So, we know we said there isn’t a bag that works for everyone, but if you need a quick recommendation that will probably work for just about any scenario, try the Solo Parker Hybrid Laptop Backpack Tote. The name says it all: This bag works as both a tote and a backpack, and the padded backpack straps can be tucked away into a sneaky side flap when not in use. The interior includes a padded laptop sleeve and multiple pockets for smaller items. Plus, the top zippers closed.

What could be improved: This bag is quite deep, so smaller items may be hard to dig out if they fall to the bottom. A few of the pockets are too tiny to be useful, and we wish it had a water bottle pocket inside or outside.

If you like the idea of a hybrid bag but want to spend less than $50, we recommend the ZOCILOR Women’s Backpack from Amazon. It has the look and feel of a cute purse, but works as a backpack and satchel as well. We like the multiple color and pattern options, the capacity to fit a small laptop and the zippered exterior pockets.

However, the dark interior fabric makes it hard to find smaller items, and some buyers wish the vegan leather were higher quality. A few find that the zippers are not easy to open and close.

Ready to spend a little extra on yourself or a loved one? We love the Pegai Leather Sharon Tote. This luxurious, handcrafted Italian leather bag has a fabric-lined interior with calfskin accents, several interior side pockets, a magnetic closure and as a bonus, a detachable zippered pouch. The straps are tall, making it easy to slip your arm through.

The downsides: The bag doesn’t have a zippered closure, which isn’t ideal if you have a bumpy commute. The main compartment is also quite large, so smaller items that don’t fit into the side pockets get lost at the bottom. A few customers also don’t like that the bag is shipped folded, and the creases take a while to come out.

Hoping to find the ultimate travel tote? The Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag is the one to beat. We like that this product has a removable laptop sleeve and a luggage trolley sleeve. It can also be carried as a satchel with the adjustable shoulder strap. Available in multiple colors and made in vegan leather, this bag has a classy look that goes with many different occasions.

The downsides: This product isn’t available at other retailers, and Calpak offers free shipping only if your order is $75 or more. In addition, it may feel awkward threading your arm through the short shoulder straps to carry the bag.

If you’re looking for an unobtrusive, comfortable and sleek backpack to bring to work, we recommend the Urban Originals Poppy Backpack. It comes in four colors (gray, black, pink and terracotta) and low chemical, recycled nylon makes up the exterior. We love the interior laptop sleeve and multiple interior pockets which prevent small items from getting lost. Plus, the bag sits high up on the back which helps reduce shoulder strain.

What could be improved: The velcro strap on the laptop sleeve isn’t very useful because it’s sewn too low. The back of the bag also doesn’t have much structure, which some customers may like. Without a laptop or a notebook, the bag can sag with the weight of other items.

Need a sturdy backpack that can handle tough commutes and the occasional plane ride? Take a look at the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack. This bag comes in four different sizes and multiple colors depending on your preference, and it has a dedicated laptop compartment. We also like the many pockets inside the front zipper, and the middle compartment works well for books, notebooks and odds and ends.

The downsides? Not every color is available in every backpack size. A few customers found that the interior materials ripped after a few months of use. We wish the bottom of the bag had more padding for delicate items.

If you love the idea of a backpack but want to elevate your style, we recommend the MAHI Leather City Backpack. This handmade, premium leather bag has thick straps for comfort, a large hidden back pocket, durable zippers and a waterproof water bottle pocket on either side. We particularly like the padded laptop compartment and internal phone pocket.

What could be improved: While this bag is large enough to hold a laptop, the interior is snug, so bulky items are tougher to fit. It’s also not available at other retailers, and as a genuine leather bag, it’s on the pricier side.

Fossil is best known for its classy purses, but its backpacks are also noteworthy. We like the Elina Convertible Backpack because it has an attractive leather exterior and works as a backpack or tote. It fits a laptop up to 16 inches in height and has a zippered closure.

Note that the straps are not padded and don’t have much structure, so this bag will become uncomfortable if you’re carrying heavy items. The interior is also narrow, so you may not be able to fit as much inside it as you would like. A few customers have complained that the zipper is not durable.

If you like the look of a purse backpack but don’t need to have genuine leather, the Telena Backpack is a great choice. It can be carried as both a tote and a backpack, and it can fit a small laptop, among other items. We like that the backpack straps are adjustable, the bottom is structured, the pockets keep small items organized and the main enclosure has a zipper.

What could be improved: The exterior side pockets have no give, so you won’t be able to fit water bottles in them. A few customers have also had issues with the zippers getting stuck.

