Last Updated: July 12, 2023
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Best Tote Bags For Teachers: Affordable, Big & Stylish

Looking for the best tote bags for teachers – as a gift, or just for yourself? Well, you’re in the right place! We found the 10 best tote bags that can actually hold everything you have to carry every day that also looks stylish.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for Best Teachers Tote Bags


In this review, I will cover it all – tote bags with large capacities, but also ones with lots of organizational features. And most of them are pretty affordable.

If you’re not completely sure how to choose the right bag (especially if you’re shopping for a gift), check out our tips section – we’ve pointed out what you need to pay attention to, in order to get a bag that’s perfect for you.

Top Product Overview

Teacher Peach Jumbo Teacher Tote Bag, Inspirational Teacher Appreciation Gift
  • Waterproof exterior
  • Several compartments and pockets
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Plambag Women's Laptop Tote Bag, Canvas 15.6' Computer Work Office Handbag (Pink)
  • Great for organization – 2 compartments, 9 pockets
  • Padded laptop sleeve
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Pursetti Teacher Bag with Pockets - for Teacher's Appreciation and Christmas (Cool Mandala_Large)
  • Lots of different pockets – great for organization
  • Very affordable
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  • You can personalize it
  • Lots of pockets
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Laptop Tote Bag Computer Handbag 15.6 Inch for Women Canvas Work Teacher Bag
  • Spacious main compartment
  • Lots of pockets inside
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  • Lots of pockets
  • Padded laptop sleeve
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Everything Mary Grey Polka Dot Rolling Scrapbook Storage Tote - Scrapbooking Storage Case for Rings, Paper, Binder, Crafts, Beads, Paper, Scissors - Telescoping Handle with Dual Wheels - Craft Case
  • Great for teachers who carry a lot of props
  • Convenient to carry around
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ECR4Kids Universal Rolling Cart with Canvas Organizer Bag, Mobile Storage, Black
  • Collapses for easy storage
  • More than thirty different pockets
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Crest Design Nylon Shoulder Bag Handbag, Teacher Nurse Tote Organizer (Army Green)
  • Great for organization
  • Very affordable
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ZYSUN Laptop Tote Bag Fits Up to 15.6 IN Awesome Gifts for Women (1-Brown)
  • Great for organization
  • Elegant design
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Best Tote Bags For Teachers


Teacher Peach I Teach Jumbo Tote

Teacher Peach Jumbo Teacher Tote Bag, Inspirational Teacher Appreciation Gift

Teacher Peach is one of the more popular brands that make gifts for teachers. So, why not buy yourself a gift you’ll actually love? Their jumbo tote bag is a great choice for all teachers – it’s spacious, made from sturdy materials, and has multiple pockets and compartments.

Plus, the exterior of the bag features an inspiring quote that will let everyone know you’re a teacher – so they know not to mess with you.

The inside of this bag features two compartments. But one of those is large, and the other is much smaller and zippered. The smaller compartment features a few zippered pockets inside, and it allows for easy organization.

And the bag features a big external compartment if you have many things that you want to keep separate from the contents inside the bag.

The exterior of the bag is made from microfiber canvas. It is a pretty durable material that has great water resistance. And that’s another huge upside – even if you get caught in heavy rain, all the papers inside the bag will stay safe and dry.

Additionally, the bag features reflective material around the top of the bag – useful if you’re walking alone at night.

But one thing people didn’t like about this bag is the flimsy handles. Apparently, one of the handles is sewn too close to the end, so it pulls out and rips pretty easily. Especially if your bags get really heavy.

This is an issue you can easily fix, and it is something that only a small number of people experienced.

Pros

  • Waterproof exterior
  • Several compartments and pockets
  • Very large and spacious

Cons

  • Handles are flimsy
  • No divider inside
  • No dedicated sleeve for laptop/tablet

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 21” x 15” x 6”
  • Material: Microfiber exterior
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: No
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Plambag Women's Laptop Tote Bag

Plambag Women's Laptop Tote Bag, Canvas 15.6' Computer Work Office Handbag (Pink)

If you want something with a laptop compartment, this is a good option. The Plambag tote features a laptop sleeve in the middle of the bag, so it also acts as a divider.

That’s actually a really good use of space – the sides of the sleeve are heavily padded, and your laptop is well protected. But it’s also easily reachable since it’s in the middle of your bag.

The outside of the bag is made from cotton canvas, with PU leather accents on the handles. One small downside of the bag is that it doesn’t have a frame, so it can’t really stand on its own. But that’s not an issue you’ll deal with when the bag is full – as it will be, most of the time.

