We’re lifelong travelers, and most of the time we don’t check bags, rolling through airports with our Away or Quince roller bags. But traveling light comes with a catch. Because our primary suitcase is compact, our ‘personal item’—our trusty backpack or tote—has to be a total powerhouse, doing the heavy lifting for what we couldn’t fit into our small suitcases and what we need to readily access on a flight.
If you like to check your luggage, a big tote is also a perfect carry-on. When Jo checks her luggage, she uses her tote to carry a change of clothes and toiletries in case her luggage gets lost.
Here are our picks for the best backpacks and tote bags.
Totes:
L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote: This is Jo’s go-to, and she has it in two sizes. She likes the Zip Hunter in the large size, in camo, although it comes in other colors. The zipper is handy, keeping your items secure under the seat so they don’t fall out, and it has an optional strap. She also has the Open-Top Hunter for when she isn’t carrying too much. Plus, you can monogram them.
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote: This XL nylon tote is French-girl chic, with a snap button, zip closure, and 2 flat pockets. It’s lightweight and durable, and comes in 8 great colors.
Loeffler Randall Dina Tote: Made from water-resistant nylon, it features padded straps, a top zipper closure, an exterior pocket with a zipper, interior pockets for easy organization, and an exterior back panel for sliding onto a suitcase handle. It’s a good one, and comes in 10 color options!
Quince Transit Quilted Duffle: Made from water-resistant nylon and with the texture of your favorite puffer but with way more functionality – multiple pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap, and dual top handles for an easy carry. Additional features include a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior and exterior pockets, a detachable 8” x 13” zipper pouch, and a luggage-handle sleeve on the back, featuring a bottom zipper and a snap closure so it can be used as a slip pocket when not in use.
Away Featherlight Tote: FabList favorite Away has a great tote that secures to any suitcase handle. Made from nylon, it weighs next to nothing but carries just about everything. It features a padded sleeve that fits a 16″ laptop and travel-ready, easy-access pockets with spots for your passport, earbuds, or lip balm. Also comes in a large size.
Backpacks:
Chrissie is a backpack gal and is nuts for this Amazon one that went viral a few years ago. She won’t leave home without it! It’s a hybrid (backpack/gym bag/shoulder bag/travel bag) and can be used several different ways – as an everyday backpack, a roomy college bag, a professional backpack for a laptop, or everyday use anywhere, perfect for weekend getaways, occasional use. It fits a ton, and it’s like a small suitcase on your back!
CALPACK Luka Backpack: CALPACK makes high-quality travel gear, and this backpack is top-rated. Made from durable, lightweight materials, it features a laptop sleeve, a luggage sleeve, and multiple interior and exterior compartments for all the essentials.
Dagne Dover: The Dakota backpack is a fan favorite for its chic, lightweight fabric. Made from neoprene, the Dakota features a dedicated spot for every necessity— sneakers, wallet, phone, lip balm, keys—and an interior sleeve to lock in your laptop.
Quince: Quince has a dupe of the Dagne Dover at half the price!
Uniqlo Tote Pack: Uniqlo has a great nylon backpack with 6 pockets and a laptop sleeve.
MZ Wallace: The Metro quilted backpack is a FabList favorite! Available in many sizes and styles, this sophisticated take on a backpack, with its signature quilted nylon, is extremely lightweight but durable, with multiple interior and exterior pockets.
