We are now packing our backpacks with clothes, food, laptops, smartphones, cameras, and more. Not to mention if any bags would suit kids in our circles for back to school.
These are the bags that we at The Verge use. You will see that most of them have been used for months if not years. That’s what you should look for in a backpack or bag.
Colorful fanny packs
The need to carry a small bag that is not a backpack, knapsack, or clutch has always frustrated me. I wasn’t keen on the trend of wearing a Fannypack as a crossbody bag, but I gave in and purchased the Baby to the Moon 3L Fannypack earlier this summer.
It is impossible to go back. The bag is large enough to fit my phone, wallet, house keys, car keys, chapstick, and hand sanitizer. The bag has a quick-release buckle, so I can attach a carabiner and carry a water container on hot days. It’s also very durable, easy to wash, and spill-proof. There are some internal dividers, but they’re simple enough.
The bags themselves are colorful, which makes me like this bag (and the brand as a whole). The bag is lavender, and I stuck enamel pins to it. Now, no one can mistake this as mine. It’s easy to see from afar, making it more difficult to misplace. It’s a combination of colorful, fun, and functionality that I would like to see more of. Two of my friends bought the bag I was wearing in two different colors after they saw it. We’re all delighted with the purchases we made.
Handbags for the clumsy and spooky
Okay, look. In this article, you’ll find plenty of people who can recommend more practical (and certainly more appealing) bags for keeping your gadgets secure. Still, I will remain faithful to my Killstar grave digger skull handbag until it joins my burial plot. Does it make sense? You’re not going to get any features that will make life easier. Do you even care if you can pull your stuff out of a colorful collection of skulls? Please don’t respond to this question. It will be detrimental to my mental health.
The build quality of this accessory is impressive, especially for a novelty item. The bag’s shape is created by a hard plastic shell that also protects its contents. I dropped it down concrete steps, and my iPhone 14 Pro Max was completely unharmed. The bag only had the tiniest of marks. You can also choose between a variety of finishes and colors. They hold up well, especially the flocked ones (with their fuzzy, velvety finish). I own one in “blood,” which looks immaculate even after daily use.
A tapestry backpack
This bag has become my favorite whenever I don’t need to carry a laptop.
My bag was too big, and I didn’t always need it. That is why I was thrilled when someone gave me the Moon Backpack. My new bag has outside pockets in the front and back and a large side pocket that can hold more than one might think. It also includes a compartment for an umbrella or small bottle.
A sling for daily use
In our collection of travel equipment, I wrote about how much I love my cheap Lumesner backpack. This love is still there, even though I have used the backpack more than ever since my first review. It has lasted through several short trips, long ones, and even an interstate move.
But I have found another bag I use daily that is just as good. Recently, I purchased Dagne Dover’s Mara Phone Sling as I wanted something to store my keys and phone in while walking my dog. This small bag has proven worth its price after a few weeks. It took a little getting used to the bag size, which is only big enough for my phone. However, it keeps me from having anything besides the necessities in the bag. This product looks great and is very high-quality. It’s also durable.
Baggu Reusable Bags
Baggu is a brand that I use, like almost all young women in New York City. For years, I have been using ‘s reusable and collapsible Baggu bags.
These bags are available in different sizes and designs that can be folded into a pouch. They make a great addition to any handbag. On your way home, why not stop by the supermarket to pick up a few items for dinner? Do you suddenly realize you are out of toilet tissue while on the go? There’s always a bag in your main carry that you can use to store those items.
These bags also make great last-minute gifts!
A bag for the cycling set
You’ll want a stylish and versatile bag if you are like me. Recently, I came across a bag that met both requirements: The Alpha Pannier Bag by Two Wheel Gear. It’s not a bag! It’s an oversized bag! This is a laptop case with an internal battery in a pocket. It’s a bag that ticks a lot off but also looks great. I think the real clincher was able to turn it into a pannier. Unclip the straps from the backpack and store them inside an inner flap. The top latch is compatible with most rear bicycle racks. It’s priceless to arrive at your destination free of back sweat. Alpha Pannier Backpacks’ waterproof material is perfect for those who love to bike in any weather condition. The straps can be used to attach your helmet.
A completely customized backpack
Since 2015, I have used the Timbuk2 custom Prospect Backpack given to me as a present. The backpack has been with me to the office, grocery stores, and vacations. I don’t even remember all of them.
It’s great to have a small pocket on the front for little items you may want easy access. With its laptop compartment, the main compartment can be used for larger items. I have never needed to buy a separate bag for my laptop. The water bottle pockets are handy when carrying a Hydro Flask.
You can customize your bag to suit you.