/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24441669/236541_mystery_bag_giveaway_AKrales_0001.jpg "The Verge team shares their top picks for backpacks, slings, and bags")
Now that many of us are starting to travel again — whether it’s to work, the movies, or to spend time with friends and enjoy the summer — we’re taking out our favorite backpacks and bags from our closets and filling them with our essentials like laptops, phones, cameras, clothes, groceries, and more. Here are some of the carry-alls that the team at The Verge have been using. These backpacks and bags have provided us with months or even years of reliable use, which is exactly what you want from a quality backpack or bag.
A Colorful Fanny Pack
Victoria Song, Senior Reviewer
$65
This colorful fanny pack is made of durable Cordura nylon and has a capacity of 3L, making it easy to carry multiple items. I’ve always struggled with finding a bag that’s smaller than a backpack but larger than a clutch. I was initially skeptical of the fanny pack trend of wearing it as a mini crossbody bag, but earlier this summer, I gave in and purchased the Baboon to the Moon 3L Fannypack. And now, I can’t go back. This bag comfortably fits my wallet, phone, keys, hand sanitizer, chapstick, and everything I need for walks or errands. It also has a quick-release buckle, allowing me to attach a carabiner and carry a water bottle on hot days. The material is incredibly durable, spill-proof, and easy to clean. The interior has some dividers, but nothing too complex. However, what I love most about this fanny pack (and this brand in general) is the vibrant colors of their bags. I bought one in lavender, added some enamel pins, and there’s no mistaking that it’s mine. It’s easily visible from a distance, making it harder to lose. The combination of colorful whimsy and practical functionality is something I wish I saw more often. In fact, two of my friends bought the same bag in different colors as soon as they saw mine, and we’re all extremely happy with our purchases.
A Handbag for Clumsy Ghouls
Jess Weatherbed, News Writer
$85
If you want something unique, look no further than this handbag in the shape of a skull. It’s sure to impress your friends! Okay, let’s be real. There are plenty of sensible bags out there, recommended by other authors in this article, that are more practical and appealing. But personally, I’m sticking with my Killstar Grave Digger Skull handbag until the day I’m buried with it. Is it practical? Absolutely not, except for its ability to hold a large smartphone. It doesn’t offer any features geared towards making your life easier. But really, does that matter when you can accessorize with scalped skull bags? (Please don’t answer that for my mental well-being.) Surprisingly, the build quality of this gimmicky accessory is impressive. It has a hard plastic internal shell that gives it structure and protects its contents. I’ve clumsily dropped it down a flight of concrete stairs, and not only did my iPhone 14 Pro Max come out unscathed, but the bag itself only suffered minor blemishes. It comes in various colors and finishes. The flocked versions, with their velvet-like finish, hold up surprisingly well — my “blood” colored bag looks nearly flawless despite the daily beating it takes.
A Tapestry Backpack
Barbara Krasnoff, Reviews Editor
$54
This stylish backpack, made of a tapestry-patterned material, is compact and loaded with pockets. In our previous roundup of The Verge’s favorite backpacks and bags, I mentioned my shoulder bag/backpack combo made by a small company called Danny K. It’s made of a tapestry-like cloth and has numerous pockets, both zipped and open. It has been my go-to bag for any occasion where I don’t need to carry a laptop. However, that bag is a bit large, especially for times when I don’t need as much space. That’s why I was thrilled when someone gifted me a smaller version of my bag called the Luna Backpack. It has outside pockets on the back and front, a side opening that can fit more stuff than you’d expect, and a pocket for a bottle or small umbrella. My new bag, which I often wear over my shoulder instead of on my back, still fits everything I need but is more discreet for occasions when I don’t want to look like I’m going on an urban day hike.
A Sling for Daily Use
Kaitlin Hatton, Audience Manager
$75
If you only need to carry the essentials, this sling made from recycled polyester is perfect. I’ve previously expressed my love for my affordable Lumesner travel backpack in our travel gear roundup, and that hasn’t changed. However, I’ve discovered a daily-use bag that I love just as much. I recently purchased Dagne Dover’s Mara Phone Sling because I needed something simple to hold my phone and keys while walking my dog or running errands. After a few weeks of use, I can confidently say that this small bag is worth the price. It took some getting used to its size, as it can only fit my phone and essentials, but it prevents me from carrying unnecessary items. The product is incredibly high quality, durable, and looks more sophisticated than most phone slings I’ve come across.
Baggu Reusable Bags
$14
These reusable bags fold into their own pouch and are available in various patterns. Like many other young women in New York City, I am a fan of Baggu. I’ve been using their collapsible, reusable bags for years and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. These bags come in different sizes and patterns and easily fold up into a small pouch, making them a great addition to my everyday handbag. Whether I’m stopping by the grocery store for a few dinner items or realizing I need toilet paper while out, I always have a spare bag tucked away to help carry my purchases. They also make great last-minute gift bags!
A Bag for the Cycling Enthusiast
Andrew J. Hawkins, Transportation Editor
$199
This backpack doubles as a pannier for your bike and has a 25-liter capacity. If you enjoy cycling for most of your transportation needs, you’ll need a bag that’s versatile and stylish. I recently acquired a bag that meets both criteria: the Alpha Pannier Backpack by Two Wheel Gear. It’s a backpack, a pannier, and even has a padded pocket for an external battery for your laptop. This bag has it all and looks great too! The ability to convert it into a pannier is the standout feature for me. The backpack straps can be unclipped and tucked away inside an interior flap, and the top latch fits most rear bike racks. It’s invaluable in preventing the dreaded back sweat while cycling to your destination. If you’re a hardcore cyclist and ride in all weather conditions, you’ll be impressed by the Alpha Pannier Backpack’s waterproof material. It even has various straps for attaching your bike helmet.
A Completely Customized Backpack
Jay Peters, News Editor
$139
This custom-designed backpack fits a 15-inch laptop, has a spacious interior, and features a convenient top flap to add extra space. In 2015, I requested the Timbuk2 Custom Prospect Backpack as a gift, and I’ve been using it ever since. It has been my companion for work, coffee shops, grocery shopping, vacations, and so much more. The backpack has a quality build and offers great functionality. It comfortably fits my 15-inch laptop, and the interior is spacious without being overwhelming. One of my favorite features is the top flap, which allows me to expand the bag’s interior capacity when needed.