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When sightseeing or navigating an airport or train station, toting around a purse backpack combo affords a lot of flexibility since they can be worn multiple ways which makes them highly versatile and the different wearing options can help avoid shoulder pain as well! See these reader recommendations for the best women’s convertible backpack purse!
Convertible Purse Backpack Ideas
Table Of Contents
Multi-use bags that can be converted into a backpack, tote, or crossbody make an awesome addition to your capsule wardrobe!
They not only offer different carrying options which can alleviate discomfort on the shoulders and lower back but also provide variety in outfit looks—from casual to elevated—check out these top reader picks for a functional and cute convertible travel backpack that could be gracing your adventures soon!
Reader Recommendations for Best Backpack Convertible Purse
Fjallraven Kanken Tote Backpack
Top Reader Pick: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack Tote Combo (With 13” Laptop Sleeve)
The Fjallraven Kanken was voted as the best convertible tote backpack by readers and is an all-time top seller! So versatile and functional, the webbed straps can be worn over the shoulder or use the two straps to wear as a typical backpack.
Made of sturdy fabric, this puppy is dirt and water-resistant, and easy to clean—just wipe it down! A top loader, you can fit a 13” laptop or tablet in a padded sleeve and there are side and front pockets to organize all your essentials.
One reader proclaims this as her go-to, “I’ve owned my Kanken for two years now. I love it; it’s my only bag for weekend getaways and my personal item for every type of trip I go on.” While another TFG community member shares her family’s experience with it, “My daughter had hers all over Italy, France, and England. She had no problems carrying it and it’s super cute too.” Buy it here!
The Sak Ventura II Convertible Backpack
The Sak Ventura II Backpack Crossbody Purse (With 13” Laptop Sleeve)
Readers time and again recommend The Sak Ventura as a stellar backpack crossbody bag for it’s luxe look and different ways to wear it, either as a across the shoulder or slung on your back. Travelers say this is great for European museums, since backpacks are prohibited most of the time! A reader also highlights its safety features, “Cute bag, and someone mentioned recently that the top fold over bags are a little more secure against pickpockets.”
With the antique silver hardware and lots of pockets for organization, you can also use this as a business travel bag as it fits a 13” laptop as well. There’s even a cute pocket to store pens (who doesn’t need one in the border check line?). Another TFGer describes its usability, “The Sak Ventura backpack is great. Converts to cross body, very roomy but not overwhelming.” Buy it here!
Sakroots Eco-Twill Loyola Convertible Backpack
Sakroots Loyola Convertible Crossbody Backpack Purse (With Laptop Compartment)
One reader who visited New York City explains why she adores this backpack crossbody convertible purse from Sakroots, “I didn’t want to spend a fortune, wanted it to be somewhat sleek, feel great, be lightweight, not knock people out when maneuvering crowds, have side drink pouches, and a compartment on the back side that would be difficult for a pickpocket to easily access. I saw this one and knew it fit the bill!!”
Made of eco-friendly but durable materials that are stain and water resistant, this has a ton of storage pockets, a laptop compartment, side pockets for water or drinks, and even a back zipper pocket perfect for keeping your passport and boarding pass tucked away. Giving off a boho vibe with the colorful tassles, this is a functional, yet fun bag to carry around! Buy it here!
Travelon Convertible Backpack Crossbody Bag and Tote
Travelon Anti-Theft Convertible Bag Backpack (With RFID Protection)
A highly popular brand with TFG readers as one says, “Love Travelon… have four of their bags!” And we tend to agree, they make amazing bags for travel! This cute and polished convertible handbag has slash-proof mesh panels and straps, as well as RFID blocking inside pockets and compartments that lock, making this a must-get for travel in Europe!
It also has numerous ways to organize, with zippered and slip pockets and it also has a strap to slip over luggage. But the main attraction is how many ways you can wear this bag—three to be exact—as a tote, backpack, or crossbody!
Another reader echoes her love for these, “I have several Travelon bags and really like them because of how the zippers lock. Gives me peace of mind when I’m someplace new.” Buy it here!
We’ve rounded up the best anti theft travel bags for women, and our readers have voted for their favorite styles!
PacSafe Citysafe CX 17L Anti Theft Backpack
Pacsafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Convertible Laptop Backpack (With 16” Laptop Sleeve)
Long-time readers and female travelers adore Pacsafe for producing stylish yet excellent anti-theft bags. The Citysafe 17L convertible laptop bag is definitely a contender in both looks and functionality with slash-proof material and padded shoulder straps which can be secured to a table leg to keep it anchored down. The interlocking zippers, laptop padded sleeve (can fit a 16” Macbook Pro), RFID blocking pockets, and expandable compartments for an umbrella or water bottle make this an anti-theft and organizational dream!
