A 5 Year Everlane Backpack Review + Bonus Tote Review

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:03 am

I first purchased my Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack in February 2020. Just in time to go… nowhere. :) More than five years later, it’s still going strong. According to my closet tracking app, I’ve used it more than 130 times for both travel and work. So, how has it held up?

Overview

When I bought this backpack, it cost $68. While the price has gone up since then to $118, with sales, it can easily come back down under the $100 mark – fairly reasonable for the quality.

Note: Currently it is on sale for 30% off as part of Everlane’s sitewide Friends & Family sale!

Style & Fit

The Transit’s clean, minimalist design is what drew me in. No flashy logos, dangling zippers, or extra fuss. It’s also made mostly from recycled plastic, with the exception of the zipper teeth, which are the only new materials used.

Functionality

The backpack has a separate, zippered sleeve that officially fits a 15” laptop. This makes travel a breeze – I can remove my laptop quickly at security without shuffling through my entire bag. It also comes with a back strap to slide over a luggage handle. I don’t use this feature often, but when I do, it’s handy for giving my shoulders a break in the airport.

Unofficially, the sleeve fits even my 16” MacBook Pro, which is rare for most bags – especially women’s bags. The interior pocket also holds a 13” MacBook Air, which I’ve occasionally carried alongside my work laptop. Yes, it gets heavy, but it’s convenient for longer trips when I need both.

The top flap pocket is another favorite. I use it for items I need quick access to, such as hand sanitizer, lotion, masks, etc. If I could change one thing, however, it would be the exterior bottle holder. There’s only one, and while I don’t carry two bottles, I’d love a second pocket for things like a small umbrella or more snacks.

Durability

I’ll be honest: I am not gentle with my travel bags. This backpack has been caught in subway doors, dragged through security, and shoved under airplane seats. After five years, the only visible wear is a small snag that appeared about two years in and hasn’t gotten worse since.

While it’s not marketed as rugged, it has held up well in light rain and short showers. I wouldn’t test it in a downpour, but for everyday use, it’s been surprisingly weather-resistant.

Verdict

The ReNew Transit Backpack is a versatile, reliable choice for work, travel, and casual use. It balances minimalist style with practical features and has proven impressively durable. I fully expect to keep using mine for years to come.

Bonus Review: ReNew Tote

Everlane recently released a tote version, designed to be worn three ways: shoulder, crossbody, or backpack. I bought it as a potential diaper bag that could later double as a small weekender without screaming “diaper bag.”

It’s lightweight, roomy, and well-organized. After five months of use, it comfortably carries all the essentials:

• 6 diapers, wipes, diaper paste spray, foldable changing mat
• 3 onesies, hat, pants, jacket
• 3–4 burp cloths
• 1 small board book, 1 soft activity book, 1–2 toys
• Travel formula container and two 8oz bottles

It also fits neatly into the storage basket of our Nuna stroller.

As a work bag, it holds my 13” MacBook Air in the laptop sleeve, and I technically fit my 16” MacBook Pro in the main compartment. The crossbody style feels a little awkward on me since the bag is fairly large, but it fits my husband perfectly. I especially like that the same strap converts it into backpack mode, which works well for both of us.

Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.