In-depth analysis:The 12 best-selling bag types in the North American bags market in 2025

As one of the most mature and influential consumer markets in the world, North America’s bags market trends often lead the world. From the fast-paced workplace in New York to the outdoor lifestyle in California, to the vast natural scenery in Canada, the diverse life scenes have given rise to a huge demand for bags with different functions and styles. In 2025, driven by the concept of sustainability, technological integration and personalized expression, the North American bags market is undergoing a new round of evolution. Based on the latest sales data and consumer insights from mainstream North American e-commerce platforms (Amazon.com/Amazon.ca,Walmart,eBay), this report will comprehensively analyze the 12 most popular bag types and explore bags market dynamics in depth, aiming to provide an authoritative decision-making reference for consumers, retailers and bag manufacturers seeking opportunities.

What bags are popular in North America?

1. Tech Commuter Backpack

• Sales data: In the “Laptop Backpacks” category on Amazon.com, backpacks with smart functions and efficient storage design continue to top the sales list. Market demand is expected to grow by 10% in 2025.
• Applicable groups: people working in the technology industry, urban commuting white-collar workers, and college students.
• Size and Material:
  • Size: 20-30 liters, suitable for 16-inch MacBook Pro or 17-inch laptop.
  • Material: 1680D ballistic nylon, Cordura® recycled polyester fiber, or coated waterproof fabric.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Peak Design, Nomatic, Aer, Bellroy, Samsonite.
  • Producing countries: Vietnam, Philippines, China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Excellent storage system, thoughtful protection for electronic devices, modern and simple design.
  • Disadvantages: high price and relatively heavy weight.
• User reviews:
  • “The Aer City Pack Pro is a game-changer. My laptop, tablet, and all my cables have their own spot. Worth every penny” .“I love the clamshell opening on my Nomatic backpack. It makes going through airport security so much easier.” (From a Canadian user)
  • “The material feels incredibly durable, but it’s a bit stiff when new.”

2. Everyday Tote Bag

• Sales data: As an evergreen among women’s bags, canvas and leather tote bags have a huge bags market on Etsy and Amazon. In particular, the sales of customizable and eco-friendly styles have increased significantly.
• Applicable groups: working women, teachers, students, and daily users who pay attention to fashion.
• Size and material:
  • Size: Usually above 15L, with a wide opening to accommodate notebooks, books and personal items.
  • Materials: Heavyweight Canvas, Full Grain Leather, Nylon, Recycled Cotton.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • bag suppliers from Asia offer high-quality canvas totes at a reasonable price.
  • Producing countries: United States, Italy, India, China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: large capacity, easy to take out, versatile style, can be elegant or casual.
  • Disadvantages: Usually lacks internal partitions, items easily get mixed up; load is carried on one shoulder.
• User reviews:
  • “My LLBean Boat and Tote is indestructible. I’ve had it for years and it still looks great. Perfect for groceries or a trip to the beach.” (from LLBean official website user)
  • “The Cuyana leather tote is so elegant and professional for work. It fits my laptop and everything I need.” (User from New York)
  • “Wish it had more pockets inside to keep things organized.” (from Amazon.ca user)

3. Weekender Duffel Bag

• Sales data: The popularity of short trips and gym culture has made duffel bags a must-have. On eBay and Amazon, 40-50 liter models are the most popular.
• Applicable groups: fitness enthusiasts, short-distance travelers, and business travelers.
• Size and material:
  • Size: 40-60 litres, usually compliant with carry-on luggage standards.
  • Material: Canvas, leather, high-strength polyester or nylon.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Herschel Supply Co., Patagonia (Black Hole series), The North Face (Base Camp), Away.
  • Producing countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: huge capacity, simple and durable structure, wide range of uses.
  • Disadvantages: It is inconvenient to carry by hand or on one shoulder when fully loaded.
• User reviews:
  • “The Patagonia Black Hole duffel is legendary. It’s water-resistant and can take a serious beating. I use it for camping and weekend trips.” (from REI user)
  • “Herschel’s Novel Duffel with the separate shoe compartment is brilliant for the gym.” (from a Canadian student)
  • “It gets heavy quickly. If you pack it full, I recommend getting one with backpack straps.” (from eBay user)

4. Crossbody/Sling Bag

• Sales data: As the ultimate solution for “freeing your hands”, Sling Bag has become soaring in popularity among urban people, becoming one of the most common bags on the streets of North America.
• Applicable groups: city explorers, tourists, cyclists, and everyone who seeks light travel.
• Size and material:
  • Size: 3-8 liters, used to carry essential items such as mobile phone, wallet, keys, headphones, etc.
  • Materials: X-Pac™ composite fabric, Cordura® nylon, PU leather, canvas.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Bellroy, Carhartt, lululemon (Everywhere Belt Bag), Chrome Industries, Aer.
  • Producing countries: China, Vietnam, Philippines.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: extremely light, quick to retrieve, safe (can be carried on the chest).
  • Disadvantages: Limited capacity, not suitable for carrying large items.
• User reviews:
  • “The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag lives up to the hype. It’s the perfect size for errands and walks.” (Recommended by TikTok influencer)
  • “My Bellroy sling is stylish and surprisingly spacious. The organization inside is very thoughtful.” (From a user in San Francisco)
  • “Super convenient for travel documents and my phone when navigating a new city.”