Top it off with the carrying options via the top handles, lengthen the strap into a crossbody or sling, or use it as a backpack, along with the handy luggage sleeve, as well as the sleek look and gold hardware means you’ll look good and navigate easily through security or walking the streets of Paris.
A TFG reader shares, “It was great for my SE Asia trip. I used it in backpack mode for touring and crossbody mode at night.” While another says, “I used it in Greece and Italy and it was great. In purse mode, I got into all museums except the Borghese Gallery as no purses were allowed at all in there.” Buy it here!
Osprey Arcane Convertible Backpack Tote (With 15” Laptop Sleeve)
If you’ve been a reader of TFG for a while, you may have noticed I’m incredibly brand loyal. Osprey is a brand that first impressed me on my 9-month round-the-world trip with the Aura 65L, and it’s been my go-to travel and outdoor gear brand ever since! I’ve also had the I had the 55L Farpoint and used it constantly.
So, it’s amazing to see readers hopping on the bandwagon with the Osprey Arcane tote backpack convertible bag! One TFG reader says about this, “It makes a great carry-on and laptop bag, and it has a lot of structure.” This is a top loader that folds over so offers a bit more security, with front pockets and interior ones to hold your essentials. It can also hold a 15” laptop in its padded sleeve.
The top handles can be slung over the shoulder or tucked away when not in use. Marketed as an outdoor bag, it could be fine for light hikes but likely nothing hardcore. However, it’s still made with the brand’s signature durable fabric and has a DWR finish to repel water. Buy it here!
Sherpani Soleil Anti Theft Backpack
Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft Nylon Convertible Backpack (With 15” Laptop Sleeve)
In recent years, the Sherpani Soleil 3 in 1convertible backpack has become a reader favorite! One exclaims, “I used it for four weeks in Europe this summer. Loved it!” This durable and water-resistant bag has numerous compartments to hold anything from a phone to a water bottle, or a small makeup bag, and there’s a laptop sleeve as well as a luggage sleeve.
More budget-oriented than some Pacsafe products, this comes loaded with anti-theft features that include anti-slash fabric, zip locks, RFID blocking protection, and a looping lock system for chairs or table legs. The 3 in 1 function means you can wear it as a crossbody, use it as a tote, or backpack, making it super versatile!
And the way it looks? This TFG reader doesn’t hold back, “Wow! It’s beautiful, versatile, and affordable!” Buy it here!
Find out what our readers have to say about their Sherpani bags in this review!
Baggallini 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack With RFID Phone Wristlet
Baggallini Convertible Tote Bag Backpack Crossbody – 3 In 1 (With RFID Wristlet)
Known for making durable, sleek, and timeless luggage options, Baggalini has been a long-time reader favorite. Made of water-resistant fabric, this cute and unique backpack purse can be organized easily with multiple side, exterior, and interior pockets, and you’ll have tons of wearing options, from a chic tote, practical cross-body, or a hands-free backpack.
One TFG reader share a travel experience, “I just took it on a trip from the USA to Scotland. If held a change of clothes, Kindle, snacks, a 16 oz water bottle, some toiletries, and more! It fit perfectly under the seat on all my planes and was easy to get around with. It has lots of nice pockets.” And as a bonus, the bag comes with an adorably matching wristlet that can be a purse organizer or an evening bag for a night out. Buy it here!
Vera Bradley Convertible Handbag Backpack
Vera Bradley Convertible Backpack Handbag
As one reader announces, “I have loved Vera Bradley for years!” The Vera Bradley convertible bags can go over one shoulder, act as a tote, or be a backpack and make an excellent option for a personal item or carry on backpack.
There are so many pockets (zip, cargo, and more!) to store your items and there’s even a shoe compartment. This bag features 2 slip and 1 zip pocket on the exterior along with 2 slip and 1 zip pocket on the inside – keeping you perfectly organized. A TFG reader says she “loves this bag and used it as a personal item many times!” Buy it here!
Lo & Sons Rowledge Travel Tote Backpack (With 13-14” Laptop Sleeve)
While its price is higher than other bags, the Lo & Sons Rowledge tote backpack laptop option is specially designed for travel, especially for business travelers. Many readers adore their O.G. 2.0 travel weekender tote bag, but if you’re looking for a convertible option, this could fit the bill in quality and functionality.