The interior of the bag is fully lined, and features two main compartments, aside from the laptop sleeve. And those two compartments have a lot of pockets – three slip pockets, three pen slots, a larger zippered pocket, and an ID card slot.

In addition to that, the bag also features several external pockets – a smaller zippered one on the back, and three larger slip ones in the front.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bag is not too deep, so you might struggle to fit in some rather thick books. If you don’t care about that, then you should definitely consider getting it.

It’s a very affordable bag, so you’ll easily get your money’s worth. And it looks like a really nice bag – so much so that I think you’ll want to wear this all the time, and not just to class.

Pros

  • Great for organization – 2 compartments, 9 pockets
  • Padded laptop sleeve
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Does not have a frame (can’t stand upright on its own)

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 15.75” x 4.33” x 12.99”
  • Material: Cotton canvas & PU leather
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: Yes, fits 15.6” laptops
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Pursetti Teacher Tote

Pursetti Teacher Bag with Pockets - for Teacher's Appreciation and Christmas (Cool Mandala_Large)

The Pursetti tote is a really interesting tote for teachers. It’s a really big bag and has some cool upsides. But also some not-so-cool downsides – for one thing, it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve. Also, there are no dividers or compartments inside; it’s just one huge main compartment with pockets.

The upsides? All the different pockets. The exterior of the bag is pretty much just pockets – three in the back, three in the front, and one on each side. And then you also have 5 internal pockets, one of which is large enough to fit an iPad mini.

But, I’m not completely sure about those external pockets – something could always fall out, and you definitely don’t want to keep your phone or wallet in one of them!

The bag is made from polyester, so it’s really easy to clean. You can just wipe it with a damp cloth, and you’ll remove 90% of the stains. In addition to that, it’s available in some really fun designs, so any stains and marks will be barely visible in the first place.

One more thing I like about this bag is that you can actually choose a size. There are two options – medium and large, and you can see their dimensions down below. But here’s a tip; if have a 17” laptop that you want to fit in this bag, go for the large option.

Pros

  • Lots of different pockets – great for organization
  • Very affordable
  • Two size options to choose from

Cons

  • No dividers in the main compartment
  • No dedicated electronics sleeve

Product Information

  • Dimensions: M: 14.5" x 6.5" x 10.75" / L: 17” x 7” x 13.4”
  • Material: Polyester
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: No / One pocket can fit iPad Mini
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Personalized Teacher Tote Bag

One really cool thing about this bag is that you can have it personalized this particular bag has an embroidered apple on the front pocket, which reads Teachers change the world, one child, at a time.

You can personalize the writing above the embroidered apple.

If you want, the company will include a 13-pocket organizer in the bag, for an additional $10. You can also choose which color you want, as well as if you want any writing on your bag, in addition to the one on the front pocket.

I really like that you have these options since they help really make the bag yours.

About that organizer – it basically creates an additional compartment in the bag, since it is not full-sized. It has two large zippered pockets on each side, and then a bunch of smaller slip pockets on the exterior.

It’s a great addition if you usually carry around lots of smaller items. But otherwise, I think you can safely skip it.

This tote bag is made from 600 denier polyester, and it features a zippered closure. The handles are sturdy and they measure 29.5”.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve, but it is large enough that you can fit a laptop inside it. And the bag has some external pockets as well – two on either side and a black front pocket with a pen loop.

Pros

  • You can personalize it
  • Lots of pockets
  • Optional 13-pocket organizer

Cons

  • Does not have a laptop sleeve
  • No framer – won’t stand upright

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 4"
  • Material: 600-denier polyester
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: No
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Laptop Computer Bag for Women

Laptop Tote Bag Computer Handbag 15.6 Inch for Women Canvas Work Teacher Bag

I would recommend this bag to all teachers that carry a lot of electronics with them. This tote bag has a padded laptop sleeve, a tablet sleeve, and a pocket for your phone. And plenty of space for your chargers, books, notebooks, and any other things you’ll want to carry in it.

Additionally, a small pouch is included in the purchase of this bag. It’s great for all of your smaller items that usually get lost in the bag, and helps you stay organized. And it’s very useful, since the bag only has one main compartment, with lots of smaller pockets.

It is made from heavy-duty canvas – a very sturdy material that should hold up really well over time. The handles are also really sturdy, and you don’t have to worry about ripping them when the bag gets too heavy.

However, the exterior of the bag is not water-resistant, and the color actually washes off a bit when it gets wet. That’s something to keep in mind – if you get caught in the rain, your brand new bag could end up looking like you’ve owned it for years.

