From spacious designs to endless pockets, these convertible backpack totes are great for any adventure.

A convertible backpack tote is the ultimate do-it-all travel accessory, combining functionality, versatility, and style. Whether you’re taking off for a business trip, boarding a long-haul flight, or running errands, the best designs adapt to your needs with useful features like padded laptop compartments, multiple pockets, and a water-resistant exterior. A convertible backpack tote is also a serious travel hack, offering two different ways to carry all of your precious cargo. 

To determine the best convertible backpack totes, we tested 16 different options over six months, evaluating each for design, capacity, comfort, durability, and value. These bags were put to the test in real-world scenarios, from road trips to weekend beach getaways, to see how they performed over time. Among our top picks, the Bellroy Lite TotePack stood out as our favorite because of its lightweight yet durable design, surprisingly roomy interior, and thoughtful features including its water-resistant ripstop fabric and padded straps.

Below, you’ll find a full list of our top picks covering a range of styles, materials, and price points to help you narrow the convertible backpack tote that's right for you.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Bellroy Lite Totepack at Amazon $129 Jump to Review Best Pockets: Baggallini Nolita Convertible Backpack at Amazon $180 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Fjallraven Kanken Totepack at Amazon $95 Jump to Review Best for Travel: TUMI Backpack/Tote at Amazon $450 Jump to Review Best Anti-theft: Sherpani Convertible Tote at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Kreya Aurora at Shopkreya.com Jump to Review Best Organization: MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack at Mzwallace.com Jump to Review Best Storage: Lole Lily Bag at Lolelife.com Jump to Review Best for Commuters: SALE Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack at Amazon $129 $104 Jump to Review Best Casual: SALE Cotopaxi Convertible 16L Tote at Backcountry $85 $51 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Bellroy Lite Totepack

$129 at Amazon View on Bellroy.com Why We Love It

• Its ripstop fabric, sturdy handles, and water-resistant coating hold up impressively to daily use.

What to Consider

• The bag lacks structure, which can make it uncomfortable when fully packed.

The Bellroy Lite Totepack earned our best overall spot for its lightweight design, versatility, and ample capacity. We loved that it could easily fit all of our needed accessories with room to spare. «It provided more than enough room to carry my essentials for a day out on the town, and I would bring it in the future for day trips that required even more supplies,» said T+L updates writer Anne Taylor.

We appreciated its water-resistant ripstop fabric (which adds durability without extra weight), and its organized design. It also has tall inner pockets for water bottles, a zippered front compartment for smaller items, and a hidden pocket to stow backpack straps when not in use. Switching between tote and backpack modes was quick and seamless, taking less than 30 seconds.

Long-term testing confirmed the bag’s impressive durability. It withstood frequent use and showed minimal signs of wear over time. Though the bag’s lack of structure can feel awkward when overfilled, its padded straps make it comfortable for long outings, whether you’re strolling through a farmer’s market or going on a hike. Its lightweight yet durable build also holds up to regular use, and the water-resistant coating keeps belongings secure in unpredictable weather. Backed by a six-year warranty, this bag is a solid choice for everything from errands to weekend adventures.

The Details: 15.7 x 15.7 x 6.7 inches | 14.6 ounces | 18-liter capacity | Dura Lite ripstop | Water-resistant

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Best Pockets

Baggallini Nolita Convertible Backpack

$180 at Amazon View on Baggallini.com Why We Love It

• Despite its compact size, this bag holds more than expected.

What to Consider

• We wish the tote straps had more padding for extra comfort.

The Baggallini Nolita Convertible Backpack may appear compact when empty, but it’s actually one of the most versatile travel bags out there. Wearable as a backpack, tote, or crossbody, it’s an ideal lightweight travel companion. We love that it’s designed for convenience: inside, you’ll find a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 16 inch laptop, an RFID-blocking passport pocket, and a luggage sleeve for easy navigation through airports. Its adjustable backpack straps tuck neatly into a back pocket when not in use, while a 52-inch detachable crossbody strap adds even more carrying options.

With numerous pockets inside and out, the Nolita makes organizing essentials a breeze, whether for a weekend getaway or a long day out. The durable yet soft material protects belongings while maintaining a malleable shape, making it easy to pack. Features like a quick-access key leash, large water bottle side pockets, and durable stitching make this bag the perfect blend of practicality and style.

