Call it a purse, pocketbook, handbag or tote — a trusty pack can take you (and all your things) places. If you’re in the market for a new bag and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on something so small it can’t hold your phone then, well, you came to the right place.
To help you carry your things and make life in general a little bit easier, we curated a list of helpful bags that all have different qualities that make them handy.
From waterproof bags to bags with a water bottle holder, here are a bunch of bags that are so much more than bags. We hope you find your next daily carrier and maybe something for travel too.
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After seeing a friend use this effortlessly cool, versatile Baggu crescent bag, I got one for myself. It's the perfect size and can carry a book or water bottle without feeling clunky or cumbersome, but the best feature is the adjustable strap that can be worn over one shoulder like a purse or as a crossbody. It's perfect for casual days and dressy nights alike and truly will be the only bag you need. Best of all, you can throw it in the wash.
Finally, a work bag that's good-looking enough to go to dinner or drinks. This leather tote looks like a purse but has an internal laptop sleeve, an internal zippered container and other internal pockets. It has a top zip closure, keeping all your things secure, and comes in four colors of leather. Amazon customer Medical Professional wrote, "I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to find THE ONE and this is it!"
About half the price of the Lululemon Everywhere belt bag, this crossbody option has a simple, flat front and isn’t covered in extra zippers or frippery. It comes in a ton of fun colors (all of which are in stock) and offers many of the same features as the Everywhere bag, including an adjustable strap, an easy-to-open main zipper, a main compartment with mesh sections and a pocket in the back to keep valuables close. HuffPost readers love this versatile pick.
The TikTok viral Bogg bag is best described as a Croc in tote bag form. It's made from a waterproof and washable EVA material that's perfect for Little League games, lake days and long shifts at the hospital or school. Like Crocs, the bag's perforations lend themselves to accessorizing: In the holes, you can add a holder for a water bottle, carabiner clips for your keys or sunglasses, and a neoprene holder for a Stanley cup or other 40-ounce drink container. It comes in a bunch of colors so you can let your personality show.
Another staff pick, this super spacious carry-on bag is beloved by shopping writer Tessa Flores. If you're only allowed one bag on a flight or are trying to be more organized on the go, this bag has four external pockets including a space for your water bottle, as well as a computer sleeve, internal pockets and a large zipper compartment at the bottom that's perfect for storing shoes. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and two handles, and it comes with a clean toiletry bag that's ready for takeoff. This comes in five colors.
HuffPost shopping writer Haley Zovickian has and loves this incredibly handy water bottle sling from CalPak calling it, "An expandable, insulated pocket for bottles and thermoses, which could even hold my large 40-ounce bottle."
Zovickian notes the external pockets, namely the zippered one that's perfect for holding keys, ear buds, a phone, and a wallet as well as body items like lip balm or a mini sunscreen. It comes in a bunch of colors with an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap that can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody. "I’ve found it works beautifully for walks around the neighborhood, shopping, errands and day trips while traveling," Zovickian said. "Plus, if you do get some spillage, the insulated inner liner will hold everything in so the rest of your belongings won’t get wet."
L.L. Bean's signature Boat & Tote is possibly the best out there for going to the farmer's market, food shopping or otherwise hauling a bunch of stuff. Originally invented to haul large quantities of ice, it's made from a heavyweight canvas that can stand up on its own and hold up to a whopping 500 pounds. If you're looking to conserve space or like products with multiple uses, this is ideal for a beach bag, travel carry-on or to take while running errands during the day. Find it in options with short and long handles, in four sizes and a bunch of colors.
Keep your credit cards extra secure with this compact Baggallini crossbody that comes with an RFID-protected wristlet. It's water-resistant, plus it has a bunch of internal organization, a slot to quickly grab your phone and an adjustable strap so you can wear it on one shoulder or as a crossbody. This bag is great for traveling or everyday wear and comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns.
It's a cool black leather tote. It's a diaper bag. It's a cool black leather tote diaper bag. For new parents, grandparents, favorite aunties and babysitters, this magic bag looks and functions like a purse while still having internal pockets for bottles, diapers, snacks and more. It has a large insulated pocket to keep things temperature-regulated, as well as internal pockets and zipper pockets, giving all your adult and baby things a spot. This comes in five colors. (Clip the coupon for an additional 15% off.)
It's time to retire your overworked reusable grocery bag that's tearing at the seams and straps. Say hello to this utility canvas tote that's meant to carry anything from groceries to laundry to a picnic to craft supplies. It has a water-resistant vinyl lining and comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns. The tote has a soft frame that gives it integrity but it can be folded down for easy storage and comfortable carrying.
Commuters, students or anyone who travels with a computer knows how drab some laptop bags can be. Say hello to this super chic, personalizable leather laptop bag with an adjustable strap and two exterior pockets to help you never forget your charger again. It's good-looking enough that you'll almost want to use it as a purse and can be carried via the handles or worn over your shoulder.
HuffPost shopping writer Haley Zovickian put us on to this budget-friendly crossbody phone holder for its convenience and ease.
"It has been a mainstay in my life," she said. "I’m able to talk on speakerphone hands-free; I can easily listen to music with my corded headphones without it being a pain; and best of all, I never drop my phone — if I do fumble it, my cell is caught by the strap before hitting the ground."
If you haven't been to a concert or large sporting event lately, you may not realize that the NFL (and many major arenas and venues) now limits you to a clear bag that does not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. A modern take on a traditional pocketbook, this option has a fold-over flap with one main compartment and a turn clasp. It measures 10.2 inches by 7.8 inches by 2.7 inches with a top handle and detachable adjustable crossbody strap. This comes in four different colors for the handle and strap.
Bring your lunch in style or keep your afternoon Diet Coke nice and cold with this insulated faux-leather crossbody bag that's also a cooler. It's 10.5 by 8 inches, holds up to four cans of seltzer or soda, and has an adjustable strap. Reviewer LisaHE wrote: "I love this cooler so much that I ordered 3 more for gifts! It is great for holding 4-5 cans to go to the pool or to carry your lunch! Love the gold interior! So chic!"