‘ll give you my honest take on everything from the brand‘s eco-friendly mission to the features, quality and comfort of their signature packs. Plus, I‘ll share some of my favorite customer reviews and answer all your burning questions about size, care, shipping and more.
So grab a reusable cup of coffee and let‘s dive in!
Why Choose a Sustainable Backpack?
First things first – why should you even consider a sustainable backpack over a conventional one? Here are a few eye-opening statistics that might convince you:
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Americans use about 100 billion plastic bags per year, and less than 1% of these get recycled. The rest end up in landfills, oceans and waterways. (Center for Biological Diversity)
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91% of all plastic waste ever created has NOT been recycled. If we keep producing (and failing to properly dispose of) plastics at predicted rates, roughly 12,000 metric tons will clog our landfills and natural environment by 2050. (National Geographic)
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The average American throws away approximately 37 kilograms of clothes every year. Only 15% is recycled or donated, and the rest ends up in landfills. (Roadrunner)
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The global ethical fashion market was valued at $6.35 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $8.25 billion by 2023. (Allied Market Research)
Pretty staggering, right? The good news is that by choosing a backpack made from recycled or upcycled materials, you‘re taking a small but impactful step in the right direction. You‘re helping to:
- Divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans
- Reduce demand for virgin resources and raw materials
- Support ethical manufacturing and fair labor practices
- Encourage other brands to adopt more sustainable business models
Of course, one recycled backpack won‘t solve our global waste crisis overnight. But as Anne-Marie Bonneau, author of the Zero-Waste Chef blog, puts it: "We don‘t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." Every sustainable swap counts!
How Day Owl is Fighting Plastic Pollution One Backpack at a Time
Now that you understand the "why" behind eco-friendly fashion, let‘s take a closer look at how Day Owl is putting these principles into practice.
Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Ian Rosenberger, Day Owl is on a mission to turn plastic waste into durable, functional products that improve people‘s lives. It all started when Rosenberger visited Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. He noticed that many locals were collecting and washing plastic bottles to sell to recycling centers – and he had a lightbulb moment.
"I remember thinking, what if we could create a large-scale way to collect this plastic and turn it into something useful?" Rosenberger told Fast Company in a 2019 interview. "And what if we could work with the local community, providing jobs and resources, to make it happen?"
Fast forward a decade, and Day Owl has stayed true to that original vision. Here are some of the key ways the brand is making a positive impact:
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Recycling plastic waste: To date, Day Owl has diverted over 40 million plastic bottles from landfills and waterways. They partner with organizations like WORK to collect and process plastic waste in Haiti, Honduras and Taiwan.
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Providing ethical jobs: Day Owl‘s recycling and manufacturing facilities employ hundreds of workers in underserved communities, providing fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions. Many of these employees are parents working to support their families.
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Using sustainable materials: In addition to recycled plastic, Day Owl uses other eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled nylon in their products. They also use VOC-free dyes and water-based PU coatings for a lower environmental impact.
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Designing for durability: Day Owl products are built to last, with high-quality construction and materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Less waste and fewer replacements means a smaller footprint over time.
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Offering repairs and recycling: If your Day Owl bag does get damaged, the brand offers free repairs to extend its lifespan. And when you‘re ready to retire your bag, you can send it back to Day Owl to be recycled into something new.
It‘s clear that Day Owl is doing things differently – and more responsibly – than many brands in the acessory space. But how well do their products actually perform IRL? Let‘s take a look.
Day Owl Backpack Review: Putting the Bags to the Test
Full disclosure: Day Owl sent me a complimentary backpack to test out for this review. But as always, these opinions are 100% my own and I‘m committed to giving you my unfiltered, honest feedback. Cool? Cool.
The Backpack
I opted for Day Owl‘s OG pack in the shade Moss (a deep, neutral green). Right away, I was struck by how soft and buttery the recycled fabric felt. It has a similar texture and drape to waxed canvas, but without any stiffness or crunchiness.
The bag has a simple, streamlined silhouette that looks stylish but not flashy. I appreciate the lack of visible branding (just a subtle owl logo on the front pocket). It comes with a detachable luggage strap, which is a nice added feature for travelers.
In terms of structure, this bag holds its shape really well, even when not fully packed. The internal laptop sleeve is well-padded and keeps my computer securely in place. There are also two mesh water bottle pockets, a zippered front pocket, and a key clip – just enough organization without overcomplicating things.
My favorite thing about this backpack, though, is how insanely comfortable it is to carry. The shoulder straps are made from squishy foam and lined with mesh, so they never dig in or cause chafing. And the back panel has a perfect balance of cushiness and breathability. Even when I loaded this thing up for a weekend away, it didn‘t feel too heavy or cumbersome.
After two months of near-daily use, I‘m happy to report that this backpack still looks pristine. The fabric is resilient and hides minor scuffs and stains remarkably well. I did get caught in a couple of rain showers while wearing it, and while the bag itself got pretty wet, my belongings inside stayed totally dry.
The Slim Backpack
I also had the chance to take Day Owl‘s Slim Backpack for a spin. As the name implies, this pack has a lower profile and smaller capacity (12L) than the original. It still fits a 13-inch laptop, though, and has most of the same pocketing and features.
