I see a lot of social media posts about being the “mom friend.” It entails sober driving, supplying snacks, and caring advice — the works. For me, being the mom friend means carrying the right purse.
Almost a year ago, I conjured up a few hundred dollars for a good ol’ college spring break. Well, kinda. My friends and I hopped on a cheap Allegiant flight to Savannah, Georgia. We got brunch, went antiquing, and toured museums. Throughout the trip, I lugged around my large travel bag.
The power of a tote bag is that it can hold everything. I carried extra jackets, granola bars, bandaids, and my camera. My friends threw whatever they wanted into the bag in the morning when we left our Airbnb, and we didn’t have to go back during the day to grab anything. It was so convenient. Read more…
More about Travel, Luggage, Bag, Mashable Shopping, and Carry On
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST ALL-ROUND BAG
Arden Cove Anti-Theft Collection
This stylish crossbody is loaded with security features, and its design is available in other sizes too.
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: Yes
$159 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR TECH
Alpha Sling XL
Perfect for those staying in hostels, the Alpha Sling XL makes it easy to take a small laptop and more on the go.
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 10.2 x 5 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: No
$99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Lo & Sons
BEST CARRY-ALL, CARRY-ON BAG
Catalina Deluxe Tote
This two-compartment tote makes it easy to store all your things.
- Dimensions: 14 x 15 x 7 in.
- Slash proof: The polyester will be able to withstand slightly dull blades.
- RFID protection: No
- Water resistant: Yes, in the recycled polyester fabric
- Locking zippers: No
$128 from Lo & Sons
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST BACKPACK
Sherpani Camden Convertible Backpack
It’s a backpack, a tote, and a crossbody in one — and it’s super secure.
- Dimensions: 11 x 16 x 4.5 in.
- Slash proof: Yeah, just don’t test it with a machete.
- RFID protection: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: No
$98 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR SAFETY
Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Tote
It looks like a handbag but works a little harder.
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 21.7 x 9.5 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: Yes
$139.95 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
OUR WATERPROOF PICK
Watershed Largo Tote
For chilling on the lake or traveling during monsoon season, this bag is one of the best to keep your valuables dry.
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.5 x 6 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: No
- Water resistant: Waterproof
- Locking zippers: No
$116 from Amazon
IMAGE: Baboon to the Moon
BEST EVERYDAY TOTE
Baboon to the Moon Go-Tote
A little bit of fun to carry a lot of essentials.
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 14 x 5 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: No
$99 from Baboon to the Moon
IMAGE: Target
BEST VALUE
Made By Design AntiTheft RFID Medium Crossbody Handbag
It doesn’t look like anything special, but that just makes this bag a pretty good hustler.
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 2 in.
- Slash proof: Yes
- RFID protection: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Locking zippers: Yes
$42 from Target
