The 11 best convertible backpack totes of 2024, tested and reviewed
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Amazon, M. Gemi
If your closet is filled with bags hiding inside of other bags that rarely ever get used, it might be time to streamline your accessories. Instead of hanging on to multiple different bags for multiple different functions, why not opt for a more versatile pack that works for both commuting and traveling? That's where the backpack/tote hybrid comes in.
For more bag coverage, see our guides on the best tote bags the best backpacks, and the best work bags for women.
Our top three picks
Best overall
When it comes to travel-smart bags, there are few that are more cleverly designed than Lo & Son's Edgemont bag. This 15-liter capacity bag is incredibly versatile, coming with a removable insert that can fit a 13-inch laptop with two interior mesh pockets to comfortably house a water bottle or umbrella. Stash pockets on the side allow for discreet-yet-easily accessible spots to keep passports, documents, or your phone, while a handy and detachable key ring makes sure your keys stay on you. The best part? The minimalist bag is made from eco-friendly materials like high-density polyester created from plastic bottles.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
When we reviewed the Lo & Sons Edgemont, we were absolutely obsessed with how well it works for travel. Its size fits perfectly under airline seats, while the suitcase sleeve allows you to hook the bag on top of your carry-on so you can wheel it around the airport. The extra comfy straps that transition between a backpack and a tote are also padded with memory foam, so you never feel any discomfort, no matter how stressful travel gets.
For more of our thoughts on Lo & Sons, see our full review of our favorite Lo & Sons bags.
Best budget
If you're in a rush to find a versatile travel bag at a decent price, the CYUREAY Convertible Backpack is an excellent option. Coming in at just under $30, this Amazon favorite comes with a USB charging port stored inside the bag, allowing you to charge your phone on-the-go. The water-resistant fabric means you can bring this pack along with you during unpredictable weather, while the large internal capacity allows you to travel with everything you need, including a laptop as large as 15.6-inches. Shoulder straps are reinforced with padding to ensure comfort when you go into backpack mode. There's even a suitcase strap on the back so you can easily slide your bag onto your carry-on as you breeze through the airport.
Best for work
The perfect work bag needs to be both stylish and functional, especially during longer commutes, and the Aurora by KREYA is just that. If you're on the go, and need to quickly transition your backpack into a tote, just pull on the X-shaped handles to seamlessly transform your backpack straps into a bag handle. Then, when your arm gets tired and it's time to distribute the weight of your bag more evenly, pull down on your straps to carry it as a backpack.
In addition to its sleek leather design, the Aurora features a main zippered compartment that can comfortably fit a 14-inch laptop. An interior pocket makes the perfect home for your cell phone, or you can store your phone in the exterior pocket to reach it with ease. Metal snaps on the side of the bag help it to expand when you're carrying a bit extra. It even comes with a carefully crafted dust bag for storage so your leather stays clean and supple.
Best for travel
At the top of our list is the Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack because it's sustainably made and functions incredibly well as both a tote bag and a backpack. Padded backpacks straps make for comfortable carrying and stow away easily into an exterior back pocket. Ready to go from tote-mode to backpack-mode again? The tote straps, which are the perfect length for shoulder wear, stow away seamlessly in the same pocket.
Because the pack is made from eco-friendly, hard-wearing materials like recycled nylon fibers, it's bound to last for years, even if you always take advantage of its spacious 18-liter capacity. But with the extensive interior comes a variety of smartly designed compartments to ensure all the gear you pack with you never gets lost. A hidden external zip pocket makes for easy access to items you want to keep concealed, while two tri-cut lined interior slip pockets house valuables like your phone, sunglasses, or Airpods without scratching them. Within the main interior compartment you'll find a padded laptop sleeve that can fit laptops and tablets up to 15 inches long, along with all of your other necessities. The totepack even meets TSA standards for carry-ons, so it makes for the perfect travel bag as well.
Best splurge
Why compromise on style when opting for versatility when you can have both? When we reviewed The Senreve Maestra Bag, we found that this somewhat pricey bag is absolutely worth the price. It is effortlessly sleek and fashion-forward, made with 100% leather in both pebbled and long-grain finishes, featuring a smooth suede interior. With the structured, water-repellent exterior comes plenty of compartments on the interior featuring eight different places to store your valuables including a padded laptop compartment, a hidden back compartment, and several small side pockets.
Sally Kaplan/Insider
The Maestra Bag takes that versatility a step further with four possible ways to style the bag – it can be worn as a tote, crossbody, satchel, or backpack, depending on your mood. While the top features a flap and the Maestra's signature studded belt closure, the bag also has an interior zipper to keep all your belongings safe.
Most stylish
Speaking of sleek, streamlined style, if you're looking to make a statement at the office or during your commute, reach for the Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack. Made with pebbled leather which is known for being more scratch-resistant, this structured bag can be worn as a backpack, crossbody bag, or shoulder bag by adjusting the leather straps. A large front pocket helps you access your items quickly while a zippered back compartment keeps valuables hidden.
