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The reflective straps on this Notabag are sure handy, as they will make you very visible when you’re out and about at night. But, the design of the straps is even handier; do you notice their angle? With a single pull of those straps, the bag transforms from a tote into an easy backpack. That makes carrying contents much more convenient, either by foot or by bicycle. Smart.
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Can there ever be too many minimal totes? I think not, because we are all a little picky in our quest for an everyday bag. This backpack by Minor History has a fold-over top with a magnetic closure, adjustable brass buckle straps, and a large zippered compartment (in the fold-over). That leaves plenty of room for a laptop and other necessities, either for your daily commute or a longer journey.
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Okay, raise your hand if you use or have used Ikea’s large, blue shopping bag around your home or for other errands. Don’t worry, you won’t be ostracized, as I’m guilty of the same. It just goes to show that really large totes can be extremely useful. Ferm Living’s Herman Big Bag slides in as an alternative option, as it measures in at 26″ long with a 15″ and 13″ height and width. Heavy cotton canvas with leather handles is durable enough for all manner of toting to and fro and looks quite a bit nicer than plastic… though it does cost quite a bit more as well. It would be well suited for a weekend getaway bag, don’t you think?
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Nice briefcases and fancy handbags are all fine and good, but sometimes you just need an inexpensive tote, preferably with a few pockets. This tote from Poketo is divided into two roomy compartments with a smaller middle pocket for your keys, phone, and wallet. The two larger compartments are especially handy for gym days, as you can keep your work clothes separate from your workout gear, or your water bottle away from your tablet.
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Do you want a special sort of backpack? This one by The Unseen Emporium transforms from black to vivid colors in response to fluctuations in air pressure. A little reptilian, no? Of course, a bit of magic is involved- or science, if you prefer the truer explanation- and will have others doing double takes as they catch your bag changing color.
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You know what’s fun? Colorful, recycled, polyethylene totes that are very sturdy, because you can lug them around everywhere and not worry about messing them up. Take it to the beach, the grocery store, your local garden nursery, attach it to your bike, use it for kids toys, fill it with ice to cool down drinks, etc… it’s a multipurpose tote that won’t crumple no matter what you throw in it. You’ll be happy to know that the green totes are made of sugar cane, which is super environmentally friendly (and a little more expensive).
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Sure, we’ve featured more than a few simple backpacks, but there’s something especially nice about the one from Joshu+Vela. With no external pocket, it refuses to be cluttered, and, with its robust materials, will most likely refuse to break down after years of use. It does have one interior pocket along with an interior iPad Sleeve, so you won’t be entirely bereft of organization. Choose between waxed twill canvas (olive, black, navy, natural, or safari tan) and black leather (super sleek, but more expensive, of course). There’s a small version of the backpack too, which is perfect for daily commutes.
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Issey Miyake has joined forces with Iittala and all you’re going to see is this Tote Bag. Don’t worry, you’ll see the rest. For now, though, just take a look at the lightweight, wrinkle-resistant bag, and marvel how it will fold itself up rather compactly, and how it expands into a cool, origami-ish tote when you fill it with your shopping.
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A durable tote that converts to messenger, shoulder bag, and backpack sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? The XFR Tote expands and collapses, so it’s ideal for a shopping tote. It’s also made from the highest grade 600D Double-Sided Tarpaulin with bound internal edges- that means solid construction that won’t disintegrate after a heavy grocery shop. Small loops near the handles enable you to clip in additional straps for changing your carrying style.
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Well done, you, for using your bike as transportation. As a sort of present to yourself, you might consider adding this Helmet Bag to your wardrobe, as it can comfortably fit a helmet, or any other round-ish or odd-shaped item, along with your daily work papers and devices.

The front pleats are oh-so-smart as they allow for expansion- a smart detail that’s sure to come in handy. Let’s also mention that those pleats are entirely acceptable style-wise, unlike other pleats on some other garments (specifically, pleated khaki trousers- those are not, I repeat, NOT acceptable). Not a cyclist? Consider how your bento box or lunch pail might fit comfortably within this bag as well.
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A smart backpack? That sounds like a godsend to anyone who has ever had their phone, tablet, or laptop die away from home. CO.ALITION Smart Backpacks have an integrated power and a wireless hard drive built into their packs, so you can charge all of your devices and back up your important data (or watch movies) wherever you go. There’s enough options to make your head spin, so check it out and consider funding their project to receive one of your very own.
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Maybe you like your books and magazines rumpled with their corners bent from being stuffed haphazardly in your bag, but for the rest of us there’s the Booksleeve by BFGF. Made of hand-painted cotton canvas, each pouch has simple illustrations by Lilian Martinez that are sure to catch the interest of anyone interesting whenever you pull it from your bag. Who’s that person, they’ll ask themselves, and where did they get that booksleeve?
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Yes, you carry around emotional baggage, but at least you’re honest about it. As The School of Life says, “Everyone has it; the trick is to carry it elegantly.” Put your issues out in the open (along with your educational approach to mental health) with this heavy-duty canvas tote. No one will accuse you of hiding your less-than-appealing hang-ups, that’s for sure. Also, if the tote resonates with you, do check out their Psycho Box, which includes the tote along with a ‘How to Stay Sane’ guide, Nietzsche & Freud Notebooks, and Psychoanalytic Pencils.
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Not happy with your backpack/bag? Here’s yet another minimal option for your consideration, and this one is delightfully simple in its design. The Welded backpack from Aether* is lightweight, has an interior laptop pocket, padded straps, and weatherproof zippers. Maybe you’ll use it for hauling your computer back and forth from the office, or maybe you’ll take it with you on your next day hike or weekend trip. Either way, you’ll look quietly cool and you’ll be comfortable.
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Adjustable side zippers make the Le Paname Adjustable Garden Tote the perfect companion for all sorts of chores. Zip one side down to accommodate larger fare, like branches from the garden, or keep both sides up for use as a city or beach tote. It’s made from Bacsac’s signature geotextile fabric, so it’s ultra-light, durable and very versatile.
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