Not everyone has a car to transport groceries to their home easily. Carrying grocery bags can become uncomfortable, and walking on narrow sidewalks can also become a hassle.
The best solution is to use a backpack for carrying groceries and, if needed, complement that with shopping bags for lighter items. I do all my grocery shopping with a backpack and walk a few miles to get to my closest grocery store. I need a good backpack for that purpose, and I went through a few over the years.
In this article, I will share some of my experiences and insights with you. Remember: I didn’t test every backpack for carrying groceries (there are hundreds!), and I also won’t mention the backpacks I regret ever using.
What to Consider When Buying a Backpack for Groceries?
You need to consider four main points when you want to find your best backpack for carrying groceries. If you do not think about these, you’re unlikely to end up with the perfect product.
The Backpack Size
How many items and how much weight do you need to fit into the backpack? Do you usually do smaller but frequent trips to the grocery store, or do you prefer to go once a week and get it all done in one go?
The size of your backpack needs to reflect your shopping habits.
Does it Have Insulation?
If you buy many cold or frozen items, you should go for a backpack with at least one insulated compartment. You can find backpacks that are completely insulated or have small insulated sections, I find smaller sections are great for warm foods while large insulated bags are great for keeping all your items cool.
Is it Weatherproof?
Does it rain a lot where you live? Do you often walk to and from the grocery store in the rain? Then you need to ensure that you buy a waterproof backpack! I live in Vancouver BC and it rains a lot, a weatherproof bag is a must for me.
Furthermore, wet groceries is not fun so get something that will keep your groceries safe from the outdoor elements.
Total Weight
Some backpacks are really light when they are empty. Some others are heavier and bulkier because of their insulation and extra features. You must remember that the backpack will become heavier when you fill it. How much are you able to carry?
Also: make sure to get a backpack with really good padding if you tend to carry a lot. It does make a HUGE difference.
10 Best Backpacks for Carrying Groceries
1. SPARTER Backpack 
The SPARTER Backpack is a black backpack with some blue mixed in. Of course, the nice look alone wouldn’t make you want to buy it!
Fortunately, this backpack doesn’t only look good. It also has some handy features that make it great for a small grocery shop.
It is an insulated bag that can keep your food cool for up to 20 hours. It is ideal if you want to carry some frozen things. They will stay frozen until you come home.
The bag has two compartments, so you can keep things organized. The mesh bag on the side is great for carrying a drink. The bag even has a bottle opener attached to it!
In addition to the shoulder straps, this backpack has a handle you can use to carry the bag. You can fit 30 cans (330ml) into this bag, so it’s more spacious than it appears when you look at it.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Insulated, keeps things cool for up to 20 hours
– Leakproof when carried upright – Nice design – Can fit up to 30 cans – Lightweight when empty – Waterproof – Two compartments – 5 layer fabric |
– The bag will “sweat” if ice packs are used inside
– Not suitable for big shopping trips unless you use extra carry bags – Leaks when it falls on its side |
2. SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack 
The SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack offers you a nice selection of different colors. You can even buy a purple one!
This nice-looking backpack is lightweight when empty and can hold up to 25l of stuff. It is great for small to medium shopping trips, i.e., ideal for one person’s shopping.
Using this backpack, you don’t have to worry about your cold or frozen items, as the insulation will keep your shopping cool/frozen until you come home.
The front zipper pocket is a neat little extra that you can use to keep some smaller items organized and out of the main compartment (e.g., your wallet, keys, phone, shopping list).
| Pros | Cons |
| – 7 colors to choose from
– 25l capacity – Leakproof – Insulated – Versatile – Durable and scratch proof – Front pocket |
– Different pricing for different colors
– Only one compartment – Not ideal for big shopping trips |
3. TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack (Best Lightweight) 
The TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack can hold up to 40l. However, you can’t carry any objects with sharp edges in this one, as much of the backpack is made of mesh. This could tear easily if you try to pack too much into it.
