Author
Alex Tzelnic & Bob Myaing
Image courtesy Fjallraven
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More versatile than a crossbody bag. Sleeker than a messenger bag. Better for daily life than a duffel bag. The humble tote backpack is the star of this expert gear guide. Offering the convenience of a backpack with the straps of a tote, these convenient bags have recently been added to the carry line-ups of several companies, becoming a category on their own.
To find the best for a range of uses, across a range of price points, we scoured the internet and asked our roster of pro athletes, journalists, gear obsessed contributors for references. The result is below, our top picks for 11 of the best tote backpacks from brands we know and trust (no sketchy Amazon deals of the day here, folks, sorry). Read on, dig in, then recycle that heaping pile of canvas totes clogging your closet.
What Is a Tote Backpack?
A tote backpack combines the top-loading convenience of a tote with the dual shoulder straps of a backpack. Some designs certainly prioritize their tote-mode portage, while others skew more towards hands-free backpack wear. Many designs pack in a bevy of features, and some offer the bare functional necessities, the permutations are near endless for these hybrid bags. Details aside, the versatile tote-bag-slash-backpack design is both clever and functional—and part of our EDC kit in town and traveling light.
Field Mag's Top Picks
- Best Convertible Tote Backpack: Patagonia Ultralight Blackhole Tote Pack
- Best Minimal Tote Pack: Mystery Ranch Market
- Best Tote Backpack for Commuting: Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
- Best for Urban Exploration: Fjällräven High Coast Totepack
- Best Tote Backpack for Work: Carhartt Convertible Backpack Tote
- Best Gym Totepack: The North Face Borealis Tote
- Best EDC Tote Pack: Osprey Arcane Tote Pack
- Best on a Budget: Dakine Packable 18L Tote Pack
The 8 Best Tote Backpacks of 2024
Best Convertible Tote Backpack for Commuting: Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
Bellroy is synonymous with commuting and travel. They do one thing: make bags and make them well. The Tokyo Totepack is no exception. The 20L main compartment capacity with 15” laptop sleeve, interior pockets, and comfortable convertible shoulder straps carries any and all gear you may need during the regular commute. The innovative pop pockets fold closed when not in use to maximize space, and two vertical front pockets stash any items you need handy. The laptop backpack straps also tuck away, making the Tokyo one of the slickest work bags on the market for when you want to tote it around (literally). This pack also comes in a pared-down 14L size for those nimble adventures.
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Capacity: 20L
Price: $199 $159
Best Convertible Tote Backpack: Patagonia Ultralight Blackhole Tote Pack
The Blackhole Tote Pack is everything you’d expect from Patagonia’s legendary line of unbreakable bags, and a couple things you might not. It has the largest volume on this list, yet weighs a relatively minuscule 13 ounces—all while packing down into its own pocket for stowing in other travel bags when not in use. It also has multiple stretch water bottle pockets, an exterior zipper pocket, and the shoulder straps can connect with a chest strap, providing comfort all the way to the campsite and beyond. It might not have a laptop sleeve or some of the other organizational features for commuting, but it's a winner when it comes to travel and adventure.
Weight: 13 oz
Capacity: 27L
Price: $99
Best Minimal Tote Pack: Mystery Ranch Market
The understated style of this Montana-made travel tote is rivaled only by its versatility as a casual daypack, diaper bag, or even a laptop tote bag in transit to your local roaster. A tall exterior zip pocket will fit an iPad or paperback while an interior slip pocket should fit a smaller laptop. Upgrade to the Super Market model for an improved 22L volume of carry.
Weight: 1.1lb Capacity: 17.7L Price: $75
Best for Urban Exploration: Fjällräven High Coast Totepack
It is possible that Fjällräven’s ubiquitous Kånken was the OG tote backpack, featuring those totally toteable top handles and a bevy of colorways, and it's no wonder the Kånken seems to be the casual bag du jour. Yet Fjällräven brought a little more tote to its High Coast Totepack—with a wider opening and interior laptop compartment, two different shoulder straps, and more understated colorways, this is like a grown-up Kånken fit more for the street of NYC than the classroom. The fabric is waterproof (but not the zippers and seams FYI), it comes with a laptop sleeve and water bottle holder, and can be worn as a shoulder bag, making the High Coast Totepack a great bet for the daily grind and urban exploration.
Weight: 14 oz Capacity: 23L Price: $75
Best Tote Backpack for Work: Carhartt Convertible Backpack Tote
One of the biggest names in workwear presents the best tote backpack for work. It features wide webbing shoulder straps and carry straps with a DWR-treated exterior to provide light water resistance to protect a padded interior laptop sleeve.
Weight: n/a Capacity: 14L Price: $70
Best Gym Totepack: The North Face Borealis Tote
The Borealis isn’t the biggest pack on this list, but it certainly packs a punch. The wide opening and tall tote handle allow for one to pack this to the brim and carry it comfortably in hand, as a shoulder bag, backpack, maybe even a crossbody bag. Plus, the bungee style drawcords along each side make it easy to bring along a jacket or a couple items clipped to carabiners. The Borealis Tote comes in a ripstop nylon rugged enough for all manner of gear. For a tote backpack that skews more backpack than tote, North Face also offers the Commuter Laptop Pack.
Weight: 1 lb 4.5 oz Capacity: 22L Price: $79
Best for EDC Tote Pack: Osprey Arcane Tote Pack
It is clear that Osprey put a lot of thought into the Arcane Tote Pack, as it is the rare pack that offers the best of both a travel backpack and EDC tote without compromise. The internal organizing pockets make it suitable for those among us who like quick access to specific items—this is not a stash it and forget it bag. The hook closure helps keep valuables safe, and the tote straps tuck away for an extra clean look. The fact that the Arcane is made from recycled plastic bottles only adds to the appeal.
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Capacity: 22L
Price: $120 $77
Best on a Budget: Dakine Packable 18L Tote Pack
This compact tote backpack might not feature much, but that’s exactly what’s great about it. Thin nylon straps make up a top carry handle and adjustable shoulder straps. Bonus daisy chain loops on its exterior secure clip-on accessories like keys or a water bottle.
Weight: n/a
Capacity: 18L
Price: $60 $25
What are the key factors to consider when buying a tote backpack?
A chief variable a shopper should consider is overall volume that’s needed and provided by the tote backpack in question. Secondly, do you want one that leans backpack, tote, or even split between the two? For all-weather commuting needs, consider the materials and treatments that might lend the tote pack weather or water resistance.
What are the advantages of a tote backpack over a regular backpack?
Simply put, they offer two modes of carry while most other styles of bags only allow for one. If you’re trying to cut down on the number of bags in your home (we’re trying, really), then why not combine your backpack purse, diaper bag, laptop bag, and market tote all into one?
Published 03-25-2024
Updated 05-13-2024