One thing I like about this bag is that the side pockets do not mesh. They are barely noticeable when they’re empty, and your bag looks better. But they are also large enough to fit a water bottle or a small umbrella – perfect if you’re anything like me and tend to lose that umbrella cover 5 minutes after buying it.

Pros

  • Spacious main compartment
  • Lots of pockets inside
  • Sturdy handles

Cons

  • Color washes off
  • No feet or frame

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 19” x 5.5” x 15.5”
  • Material: Heavy-duty canvas
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: Yes, fits 15.6” laptops
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OVERALL BEST CHOICE

Teacher Peach Commuter Tote Bag

If you want a tote bag that doesn’t look bulky but can actually fit a lot of stuff inside it, Teacher Peach Tote Bag is a good choice. Its interior is compartmentalized, and it includes a dedicated double pocket laptop sleeve, which also fits a smaller tablet. The laptop sleeve is padded, and it provides your laptop with good impact resistance in case of a fall.

The rest of the main compartment is pretty spacious. It’s just wide enough to fit your books and papers, and there’s even enough space for snacks.

Plus, the interior is completely water-resistant, so everything inside will be completely safe in the rain. Unfortunately, there is no information on the exact material the bag is made of, so I can’t really comment on its overall durability.

What I can tell you is that the bag comes with a shoulder strap and carry handles. So, you can carry it like a regular tote, or like a cross-body bag – depending on what you feel to be the more comfortable option.

Oh, and the bag has an inspirational quote on the very front, which lets everyone know that you’re proud to be a teacher.

There are some external pockets on this tote as well. Two slip ones on the sides, which can easily fit your water bottles. And a large zippered pocket on the front. I think this is one of the best tote bags for teachers you can get – it’s well-made, spacious, great for organization, and looks really cute as well!

Pros

  • Lots of pockets
  • Padded laptop sleeve
  • Carry handles and shoulder strap

Cons

  • No information on materials and durability

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 12” x 16” x 4.5”
  • Material: No info
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: Yes, fits a 15.6” laptop / Yes
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Everything Mary Rolling Tote

Everything Mary Grey Polka Dot Rolling Scrapbook Storage Tote - Scrapbooking Storage Case for Rings, Paper, Binder, Crafts, Beads, Paper, Scissors - Telescoping Handle with Dual Wheels - Craft Case

A tote with wheels is a very practical option. The Everything Mary Rolling Tote is bigger than most regular totes you can find, so you can carry a lot more stuff in it. And you don’t have to worry about it getting too heavy – the skate wheels and retractable wheel handle allow you to wheel it around everywhere.

The tote also has two grab handles on the side that allow you to pick it up when you encounter a flight of stairs. This is a lot more convenient than a single grab handle since your rolling tote is usually going to be pretty heavy.

The entire tote, including the handle, is made from durable 75D polyester, so you should be able to use it for a long time.

You get plenty of storage space in this tote. The main compartment is really spacious and you can fit a lot of items in it. It doesn’t have dividers or a compartment, which is actually good – I think this bag is really useful for anyone who has to carry a lot of props and awkwardly shaped objects to class.

And since there are no obstructions in the main compartment, you can fit pretty much anything inside it.

In terms of organization, you get several zippered pockets  three external and four internal ones. None of them are specifically designed for your laptop or tablet, but some are large enough to fit them.

However, keep in mind that since they are not actually designed for electronics, they lack padding and don’t provide your valuables with any sort of impact resistance in case you bump this tote on something.

Pros

  • Great for teachers who carry a lot of props
  • Convenient to carry around
  • Lots of internal and external pockets

Cons

  • No dedicated electronics compartment
  • Not waterproof

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 15” x 9” x 16”
  • Material: 75D polyester
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: No
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BEST FOR BULKY ITEMS

ECR4Kids MemoryStor Universal Rolling Organizer Set

ECR4Kids Universal Rolling Cart with Canvas Organizer Bag, Mobile Storage, Black

Want a rolling tote with a 65lb capacity? Then pick up the ECR4Kids Rolling Organizer.

It has a huge main compartment, and it is mostly made from plastic. This includes plastic grab handles – at least you don’t have to worry about them ripping off as you do with fabric ones.

Plus the bag has wheels, so you will rarely have to pick it up anyway. They are skate wheels, and they roll pretty smoothly. It is also a telescopic wheel handle that locks into three height positions, which allows you to adjust its height to what fits you best.

And that’s particularly useful because of the bag’s external pockets – if the wheel handle is too tall for you, that means that the bag is in an awkward position and stuff can fall out of the pockets.

It has a lot of different pockets and compartments (30+), so it allows for easy organization. And that includes a zippered external compartment that is large enough to fit your laptop.