The Details: 11.5 x 14.5 x 7 inches | 2.25 pounds | Premier twill | Water-resistant

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Best Lightweight

Fjallraven Kanken Totepack

$95 at Amazon $100 at REI $100 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• It includes a unique seat pad, perfect for breaks at outdoor events or parks.

What to Consider

• The side pockets are quite tight, making it difficult to fit reusable water bottles.

The Fjallraven Kanken Totepack is a thoughtfully designed convertible bag that seamlessly transitions between a backpack and a shoulder tote. Crafted from a water-resistant cotton blend fabric, this bag is built to endure any adventure while keeping your belongings safe and dry. It's compact yet surprisingly spacious, and can fit a ton of items without feeling too heavy. 

One standout feature is the included foam seat pad, located at the back of the main compartment, which doubles as a convenient seat cushion for outdoor events, impromptu breaks, or anytime you need to take a rest. The adjustable straps provide quick conversion between modes in under 20 seconds. Despite its versatility, the bag’s design has a few limitations: the side pockets are snug and struggle to fit larger water bottles, and the non-adjustable backpack straps may not suit everyone comfortably.

Overall, the Kanken Totepack balances style and practicality, making it a reliable option for light day trips, city errands, or outdoor jaunts. Its reliable construction and timeless design guarantee it will remain a staple for years to come.

The Details: 14.17 x 11.81 x 5.9 inches | 14.1 ounces | G-111 polyester and cotton

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Best for Travel

TUMI Backpack/Tote

$450 at Amazon $450 at Nordstrom View on Tumi.com Why We Love It

• The various compartments keep essentials organized and easy to find.

What to Consider

• The tote strap is short, making it a tight fit under the arm when carried on the shoulder.

The Tumi Voyageur backpack tote combines style and substance, making it a perfect choice for professionals and frequent travelers. Its lightweight nylon material is easy to clean, while its sleek design makes it versatile enough for both work and casual settings. The bag features a dedicated padded compartment for laptops up to 14 inches, protecting your precious electronics during commutes or trips. We appreciated its well-structured interior, with plenty of thoughtful compartments to separate knick-knacks like glasses, pens, and files.

The water-resistant bottle pocket and quick-access phone pocket are convenient features we found helpful while commuting, while the key leash and adjustable padded straps make carrying it a breeze. Though the shorter tote strap might feel snug for some, carrying it as a backpack remained exceptionally comfortable for extended use. With its durability and refined details like leather accents and a detachable charm, the Tumi Voyageur stands out as a stylish and worthwhile investment.

The Details: 15 x 11.8 x 4.5 inches | 1.7 pounds | Nylon

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Best Anti-theft

Sherpani Convertible Tote

$120 at Amazon View on Sherpani.com Why We Love It

• Its anti-theft zippers, chair loop lock, and slash-resistant straps provide exceptional security while traveling.

What to Consider

• The non-padded straps can become uncomfortable when carrying heavier items.

The Sherpani Tempest is a versatile, thoughtfully designed bag that prioritizes security without sacrificing style. Whether you're commuting, shopping, or traveling, this bag has a spacious interior with multiple compartments, allowing you to organize things like your wallet, phone, keys, and electronics with ease. The anti-theft features are a standout, including the lockable zippers, a wire-loop lock to keep it attached to a chair, and slash-resistant fabric that keep you protected while roaming busy city streets or unfamiliar areas.

Aside from its protective features, we love that this bag comes in four different colors and is made from a recycled mélange and ballistic nylon blend that resists wear and tear. Its intuitive design allows you to easily switch between backpack and tote modes, but we found it easier to carry as a tote during long walks since the backpack straps are a bit thin and don’t come with padding. While it lacks a dedicated laptop sleeve, the deep main compartment provides plenty of room for a 14-inch laptop, water bottles, books, and more.  

The Details: 15 x 16 x 3 inches | 1.25 pounds | Recycled mélange and ballistic nylon | Water-resistant

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Best Splurge

Kreya Aurora

View on Shopkreya.com Why We Love It

• This high-quality leather bag combines timeless style with versatility.

What to Consider

• The straps sometimes block the top opening, making it tricky to access larger items like a laptop.

The Aurora backpack tote is a stylish investment piece crafted from superior cowhide leather that’s designed to age beautifully over time. It looks just as good being toted to a business meeting as it does heading to an evening dinner. Its slim profile with expandable metal snaps ensures enough space for your essentials while maintaining a polished look. It comfortably fits a 14-inch laptop in the main compartment and includes interior and exterior cell phone pockets to keep your items organized and safe.

