Best Tote Bags for Work 2020
The humble tote can sometimes get overlooked in the world of work carry. But they're generally more accessible than messengers, more office-friendly than backpacks, and more versatile than briefcases. All good reasons to consider them on your short list for your next commuting companion.
A good tote will offer easy access to gear throughout the day, whether you're reaching for a public transport card, hunting for a charging cable, or extricating a folder. Additionally, a lot of totes have versatile styles that make them suitable for both work and play, moving from the daily grind to weekend excursions, or office meetings to after-work drinks. And many offer at least a couple of carry options, allowing you to carry by hand, over a shoulder, or even convert the tote to backpack-style carry. So with the above in mind, we've selected some of the best tote bags for work that suit a variety of budgets, personal style tastes, and carry loads…
Bellroy Classic Tote-Google Edition (US$99)
Google designed the Pixelbook as a tech device you could take anywhere. And Bellroy designed the Classic Tote-Google Edition as the bag to carry it wherever the day or night takes you. Designed in partnership with Google, the tote features dedicated padded storage for a Pixelbook or 13'laptop device. And there's a solid range of additional pocketing on hand too, thoughtfully positioned to keep all your day-to-day and work tool essentials tidy and easily accessible. Helping access is a tapered flat base that allows the bag to stand upright on the ground. And the fabric is sustainably made from recycled plastic bottles.
Indispensable Snatch Canvas Tote Bag (US$100)
Tokyo brand Indispensable deliver a slick blend of urban styling, durability, and everyday practicality with the Snatch Canvas Tote Bag. There's a nod to streetwear vibes but toned down enough to work in a range of casual work environments. The abrasion-resistant nylon construction is rugged enough to roll with daily use, while carry handles and a removable shoulder strap embrace the longer commute and grab-and-go carry alike. And if you appreciate inbuilt organization, you're in luck here. A variety of interior and external pockets as well as webbing attachment points make it easy to organize your gear for convenient access.
Arc'teryx Granville 18 Tote (US$101)
The Arc'teryx Granville 18 Tote brings the brand's signature mix of clean style, highly weatherproof construction, and EDC versatility to your carry setup. Durable and minimalist, it's a bag that slips easily into a range of environments, making it a solid choice for a work and play all-rounder. It features carry handles and a shoulder strap, with a stash pocket for small valuables.
Bedouin Foundry Bosun's Tote (around US$117)
Need a tote that offers adaptability for various loads, protection from the elements, and smart style for a range of work settings? Bedouin Foundry have just the bag for you. Their ruggedly stylish Bosun's Tote is handcrafted in Salford, England. And like all Bedouin gear, you can expect excellent durability and quality materials. The bag's 18 oz Rugged Cotton Twill exterior is hard-wearing and weatherproof, and complemented by Italian vegetable-tanned leather straps that can be worn over the shoulder if desired. The rolltop opening can be adjusted to suit various loads and is secured with a hard-wearing AustriAlpin Cobra buckle. Additionally, four exterior slip pockets and an interior laptop sleeve are on hand to organize your gear.
Bellroy Melbourne Tote (US$139)
Bellroy have come a long way since first starting out with wallets. Now with a solid range of bags under their belts too, you'll still find that dedication to clean style, intuitive design and practicality across their range. Case in point, the Melbourne Tote. Understated on the outside, pop the nifty magnetic strip open to reveal interior organization for a 13'laptop and other small essentials. Timeless in style and functional for work and play, you can carry it by hand or sling it over your shoulder. Plus it's made with sustainably produced fabric and environmentally certified leather.
Peak Design Everyday Tote (US$149.95)
Peak Design's signature mix of clever features, urban-friendly style and adaptable functionality come together in a revamped version of their Everyday Tote. A magnetic and zippered closure gives you the option to alternate between fast access or added security. The internal organization is on point too, offering a variety of pockets and customizable dividers to store tech, accessories, work tools and personal items. And for those bulkier items like outer layers? No problem. External carry straps take care of those too. The weatherproof, recycled 400D nylon canvas shell protects your gear from the elements, while the tote's pared-back aesthetics move easily from the office to lunch meetings and work trips.
DSPTCH Unit Zipper Tote-RND Edition (US$184)
DSPTCH's RND line is an experimental range of bags allowing the San Francisco-based brand to get creative with designs and materials that are a little different to their core offerings. And forming part of the line is the Unit Zipper Tote. Simple, versatile, and strong, the tote is made with laminated Dyneema Composite Fabric that's tough and weatherproof without weighing you down. Adding to the weather protection are water-resistant YKK zippers, with an exterior-access zippered pocket for smaller items. The tote has two carry options including a removable shoulder strap and top grab handles.
