Best Bags Tested (2024): Weatherproof, Durable

Honorable mentions

Photo: Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Upcycled Patchwork Tote for $66: It’s probably what you picture when you think of a bag – it has one large compartment with two smaller interior pockets and doesn’t close with a snap or zip. However, it comfortably fits a laptop, books and everyday accessories, so it can be used as a work or overnight bag. Fun fact: it’s made from 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 brilliant for weekend getaways. It is spacious with a lower compartment for a pair of shoes. Don’t need a separate compartment? Simply unzip the bottom of the main compartment to create one larger space. The Catalina Supreme is made of durable recycled material that retains its shape even when empty. For what it is, though, it’s hard to justify the high price.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote for $129: It’s second to our top pick from Moment. There’s a similar pocket, with a soft sleeve to cradle a 13-inch laptop, two 5-inch pockets for phone, wallet, cables or a small notebook, and larger “pop-up” pockets on either end that expand to hold a water bottle , umbrella or shoes. It is made by recycled plastic bottlesand its straps have a nice rubber grip to keep it on your shoulders.

Photo: Lux and Nix

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

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

United by Blue Convertible Carryall for $118: That’s it our favorite recycled bag and a sturdy, waterproof laptop bag that you can wear as a shoulder bag or unzip the hidden straps and sport as a backpack. Former reviewer Medea Giordano says it’s great for camping and outdoor getaways. Some of the key features include a padded laptop sleeve, internal organizational pockets and two side pockets with expandable shoulder straps.

Photo: Dagne Dover

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