What to Look for in a Bag: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Every Carry Style

Quick answer

The best bag for you balances capacity, comfort, organization, and material durability against your daily routine. Start by listing what you carry: a laptop, a change of clothes, or just the essentials. Then match those needs to a bag style—tote for style and easy access, backpack for weight distribution and hands-free comfort, and convertible options for flexibility.

Choosing a new bag can feel overwhelming with so many styles, materials, and features. But the right choice comes down to a few practical questions: What do you carry daily? How far do you travel? And what does your day look like—commuting, gym, travel, or all of the above? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider, from size and organization to material and comfort, so you can pick a bag that truly fits your life.

We’ll cover the trade-offs between totes and backpacks, explain what to look for in materials and construction, and highlight specific features that make a bag easier to use. You’ll also find concrete decision rules to apply when comparing options, plus fit guidance to ensure your bag is as comfortable as it is functional.

Size and Capacity: Match the Bag to What You Carry

The first step is to list your non-negotiables. Do you need to fit a laptop, a change of clothes, or a water bottle? A bag that’s too small means you’ll be carrying extra bags or leaving things behind. A bag that’s too large encourages you to overpack and can become heavy and unwieldy. Measure your laptop and any bulky items like shoes or gym gear, and compare them to the bag’s dimensions and internal pockets.

Consider the difference between a tote and a backpack. A tote often has a single open compartment, making it easy to toss items in and grab them quickly, but it can become a black hole without organization. A backpack typically offers multiple pockets and compartments, which helps keep things separated and easier to find. For example, the Landon Carryall in Medium offers ample room for shoes and a change of clothes, plus a padded laptop sleeve and a shoe duster—features that solve the office-to-gym dilemma in one bag.

• Measure your laptop before choosing a bag to ensure it fits the padded sleeve or compartment.
• If you carry a water bottle, look for a dedicated pocket or a secure, protective spot to prevent spills.
• For gym or travel days, a bag that can expand (like the small Landon Carryall with unsnapped sides) adds flexibility.

Organization: Pockets, Sleeves, and Leashes

A bag with good organization saves you time and frustration. Look for padded laptop sleeves, tablet pockets, and dedicated spots for small items like keys, phone, and sunglasses. Key leashes are a small but valuable feature—they keep your keys from sinking to the bottom. For parents, a diaper backpack with multiple pouches and leashes for binkies can be a lifesaver.

Consider how you access your items. Do you want a top-loading tote where you can see everything at a glance, or a backpack with zippered compartments for security? The Indi Diaper Backpack, for example, has plenty of storage for diapers and clothes, plus pouches for wipes and toys, and two key leashes—one for keys and one for binkies. That level of organization can make a huge difference when you’re juggling a baby and a bag.

• Count your daily carry items and look for a bag that has a designated spot for each.
• For commuters, a padded laptop sleeve is non-negotiable to protect your device.
• Key leashes and small slip pockets help keep essentials accessible without digging.

Comfort and Carry Style: Tote, Backpack, or Convertible

Your carry style affects your comfort, especially if you’re on the move. A tote is stylish and easy to grab, but if you’re carrying heavy items, the weight is all on one shoulder, which can cause strain. A backpack distributes weight evenly across both shoulders, making it ideal for commuting, travel, or days when you’re carrying a lot. Convertible bags offer the best of both worlds—wear them as a backpack when you need hands-free convenience, and switch to a tote when you want quick access.

The Petra Convertible Tote in Ash is a great example: it can be worn on your shoulder, on your back, or carried by top handles. That versatility is perfect for travel, where you might need to navigate an airport with a passport, laptop, and other essentials. If you’re torn between styles, a convertible bag eliminates the need to choose.

• If you walk or bike to work, a backpack or convertible bag is usually more comfortable than a single-strap tote.
• For a polished professional look, a tote may be more appropriate, but consider the weight you’ll be carrying.
• Try on the bag with your typical load to test comfort and adjustability.

Materials: Leather, Vegan Leather, and Recycled Fabrics

The material affects durability, appearance, and maintenance. Leather is classic and durable but requires care and can be heavy. Vegan leather offers a similar look without animal products, and many are made with recycled materials. Nylon and neoprene are lightweight and water-resistant, making them great for travel or gym use. Recycled fabrics like Repreve lining add an eco-friendly touch without sacrificing function.

Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Leather needs conditioning and protection from rain. Vegan leather is often easier to clean, but it may not develop the same patina. The Daily Tote in Onyx uses vegan leather and a 55% recycled Repreve lining, offering a cruelty-free option that’s still roomy and professional. If you’re looking for a bag that can handle rough conditions, a durable nylon or neoprene might be a better fit.

