The 11 Best Convertible Backpack Totes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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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.

The Lo & Sons Edgemont is our best overall pick because it fits comfortably under an airplane seat, features a suitcase sleeve for easy portability, and has clever side pockets for easy access to passports and documents.

For just over $30, this Amazon best-seller features a USB charging port, a large capacity that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, and a suitcase strap to make airline travel easier.

The Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack is a sleek and streamlined bag that offers style combined with three different ways to wear it.

The Lo & Sons Edgemont is our best overall pick because it fits comfortably under an airplane seat, features a suitcase sleeve for easy portability, and has clever side pockets for easy access to passports and documents.

Specifics

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.

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.

For just over $30, this Amazon best-seller features a USB charging port, a large capacity that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, and a suitcase strap to make airline travel easier.

Specifics

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.

For a sleek, modern bag that easily transitions from a tote to a backpack without the need for detachment or reattachment, the Aurora by KREYA is a must-have.

Specifics

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.

The Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack functions seamlessly as both a tote and a backpack with a 18-liter capacity and pockets to store both tote and backpack straps.

Specifics

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.

The distinctive Senreve Maestra Bag costs a pretty penny, but you won't regret investing — it looks sharp, has a well-designed organization system, can be worn four different ways, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Specifics

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.

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.

The Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack is a sleek and streamlined bag that offers style combined with three different ways to wear it.

Specifics

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.

An affordable pack made from recycled fabrics, The North Face Berkeley Tote Pack boasts a 13-liter capacity with a built-in laptop sleeve that fits computers up to 16 inches long.

Specifics

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.

Quality meets style and ease with the M. Gemi Laura Convertible Backpack made with soft Italian leather and straps that easily transition between a tote and a backpack.

Specifics

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.

Get from class to class with the dynamic Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack from Timbuk2, featuring adjustable backpack straps that tuck away and a 14-liter capacity that fits a 13-inch laptop.

Specifics

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.

Made from 40 repurposed plastic bottles with vegan leather detailing, this sustainable bag offers a variety of specialized compartments fitted with clip locks to keep your belongings safe.

Specifics

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.

The 14-liter Kånken Totepack by Fjallraven is water-resistant, wind-resistant, quick-drying and features a removable seat pad for on-the-go comfort.

Specifics

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.

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