On the interior, you'll find a water-resistant lining featuring a separate, padded laptop sleeve along with a larger main compartment and several smaller pockets to house items like your phone or e-reader. The bag also comes with a dust bag to store it and keep it clean on the days you're not showing it off.
Best on Amazon
Tote Pack is no different. Coming in at under $60, this bag can carry a day's-worth of items whether you're traveling or hiking, thanks to its 13-liter capacity. The main zippered compartment features a dedicated laptop sleeve that can fit a computer up to 16 inches in length, while the exterior features two smaller zippered pockets to store items like your phone. You can feel confident that your pack is also made from sustainable materials, with the pack's outer fabric created from a durable and water-repellant recycled nylon that gives the bag its vintage feel.
Best leather
Italian-made luxury meets effortless versatility with the M. Gemi Laura Convertible Backpack. Made from supple tumbled calf leather, the bag's slouchy silhouette offers a touch of style and is roomy enough to fit a laptop, cosmetics bag, water bottle, and any of your other essentials. Inside you'll find a lightweight, linen lining along with a zippered compartment to keep valuables hidden and two open pockets for easy access.
The best part of this bag, however, is how easily it can transition between a backpack and a tote: simply pull up on the straps when you want to wear it on your shoulder, or pull down on both side straps to convert it into a backpack.
Best for school
There's no need to choose between a backpack or tote for the school year when the Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack allows you to have both. Designed for the needs of students, this bag features adjustable backpack straps that tuck away into your pack when you want to transition into tote-mode.
The exterior has two zippered pockets, one bigger and one smaller, to fit a variety of necessities you need quick access to. Dual side pockets are perfect for toting around your water bottle, umbrella, or both, while the larger interior compartment comes with an internal slip pocket that can house a 13-inch laptop. With the 900D recycled polyester exterior, you can be sure that this bag is durable enough to last the whole academic year.
For more of our favorite school bag picks, see our guide to the best college backpacks.
Best vegan
If sustainably made accessories are your priority, opt for the Sherpani Soleil AT Bag. The incredibly durable, water-resistant fabric has been made from 40 repurposed plastic bottles, with all the featured detailing made from vegan leather. The bag is also lightweight and features a removable strap that can be adjusted to tote- or crossbody-length, in addition to the bag's two backpack straps.
There are few unique safety features that come with this bag that make it a handy travel essential. A chair-lock loop at the back of the bag allows you to attach your bag to your chair for added security. The main compartment also has a clip lock to prevent valuables from being stolen. For even more security, the bag has been designed with an anti-slash fabric at the bottom and on the main strap, so you can feel confident your belongings will remain concealed.
Best water-repellant
For a weather-resistant pack made for both travel and outdoor activities, we recommend the Kånken Totepack by Fjallraven. Made from a combination of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and hard-wearing Vinylon F fabric, the backpack tote combo is water-resistant, wind-resistant, and quick-drying if you get caught in a sudden downpour. The bag also features webbed straps that convert easily from a tote to a backpack without the need for reattachment. There's even a shorter top handle for quick grab-and-go access.
As far as compartments go, this totepack has a main zippered compartment fitted with an internal laptop sleeve pocket that can fit a computer up to 13 inches in length. On the exterior, you also have a smaller zippered front pocket for easy access to your items, along with two open side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas. The most unique feature, however, is the removable seat pad you can find stored in the main compartment, so you can take a break wherever you are.
Senreve
The Senreve Maestra is the bag you'll never want to take off — and luckily you won't have to, because it can be worn four different ways and goes with everything in your closet.
The infinitely photogenic Senreve Maestra is that rare unicorn — a bag that is extremely cool and extremely practical at the same time. Made of gorgeous scratch- and water-resistant Italian leather, it has a truly unique design and multiple special features that make it worth the splurge.
And a splurge it is, with the largest size costing nearly $1,000. You can choose to pay the entire cost up front or in interest-free installments. But if you're looking to invest in a bag you'll use daily, this is a great option. The straps can be adjusted to turn the Maestra into a backpack, satchel, crossbody, or tote.
Each size has multiple interior pockets including a padded compartment for devices. The largest fits up to a 15-inch laptop and the smallest can hold an iPad Mini.
Insider Reviews senior editor Sally Kaplan loves her full-size Maestra, calling it, "a luxury, but it's one that you will get tons of use out of." The bag has also been featured by Purseblog and Travel + Leisure.
Pros: Can be worn four ways, comes in three sizes, 100% Italian leather, multiple interior pockets
Cons: Expensive
Timbuk2
The Jet Set Convertible Travel Backpack by Timbuk2 is the answer to all your frequent-flyer prayers. It's compact, sleek, and multipurpose.