For smaller grocery store trips, this bag is great. It is the best lightweight backpack you can get for small grocery shops.
You can easily carry a lot of fruit, vegetables, and other products in the bag. Smaller items can go into the zipper bag, and you can also use the bottle holder to carry a bottle or can.
The bag is easily closed with a drawstring and comes in a nice choice of colors.
A big plus is the mesh at the back, i.e., where the backpack rests against your bag. The design makes it very breathable and more comfortable to carry.
| Pros | Cons |
| – You can see what’s in the bag
– Spills won’t pool in the bag – Lightweight – Side zipper pocket – Built-in bottle holder – 40l capacity – Unique design – Big choice of colors – Breathable |
– Not great for items with sharp edges
– Mesh can rip easily – Not ideal for heavy and bulky items |
4. TOURIT Insulated Cooler Backpack 
The TOURIT Insulated Cooler Backpack is a compact, nice-looking backpack that is great for small to medium grocery shops.
While the insulation is not as thick as other brands, you can keep your food cool or frozen long enough to get home from the grocery store. Under the right conditions, drinks and food can stay cool for up to 16 hours. However, this only works when it is not too warm outside.
This backpack is ideal for grocery shopping because it has a couple of extra pockets and a spacious main compartment. These little pockets are great for storing smaller items like your wallet, keys, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Insulated
– Leakproof – Can hold up to 33 cans / 24l – Keeps food cool for up to 16 hours – Multiple pockets – Durable material |
– Less efficient in warm weather
– Thin insulation layer compared to other brands – Sweats, when used with ice |
5. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack (Roomiest Backpack For Groceries) 
The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack comes in three different sizes – from the smaller one with a carrying capacity of 35l to the bigger ones with 55l or 85l. The biggest one is perfect if you want to do your big grocery shop and carry it on your back without feeling too uncomfortable.
The ergonomic back panel makes carrying this backpack much more comfortable than some other brands, even when you carry your grocery shopping.
This backpack also has reflective panels, which are great because cars will be able to see you sooner in the dark.
While the two biggest versions are very spacious, you do not want to load them with heavy items only. The straps and the stitching will not survive if you only fill the big bags with cans of drinks.
For a regular grocery shopping trip, however, these will be great. Remember that this backpack does not have insulation, so frozen foods need to be taken home ASAP.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Five designs in three different sizes
– Multiple extra pockets – Waterproof – Ergonomic back panel – Reflectors for enhanced visibility |
– Buckles are not very strong
– Stitching not ideal – Not ideal for very heavy loads – No insulation to keep food cool |
6. FORICH Soft Cooler Backpack 
The FORICH Soft Cooler Backpack is a handy backpack for grocery shopping but a little on the smaller side. While you can put a volume of up to 30l into it, you don’t want to stuff too much into this little bag as it feels a little less durable than comparable backpacks.
However, for smaller grocery shopping trips, this is a little gem. Two side pockets are perfect for holding bottles, and the zipper pocket is great for storing your wallet and keys.
The bag is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your shopping getting wet when you walk home in the rain. In addition, the insulation will keep your shopping cold or frozen until you get home (you don’t need to use extra ice bags).
| Pros | Cons |
| – Lots of colors to choose from
– Two bottle holder pockets – Insulated – Waterproof – 30l capacity – Multiple pockets – Affordable pricing |
– Different pricing for different colors
– Not ideal for big grocery shopping trips – Zippers can split easily |
7. MATEIN Lunch Backpack 
The MATEIN Lunch Backpack is designed to carry lunch and other things, but it is also a great backpack for smaller grocery shops. The front pocket is insulted and will keep smaller frozen or cold items cool/frozen until you get back home.
You can use the other compartments of the bag to pack the rest of your groceries. The laptop compartment is perfect for narrow items you want to avoid falling over while carrying them.