I found this size to be perfect for lighter loads and shorter torsos. It works great as a daily work or school bag, with just enough room for the essentials. The slimmer design also makes it look a bit more refined and professional, IMO.
Like the original, this bag scores major points for comfort and durability. The straps are just as beefy and the recycled fabric feels virtually indestructible. I appreciate the luggage strap for travel days, too.
What Do Other Customers Have to Say?
Of course, my experience is just one data point. So I scoured hundreds of Day Owl backpack reviews from bloggers and customers to get a broader sense of how these bags perform.
The verdict? Overwhelmingly positive. On Day Owl‘s website, their signature Backpack has a 4.9 average rating from over 1,300 reviews. The Slim Backpack is close behind with a 4.8 rating. And on third-party sites like Carryology, Ecowatch and Pack Hacker, Day Owl consistently ranks as a top pick for sustainable, functional backpacks.
Here are some common praises I saw echoed in customer reviews:
- Durable, high-quality construction that withstands daily use
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back panel, even when bag is heavy
- Simple, versatile design that works for a variety of settings/occasions
- Functional organization and features, including water bottle pockets and key clip
- Sustainable mission and materials
- Responsive customer service and easy returns/exchanges
A few reviewers did note that the backpacks aren‘t fully waterproof, so you‘ll want to be careful in heavy rain. Some also mentioned that the bags can be a bit heavy when empty, due to the robust materials. But most felt that the quality, comfort and mission were well worth these small tradeoffs.
Here are a few customer testimonials that I think sum it up nicely:
"This backpack is honestly one of my favorite purchases ever. Not only does it fit everything I need for work (laptop, notebooks, pens, Hydro Flask), but it‘s also the perfect carry-on. It‘s super comfortable to wear, even after a long day, and looks so much nicer than my old backpack. Plus, I love knowing that I‘m supporting an eco-friendly company with a great mission. Worth every penny!" – Emily L.
"I‘ve been using this backpack for a few weeks now and it exceeded my expectations. The quality is top notch – you can tell that it‘s built to last. I love the simple, clean design and the fact that it‘s made from recycled materials. It‘s also very comfortable to wear and has just the right amount of pockets and organization. Highly recommend!" – John D.
"I was hesitant to spend this much on a backpack, but after reading all the positive reviews I decided to go for it. And I‘m so glad I did! This backpack is amazing – it‘s stylish, functional, and eco-friendly. I‘ve gotten so many compliments on it already. Plus, the customer service is great. I had a question about sizing and they responded right away. Overall, a great experience with this brand." – Sarah K.
Where to Buy Day Owl Backpacks (+ Discounts!)
Convinced that a Day Owl backpack belongs on your shoulder? Here‘s where you can snag one:
- Day Owl website – Shop the full collection and get free shipping/returns
- REI – Limited selection available; members get free shipping
- eBags – Limited selection available; free shipping over $49
Day Owl also offers occasional promotions and discounts. At the time of this review, you can save 15% on your first purchase when you sign up for their newsletter. They also have sales around major holidays like Black Friday and Earth Day, so keep an eye out!
FAQs About Day Owl Backpacks
Still have questions? I‘ve got answers.
How do I care for my Day Owl backpack?
For best results, spot clean with mild soap and cold water, then air dry.
What is Day Owl‘s return policy?
Day Owl offers free returns and exchanges for US customers within 30 days of purchase. International orders may be subject to return shipping fees.
Is it better to get the original or slim backpack?
It depends on your needs and preferences. The original holds up to 17L and fits a 15" laptop, while the slim holds 12L and fits up to a 13" laptop. I‘d recommend the original for travel, heavier loads, or taller body types. The slim is great for lighter everyday use.
Can you wash Day Owl backpacks?
The backpacks are water-resistant but not machine washable. Spot clean only!
How can I recycle my Day Owl backpack when I‘m done with it?
Day Owl partners with TerraCycle to offer a take-back recycling program. Just request a free shipping label on their website and send your bag back to be repurposed!
The Bottom Line
So, are Day Owl backpacks worth the hype (and the price tag)? In this sustainable fashion enthusiast‘s opinion – absolutely.
These bags check all the boxes for me: they‘re eco-friendly, ethically made, super functional, and built to last. I love that they divert plastic waste from landfills while also providing fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees. And on a purely aesthetic level, I appreciate the simple, polished designs that work for a variety of settings and styles.
Of course, no product is perfect. These bags are definitely an investment, and they may not be the right fit for everyone‘s needs or budget. I‘d love to see Day Owl offer more size/style options in the future.
But overall, I‘m thoroughly impressed with this brand and their commitment to people and the planet. Their backpacks have quickly become my go-to for work, travel and everyday adventures. I feel good carrying a product that aligns with my values – and I get so many compliments on it too.
If you‘re in the market for a new backpack and value both function and sustainability, I highly recommend checking out Day Owl. Between their original and slim designs, thoughtful features, quality craftsmanship and responsible business practices, I think you‘ll be just as wowed as I am.
Use my link to get 15% off your first purchase and let me know what you think!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on sales at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own.
