When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreSally Kaplan/Business Insider, KREYA, M.GemiThe best convertible backpack totes are all about flexibility — something you appreciate the moment your commute gets crowded. I take the subway to work, and anyone who's done the same knows the unspoken rule: backpacks come off during rush hour. It's polite, but it's also awkward and uncomfortable to suddenly wrestle a heavy bag by the handles while trying not to knock into the person next to you.That's where a hybrid backpack-tote earns its keep. Being able to switch from wearing a bag on your back to carrying it over your shoulder or in your hand makes moving through the day noticeably easier. It also simplifies your closet: instead of juggling separate backpacks and totes that only work in certain situations, one well-designed bag can handle it all.In this guide, we break down the best convertible backpack totes for commuting and travel. The top picks we tested are impressively subtle — you'd never guess they're convertible just by looking at them. They switch modes smoothly, stay comfortable either way, and make carrying your everyday essentials feel far more effortless.For more of the best bags we tested, see our guides on the best travel backpacks and the best work bags for women.Top 3 convertible backpack totes:Best overallTwo members of our team swear by this convertible tote backpack, as it strikes the perfect balance between a stylish tote and a convenient backpack for the work-to-gym routine."While some nylon bags are too sporty to pair with formal work attire, the Caraa Studio Tote looks nice enough to wear with everything from a T-shirt to a suit," writes former Insider Reviews style editor Ashley Phillips. "The sleek nylon exterior would look right at home at the office, and the smart interior organization is just as notable."Ashley Phillips/Business Insider"Convertible bags are lifesavers for anyone who commutes on a subway, and this tote from Caraa is the best we've tested," adds executive editor Sally Kaplan. "If you plan to swap your heels for sneakers at any part of the day, the Studio Tote is smartly designed with a hidden compartment you can access from the side. It's totally separate from the rest of the interior so you don't have to worry about dirty soles touching the rest of your stuff," continues Ashley. "The interior of this bag is an organization lover's dream. There are seven total pockets, including dedicated spots for a water bottle, cell phone, and 16-inch laptop."You can also find this bag in a leather (albeit more expensive) version. Read more in our full Caraa Sport convertible work gym bag review.Best packable"I like the Laneway Totepack for how deceptively unremarkable it is. The outside isn't much to look at, but when you feel the tightly-woven, water-repellent nylon, you can tell it can handle some wear and tear for years to come. I tested it out in the rain, and the droplets simply bead and roll right off. I'm 5-foot-9 and the shoulder straps are long enough so that I can comfortably wear it as a tote, yet it doesn't drag on the ground when I carry it by hand. The backpack straps are really easy to clip on and off, and they're so inconspicuously designed that you can't even tell this tote is convertible. Unfortunately, the shoulder straps didn't get the same treatment. They hang loosely off the top, and it sort of ruins the illusion.Gabrielle Chase/Business InsiderAs for its storage, this bag can fit a light day's worth of items. The 18-liter main compartment has two pop pockets on its sides, where I put my travel jacket and water bottle. These pop pockets can also flatten if need to fit more bulky items. It fits a 14-inch laptop, but the slip pocket isn't very padded, so I recommend you keep your computer in protective sleeve.Finally, the little details of this bag make the Laneway Totepack a good travel companion. On the front, its zippered pocket is deep and compartmentalized, and the key leash means I don't have to dig around for them when I reach my door. There's also a cleverly hidden space to hold an AirTag. The whole bag can roll up into a slim profile, which I put in my suitcase as a back-up personal item." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider ReviewsBest leatherItalian-made luxury meets effortless versatility with the M. Gemi Laura Convertible Backpack. Made from supple tumbled calf leather, the bag's slouchy silhouette offers a touch of style and is roomy enough to fit a laptop, cosmetics bag, water bottle, and any of your other essentials. Inside you'll find a lightweight, linen lining along with a zippered compartment to keep valuables hidden and two open pockets for easy access.Samantha Crozier/Business Insider, M. GemiThe best part of this bag, however, is how easily it can transition between a backpack and a tote: simply pull up on the straps when you want to wear it on your shoulder, or pull dow
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