1 sol & selene all star backpack | $90
2 Alexander Wang Marti | $850
3 Marc Jacobs Easy tote | $325
4 MZ Wallace Medium Sutton tote | $245
5 Marc Jacobs easy backpack (alternative, the biker backpack, which is cheaper and smaller) | $350
6 Tom Bihn Synapse 19 Backpack (made in the US) | $190
7 Tumi M Tote | $295
I’ve been looking for a travel tote/backpack/bag for quite some time; I’m looking for a substantial, high-quality bag I can use in conjunction with my carry-on suitcase for traveling and that I can use as a handbag at my destination. I’ve included here some I’ve been looking at, and some suggestions by readers as well.
I’d love to find something nylon, and prefer for it to have NO LEATHER AT ALL, which is nearly impossible to find – most nylon bags have leather straps, or some leather detailing somewhere, which in some circumstances makes sense, but in others is superfluous, honestly. Both Marc Jacobs bags have no leather (no where does it indicate “leather trim”, the Sol & Selene bag, and the Tom Bihn bag (the only one that’s made in the US and remotely responsible, sadly). Even Everlane insists on using bits of leather trim on their backpacks, and I wish they wouldn’t, because then they’d be an excellent vegan option*.
Anyway, I looked in person at both Marc Jacobs bags and was impressed generally, with the nylon (heavier, substantial) and ease of use. I ruled out the tote though, because while the handles fit over my shoulder, the bag wouldn’t be comfortable to carry that way at all, it’s strictly a tote. I loved the backpack, and was able to get the straps to adjust comfortably for me (which is a problem for a lot of backpacks). The side pockets were good, useful if you don’t need to secure something, and the drawstring top was easy to get into. And the front pocket is such that even though the zipper opens from only one side, nothing is in danger of falling out when it’s open.
Of course, I’m smitten with the Alexander Wang backpack, and have loved that style for years, but don’t like the silver zippers (I want minimal hardware, and whatever hardware there is, I prefer matte, or black). And I’m heavily leaning towards the Tumi tote because it’s definitely the most practical of the lot, and I do love a good tote with lots of pockets. I’d not have a problem using it as my handbag at my destination. I wouldn’t be excited about wearing any of the other bags as a handbag, honestly, except the Alexander Wang…
*there are TONS AND TONS of vegan bag options out there, and I’ve done posts about them before, but it’s time for a new one – stay tuned!!
Fantastic Tumi experience: I invested in a set of luggage from the brand several years ago (ballistic nylon). Three or four years later, one of the carrying handles on my duffle/suitcase was damaged by a baggage handler. I took it to my local Tumi store for repairs. It was already way out of warranty against wear/tear, and I was honest with them that I didn’t think it was a defect but mishandling by the airline. The clerk said they would send it in to replace the handle and wouldn’t charge me (!). She also offered a comparable “loaner” suitcase for the duration of the repairs. I declined, figuring since it was summertime I could just make it work with the two smaller suitcases I had at home.
Two weeks later, I received a (HUGE) unexpected delivery on my doorstep. In lieu of repairs, Tumi sent me a brand new replacement duffle. It was the same model/style as my original item. I was so impressed by the quick service, and their willingness to stand behind the product. It’s also worth noting that the original pieces I bought back in 2009 are still in excellent condition despite regular travel. The carry-on that’s never been checked looks like brand new.
oh, that is awesome…i love it when that happens!! it’s so rare nowadays that a brand stands so strongly behind their product, but that really does make the products “sustainable” even if they aren’t inherently made from more environmentally friendly fabrics, etc. – they ARE meant to last.
I have been carrying the same Tumi work tote (it is an older model of the Voyageur) to work and on business trips for about five years. When I have tried to switch to a fancier leather work tote, I soon went right back to the Tumi. It still looks new, cleans up well and has useful, but not too many, pockets. For a nylon backpack that I use when travelling, I have a black LeSportsac Urbana backpack. It is very strong yet light, and that brand’s nylon bags can be washed in the gentle cycle.
I’m so smitten with Tom Bihn I’m actually contemplating buying my nine year-old son a Synapse 19!
I wouldn’t describe it as stylish necessarily (more like “practical”), but I have a LeSportsac tote which is all black with nylon straps and black hardware, and I love it. I bought it on Ebay, but I’m sure you could order it from their site. It’s a great basic black tote and it doubled as a large purse/day bag for our month-long jaunt in France a few years ago — and it’s still in great shape and I use it for just about every bit of traveling I do, including holding my gym stuff. It’s also machine washable, which is awesome! Looks a lot like the Tumi tote you have posted here, but not as structured.
my sister and i are buying my nephew (he’s 17) the field notes bag for christmas! he is a birder and tinkerer, and volunteers for their local nature center so he’s always taking notes and writing things down. he will LOVE IT.
i will get some tom bihn for myself someday, i just have to have a need for it i think – like an adventure vacation or something LOL
i love lesportsac! i actually had probably that same tote in a bright pixel print and carried it for travel many years ago, and i liked it a lot. but it didn’t hold up very well at the corners, developing holes pretty quickly 🙁 i do like some of their backpacks also, but they seem rather large…
Dear Grechen,
Another great company to look at is Lepault they make great foldable luggage and awesome carry-ons, totes, etc. All of their stuff comes in great colors and is guaranteed. Let me know what you think.
Best Gena,
ps that you for the invite on the 27th!
I bought the MZ Wallace Sutton last spring for our London trip. It was awesome. Held everything on the plane for myself and my kiddos and then used it a ton a home as an everyday bag. Got it in the shiny black lacquer color and receive compliments all the time. Adds some change in texture against all the black I typically wear.