If your closet is full of bags that you rarely use, it might be time to streamline your accessories. Instead of carrying around several different bags for different purposes, choose a versatile bag that can be used for both commuting and travel. That’s where a backpack/bag comes in handy.
For more detailed bag information, check out our guides to the best bags, best backpacks, and best women’s work bags.
The Lo & Sons Edgemont bag is our favorite because it fits easily under an airplane seat, features a convenient luggage cover, and has clever side pockets for easy access to your passport and documents.
This Amazon bestseller costs just over $30 and features a USB charging port, plenty of space for a 15.6-inch laptop, and luggage straps to make plane travel easier.
The Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack is a sleek, streamlined bag that combines style with three different ways to carry it.
The Lo & Sons Edgemont bag is our favorite because it fits easily under an airplane seat, features a convenient luggage cover, and has clever side pockets for easy access to your passport and documents.
When it comes to smart travel bags, few are as thoughtfully designed as the Edgemont Bag from Lo & Son. This versatile 15-liter bag features a removable interior pocket that can fit a 13-inch laptop, and two mesh pockets inside that can easily hold a water bottle or umbrella. A hidden pocket on the side is designed to keep your passport, ID, or cell phone close at hand, and an easy-to-remove keychain ensures your keys are always with you. The best part? This minimalist bag is made from eco-friendly materials like high-density polyester made from recycled plastic bottles.
When we reviewed the Lo & Sons Edgemont Backpack, we raved about how practical it is for travel. It’s the perfect size to fit under an airplane seat, and the overhead compartment lets you hang it over your carry-on so you can easily tote it around the airport. The comfortable straps can be used as a backpack or a tote, and the memory foam-filled backpack will keep you comfortable no matter how hectic your trip gets.
This Amazon bestseller costs just over $30 and features a USB charging port, plenty of space for a 15.6-inch laptop, and luggage straps to make plane travel easier.
If you’re in a rush to find an affordable and versatile travel bag, the CYUREAY Convertible Backpack is definitely the perfect choice for you. This popular backpack on Amazon is under $30 and features a USB charging port so you can charge your phone on the go. The backpack’s waterproof fabric makes it easy to carry even in changing weather conditions, and the spacious interior will hold all your essentials, including a 15.6-inch laptop. The shoulder straps are reinforced and padded to keep you comfortable even in backpack mode. There’s even a luggage strap on the back of the backpack, so you can easily stash it in your carry-on luggage at the airport.
If you want a sleek, modern bag that easily transforms from a tote to a backpack without having to remove or re-attach it, then the Aurora by KREYA is the one for you.
The perfect work bag is stylish and practical, especially for long commutes. The Aurora by KREYA is just that. When you’re on the go and need to quickly transform your backpack into a tote, simply pull the X-shaped handle and the backpack straps will easily transform into handles. That way, when your arms get tired and you need to distribute the weight of the bag more evenly, you can simply pull the handles down and use it as a backpack.
In addition to its stylish leather design, the Aurora also features a main zippered compartment that can easily fit a 14-inch laptop. There’s a pocket inside the bag that’s perfect for storing your phone, or you can store your phone in the outside pocket for easy access. Metal snaps on the sides of the bag help you expand the bag if you need to carry extra items. It even includes a thoughtfully designed dust bag for easy storage, keeping the leather clean and soft.
The Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack has a capacity of 18 liters and features pockets for both a handbag and backpack straps, allowing it to be used as both a bag and a backpack.
Our favorite is the Vapor Convertible Backpack, an eco-friendly design that doubles as a bag and a backpack. The backpack’s padded straps provide a comfortable carry and easily stow away in the exterior back pocket. Are you ready to switch from bag mode to backpack mode again? The mid-length strap easily stows away in the same pocket.
This backpack is made from eco-friendly and durable materials like recycled nylon fibers, so even if you use its roomy 18-liter backpack often, it’s sure to last for years to come. The spacious interior features a variety of cleverly designed compartments that will keep all your belongings secure. A hidden zippered exterior pocket provides easy access to items you want to keep hidden, while two triple-lined slip pockets allow you to store valuables like your phone, sunglasses, or Airpods without getting scratched. Inside the main interior compartment, you’ll find a padded laptop compartment that can hold laptops and tablets up to 15 inches, plus all your other essentials. This tote bag even meets TSA carry-on standards, so it’s also perfect as a travel bag.
The unique Senreve Maestra bag isn’t cheap, but it’s an investment you won’t regret—it’s stylish, has a clever organization system, can be worn four different ways, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Why compromise on style when you can have both? We reviewed the Senreve Maestra bag and found that this slightly more expensive bag is definitely worth the money. It’s made from 100% full-grain leather with a pebbled and long-grain finish, while the interior is lined with smooth suede. The structured, waterproof exterior is complemented by an extensive system of internal compartments to store valuables in eight different locations, including a padded laptop compartment, a hidden rear compartment, and several small side pockets.