This backpack has one great feature many backpacks or carrying groceries are missing: the anti-theft pocket on the back. This is ideal for storing your valuables like your keys and wallet.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Different compartments for easy organizing
– Insulated compartment to keep food cool – Anti-theft pocket – Easy to open – Comfortable |
– Only ideal for small shopping trips
– Only a small insulated compartment – Not as durable as other backpacks |
8. GoHimal Cooler Backpack 
The GoHimal Cooler Backpack is another backpack ideal for grocery store visits if you only want to buy a few essentials and maybe a few bottles of something to drink.
The insulated, waterproof lining should not get in contact with sharp edges as it is easily punctured (and then it’ll leak). Apart from having to be cautious when filling this backpack with your items, it is a good option if you need to walk home with your shopping.
There are multiple zipper pockets that you can use to store your wallet and keys or to store some of the smaller items from your shopping trip.
A nice feature is the breathable cotton padding on the back (which will rest against your back when carrying the backpack). This will stop your back from becoming too sweaty, so it is a comfortable bag to carry, even when it’s full.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Keeps food cool for up to 16 hours
– Leakproof material – Can hold up to 30 cans (300ml) – Multiple zipper pockets – Breathable cotton padding on the back – Easy to clean – Very compact |
– Only two colors to choose from
– Two mesh side bags tear easily when in contact with sharp objects – Leakproof liner easily punctured |
9. Maelstrom Cooler Backpack 
The Maelstrom Cooler Backpack is one of the best backpacks for carrying groceries, as it’s extra comfortable thanks to the great padding and breathability of the material.
It is quite roomy and has plenty of extra pockets. It is also one of the few backpacks with a back zipper pocket that is great for keeping your valuables safer.
The adjustable shrink buckle on top of the bottle pockets is a handy feature for people who want to carry bottles home. You fasten this buckle around the tops of bottles to keep them from moving too much. This backpack is the best from this list for carrying a couple of bottles in addition to other grocery shopping.
The insulation of this backpack is excellent, so it’s ideal for frozen or cold items.
The only drawbacks are that the zippers can be weird for the first few uses, but they become smoother to use after a while.
I also noticed that the backpack can leak a little when it falls on its side, but generally, you wouldn’t have it lying on its side anyway, so it’s not a huge issue.
| Pros | Cons |
| – 5-layer insulation design for even better insulation
– Waterproof – Leakproof – Great for carrying bottles – Back zipper pocket for valuable – Breathable padding |
– Zippers can be a little fiddly for the first few uses
– It leaks when it falls on the side |
10. EVERFUN Waterproof and Insulated Cooler Backpack 
The EVERFUN Waterproof and Insulated Cooler Backpack is a neat little backpack for carrying groceries, especially if you buy cold and frozen items that need to stay cold until you get home.
The two main compartments are insulated and ideal for organizing your shopping. The compartments also help keep items from getting smashed by other items, so use the compartments wisely.
I recommend this backpack for carrying groceries if you do not plan on carrying many heavy items. I found the padding on the back and the straps not good enough when the backpack is filled with heavy stuff. So it can be a little uncomfortable to carry. It’s fine for lighter loads, though.
The material is quite durable and won’t rip easily. In addition, the backpack is waterproof, so carrying your groceries home in the rain won’t be a problem.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Thick insulation, cools for up to 20 hours
– Leakproof – Lightweight when empty – Waterproof – It holds up to 30 cans – Two compartments – Puncture–resistant material |
– Only two designs to choose from
– It leaks when it falls over – Straps and padding are not the best |
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of the 10 best backpacks for carrying groceries has helped you with making a decision. I want to remind you that buying a backpack for grocery shopping depends on your needs. What’s great for me might not be great for you.
I like using the 55l version of the Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack, as it’s the perfect size for me and comfortable to carry. When I need more space, I take a couple of medium-sized, reusable grocery carry bags with me (always better to use two, so you are more balanced instead of having all the weight on one side).
Once you know what size you need and whether waterproof material, extra pockets, and insulation are important, you’ll soon narrow down which backpack is the best choice!
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