The verdict
Is The Daypack worth it?
Yes — The Daypack is one of the stronger picks we track in jewelry & accessories. It holds 3 verified certifications (B Corp, Global Recycled Standard, PETA Approved). Priced in the $$$ band.
- Cruelty-freeYes
- VeganUnverified
- Plastic-free packagingNo
- Recyclable / compostableUnverified
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourYes
Day Owl
The Daypack
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
The eco-conscious commuter and student looking for a durable, circular-economy product.
AI Ethics Review
A completely circular backpack made from First Mile recycled plastic bottles, designed to be repaired, refurbished, and recycled at the end of its life.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about The Daypack, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is The Daypack cruelty-free?
- Yes — we found a verified cruelty-free claim or certification for The Daypack.
- Is The Daypack vegan?
- Unverified — The Daypack has no certified vegan claim on file; check the ingredient notes below.
- Is The Daypack plastic-free?
- No — signals in our data suggest The Daypack does not meet this criterion.
- Is The Daypack recyclable or compostable?
- Unverified — end-of-life handling for The Daypack is not documented in our data.
- Does The Daypack avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Daypack.
- Is The Daypack certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Daypack.
- Is The Daypack fairly made?
- Yes — The Daypack is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
Ethics Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Ethics Score above.
How it compares in Jewelry & Accessories
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-3
points vs the category average
3
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
A Masterclass in Circular Design
Day Owl was founded with a singular goal: to create the most sustainable backpack in the world. The Daypack is the flagship result of that mission. Unlike standard nylon bags, this pack is constructed from First Mile waxed canvas, a heavy-duty fabric made entirely from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles collected from low-income communities in Taiwan, Haiti, and Honduras. This process provides income for trash collectors and prevents plastic from entering the ocean.
Functionality and Aesthetics
The Daypack features a sophisticated, slim profile that belies its carrying capacity. It includes a dedicated 14" side-entry laptop sleeve, a spill-resistant water bottle pocket, and various internal organizers. The waxed finish gives it a professional look suitable for the office, while its rugged construction handles the rigors of travel. The aesthetic is gender-neutral and purposefully understated.
| Feature | Material / Detail |
|---|---|
| Main Body | First Mile Recycled Polyester |
| Pockets | Neoprene and mesh |
| Hardware | LWG Certified Leather (minimal) or Vegan trim |
| Capacity | Approx 15L |
Environmental Impact Breakdown
The carbon footprint of the Daypack is significantly lower than traditional backpacks due to the use of recycled materials and a streamlined manufacturing process. By using First Mile fabric, Day Owl supports a transparent supply chain that tracks plastic collection from the ground to the finished yarn. This prevents 'virgin' plastic production and addresses the global waste crisis.
- Uses approximately 25 plastic bottles per bag.
- PFC-free water repellent coating protects the gear without toxic chemicals.
- Designed for disassembly to facilitate easy recycling.
"We don't just want to make less bad things; we want to make things that actively clean up the planet."
The internal lining is also 100% recycled, and the brand is constantly iterating on its hardware to find lower-impact alternatives to plastic buckles and metal zips.
Pros
- ✓Excellent circularity and buy-back program
- ✓Professional aesthetic for work environments
- ✓Supports waste collection in developing nations
Cons
- ✗14-inch laptop limit is restrictive for some
- ✗Waxed canvas can attract lint initially
Key Facts
- Brand
- Day Owl
- Category
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Ethics Score
- 95/100
- Price Range
- $$$ (≈ $149)
- Avg Rating
- 4.7/5 (1250 reviews)
- Volume
- 15 Liters
- Material
- First Mile Recycled Canvas
- Dimensions
- 17" H x 12" W x 5" D
- Laptop Sleeve
- Fits up to 14"
- Water Resistance
- PFC-Free DWR Coating
- Certifications
- B Corp, Global Recycled Standard, PETA Approved
🌱 Sustainability
The circularity is the standout feature; the brand takes responsibility for the product's entire lifecycle including end-of-life disposal.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester (First Mile); water-repellent coating is non-toxic and PFC-free.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $149 — prices change often, so check the live listing.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects the ethics score.
What Reviewers Say
"The best backpack I've ever owned. Clean design and I love that it's made of trash."
"Fits everything I need for a day in the city. The side laptop access is a game changer."
"Solid construction. You can tell it's built to last for a decade."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Daypack by Day Owl ethically made?+
Yes. The Daypack earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 95/100, backed by third-party certifications including B Corp, Global Recycled Standard, PETA Approved. A completely circular backpack made from First Mile recycled plastic bottles, designed to be repaired, refurbished, and recycled at the end of its life.
Is The Daypack worth buying?+
The Daypack scores 95/100 on our ethics rating. That puts it in the upper band of the products we track, so it is a defensible buy on ethics grounds.
Is The Daypack cruelty-free?+
Yes — The Daypack carries a third-party cruelty-free certification (B Corp, Global Recycled Standard, PETA Approved).
Is The Daypack vegan?+
The Daypack does not carry a certified vegan claim in our database. Check the ingredient notes above and the brand's own disclosure before buying.
What are the best alternatives to The Daypack?+
We list higher-scoring jewelry & accessories products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Day Owl on its alternatives page.
What certifications does The Daypack hold?+
The Daypack holds the following certifications: B Corp, Global Recycled Standard, PETA Approved. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is The Daypack?+
The circularity is the standout feature; the brand takes responsibility for the product's entire lifecycle including end-of-life disposal.
What are the key ingredients or materials in The Daypack?+
Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester (First Mile); water-repellent coating is non-toxic and PFC-free.
How much does The Daypack cost?+
The Daypack is priced in the $$$ range for jewelry & accessories. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy The Daypack?+
The Daypack is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is The Daypack plastic-free?+
No — signals in our data suggest The Daypack does not meet this criterion.
Is The Daypack recyclable or compostable?+
Unverified — end-of-life handling for The Daypack is not documented in our data.
Does The Daypack avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Daypack.
Is The Daypack certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Daypack.
Is The Daypack fairly made?+
Yes — The Daypack is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
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