The Maestra bag can be worn four ways: as a tote, as a crossbody, as a shoulder bag or as a backpack – whatever works best for you. It features a top flap and Maestra’s signature studded buckle, plus an internal zip compartment to keep all your belongings secure.
The Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack is a sleek, streamlined bag that combines style with three different ways to carry it.
When it comes to sleek, streamlined style, the Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack is a great choice if you want to stand out in the office or on your commute. Crafted from pebbled leather, known for its scratch resistance, this bag can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or over the shoulder by adjusting the straps. A large front pocket provides quick access to items, while a zippered back compartment keeps valuables secure.
The bag has a waterproof lining and features a separate padded compartment for your laptop, as well as a large main compartment and several smaller pockets for things like your phone or e-reader. It also comes with a dust bag for easy storage and to keep it clean on those days when you can’t see it.
The North Face Berkeley Tote Pack is an affordable backpack made from recycled fabrics with a 13-liter capacity and a built-in laptop compartment that can hold a computer up to 16 inches long.
The Tote Pack is no exception. This bag costs less than $60 and has a 13-liter capacity, making it easy to carry all your essentials for the day, whether you’re traveling or hiking. The main zippered compartment features a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate computers up to 16 inches long, while two smaller exterior zippered pockets are great for storing things like phones. This backpack is made from eco-friendly materials for peace of mind, and the exterior fabric is made from durable, water-resistant recycled nylon, giving the bag a vintage look.
Crafted from soft Italian leather and straps, the M. Gemi Laura convertible backpack combines quality, style and comfort, easily transforming from a tote bag to a backpack.
The M. Gemi Laura Multi-Purpose Backpack combines Italian luxury with effortless versatility. Crafted from soft, tumbled calfskin, this backpack has a sleek, relaxed silhouette and plenty of room for a laptop, makeup bag, water bottle, and all your other essentials. The bag is lined with lightweight linen and features a zipped compartment for valuables, as well as two open pockets for easy access.
The best thing about this bag, however, is that it can easily be transformed from a backpack to a tote bag: simply pull the straps when you want to carry it on your shoulder, or drop the straps on both sides to turn it into a backpack.
Travel between classes with the dynamic Scholar Convertible Tote backpack from Timbuk2, which features stowable, adjustable straps and a 14-liter capacity that can accommodate a 13-inch laptop.
No more choosing between a backpack and a tote as you prepare for the new school year with the Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Backpack. Designed specifically for students, this backpack features adjustable straps so you can easily stow it in your backpack when you need to use a tote.
The exterior features two zippered pockets—one large and one small—for quick access to essentials. Dual side pockets are perfect for a water bottle, umbrella, or both, and the larger interior compartment features an internal slip pocket that can fit a 13-inch laptop. Made from 900D recycled polyester, this bag is durable enough to last you through the school year.
Made from 40 recycled plastic bottles, this eco-friendly bag features faux leather details and plenty of dedicated compartments with snap closures to keep your belongings secure.
If you prefer eco-friendly accessories, the Sherpani Soleil AT bag is the perfect choice. This durable, waterproof bag is made from 40 recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather. This lightweight and portable bag features two backpack straps, as well as a removable, adjustable strap for wearing as a tote or crossbody.
This bag has a number of unique security features that make it a convenient and essential travel item. The back of the bag has a chair lock ring that allows you to secure the bag to a chair for added security. The main compartment also has a clip lock to prevent valuables from being stolen. For added security, the base of the bag and the main straps are made of cut-resistant fabric to keep your belongings safe and secure.
Fjallraven’s 14-litre Kånken Totepack is waterproof, windproof, quick-drying and features a removable seat pad for extra comfort on the go.
If you’re looking for a waterproof backpack that’s perfect for both travel and outdoor activities, we recommend the Kånken Totepack from Fjallraven. Made from a blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and hard-wearing Vinylon F, this backpack is waterproof, windproof, and dries quickly, even in unexpected downpours. The pack also features straps that allow you to easily transform it from a tote bag into a backpack without having to reattach it. There’s also a shorter top handle for quick and easy access.
In terms of compartments, this bag has a main zippered compartment with a laptop compartment that can hold a computer up to 13 inches long. There is also a small zippered pocket on the outside for easy access, as well as two open side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. The most unique thing is the removable seat cushion in the main compartment, which will make it comfortable for you to rest anytime, anywhere.
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