Thanks to its innovative "X" handle design, transitioning between tote and backpack mode is simple and effortless. While it lacks padding, the soft leather straps are comfortable, whether carried on your back or over your shoulder. This backpack tote effortlessly blends functionality and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated luxury. This bag is pricier than other convertible backpack totes on this list, but we think the polished design and impressive craftsmanship makes it well worth the splurge.

Details: 14 x 13 x 3 inches | 7-pound capacity | Leather

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Best Organization

MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack

View on Mzwallace.com Why We Love It

• With 18 pockets, two detachable pouches, and a trolley sleeve, there’s no shortage of organization.

What to Consider

• It can feel bulky when using it as a crossbody.

This convertible backpack tote from MZ Wallace combines practicality and elegance, making it a standout choice for any type of commute. Made with REC Oxford fabric, Italian leather trim, and gold hardware, it strikes the perfect balance of durability and style. With an abundance of pockets and convenient storage compartments, it can easily accommodate your wallet, passport, electronics, beverages, clothing, baby essentials, and any other must-haves you need for the journey ahead. It has an abundance of cleverly placed interior features, two detachable pouches, a key ring strap, and a laptop sleeve. The exterior also features a trolley sleeve that doubles as an extra pocket, ensuring seamless organization for airport days.

The versatile carrying straps allow it to transition effortlessly between backpack, tote, and crossbody styles, depending on your preference. Its eight exterior pockets provide easy access to frequently used items, making it an ideal companion for commuting, errands, or even serving as a diaper bag. The material is comfortable and malleable, and its ergonomic construction provides comfort and convenience, making it a reliable and stylish bag for all occasions.  

The Details: 16.5 x 12.2 x 5.5 inches | 2.05 pounds | REC Oxford bluesign approved, Italian leather trim

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Best Storage

Lole Lily Bag

View on Lolelife.com Why We Love It

• It has a yoga mat compartment, a feature rarely found in convertible tote backpacks.

What to Consider

• If you are tall, the fit may not be ideal.

This bag is a stylish convertible backpack tote designed for everyday use. We found it to be lightweight and comfortable to carry, with a unique yoga mat compartment, two large water bottle pockets, and a zippered main compartment to keep your workout essentials secure. Inside, you’ll find a padded 13-inch laptop pocket, an interior key ring, and multiple compartments for easy organization.

Transitioning it from a backpack to a tote is effortless, with tuck-away backpack straps that disappear neatly into a hidden compartment. This bag transitions effortlessly from yoga class to the office, due to its blend of functionality and style. Its durable fabric is easy to clean, meaning it will still look like new after repeated use. You can snag the Lily Bag in two colors: an understated chic plum, or a cool-toned dusk purple.

The Details: 17.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 inches | 38-liter capacity | Polyester

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Best for Commuters

Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack

$129 $104 at Amazon View on Timbuk2.com Why We Love It

• Its padded straps and slim design make it ideal for bike commutes.

What to Consider

•  The tote handles may be too long for shorter individuals.

The Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Pack is a practical and sustainable choice for daily commutes and light travel, designed with cyclists in mind. Its padded laptop sleeve fits most 15-inch laptops, while tricot-lined interior pockets protect smaller essentials like phones or sunglasses. The spacious main compartment comfortably holds work necessities, such as important documents, noise-canceling headphones, and a water bottle. There’s also a front pocket to place quick access items and a key hook for added convenience. During testing, we found that it was just large enough to fit what we needed to take to work, but never felt bulky.

Switching it from a backpack to a tote is simple thanks to its tucked straps, and the adjustable backpack straps are secure and fit comfortably. Made from durable, eco-friendly materials, it’s lightweight and water-resistant for all-weather use. Backed by Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty, the Vapor Convertible Tote Pack is a reliable, stylish companion for comfortable commuting.

The Details: 11.81 x 4.33 x 17.32 inches | 1.4 pounds | 18-liter capacity | Recycled nylon

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Best Casual

Cotopaxi Convertible 16L Tote

$85 $51 at Backcountry $85 at Zappos View on Cotopaxi.com Why We Love It

• We love its vibrant colorways and stain-resistant material.

What to Consider

• It lacks side water bottle pockets and has limited interior organization.

