Best Tote Backpack in 2023

Osprey Arcane Tote Pack

The Osprey Arcane Tote Pack is one of the best convertible backpacks around in my opinion.

Not only does it have a stylish look to it and come in a range of colors, but it is also built to last, is comfy to carry, and has all the interior and exterior pockets you need.

This convertible backpack is made from recycled polyester. This not only gives it an eco tick, but it also handles wear and is water resistant too.

The adjustable backpack straps are padded and comfy, while the tote shoulder straps are easily stored and can be quickly whipped out for over-the-shoulder carry.

Access to the main compartment is easy via a zipper. Inside you will find a small zippered pocket and an organizational panel with a document sleeve, key hook, and a laptop sleeve for 16” laptops or under.

On the outside is a front zippered pocket designed to be scratch-free and is the perfect place for small valuables like your phone and sunglasses.

The only downside to this convertible backpack/tote is that it is pretty expensive and there isn’t an external pocket for a water bottle, otherwise it is pretty fantastic.

You can use it for short hikes, work, and more plus it will last.

CYUREAY Womens Convertible Tote Backpack

If you are shopping on a budget then take a good look at the CYUREAY Women’s Convertible Tote Backpack.

This is not only very affordable but very functional too. You will have to deal with a few shortcomings due to the price, but that is just how it goes.

Built from nylon, it is water-resistant and should last a while but it doesn’t have much padding, so is more of a shell. It does have style though and it can be carried three ways, as a backpack, crossbody bag, and a tote.

It has a detachable shoulder strap you can store away, and the backpack straps tuck neatly behind the travel sleeve when not in use. The travel sleeve is a great addition too and it fits most suitcases.

You will find 3 external pockets for smaller items, one of which is an anti-theft pocket for valuables. The main compartment is spacious and comes with a laptop sleeve but it is not padded very well.

To top it all off, there is even a USB port you can connect to a power bank for on-the-go charging.

The main issue with this convertible backpack is that the straps slip and it isn’t so comfy to carry when heavy. But, when you consider the low price, it is still excellent in my eyes.

Samsonite Mobile Solution Convertible Backpack

The Samsonite Mobile Solution Convertible Backpack is probably the best convertible laptop backpack I have seen. It combines style with functionality and durability seamlessly.

Built from nylon with a vinyl trim it is water-resistant and made to last. The roomy main compartment is easy to access through the top zipper and it comes with a padded tech sleeve for tablets and laptops up to 14.1″.

You can also fit a 15.6” laptop inside the bag and there is also a smaller zipper pocket for valuables inside too.

The exterior has 3 zippered pockets. One with an organizational panel for small items, another for documents, and a third on the back which has a SmartSleeve built-in for travel.

You can carry this in 5 ways too as a backpack, crossbody messenger bag, over the shoulder, as a duffle, and as a clutch. This does give rise to a complicated strapping system, but you will get used to it.

This is an expensive convertible bag but the build quality, features, and warranty make it a great choice for travel and work.

The North Face Borealis Tote

The North Face Borealis Tote is one of the best convertible backpacks for little adventures to the beach, the park, or cruising around town.

Built from 210D recycled nylon ripstop it is rugged, durable, and water-resistant. It holds quite a lot with its 22-liter capacity and has plenty of pockets to keep things organized.

On the outside are two water bottle pockets, or one can be used for an umbrella.

There is also a drawcord on each side for stashing a rain jacket, towel, and more. There is one exterior zippered pocket too for small valuables.

The main compartment is spacious and closes securely with a zipper. It also features a padded sleeve for a laptop and is super easy to access.

This is very comfy to carry as a tote. The backpack straps are a little small though and not adjustable, so chances are you won’t use them, unfortunately.

Overall it is a great bag, and it is affordable, but if backpack mode is a must for you, this is one to dodge.

Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack

The Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack is another great option as far as convertible backpacks go. It is sleek, functional, tough, and comes with a Lifetime Warranty too.

Made from eco-friendly recycled nylon, it can handle the wear and is water resistant. The outside features two zipper pockets, one stash pocket, and one scratch-free pocket for sunglasses.

Open up the main compartment via a zipper to find a laptop top sleeve with ample protection and quite a bit of space for other things too.

The drawbacks are that it is expensive and it is missing organizational features.

It is essentially a laptop bag with some extra space and two front zipper pockets. It works as a tote and backpack, but the backpack straps are a little small.

Baggallini Womens 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack

The Baggallini Women’s 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack is designed to be sleek and great for travel or the office.

It does have a bit of an odd look about it with all the zippered pockets on the front, but I quite like it.

In terms of organization, it is excellent. With 6 zippered pockets on the outside, there is a spot for everything you need access to quickly.

There is even an RFID-blocking pocket, a quick-access phone pocket, plus a trolley sleeve for travel.

The main compartment is roomy, it comes with internal pockets too plus a laptop sleeve. The laptop sleeve could do with some more padding though.

Wear it as a cross-body bag, backpack, or tote. The straps in backpack mode are not very comfy to use though. Also, it comes in just one floral print option which might not be to your taste.