However, I would not recommend this bag if you’re using public transport. Most of the pockets are external, so it’s really easy for a thief to access them. Plus, the bag doesn’t have a proper lid – more like a cover that you stretch over the opening.

That’s fine if you’re driving to work, or if you’re using it to transport things from classroom to classroom.

Actually, I think the latter is the ideal reason to get this bag – you don’t have to worry about any of the downsides if you’re only using this at school. But if you’re surrounded by strangers, your stuff is never 100% safe. Also, the items you put in the external pockets are exposed to the weather, so keep that in mind.

Pros

  • Collapses for easy storage
  • More than thirty different pockets
  • Height of the wheel handle is adjustable

Cons

  • Not safe if you’re using public transport
  • Plastic doesn’t have great impact resistance

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 17.5" x 15.25"x 16.5"
  • Material: Plastic & fabric
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: No
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MOST VERSATILE

Crest Design Women’s Tote

Crest Design Nylon Shoulder Bag Handbag, Teacher Nurse Tote Organizer (Army Green)

The Crest Design tote bag is made from nylon, and it is water-resistant. It is fully lined inside with polyester, and it has a zippered closure. You can get this bag in 9 different colors, so I think you will easily find your favorite color!

This tote has a padded laptop sleeve that can fit 17” laptops, as well as a dedicated tablet pocket. And on top of that, it features an organizer panel inside (with pen slots), and several pockets opposite the organizer. This allows for easy organization of your things, and you still have a clear view of where everything is. Plus, all of it is easily accessible, which is a huge bonus.

Now, the actual main compartment does kind of shrink, when you put something in each of the smaller pockets. But there’s still enough room for books and papers. And you can always squeeze some of those next to your laptop, to ensure that they don’t get wrinkled.

One thing I’m not a big fan of is the lack of external pockets. But the other features make up for this, at least for me. Also, the bag is really affordable – just a little over $25 – and that’s pretty amazing, especially for such a versatile bag. Because of its simple design, this is a tote bag that can use as an everyday bag, and not just as a school bag.

Pros

  • Great for organization
  • Very affordable
  • Water-resistant exterior

Cons

  • No external pockets
  • Main compartment could be bigger

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 21" x 13" x 7.5"
  • Material: Water-resistant nylon
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: Yes, fits 17” laptops / Yes
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ZYSUN Laptop Tote Bag

ZYSUN Laptop Tote Bag Fits Up to 15.6 IN Awesome Gifts for Women (1-Brown)

Leather bags aren’t my favorite option for tote bags, but I had to include this one. It’s a beautiful bag, made from premium vegan leather. Which is a fancy way of saying that it’s made from PU leather. :>

The Zysun Laptop Tote bag actually has three compartments inside, plus a laptop sleeve, so it’s great for organizing your stuff.

And there are also some smaller internal pockets, which are great for all of your smaller items. But the main compartments are all spacious enough to fit all of your work necessities, including large books and binders.

The interior of the tote is fully lined, but not with high-quality material. Don’t be surprised if you see some loose stitches after a few months.

You can choose from six different colors, and all of them are pretty stylish. If you want to get an elegant and professional-looking bag, I think this is one of your top options. Just take care of the shoulder straps – they are height adjustable, so they’re not actually sewn onto the bag. Instead, they are secured to the tote by buckles, so take good care of the buckle needles.

There aren’t any external compartments on this bag, but that’s kind of expected, due to the material. Another thing to note is that the bag doesn’t have any feet on the bottom, so be careful where you put it down, to avoid scratching the PU leather.

Pros

  • Great for organization
  • Elegant design
  • Shoulder straps are height adjustable

Cons

  • Lining is not the best quality
  • No external pockets

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 7.3" x 4.7" x 12.6"
  • Material: PU leather
  • Dedicated Laptop/Tablet Sleeve: Yes, fits 15.6” laptops / Yes
SEE ON AMAZON

How To Find The Right Tote Bag

Staying Organized…

… is perhaps the biggest challenge. Especially when you have so many different types of items in your bag – books, laptop, pens, snacks, your phone and wallet, chargers…and maybe even a pocket blanket! How the heck do you find a spot for everything in your tote bag?!

By getting a bag that has multiple compartments and pockets inside it. This will allow you to separate all of your things by category – electronics in one compartment, books in the other, snacks in the zippered pockets, etc.

Another thing you should think about is do you need a laptop/tablet sleeve? Some bags will have it and some won’t. If you don’t own a sleeve for your laptop, I recommend you get a bag that comes with one.

It protects your laptop/tablet from getting scratched in the bag and gives it good impact resistance – very useful in case you drop the bag with some thick books and a thin MacBook. Just make sure to check the size of the sleeve is okay for your laptop. You can see the sleeve sizes in the product info sections, below the mini-reviews.

