what’s an affordable and reliable work/school bag? tote, crossbody, backpack — let me know what holds your life together!

Question

Evan McAvenia · Answer

vintage coach bucket tote: this is the perfect bag. i stole it from @Annette and it was a bag i remember her using while i was growing up. it fits a laptop beautifully and always hits the right balance of polished and relaxed. i condition the leather every so often and im confident this will last forever.

Annie B. · Answer

JOSHUVELA Utility Tote in Canvas: I have been using this tote as my "teacher bag" for eight years. The pockets are huge, the canvas is impenetrable (plus, a purple Pilot G2 exploded at the bottom of the bag and I was able to wash the stain out), and the leather straps have earned a nice grownup patina over the years. It's comfortable to carry, but wide enough to hold multiple books, stacks of paper, and a laptop. This year, I might get exceptionally wild and experiment with adding a charm to one of the straps, but I'll take that decision one day at a time.

Sarah Cooney · Answer

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top: The large open-top is the size I’ve started reaching for the most—perfect for an airplane personal item, lugging laundry around, or the work commute.

Jess · Answer

Leatherology vertical tote: Beautiful leather that classes up any outfit, without being showy. It fits my laptop on days when I need it, but isn't so big that my smaller items get lost. It's on the pricier side, but you can wait for a sale or find good-quality used versions online if you are patient.

Dylan · Answer

Baggu Cloud Bag: I have the small cloud carry-on in black, but it comes in lots of cute colours/designs. It has a hidden zipped laptop pocket and lots of nooks to shove bottles, books, lunch, clothes, everything you might need.

It comes in a couple of different size options depending on your needs. I use it as my carry-on for flights, my daily work bag, and a weekender bag.

So versatile, lightweight, the straps are comfy on my bony shoulders, it folds up super small into its interior detachable pouch for easy storage, cleans easily; I could go on forever.

Liz Corkery · Answer

Fjallraven backpack: They have just enough structure to kind of behave like a packing cube and the laptop compartment at the back is invaluable. Definitely get in a darker color as the waxed cotton has a tendency to get dirty and discolored.

Maryn · Answer

Brevitē Bag | Camera Bag: I love my Brevitē bag! Lightweight, nice colors, holds everything you need.

Unicorns · Answer

Baggu cloud: Cram it all into this beauty that folds down.

Also, fjallraven totepack #1 has traveled with me for ten+ years. Yes you can put a laptop in it, and assorted sundries/snacks.

Sarah Baker · Answer

Madewell canvas leather tote: I’ve used this for 8 years and love it!