Bags aren’t just accessories; they’re essentials. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or heading to the gym, the right bag makes all the difference. In Canada, the price of bags varies widely based on materials, brands, and where you buy them.

A bag.
Image credit: Vecteezy


Bags aren’t just accessories; they’re essentials. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or heading to the gym, the right bag makes all the difference. In Canada, the price of bags varies widely based on materials, brands, and where you buy them.  


Luxury brands command a premium, while budget-friendly alternatives cater to cost-conscious shoppers. Online stores offer discounts, but in-store shopping provides the tactile experience many prefer. With inflation affecting retail prices, it’s more important than ever to shop smart. This guide breaks down bag prices across various types, helping you find the best value without compromising on quality.  




Factors Affecting Bag Prices

Materials Matter  

The choice of material significantly impacts cost.  


- Leather Bags: High-end full-grain leather bags from brands like Coach or Fossil start at $250 and can go up to $2,000 for luxury labels like Gucci or Louis Vuitton.  


- Canvas Bags: Durable yet affordable, these cost between $30 and $150. Brands like Herschel and Fjällräven dominate this segment.  


- Nylon Bags: Lightweight and weather-resistant, they range from $40 to $200, depending on features and brand reputation.  


- Sustainable Materials: Vegan leather and recycled fabrics from brands like Matt & Nat fall in the $100 to $300 range.  




Brand Influence  

Brand reputation plays a major role. A no-name tote from a department store might cost $20, while a Prada tote easily crosses $3,000. Mid-tier brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade offer stylish options between $150 and $500.  




Bag Type and Intended Use  

Pricing varies significantly based on bag type:  


- Everyday Backpacks: Start from $50 for brands like JanSport and go up to $400 for Tumi or The North Face.  


- Luxury Handbags: Entry-level designer handbags start at $500, with premium ones hitting $5,000 or more.  


- Work & Laptop Bags: Professional laptop bags from Samsonite or Bellroy fall between $100 and $400.  


- Duffel Bags: Gym duffels cost $40 to $150, while premium travel duffels from brands like Away cost up to $500.  




Retail Channels: Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar  

Shopping online often provides better discounts. Amazon, The Bay, and Nordstrom offer deals year-round, while boutique stores provide limited stock but a hands-on shopping experience.  



Sales & Discounts  

Timing is everything. The best deals occur:  

- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Up to 50% off on many brands.  

- Boxing Day Sales: Post-holiday clearances slash prices by 30-60%.  

- End-of-Season Sales: High-end brands discount old collections to make room for new ones.  




Price Ranges by Bag Type  

Backpacks

A backpack.
Image credit: Vecteezy


- Budget options (AmazonBasics, JanSport): $40 - $80  

- Mid-range (Herschel, Fjällräven): $80 - $200 

- High-end (Tumi, The North Face): $200 - $500  



Tote Bags

A tote bag.
Image credit: Shutterstock

- Basic canvas totes: $20 - $80 

- Mid-range (Michael Kors, Kate Spade): $100 - $300  

- Designer (Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton): $1,000+ 



Duffel Bags 

A duffel bag.
Image credit: Vecteezy

- Gym bags (Nike, Adidas): $50 - $120  

- Travel duffels (Away, Patagonia): $150 - $500  



Laptop Bags

A laptop bag.
Image credit: Adobe


- Budget options: $50 - $100

- Premium work bags (Bellroy, Samsonite): $150 - $400 



Handbags

A hand bag.
Image credit: Shutterstock

- Mid-range (Coach, Fossil): $150 - $500  

- Designer (Chanel, Dior, Prada): $3,000 - $10,000+




Gender-Neutral Bag Considerations

Some designs seamlessly fit any aesthetic. Functional, minimalistic bags with clean lines appeal to all. Popular neutral colours include black, grey, navy, beige, and olive green. Look for:  

- Ergonomic straps and multiple compartments for practicality.  

- Durable, water-resistant materials for longevity.  

- Convertible designs that transition from work to casual use.  


Sustainable choices like Matt & Nat’s vegan leather and Bellroy’s recycled fabrics are gaining traction among eco-conscious buyers.  




Tips for Finding the Best Deals 

1.

Shop During Major Sales

:

Retailers offer steep discounts during Black Friday, Boxing Day, and back-to-school sales.  



2.

Compare Online & In-Store Prices

:

Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and The Bay often undercut physical stores.  



3.

Consider Second-Hand Markets

:

Platforms like Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and Poshmark offer high-end bags at lower prices.  


4.

Read Reviews Before Buying

:

Check product durability and comfort before making a purchase. A bag may look good in photos but fail to meet expectations in real life.  


Bag prices in Canada range from budget-friendly essentials to luxury status symbols. Whether you’re looking for an everyday backpack, a work tote, or a designer handbag, knowing what affects prices helps you make smarter choices.  


Shopping at the right time, comparing prices, and considering second-hand options can lead to great deals. Prioritising quality over brand name ensures you get long-lasting value.  


Before making your purchase, browse online reviews, compare retailers, and—most importantly—find a bag that suits your needs and budget.




Quick Price Overview

Bag Type Price (CAD)
Backpacks (Budget: JanSport, AmazonBasics) $40 - $80
Backpacks (Mid-range: Herschel, Fjällräven) $80 - $200
Backpacks (High-end: Tumi, The North Face) $200 - $500
Tote Bags (Basic Canvas) $20 - $80
Tote Bags (Mid-range: Michael Kors, Kate Spade) $100 - $300
Tote Bags (Luxury: Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton) $1,000+
Duffel Bags (Gym: Nike, Adidas) $50 - $120
Duffel Bags (Travel: Away, Patagonia) $150 - $500
Laptop Bags (Budget) $50 - $100
Laptop Bags (Premium: Bellroy, Samsonite) $150 - $400
Handbags (Mid-range: Coach, Fossil) $150 - $500
Handbags (Luxury: Chanel, Dior, Prada) $3,000 - $10,000+