On the hunt for a backpack you can use as a shoulder bag or tote, too? Here are a polished and a casual option, both under $50.
- Polished Backpack/Tote
The Kroser Laptop Backpack’s designer styling, large capacity, and other advantages have made it a favorite for both weekend getaways and longer trips. (And my commuting-student niece loves it, too.)
The main section of most laptop backpacks is divided into two or three compartments. Not the Kroser—it has only one. This means room for more stuff (duh). Plus, the Kroser has a wide metal frame (think doctor’s bag) that allows it to be opened two or three times wider than most other backpacks. So it’s easier to sift through your stuff and take out what you need when the opening is so wide (no rooting around at the bottom looking for your earbuds case).
A single main compartment doesn’t mean no pockets. In addition to the main wide-frame compartment (to store all of your books/snacks/larger items), there are four more:
- Two side pockets for water bottles or smaller items
- A front pocket for pens, notebooks, phone
- A padded pocket inside the main wide-frame compartment for a laptop or tablet
The Kroser has dual padded backpack straps (they’re more comfy than plain nylon, especially if you’re carrying textbooks or camera gear) plus low-profile leather handles on top, so you can wear it or carry it like a tote. Its polished design (brass zippers, sharp angles) means you can easily take it to class, on a plane, or your next business meeting.
(While you may not be flying as much as you used to, you’ll be happy to know the Kroser has a trolley strap to slide onto your suitcase handle, and it’s small enough to qualify as a personal item in addition to your carry-on bag.)
There’s a USB port, which means you can charge your cell phone/earbuds/tablet (powerbank not included). The nylon exterior is water-repellent, so no worries about being caught in the rain. Two sizes are available: one fits laptops up to 14.1 inches ($26); the other, up to 15.6 inches ($32). Color options include black, dark blue, gray, a subtle camo gray, and several floral patterns.
- Casual Backpack/Shoulder Bag
The Kavu sling backpack is a good pick for those on the go. It’s the best-selling climbing sling on Amazon (4,500 reviews, with a five-star average), but you don’t have to know what a belayer is to like this bag; it’s also a great purse, gym tote, or travel carry-on.
Instead of typical dual backstraps, the Kavu has one diagonal strap made with rope. Yes, rope. This allows for a flexible and comfortable fit that’s anything but bulky. It moves with your body and keeps you from getting sore shoulders, even after long days of running errands or playing tourist.
I’ve used and abused mine for three years and it’s still in good shape. (The water-resistant 600D polyester is pretty indestructible; there’s a cotton version, if you prefer.) I wear it on my back, or in front or crossbody for extra security.
A slim profile belies its storage capacity. The Kavu comes with:
- two large main compartments that can fit a laptop, water bottle, camera, books, etc.
- an internal zip pocket for things you want to keep safe, like wallet and keys
- two front pockets (one flap, one zip) that can hold stuff like a phone, earbuds, or sunglasses
There’s a mini model that’s a third the size of the regular bag (although the front pockets are the same dimensions).
The hard part is choosing from among the 75+ print and color options. (At prices ranging from $36-$59, you may want to splurge on two.)
Twist’s Take: Want a backpack that doubles as a tote or shoulder bag? Think “K” for polished (Kroser) or casual (Kavu).
