I Swapped My Laundry Basket for This $18 Amazon “Backpack” (I’m Never Going Back!)

When you live in a dorm or an apartment without a washer and dryer, doing laundry usually means carrying your clothes down the hall, up and down stairs, or even across the building to a shared laundry room. After a few trips of juggling baskets, detergent, and dryer sheets, I realized I needed something more practical — and that’s when I found the Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag. It was rated as the top pick by college students in the 2025 Dorm Therapy Awards, and I can see why: It’s affordable, durable, and has made laundry day so much easier.

The Dalykate bag is basically a laundry hamper you can wear like a backpack. It’s 29 inches tall and 23 inches wide, which means it fits multiple loads, and the drawstring closure keeps everything from spilling out when it’s full. It’s made of durable, tear-resistant nylon that can handle up to 44 pounds of laundry, so you don’t have to worry about the seams giving out mid-walk.

One of my favorite features? The multiple compartments! There’s a big front mesh pocket where you can stash detergent pods, a whole detergent bottle, or fabric softener. The smaller zippered pocket inside the bag is great for things like your phone or keys. You can even use the different compartments to separate delicates from your clothes if you like to keep things organized.

I also love that it comes in nine colors and patterns — it’s a small thing, but it makes laundry day feel just a little more fun when your bag matches your vibe.

This laundry backpack has made the most annoying part of apartment (and dorm) living so much better. I don’t worry about dropping clothes down the stairs, and I love that it keeps my hands free — I can carry coffee, my phone, or whatever else while heading to the laundry room.

It’s also incredibly practical. Here are some of my favorite features.

• The large size holds two to three loads of laundry. 
• Smartly placed compartments keep everything organized — detergent pods or bottles, dirty clothes, and even your phone.
• The backpack design means it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy to carry; it’s a lifesaver if you have to walk to a laundry room or laundromat.

Even after using it for weeks, the bag looks brand-new — no ripped seams, no saggy straps, and it doesn’t smell weird (the breathable fabric really helps).

This backpack is one of those small purchases that makes a huge difference in your routine. If you’re in a dorm, apartment, or anywhere that requires walking to do laundry, you need this in your life.

Buy: Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag, $18

This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: This $18 Amazon “Backpack” Completely Changed How I Do Laundry (It’s Perfect for Dorms!)