14 Best Handbags (2024), Tested and Reviewed

Dear notes

Photo: Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Upcycled Patchwork Tote for $66: This is probably what you picture when you think of a bag – it has one large compartment with two small inner pockets and doesn’t close with a hook or a zipper. However, it comfortably fits a laptop, books and everyday accessories so it can be used as a work bag or for an overnight trip. Fun fact: it’s made from it returned and damaged Lo & Sons bags.

Lo & Sons Catalina Supreme Tote for $135: Lo & Sons is one of our favorite brands, and former reviewer Medea Giordano says this travel bag is great for weekend getaways. It is roomy with a lower compartment for a pair of shoes. Don’t need a separate section? Simply open the bottom of the main compartment to create a larger space. The Catalina Supreme is made from durable recycled material that retains its shape even when loose. However, the high price tag is hard to justify.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote for $129: This is our second top pick from Moment. It’s similarly pocketed, with a padded sleeve to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, two 5-inch pockets for phone, wallet, cables or a small notebook, and larger ‘pop’ pockets on either end that stretch to hold a water bottle. , umbrella or shoes. It is made recycled plastic bottlesand has a nice rubber grip to keep the straps on your shoulders.

Photo credit: Lux and Nyx

Lux and Nyx Origami Tote for $288: The Origami Tote is amazing with a design that can go from work and the gym to dinner or the airport. There’s a padded laptop sleeve, two inner side pockets that can hold mini umbrellas or even flat shoes, a small zippered pocket hidden inside a V-shaped outer sleeve that holds your phone, and a luggage pass on the other side. There are two versions, one made of neoprene and satin, but neither it is biodegradable.

Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $100: We love the Kanken backpack. Its Totepack is essentially the same bag, but it can convert from a bag to a backpack. The downside is its size, with only a 13-inch laptop pocket and two side pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella—but they’re tight, so don’t expect to fit a 1-liter Nalgene in there.

United by Blue Convertible Carryall for $118: Here it is our favorite reusable bag and a sturdy, water-resistant laptop bag that you can wear over one shoulder as a bag or unzip the hidden straps and sport as a backpack. It’s great for camping trips and outdoor getaways, says former reviewer Medea Giordano. Some of the key features include a padded laptop sleeve, internal organizational pockets and two side pockets with expandable straps.

Photo: Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote for $285: Petra is made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles. It is durable and huge— Fits a 16-inch laptop and is almost 17 inches tall. Probably too big for an everyday bag. But the hardware is heavy metal and the laptop compartment is padded. For parents, this is also a decent diaper bag.