Commutes can be a killer, whether you’re using public transit (and need to pack all your essentials for the day into one bag) or driving (and need to lug your essentials into the office after a long and stressful drive).
Here are some great bags for your needs.
A do-it-all backpack
Backpacks aren’t just for school kids—they’re necessary if you don’t want to hurt your back by hauling around a heavy tote. And they can be more than just ergonomic: Behold the SLOTRA lunch backpack ($46.99), which features enough room for your laptop, a USB charging port, and a lunch box that connects to the side. It’s 18.9 inches tall, 13.7 inches wide, and 7 inches deep, so it can and will carry all your stuff with no issue.
A spacious, water-resistant bag
If you have important items on you and there’s even a slight risk you’ll ever end up in the rain, you need a big, water-resistant bag. The Mystery Ranch Mission duffel ($199.99) fits both requirements. With organizational pockets, backpack straps and a single-arm strap, this bag is built to carry all your needs—safely.
A bag with tons of pockets
If you like to keep your cell phone, keys, wallet, headphones, or whatever else in pockets that will keep them all separate and accessible, try The North Face’s Borealis commuter laptop backpack ($98.95). If the pockets aren’t a big draw for you, consider the colors: With 18 colors to choose from, there’s a backpack for lovers of just about any hue.
A stylish, convertible bag
Sometimes you want a backpack. Sometimes you want a tote. With the CYUREAY bag ($29.99), you get both. It easily fits a laptop and is padded throughout, so no matter how you wear it, your tech stays safe. It comes in a bunch of stylish colors, has a USB port, and looks pretty. What more could you want?
A secure cross-body
If you’re jostling up against people on a packed train, you need your bag secure and close to your body. Try the Travelon cross-body ($40.49), which is big enough for your laptop and features thick straps that will keep everything safe, no matter how heavy the bag gets. There’s a divider and selection of pockets inside, too, so your laptop won’t prevent you from accessing anything else; it’s all right there, in easy reach.
A cheap, spacious option
If you don’t want to shell out major dough for a bag that schleps your gym clothes and work essentials back and forth every day, that’s fine. Amazon Basics has a nylon duffel with a cross-body strap attachment for about $25. There’s a security that comes with knowing your bag can take a beating from other reckless commuters (or the weather) and you didn’t toss money down the drain over it.
The best bags for the job:
SLOTRA lunch backpack, $46.99
The Mystery Ranch Mission duffel, $199.99
The CYUREAY bag, $29.99
The Travelon cross-body, $40.49
An Amazon Basics bag, around $25