My Béis Backpack Moonlights as Luggage and Gets More Use Than My Suitcase

I have a handful of bags I’m constantly rotating that all serve wildly different purposes. There’s the grab-my-keys-and-go fanny pack that’s glued to my chest during weekday mornings, the chic but casual weekend tote that holds everything from hand wipes to sunscreen, a crossbody bag when I want to look more pulled together, and a mini bag when I’m child-free and only need my card wallet, phone, and lipstick. While I haven’t owned a backpack since college, I’ve been wanting a hands-free option to make kid excursions easier and figured it would also be handy for toting my laptop around when I’m not working from home. I went with The Backpack by Béis ($88) since I’m a huge fan of their carry-on roller suitcase, and let me tell you, it’s living up to the hype.

What I Love About The Backpack by Béis

Like Béis’s other travel accessories, the backpack is loaded with tons of thoughtful organizational compartments. There’s a padded sleeve that’s perfect for carrying laptops, iPads, Kindles, and other delicate tech; an equally large compartment with suitcase-like compression straps to hold clothes or packing cubes; two smaller, zippered internal compartments (one with clear plastic and one with mesh); and a smaller external compartment to stash things you need to reach for quickly (think: keys — yes, there’s even a key leash — your cell phone, wallet, and even a pen). It functions like a mini carry-on suitcase you can wear on your back.

I appreciate that there are extra design elements that you don’t typically find on backpacks, like two water bottle pockets instead of one — an essential feature as a mom with two kids — and even a trolley sleeve, so I can slip my suitcase handle through it to give my back a rest while traveling. I also love the backpack’s minimalist aesthetic. It’s monochromatic with subtle branding and has just a touch of faux leather on the water bottle sleeves and along the base. It’s utilitarian but luxe and is the perfect gender neutral bag, so my husband and I can share it.

What’s Worth Noting About The Backpack by Béis

This backpack is big, with an extra-large interior capacity. While it’s awesome for traveling and daytime outings with the kids where we need to carry a lot, you might not appreciate its sheer bulk and seemingly endless compartments if you’re looking for a more lightweight and compact option. It took me a bit to get used to wearing something so large, but it quickly grew on me.

Who Is The Backpack by Béis Best For?

If you’re looking for a true work horse of a backpack that packs like a suitcase, can keep you organized, fits a surprising amount of stuff, and looks just as good with a power suit as it does with jeans and a T-shirt, this is your backpack.

Additional Details About The Backpack by Béis

Where is The Backpack by Béis Available?

This backpack is available at Nordstrom (in black and beige only) and Béis.

Rating:
★★★★★

Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.