The Cotopaxi Todo Convertible Tote is a colorful, eco-friendly option made from repurposed nylon and polyester ripstop, embodying both style and sustainability. Ideal for commuting, traveling, or casual outings, it toggles seamlessly between a backpack and a tote. We appreciate how the straps unclip from the bottom and tuck neatly into the back sleeve. When in tote mode, it felt more like carrying a lightweight, vertically-oriented briefcase than a traditional over-the-shoulder tote.

Inside, the bag features a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve and a fleece-lined pocket to safeguard electronics or sunglasses. Its spacious main compartment comfortably holds essentials like books, snacks, and packable jackets. We also liked its ability to lay flat when empty, with high-quality construction that showed no signs of wear or tear after extended use. While the lack of side water bottle holders and interior organization may be a drawback for some, this editor-favorite pick is a standout choice in our book.

The Details: 17 x 12 x 4 inches | 15 ounces | 16-liter capacity | Repurposed nylon and polyester

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Other Convertible Backpack Totes We Liked

A few convertible backpacks we tested didn’t make our top list due to minor drawbacks, but they still have standout features that could work well for certain users.

M. Gemi The Laura Convertible Backpack: This medium-sized bag impressed us with its versatility, easily fitting a Mac laptop, notepad, AirPods, and even a lunchbox. While the innovative strap design allowed seamless switching between tote and backpack modes, the lack of adjustable or detachable straps and visible wear on the leather after a few uses were notable drawbacks.

Cole Haan Grand Ambition Small Convertible Luxe Backpack: This structured convertible backpack is ideal for commuting, with enough space for a laptop, wallet, and a few essentials, but limited flexibility for bulkier items like clothes or shoes. While comfortable and professional looking as a backpack, the tote design feels less practical due to its thin, unpadded strap and limited capacity. 

Travel + Leisure

Nemo Double Haul  30L Convertible Duffel & Tote: This lightweight and durable bag works best as a tote or duffle, thanks to its spacious main compartment that easily fits towels, clothes, and beach essentials. While the materials and hardware are high-quality, its lack of padding and back support made it fall just short of our standards.

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

We tested 16 of the best convertible backpack totes on the market over a six-month period, prioritizing capacity, design, comfort, durability, and functionality. Each bag was packed with essentials like laptops, toiletries, and clothing to evaluate organization, space, and ease of use. We assessed how smoothly the bags transitioned between backpack and tote modes, how comfortable they were to carry for extended periods, and how they fit travelers of different builds. Materials, hardware, and straps were closely examined for signs of wear and tear. We also evaluated the bags’ value relative to their features and will continue gathering insights on long-term performance.

Tips for Buying a Convertible Backpack Tote 

Pay Attention to Size

The size of the convertible backpack tote is important to note when determining its functionality for everyday use. While some bags may appear small at first glance, they can surprisingly accommodate more than expected, allowing you to carry everything from work essentials to necessities for your upcoming trip. Finding the right balance between spaciousness and portability is key — ensuring the bag is large enough for your needs while still being easy to carry. We appreciated how these bags could hold multiple items like laptops, clothing, and even towels without feeling too bulky or cumbersome. A well-sized bag gives the versatility needed for both daily commutes and travel, making it a practical choice for various occasions. 

Look at the Material

The material of a convertible backpack tote can greatly influence its weight and overall performance. Some bags are designed to be lightweight, making them easier to carry for long periods, while others focus on sturdiness, using heavier, more durable fabrics like leather or ballistic nylon. We found that bags made of water-resistant materials were especially useful for outdoor activities, providing added protection. Additionally, the quality of the hardware, such as zippers and fasteners, can affect how the bag holds up over time. 

Consider Special Features

Convertible backpack totes often come with a variety of design features that enhance their functionality, making them more than just a bag. We look for helpful features like pockets for organization, anti-theft security measures, luggage sleeves for easy travel, and adjustable crossbody straps for hands-free convenience. These features can make a huge difference, particularly for those who need a versatile, practical bag that works for different situations, such as work, travel, or day trips.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, writer and shopping expert Donna Kim reviewed T+L’s testing insights and conducted her own research to curate a roundup of the best convertible backpack totes. With years of experience testing, purchasing, and traveling with bags of all sorts for travel and work, she has developed a keen eye for functionality and style. Some of her favorite brands include MZ Wallace, Baggallini, BEIS, and Calpak.

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