If you're constantly on-the-go, you need a bag that moves with you, and the Timbuk2 Jet Set Convertible Travel Backpack is that bag. It's attractive, with a slouchy silhouette and cool buckle details. Plus, it's super practical for a busy lifestyle.
The Jet Set Convertible Travel Backpack was designed in conjunction with Phoebe Dahl (yes, she's author Roald's granddaughter). It has backpack straps so you can wear it on your shoulders and a top strap that allows you to carry it more like a satchel.
According to the product description, it can be worn eight ways total, including as a tote or shoulder bag. There's also a detachable pouch that can be worn on its own or as a front pocket.
This bag is carry-on friendly and features a removable passport pocket that attaches to the crossbody handle. It comes in blue, black, and a currently sold-out metallic shade that I really hope comes back in stock because it's super cute. Reviewers on the Timbuk2 website love the look of the bag and flexibility, but some say it doesn't fit a ton inside, so keep that in mind.
Timbuk2's convertible backpack has been featured by Yahoo and The Zoe Report. Insider Reviews' deputy editor Malarie Gokey has also tried it out and loves it. She appreciates the high-quality leather and the way it effortlessly transitions to be any kind of bag she needs during the day.
Pros: Can be worn eight ways, detachable front pouch and interior passport pocket, carry-on friendly
Cons: Doesn't fit a ton of stuff
Samsonite
The Samsonite Encompass Convertible Tote Backpack is made of water-resistant materials to keep your electronics and paperwork safe in a downpour.
My purse always seems to get wet when it rains, whether I've got an umbrella or not. It doesn't even seem to matter how wide the umbrella is, either — droplets always trickle down and hit the outside of my bag. The Samsonite Encompass Convertible Tote Backpack has a water-resistant coating to protect your precious cargo.
This bag can be worn five different ways — backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody, tote, and hand-held satchel. The special features make it a dream come true for organization obsessives. They include a water bottle sleeve, key FOB, luggage loop, padded tablet and laptop pockets, an RFID data "vault" to protect you from identity theft, and a front pocket with pen sleeves.
And if you get caught in a rainstorm, you can trust it all to stay safe thanks to the protective exterior. The bag isn't made of leather but it still looks really sleek and comes in three versatile colors: black, bordeaux, and stone.
Insider Picks' deputy editor Malarie Gokey uses this bag almost every day for work. She loves how easily it transitions between a backpack and a tote bag, so she can stuff her laptop inside and pack it full to the brim without wearing it as a tote bag and killing her shoulders. It has also survived a snowstorm and a spilled cup of water without getting wet inside at all.
Pros: Water-resistant, convertible five ways, tons of pockets for electronics and small items
Cons: Not fully waterproof, not leather
Carharrt
The Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack Tote Bag is heavy-duty enough to carry in all kinds of weather, and it's a total steal.
If you don't have the funds or the inclination to majorly splurge on a convertible bag, the Carhartt Legacy Hybrid is a great option. It has a bit more of a rugged, outdoorsy look to it, but would still look at home in any startup's open plan office.
And if you are the outdoorsy type, you'll be pleased to know this bag can withstand some serious wear-and-tear. It's made of 100% polyester and is treated with Rain Defender water repellent. As with the other picks on this list, you can wear it as a backpack or a tote bag.
Inside, there's a large zippered compartment with a padded laptop sleeve and two smaller pockets. On the outside is a zippered pocket and two other slash pockets.
It's not huge so I wouldn't recommend relying on it to pack for a long trip, but it's perfect for a day journey or for your hour-plus commute.
Pros: Durable, water-resistant, laptop sleeve, and three interior pockets
Cons: Small, fewer ways to adjust straps
Caraa
The Caraa Studio Bag is a unique design perfect for packing on a long weekend or using as a gym bag.
"You're not any one thing, why should your bag be?" That's how the product description for the Caraa Studio Bag begins, and let me tell you — this bag is way more than just one thing. It's your overnight duffle for a long weekend, chic backpack for work, the gym bag you'll always get compliments on.
As Travel + Leisure puts it, "a duffel, backpack, and cross-body all in one." Like the aforementioned Senreve Maestra, it's very striking to look at, but also incredibly useful. It looks equally cute worn on your back and carried by the top-handles. There are three sizes — Studio Bag, Studio Bag Medium, and Studio Bag Large — to suit your lifestyle needs.
The array of cool features, including moisture-wicking backpack straps and antimicrobial, waterproof lining, make this bag unique compared to its counterparts. I especially love the idea of the waterproof pouches for shoes and clothing.
Self, Observer, and Fast Company have all recommended the Caraa Studio Bag.
Pros: Can be worn as a duffle, backpack, crossbody, or tote, waterproof and antimicrobial lining, tons of pockets and features
Cons: Expensive
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