In Berlin, a journey across the city can involve a bicycle, several flights of U-Bahn stairs, a crowded carriage and a final stop at the supermarket. The distance may not be particularly long, but the way you want to carry your bag can several times along the way.
A backpack is comfortable while cycling or walking. On public transport, moving it onto one shoulder makes more room and keeps a phone or ticket closer. At the supermarket, handles and a wide opening make packing easier. Once the bag is full, carrying the weight on both shoulders feels better again.
Since we started designing bags in Berlin, these transitions have been part of what we observe. A bag does not simply move between two places. It passes through different situations, each making its own demands on how it should be carried. Changing bags throughout the day would mean repacking everything and potentially leaving something behind. Our solution is to design one bag that can adapt as the situation changes.
One Bag, Different Ways to Carry It
A convertible backpack is a bag that can be carried in two or more ways. Adjustable straps and handles allow it to change from a backpack into a tote, handbag or shoulder bag.
For example, you can wear it on your back while cycling to work, carry it over your shoulder on the train and use the handles when entering the office. Your belongings remain in the same place; only the way you carry them changes.
The benefit is not the transformation itself, but the freedom to use one bag across different parts of your day.
Why Choose a Convertible Backpack?
Imagine stopping for groceries after work. A traditional tote is easy to pack at the supermarket, but it can become uncomfortable once it is full. A convertible backpack gives you the same open, accessible carrying style while shopping, then allows you to place the weight across both shoulders for the journey home.
The same principle applies when commuting or travelling. You can keep your hands free when walking or cycling, then switch to shoulder or hand carry when you need to reach your phone, wallet or ticket more easily.
For people whose routines regularly change, one adaptable design can also reduce the need to own separate bags for work, shopping and weekends.
Which Convertible Bag Fits Your Day?
Different routines call for different types of adaptability:
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For commuting and grocery shopping: Nolan Convertible Backpack
Imagine commuting to work with your laptop and everyday essentials. Nolan can be worn as a backpack while walking or cycling. At the supermarket, switch it to tote mode for easier packing, then wear it on your back again once the extra weight has been added.
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For work and more polished occasions: Masao Convertible Backpack
If your day moves from the office to a meeting or dinner, Masao offers backpack, shoulder and hand carry in a compact, structured silhouette. Wear it on your back during the commute, then carry it by the handles when you want a less casual appearance.
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For days when your load keeps changing: Malte Convertible Roll-Top Backpack
Perhaps you leave home with only a laptop and water bottle but return with groceries, a jacket or something collected along the way. Malte’s roll-top adapts to the additional volume, while its straps let you switch between backpack, shoulder and hand carry.
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For carrying fewer everyday essentials: Una Convertible Bag
Una works well for a day in the city when you only need your phone, wallet and a few smaller items. Carry it as a handbag at a café, move it onto your shoulder while shopping or wear it as a backpack when you want both hands free.
Packable Options for Travel
Travel introduces a different set of demands: you need extra capacity at your destination without taking up precious luggage space on the way there. Lightly structured, packable designs solve this by stowing completely flat inside a main suitcase until needed.
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For day trips after you arrive: Tristan Packable Backpack
Pack Tristan inside your suitcase on the outward journey, then unfold it into a 17-litre backpack for exploring the city, going to the beach or taking a day trip. It can also be carried as a tote when you want easier access to what is inside. -
For the journey home with more than you brought: Leander Packable Weekender Bag
Leander packs into its own pocket until extra space is needed. Open it for purchases, sports equipment or an overnight stay, then carry it by hand, over the shoulder or attach it to a suitcase using the trolley holder.
How to Choose a Convertible Backpack
The best convertible backpack is not necessarily the one with the most functions. It is the one that responds naturally to the situations you encounter most often.
If your day moves between cycling, public transport, work and shopping, changing the way you carry your bag can make a noticeable difference. If your load changes, an adjustable roll-top may be more useful. If you are travelling, a lightweight design that disappears into your luggage until needed could be the better solution.
That may be the clearest measure of a good convertible design: after a while, you stop thinking of it as convertible at all.