• Think about your climate: will the bag get wet or exposed to extreme temperatures?
• If you prefer eco-friendly options, look for recycled materials like Repreve lining.
• Leather requires more care, so factor in time and cost for maintenance.

Key Features That Make a Bag Easier to Use

Beyond the basics, certain features can elevate a bag from good to great. Look for water bottle pockets that keep your drink secure and prevent spills. A shoe duster or separate compartment for dirty gear is a game-changer for gym days. Removable pouches and elastic loops help keep small items organized and in place. And a detachable strap gives you the option to carry the bag by hand or over the shoulder.

For travel, a toiletry bag with thoughtful organization can keep your grooming essentials tidy. The Hunter Toiletry Bag in Dune, Large, for example, has a removable zippered pouch, a side slip pocket, and elastic loops for small items. These details make it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.

• Water bottle pockets should be snug to prevent jostling and spills.
• A shoe compartment or duster keeps dirty items separate from clean clothes.
• Removable pouches add flexibility—use them for toiletries, electronics, or snacks.

Decision Rules: How to Choose the Right Bag for You

• If you carry a laptop and commute daily: Look for a bag with a padded laptop sleeve and comfortable straps. A backpack or convertible tote distributes weight better than a single-strap tote. Choose the Landon Carryall in Medium for office-to-gym flexibility, or the Petra Convertible Tote for hands-free travel.
• If you need a bag for work and gym: Prioritize a bag with a separate shoe compartment or duster, a water bottle pocket, and enough space for a change of clothes. This prevents your gym gear from mixing with your work items. The Landon Carryall in Dune, Medium, is designed exactly for this, with a shoe duster and protective water bottle pocket.
• If you prefer a vegan or eco-friendly option: Check the material composition. Vegan leather and recycled linings like Repreve offer a sustainable choice without sacrificing durability or style. The Daily Tote in Onyx combines vegan leather with recycled lining, giving you a professional look that's kind to the planet.
• If you travel often and need versatility: Consider a convertible bag that can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote. This gives you flexibility in different situations, like navigating airports or walking through a city. The Petra Convertible Tote in Ash is a shapeshifting option that adapts to your needs.

Real Bags That Put These Features to Work

• Landon Carryall in Dune, Medium: The perfect antidote to the office-to-gym dilemma, our medium Landon Carryall duffle bag provides ample room for a pair of shoes and full change of clothes for the best all-in-one gym bag. The padded laptop sleeve keeps you from needing a secondary bag, while the shoe duster, air mesh pouch and protective water bottle pocket ensure your belongings won't jostle or spill while in transit. This bag solves the problem of carrying both work and workout gear in one bag, with dedicated spots for shoes, laptop, and water bottle—so you don’t have to juggle multiple bags.
• Daily Tote in Onyx, Medium: Made with vegan leather and 55% recycled Repreve lining, this medium tote bag can make all your carryall dreams come true. With a padded laptop sleeve to keep that tech safe and... If you want the look and space of a leather tote but prefer a cruelty-free and eco-friendly option, this tote offers that with the added protection of a padded laptop sleeve.
• Petra Convertible Tote in Ash: Go hands free (or not) with the convertible backpack tote in ash grey that loves a good adventure. Float through the airport with this travel tote backpack on your shoulder, back, or just grab the top handles and go. You’ll always know where your passport, laptop, and travel essentials are with this smartly designed, shapeshifting tote that’s ready to see the world with you. This is the ultimate solution for travelers who want flexibility—wear it as a backpack when you need hands-free mobility, or carry it as a tote for quick access. It’s organized and durable for airport adventures.

Fit Guidance: Who Should Choose What

Best for

• Commuters who carry a laptop and want a polished, professional look—consider a tote with a padded sleeve.
• Travelers who need hands-free convenience and flexibility—a convertible backpack tote is ideal.
• Parents who need a hands-free diaper bag with organization—a diaper backpack with multiple pouches and leashes.

Not for

• If you have back or shoulder issues, avoid heavy single-strap totes; opt for a backpack that distributes weight evenly.
• If you prefer minimalist carry, a large duffle or backpack may be overkill—choose a smaller crossbody or sling instead.

Choosing the right bag comes down to understanding your daily routine and what you carry. By focusing on size, organization, comfort, and material, you can narrow down the options and pick a bag that works for you—whether that’s a tote for work, a backpack for travel, or a convertible style that does it all. Use the decision rules above to guide your choice, and you’ll find a bag that fits your life, not just your stuff.