And if you already own a sleeve, then you’re fine either way. I generally prefer to have a separate sleeve, because then my laptop is protected in whichever bag I choose to wear that day. Plus, it also allows me to use the laptop as a divider, and separate the compartment of my tote even further!

The Materials

There are a few different things to keep in mind when choosing the material of your bag. One of them is your workplace – is it laid back, or is there a strict dress code?

If you want something sophisticated, pick up a leather bag. They always look elegant, and a black bag will go really well with nearly everything you own. However, keep in mind that leather totes are not the most durable ones.

The handles are the first to go, especially if you wear the bag on a daily basis. And the heavier it is, the quicker the leather on the handles will crease and break – this goes for both genuine leather and PU leather.

You’ll probably get a good year out of a leather tote, maybe even two if you take care of it. But they do require more maintenance than polyester or nylon totes; so keep that in mind.

If you want something really durable, I suggest you go for a nylon, polyester, or cotton canvas tote. They don’t look as elegant as leather totes, but they last much longer. The materials are sturdier and handle everyday wear and tear much better.

And think about pen marks. Getting them out of a leather tote is a nightmare, especially if its surface is grainy. It is much easier to get rid of them on polyester on nylon – you can just throw the bag in the washing machine and the stains will be gone. Plus, if you get a bag with a colorful exterior, the pen marks won’t even be visible.

About Wheeled Tote Bags

If you have to carry a lot of items with you frequently, consider getting a wheeled tote bag. They are really practical – most of them have huge capacities and about a million different pockets.

The best thing about these is that they come with wheels, so you don’t really have to worry about how heavy they will get. These are really useful if you have to carry a lot of props to class, or just bulky items that can’t really fit in your regular tote bag. And you can also fit a lot of files, binders, scrapbooks – things that can easily get wrinkled in your regular tote bag.

The only downside of these is that they’re a nightmare when you have to climb up several flights of stairs because they usually get really heavy. And they are not really the best option as an everyday bag. But it’s really useful to have one, for those days when you are considering packing everything into a suitcase and wheeling it to work.

Best Tote Bags For Teachers: Our Top Choices

Still don’t know which bag to get? I’ll tell you what my top three picks are.

The Teacher Peach Commuter Tote is one of my favorite options. It’s more narrow than other totes, but it’s longer – this shape is perfect for women who are short and thin because wide totes usually look way too big on them. And you can still fit a lot of stuff in this bag, which is probably the main reason why you’re getting it.

The tote has a padded laptop sleeve, several internal and external pockets, and a spacious, water-resistant main compartment. Plus the inspirational quote on it is a really nice touch, and lets others that you’re proud of your job!

The MemoryStor Rolling Organizer is a great choice if you can’t actually carry everything you need. The tote has wheels and a huge capacity – perfect if you use a lot of props in class.

Plus, the bag has more than 30 pockets total, so you can organize your stuff as much as want. The wheel handle is height adjustable, and that’s pretty useful.

However, I would recommend this tote only if you drive to work – since most of its compartments are external, it’s not really the safest option for public transport.

Sale
ECR4Kids Universal Rolling Cart with Canvas Organizer Bag, Mobile Storage, Black
  • Multipurpose Rolling Cart: Stay organized on the go with the durable storage cart, ideal for transporting books, teacher supplies, and personal items; features four heavy-duty wheels for easy mobility
  • Storage Organizer: The removable saddlebag-style canvas cover fits securely over the cart, offering over 30 storage compartments, perfect for transporting supplies from home to school or the office

The Crest Design Women’s Tote is a great versatile option. It has such a simple design that you can carry this everywhere, from the school to the beach.

Also, it’s made from a water-resistant material, so everything inside will stay safe and dry if you get the bag a little wet. This tote has great organizational features, including a laptop sleeve, a tablet pocket, and multiple other slips and zippered pockets. Oh, and it is the only tote bag in this review that can fit a 17″ laptop!

Crest Design Nylon Shoulder Bag Handbag, Teacher Nurse Tote Organizer (Army Green)
  • Material: Made of premium vintage-wash water-repellent nylon with heavy duty metal hardware; sturdily constructed with detailed streamlined stitching and fully lined with polyester fabric.
  • Multi-Pockets for Organization: Full length top zipper into main compartment; Internal organizer compartment that contains a padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 14", and two inner pockets; Four zipped front pockets and one back slip compartment for extra storage.

I hope that helps! Head over to Amazon if you want to check out the prices of these tote bags, and see just a few more photos of them.