Want the look of a glam bag with all the functionalities of a work bag? Check out the WanderFull Woven Hydrotote. It has an interior water bottle sleeve (the dream!), a dedicated laptop sleeve, a detachable crossbody strap and several pockets for knick knacks. We like that the vegan leather is more matte than it appears to be in pictures. It’s also durable and water resistant, and it comes in five colors.

The downsides — (which were hard to find!) — this bag isn’t available at retailers beyond the WanderFull website, and it’s pricey. The top also does not have a zippered enclosure, though this might appeal to some buyers.

For a modern, chic tote that doubles as a work bag, opt for the Urban Originals Lenora Tote. This two-tone bag is made of high-quality, eco-conscious vegan leather and it has zippered pockets. We love that it has plenty of room in the main compartment for bulky items. A bonus: The straps overlap easily, which prevents the bag from falling down your shoulders.

However, the single compartment means that smaller items may get lost. This bag is also on the pricier side, and it can only be carried one way.

Need a work bag that doubles as a diaper bag and sometimes a weekender? The Ayla Diaper Bag has you covered. It looks like a large, chic backpack purse but has great functionality, thanks to a laptop sleeve, wide interior compartment, stretchy pockets for bottles and diapers, and zippered pockets for small items. We love that the two exterior bottle sleeves can be zippered open to create room for big bottles.

What could be improved: This bag isn’t available at other retailers, though the mini version is available on Amazon. It’s also pricey, costing $172 to $209, and the non-padded straps can get uncomfortable when carrying heavy items.

If you love the sophisticated look of a crossbody bag (or satchel) but don’t know which one to pick, try the Quince Triple Compartment Satchel. We love that this bag is made of Italian pebbled leather and can be carried as a satchel, crossbody or tote. The crossbody strap is detachable, and the metal feet reduce wear and tear on the bottom. Smaller than most satchels, this crossbody tote is manageable and won’t put too much weight on your shoulder.

What could be improved: The thin strap may dig into your shoulder if you place heavy items in the bag. We also wish this bag were a smidge larger to fit a laptop — if you prefer a tote that can hold a laptop and water bottle, we recommend the Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote.

Hoping for a bag that can travel from the office to the airport? We like the Leatherology Alex Vertical Work Tote. The Italian leather bag has a laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch Macbook Pro, an interior water bottle holder, a zipper closure and a trolley sleeve for luggage. We love the long shoulder straps, which make it easier to slip this bag over your shoulder.

The downsides? This tote is so big that you might not like carrying it around the office. The thin straps may also get uncomfortable if you’re carrying heavy items, and the bag is one of our more expensive recommendations.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Solo Parker Hybrid Tote, we recommend the Eddie Bauer Bygone Recycled Backpack Tote. This simple, elegant bag has two exterior pockets for water bottles, adjustable, padded backpack straps and a spacious interior. We like that the nylon is made with recycled materials.

However, this bag comes in just two colors. We also don’t like that the water bottle pockets don’t stretch, and this backpack is hard to find at other retailers.

The Athleta Tote Bag isn’t just a work bag — it’s an extra large tote that can carry your gym items as well. We love the simplicity of the design, the zippered enclosure and the laptop sleeve. We also like that this bag is versatile and works as a weekender or beach tote.

On the other hand, the spacious interior means it’s easy to lose small items if you don’t tuck them into the small pockets. A few buyers also complained that this bag was too big for work!

Nothing’s worse than walking into your workplace with a soaking-wet bag and finding that some of your items got damp. On the rainiest days, opt for the Rains Backpack. The sleek, simple bag has a waterproof exterior and the sleek design fits into an office setting. We also like that it easily fits a laptop.

However, the main interior is tall, and small items can get lost at the bottom. The straps also have no padding and can get uncomfortable, and this bag is on the pricier side.

Need a bag that can handle everything a medical job throws at you? Enter the Uniform Advantage Maevn READYGO Backpack. The zippered front compartment is great for studying tools like your pens and notepads and smaller items, such as your keys. The two side pockets are great for water bottles, and the roomy interior can fit a laptop, a jacket and more. We also like that the backpack straps can be tucked into a sleeve when not in use.

The downsides: The Uniform Advantage isn’t the easiest site to navigate because the READYGO 2 Backpacks are not sorted onto one page. In addition, the bag may be too small depending on your needs, especially if you want to bring a change of clothes and toiletry items for overnight shifts. We wish the material could expand for bulky items.

We know what you might be thinking: Backpacks make teachers look like students! But if the wear and tear of a tote starts to ruin your shoulders, it may be time to switch. We like the Sowaovut Laptop Backpack because it has enough room to carry just about everything a teacher would need. It’s also highly organized with multiple zippered compartments and affordable.

However, this bag has a bulky look and feel that some teachers may not like. The charging port on the side often doesn’t work, either. This bag is only available on Amazon.