I love it when someone thinks outside the box

If you’re looking for a small daytime backpack that looks smart and has plenty of storage but is also super comfy? You might have found it in this Small Bag from The Healthy Back Bag Company.

Designed to help people carry everyday gear more comfortably, the Healthy Back Bag doesn’t look like an ordinary rucksack, or even a handbag. But it does look super stylish. When I was offered one to trial and review, I was quick to spot this gorgeous Tyvek version.

I can’t be the only girl who loves a functional material.

‘It feels lovely.’ Was my first thought when I unboxed this fascinating bag. And then I started counting the pockets. What struck me about these wasn’t just that there were enough for the most pocket-hungry traveller but also how cleverly they were distributed around the bag. I discovered later that it’s this distribution (along with the backpack’s unique teardrop shape) that spreads its loads so sensibly across the body.

I couldn’t wait to try it.

4/5

PROS

Super comfortable

A smart day sack alternative

Well thought out pockets

I loved the Tyvek fabric

CONS

Water resistant not waterproof

Took a bit of practice to put on

I know. I thought Tyvek was a building membrane too.

But it turns out Tyvek is a really versatile material, that can be used in all kinds of designs. It has some interesting properties but for the purposes of this bag, all you really need to know is that it:

1. Feels and looks fabulous
2. Will resist water ingress
3. Is resistant to tears and punctures

We’ll take a look at the bag’s sustainability later.

‘Healthy’ is a complicated claim but the raison d’etre of this single strap backpack is simple. It’s designed to distribute weight evenly down your spine by hugging the natural curve of your back and spreading the load through the clever use of pockets.

As someone who often packs too much and has a particularly curvy spine (according to my physiotherapist), this even distribution has to be a good thing.

I found I was able to fit in all I would need for a gentle daytime train adventure or city exploration, including a water bottle and not really notice the bag on my back at all.

With plenty of strap adjustment, positioning the bag for maximum comfort was simple, and I found being able to swing it round to the front to access gear instead of taking it off, was much easier on my spine.

As a dedicated rucksack carrier (and handbag avoider), I have to say I was slightly sceptical about the comparative comfort levels of a single-strap backpack but I have been pleasantly surprised.

The Healthy Back Bag Company Small Bag is smart enough for city wear but big enough for a low level day walk. I decided to test it on a slightly rainy beach stroll.

Even loaded with waterproof jacket, water bottle, umbrella and notebook as well as my usual handbag-type gubbins, the bag sat snuggly in the small of my back and felt lighter than I was expecting it to.

Another comfort factor I noted was the lack of the usual strap fidgeting I experience with all shoulder bags and some rucksacks. This meant that I could almost forget the bag was on my back at all. This was great until I came close to leaving it on my chair after coffee.

It’s too nice to lose so I’m pleased I didn’t.

If you regularly wear a rucksack, you’ll understand this plus point but my apologies anyway for the toilet reference.

I liked lots of things about my new bag (especially the pockets) but one place I found it surprisingly helpful was in the public loo. With modern automatic flush systems, sitting down with even a small rucksack on can trigger the flush and result in a damper-than-expected experience. With my Healthy Back Bag, this wasn’t a problem as I could swing it round to the front instead of removing it.

Much better for my back (and personal hygiene).

To my mind, value is all about how many times you use a product compared to the amount of money you spent on it. I haven’t had this backpack long but it’s smart/casual versatility does suggest it will be coming with me on a fair few train adventures. You’ll know if you follow me that these include city breaks and countryside explorations (often both in the same trip).

The current (December 2025) price for this Tyvek Small Bag is £65. If this sounds a bit steep, you’ll be interested to hear that the Healthy Bag Company website currently has some alternative but equally gorgeous designs of the same bag at sale prices.

As I’m not really a handbag buyer, I found it tricky to know how to work out the value for money of the Healthy Back Bag. So I opted instead to look at it as a small rucksack alternative. Prices for traditional rucksacks vary greatly but this similar capacity (6 litres) ergonomic Tempest 6 lumber pack from Osprey would currently cost you £75 and the Borealis Sling rucksack from North Face £50.

Neither look as comfortable or stylish as my new Small Bag.

Sustainability has many elements so let’s break this down into two parts. The energy and resources used to make the bag, and the environmental impact of the product over its whole lifecycle.

Production: Tyvek fabric (outer) can be recycled (at specialist facilities) and the bag’s lining is made from recycled polyester. The Healthy Back Bag Company’s sustainability page is impressive and it’s clear they take their materials and methods seriously. This bag was made in China.

Whole lifecycle: Full marks! As well as offering a repair service, The Healthy Back Bag Company also have a pre-loved program, which gives second-hand bags to charity or takes them apart for recycling.