One reader says, “I find that it fits my needs really well for a versatile work and travel option, and I love the style!” The Rowledge is a durable, yet sleek-looking nylon fabric with water-resistant zippers and it has multiple pockets to make it easy to organize pens, phonoes, wallet, and keys, including a side pocket for a water bottle. It’s also available in a small and large size, with a few inchies difference between the two. The large size can fit a 14” laptop comfortably, while the smaller size can fit about a 13”.
The Jaquard interior lining is simply luxurious and you can use the trolley sleeve to slide over the handles of your carryon suitcase. One satisfied TFG readers shares their travel experience with this backpack, “It’s structured, but still soft enough to cram things in when I’m flying, and I love the feet on the bottom, keeps it upright and it doesn’t get super dirty. Tthe look is very clean and professional, while still feeling high-end but not overly feminine and it fits well under an airplane seat without taking up leg room.” Buy it here!
Find out why our readers love their Lo & Sons bags in this review!
Best Budget Convertible Backpacks
ECOSUSI Vegan Leather Convertible Backpack Bag
Ecosusi Vegan Leather Convertible Backpack Shoulder Bag (With 14” Laptop Sleeve)
Voted as the best travel purse backpack for its usefulness and budget price, this cute Ecosusi bag can become a tote, backpack, or be worn over the shoulder. Superb as a personal item or business trip bag, it has a main compartment with a padded 14” laptop sleeve and numerous pockets to organize notebooks, pens, makeup, including a secret zippered pocket in the back for a discreet storage spot.
It’s also a terrific eco option as it’s made from vegan leather and the tassel and sleek lines make it a combination of “great quality, style, and functionality!” One user gives a mini-review, “I like the comfortable feel of this bag. The inside has plenty of room as the bag is quite deep. The material looks like leather but it’s not. The price was right.” Buy it here!
TFG readers also love the Ecosusi Weekender Bag, though not convertible, it’s great for overnight or short trips; read our review here!
UTO Backpack Purse Leather Vegan With Tassel
UTO Vegan Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag/Backpack (With 13” Laptop Sleeve)
A wonderful budget option that’s said to be an organizer’s happy place, the vegan leather UTO convertible handbags have a plethora of interior and exterior pockets, along with a side one for water, as well as a padded sleeve inside that holds a tablet or laptop.
A TFG reader gives a thorough description of her immediate experience with this bag, “I did a quick test pack today to see how much it will hold. I squeezed in a ton of toiletries, chargers, and entertainment as well as sandals, a maxi skirt, and tank top. The faux leather is very pliable and there are so many pockets, including a back zipper for my phone and small wallet. The side pockets are super deep and secure.”
For carrying options, it has a top handle, two adjustable back straps, and one shoulder strap, so there are many ways to use it—a very chic and practical must-have! Buy it here!
LXY Vegan Leather Vintage Backpack Purse
LXY Faux Leather Convertible Backpack Laptop Bag (With 14” Laptop Sleeve)
For some of the best backpack purses, the LXY laptop backpack is a popular choice. It has six compartments that include a laptop sleeve (14”) and two anti-theft pockets hidden nicely away (one in the back and one in front flap). You can adjust the straps up to 45” to wear like a shoulder bag, too!
And a cool feature, you can adjust the width with a hidden button, so if you’re not carrying much, you can compact it. One traveler says, “I’m a huge backpack lover and didn’t want to drop a ton of money on something that’s going to get tossed around. I seriously love this bag. I love the way it looks and the utility of it, especially the zip pocket on the inside—I’d feel safe keeping my passport in there.”
With its vintage look and sleek hardware, considering this is a no-brainer! Buy it here!
CLUCI Backpack Purse Faux Leather
CLUCI Faux Leather Stylish Backpack Purse
If you don’t do a lot of business travel or prefer to travel with a tablet instead of a laptop, the CLUCI is a backpack and purse in one and is the very image of luxe (and practical)! With a huge main compartment and lots of zippered areas, you can store everything from a hotel room keycard, umbrella, cell phone, water bottle, and tablet. This also has an anti-theft design, as the closure is in the back and the back zipper has a function to keep pickpockets at bay.
One adventurer says this is perfect for exploring new places with peace of mind, “I got this bag for traveling after someone tried to unzip my other backpack in Paris. It’s stylish and keeps my things safe since the zipper is against my back. I like the removable strap so I can throw it over my shoulder when needed. I love this bag!”
And it’s durable—as droplets of water don’t affect it much and the chic hardware is anti-corrosion. Buy it here!
Read how to choose the best travel purse!
BOYATU Purse Backpack Bag With Reinforced Straps
BOYATU High-Quality PU Leather Backpack Purse Convertible Style
This BOYATU convertible travel backpack closes in clever and safe ways with a pull rope and a magnetic buckle. Super soft, but full of tons of organizational compartments, including a side, back, and interior pockets to keep everything in its place.