5. Hiking Backpack

• Sales data: North America has many national parks and hiking trails, and the bags market for professional outdoor backpacks is huge. Brands such as Osprey and Deuter are perennial sellers at professional outdoor product retailers such as REI.
• Applicable groups: hiking enthusiasts, backpackers, climbers.
• Size and material:
  • Size: 20-35L for day hikes, 50-70L for multi-day hikes.
  • Material: Lightweight tear-resistant nylon (such as Ripstop Nylon), equipped with a professional back suspension system.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands:Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, Arc’teryx.
  • Producing countries: Vietnam, Philippines.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: Extremely comfortable to carry, designed for long-term heavy loads, and highly functional.
  • Disadvantages: Expensive, professional looking, not suitable for daily urban use.
• User reviews:
  • “The Osprey Atmos AG’s anti-gravity suspension is incredible. It feels like the pack is floating on your back.” (from an experienced hiker)
  • “My Gregory Deva pack is perfect for multi-day trips. The adjustable fit makes a huge difference for a woman’s frame.” (Colorado user)
  • “It’s an investment, but for serious hiking, a good pack is non-negotiable.” (From a Canadian mountaineering enthusiast)

6. Camera Messenger Bag

• Sales data: Among photographers and content creators, messenger bags that combine style and function are more popular than traditional camera backpacks, especially in urban shooting scenes.
• Suitable for: street photographers, travel bloggers, videographers.
• Size and material:
  • Size: Can accommodate one camera and two mirrors or a drone kit.
  • Materials: Waterproof canvas, leather, wear-resistant nylon, with customizable thick compartments inside.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Peak Design (Everyday Messenger), ONA, Billingham, Think Tank Photo.
  • Producing countries: Vietnam, United Kingdom, United States, China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: Quick and easy access to the camera, stylish appearance, suitable for integration into urban environments.
  • Disadvantages: The weight is borne on one shoulder, which is tiring to carry for a long time.
• User reviews:
  • “Peak Design’s messenger bag is full of clever features. The MagLatch closure is brilliant for quick access.” (From a YouTube reviewer)
  • “My ONA leather bag is beautiful and functional. It doesn’t scream ‘camera bag’.” (Photographer from New York)
  • “Great for a day of shooting, but for a long hike, I’d still choose a backpack.”

7. Hardside Carry-On Luggage

• Sales data: As business and leisure travel resume, durable and lightweight hard-shell carry-on luggage has become the best-selling luggage type.
• Applicable groups: frequent business people and holiday tourists.
• Size and material:
  • Dimensions: Typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which meets most airline regulations.
  • Material: Polycarbonate is the first choice, combining lightness and toughness; ABS is a more economical choice.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Away, Monos, Samsonite, Rimowa, Delsey.
  • Producing countries: China, Germany, Thailand.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Good protection, waterproof, modern look.
  • Disadvantages: The shell is not elastic, the capacity is fixed, and the surface is easily scratched.
• User reviews:
  • “My Away carry-on has survived dozens of trips. The built-in battery is a lifesaver in airports.” (from Away official website user)“The Samsonite Freeform is incredibly lightweight yet feels very sturdy.”
  • “Polycarbonate is definitely the way to go. It flexes under pressure instead of cracking.” (from an experienced traveler)

8. Reusable Shopping Bag / Grocery Tote

• Sales data: After the implementation of the “plastic ban” in California, New York and many provinces in Canada, reusable shopping bags have become a household necessity and sales have exploded.
• Applicable groups: All consumers.
• Size and material:
  • Size: Large capacity, foldable.
  • Materials: Recycled PET (rPET), organic cotton, nylon.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Baggu, ChicoBag, and major supermarket private labels (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods).
  • Producing countries: China, India.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: environmentally friendly, lightweight, washable, and strong load-bearing capacity.
  • Disadvantages: Easy to forget to bring it.
• User reviews:
  • “Baggu bags are the best. They hold a ton, come in fun patterns, and fold into a tiny pouch.” (Recommended by The Strategist)
  • “I keep a few ChicoBags in my car and purse at all times. So much better than plastic bags.” (from California user)
  • “These rPET bags made from recycled bottles are great. It feels good to make a sustainable choice.” (from Amazon user)

