Best handbags tested (2024): Weather resistant and durable

Honorable mentions

Photo: Lou and Sons

Lo & Sons Upcycled Patchwork Bag, $66: This is probably what you imagine when you think of a handbag – it has one large compartment with two small interior pockets and cannot be closed or zipped. However, it comfortably fits your laptop, books and everyday accessories so it can be used as a work bag or for a night away. Fun fact: it’s made of Lo & Sons bags were returned and destroyed.

Lo & Sons Catalina Supreme bag, $135: Lo & Sons is one of our favorite brands, and previous reviewer Medea Giordano says this travel bag is great for weekend getaways. It is spacious with a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes. Don’t need a separate room? Just unscrew the bottom of the main compartment to create one larger space. The Catalina Supreme is made from durable recycled material that maintains its shape even when empty. However, it’s hard to justify the hefty price tag.

Bellroy Tokyo bag, $129: This is a runner-up for our top pick from Moment. It’s similarly pocketable, with a soft shell to hold a 13-inch laptop, two 5-inch pockets for a phone, wallet, cables, or small laptop, and larger “pop-up” pockets on either end that extend to hold a water bottle, umbrella, or shoes. It’s made of Recycled plastic bottlesIts straps have a nice rubber grip to keep it on your shoulders.

Image: Lux and Nix

Lux and Nyx Origami Bag, $288: The Origami Tote is stunning, with a design that can go from work and the gym to dinner or the airport. There’s a padded laptop sleeve, two internal side pockets that can hold small umbrellas or even flats, a small zippered pocket hidden inside the V-shaped outer shell that holds a phone, and a luggage lane on the other side. There are two versions, one made of neoprene and satin, but neither Biodegradable.

Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $100: we love the Kanken backpack. Its Totepack is basically the same bag but can be converted from a bag to a backpack. The downside is its size, as it only has a pocket for a 13-inch laptop and two side pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella — but it’s narrow, so don’t expect it to hold a 1L Nalgene.

United by Blue Convertible Carryall for $118: This is it Our favorite recycled bag And a hard, waterproof laptop bag that you can wear as a handbag over one shoulder or unzip the hidden straps and sport it as a backpack. Previous reviewer Medea Giordano says it’s great for camping trips and outdoor vacations. Some key features include a padded laptop sleeve, interior organizational pouches, and two side pockets with expandable straps.

Photo: Dagny Dover

Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Bag for $285: Petra is made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles. It is permanent and huge– Fits a 16″ laptop and is approximately 17″ long. Maybe too big for an everyday bag. But the hardware is made of heavy metal, and the laptop compartment is padded. For parents, this is also a convenient diaper bag.