9. Luxury Handbag

• Sales data: On second-hand luxury platforms such as The RealReal, Fashionphile and high-end department stores, classic styles are active due to their potential for value preservation and appreciation.
• Applicable groups: high-income people, fashion investors, luxury lovers.
• Size and material:
  • Size: Varies.
  • Materials: Calfskin, Lambskin, Exotic Leathers (Crocodile, Lizard), Signature Canvas Coating.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior.
  • Producing country: France, Italy.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: Top-notch craftsmanship, high brand value, a symbol of identity and taste, some styles can maintain and increase their value.
  • Disadvantages: Extremely expensive and requires careful maintenance.
• User reviews:
  • “Investing in a Chanel Classic Flap was a big decision, but it’s a timeless piece I’ll cherish forever.” (From a luxury forum user)
  • “The craftsmanship of a Hermès Birkin is truly unmatched. It’s a work of art.” (From a senior collector)
  • “Buying pre-owned from a reputable site is a great way to access these iconic bags.” (Suggestion from Vogue article)

10. Laptop Sleeve

• Sales data: Almost everyone has one accessory, and the sales volume is huge. Simple design, good protection and reasonable price are the key.
• Applicable groups: All users with laptops.
• Size and Material:
  • Size: Precisely matches various computer sizes (13″, 14″, 16″, etc.).
  • Materials: Neoprene, felt, memory foam, PU leather.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Incase, Thule, Tomtoc, AmazonBasics. Many bag manufacturers also use it as one of their core product lines.
  • Country of production: China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Lightweight, provides hardcore scratch and shock protection.
  • Cons: No extra storage space.
• User reviews:
  • “The Tomtoc sleeve with corner protection saved my MacBook from a nasty drop.” “Incase’s neoprene sleeve is slim, fits perfectly, and provides good basic protection inside my backpack.” (from Apple Store user)
  • “AmazonBasics gets the job done for a great price. Simple and effective.” (from a student user)

11. Insulated Lunch Bag

• Sales data: The trend of healthy eating and preparing lunches has driven sales of adult lunch packs.
• Applicable groups: office workers, students.
• Size and material:
  • Size: Can hold a lunch box, a piece of fruit and a bottle of drink.
  • Material: Oxford cloth or polyester on the outside, PEVA or aluminum foil insulation layer on the inside.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Hydro Flask, Yeti, Igloo, Bentgo.
  • Country of production: China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: keeps food warm or cold, prevents food from tainting other foods, and is easy to carry.
  • Disadvantages: Requires regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth.
• User reviews:
  • “My Yeti lunch bag keeps my food cold all day, even in a hot car. Worth the price for the performance.” (User from Texas)
  • “The Bentgo bag is stylish and the perfect size for my daughter’s lunch box.” (from a Canadian mother)
  • “Easy to clean the inside lining, which is a must for any lunch bag.”

12. Cycling-Specific Bag – Frame/Saddle/Handlebar Bag

• Sales data: The rise of urban commuting and gravel bike sports has led to the prosperity of various types of cycling-specific small bags.
• Applicable groups: Cycling commuters, long-distance cycling enthusiasts, and cyclists.
• Size and material:
  • Size: 0.5-5 liters.
  • Materials: Waterproof, hard-wearing X-Pac™ or nylon fabric, secured to the bike with straps.
• Brand and country of manufacture:
  • Brands: Topeak, Ortlieb, Revelate Designs, Apidura.
  • Producing countries: Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, China.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Advantages: Transfers the weight from the body to the bicycle, does not affect the riding posture, and has good waterproof performance.
  • Disadvantages: limited capacity and relatively troublesome to disassemble.
• User reviews:
  • “An Ortlieb saddle bag is a must for any serious commuter. It’s 100% waterproof.” (From Seattle Cyclist)
  • “My Revelate Designs frame bag is perfect for bikepacking. It optimizes unused space on the bike.” (From a bike forum)
  • “The handlebar bag is great for easy access to snacks and my phone while riding.” (From a California Gravel rider)

How to compare various types of bags？ What are the trends in the bag market

Type comparison

Bags Market trend analysis

• Sustainability becomes a mainstream standard: North American consumers, especially millennials and Generation Z, are increasingly willing to pay for environmentally friendly products. Brands that use recycled materials, vegetable tanned leather, and commit to carbon neutrality gain a significant bags market advantage. A smart bag manufacturer must integrate sustainability into its supply chain and brand story.
• The rise of modularization and customization: Consumers are eager for “systemized” products that can adapt to a variety of needs. For example, a backpack can be equipped with small accessories with different functions, or a tote bag can be equipped with different functional linings. Bag suppliers that provide customized options (such as initials) can better attract consumers who pursue individuality.
• The rise of DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands: The success of DTC brands such as Away, Monos, and Aer shows that through sophisticated online marketing and community operations, emerging brands can directly connect with consumers and challenge traditional giants. They have put forward higher requirements for the response speed and cooperation flexibility of bag manufacturers .
• Deep integration of technology: In addition to USB charging ports, future bags may integrate more technological elements, such as Find My tracking function, smart lock, weight sensor or flexible display screen. This provides broad space for technology-driven innovation.
• The second-hand bags market is booming: For luxury goods and high-end outdoor equipment, second-hand platforms such as The RealReal, Rebag, and Patagonia Worn Wear are becoming increasingly important. This extends the life cycle of products and changes people’s concept of “ownership”.

What questions do North American bag consumers have?(FAQ)