The strap can be adjusted to 33” so you can wear it over the shoulder. One user mentions the biggest plus about this backpack, “My favorite thing about this bag is the fact that it has so many pockets and compartments. On top of it, It has a high-quality feel to it, while the price was right.”
Zocilor Convertible Backpack Purse Travel Bag
Zocilor Convertible Travel Bag (With Multi Pockets)
For a chic and fun purse and backpack combo, the Zocilor Travel Bag has a sleek multipurpose design that easily converts handbag to backpack purse and shoulder bag, so secure and stylish, along with numerous interior and exterior pockets for lots of organizational options. Adjustable backpack straps and detachable shoulder strap.
An economical way to look elevated without paying a ton, this is wonderful for travel or daily use. Buy it here!
Best Leather Convertible Backpack Purse
Sak Loyola Convertible Leather Backpack Purse
An excellent leather option for under $100, the Sak Loyola offers popular backpack purses that have style and function in one. Able to be a crossbody as well, it has multiple pockets inside and outside to store small essentials.
While not something for business travel, this is ideal for a personal onboard item or a terrific for a sightseeing bag. This user is very happy with her find, “The convertible backpack/crossbody design is genius! It’s super well made and fits everything I need. It’s so comfortable as a backpack I forget it’s on. Then say I’m in a crowded place and want to keep it closer, boom it’s a crossbody within my sight. Amazing!” Buy it here!
Fossil Camilla Convertible Backpack
Fossil Camilla Soft Leather Convertible Backpack Purse
A reader favorite, this 100% leather Fossil laptop tote backpack has a back zipper to safely stow something as well as lots of other pocket options to organize, as well as room for a 13” laptop.
A traveler gives a short review, “I purchased this bag for an upcoming vacation, and now that I’m back, I can easily say this bag made all the difference. It’s large enough to hold a 32 oz water bottle, rain coat, umbrella, batteries, reusable shopping bags, Kindle, and a slew of other things. Not to mention I LOVE the back pocket which is easily accessible while it’s on, and I kept my wallet and phone in there without even feeling it.”
This pictured color (henna) is loved by readers, in case you’re looking for color ideas! This is a quality bag that can be worn on the shoulder or as a tote as well and it will last for years. Buy it here!
If you need the best packable tote, read our list!
Cuyana Leather Convertible Leather Backpack (With 13”-16” Laptop Sleeve)
If you’re a purveyor of fine Italian products, the convertible backpack purse designer Cuyana has crafted is an elegant, classig design that can fit all your essentials, as well as a dedicated laptop compartment that accommodates 13”-16” size laptops.
It has nice, wide straps, easy to use magnetic closures, and you can carry as a tote or over the shoulder. Cuyana is LWG certified, which means that the leather is tanned responsibly. Buy it here!
ili Leather Convertible Backpack
Ili RFID Leather Convertible Backpacks (With 13” Laptop Sleeve)
A high-quality pick, the Ili convertible leather bag offers everything a traveler wants, boasting RFID blocking technology, multiple pockets, and a 13” padded laptop compartment.
With a sleek hardware and shape, this would be ideal for more fashionable cities like New York and also European travel. Buy it here!
Traveling with a laptop? Check out these business backpacks!
What’s your favorite women’s convertible laptop backpack? Please comment below!
For more tips and ideas on travel bags, please read:
- Top Anti-Theft Travel Bags for Women – Best Sellers!
- What are the Best Travel Bags with Trolley Sleeve?
- Best Messenger Bags: Functional and Adorable Options
- Cross Body Purses: The Best Travel Shoulder Bags for Women
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I ended up buying the Sak Loyola based on this post and found it on sale this weekend. I mostly wanted something purse-like and sleek to fit my laptop in between the office and home, but I think it will be really helpful for my underseat item for traveling too!
Great list! I have The Sak Ventura 2 bag in tobacco. I took it to my local leather shop and had a matching 8” grab handle added to the top rings. This allows me to slip the bag onto my wrist or carry it by this short handle. This makes the bag incredibly versatile. Because of the unique suspension system, I can also carry it as a backpack, backpack with the flap turned against my back, shoulder bag, or crossbody. The bag well-made and nicely lined. Naturally cut resistant. I sewed some attachment points into the lining for my wallet and phone tethers, keys, etc. It’s big enough for a full day out, including a jacket (in a small packing cube), bottle of water and snacks, but the flat shape keeps it from becoming bulky. I can hold it in my lap during meals and transit. I appreciate the carrying options, because I like to use a backpack for my main bag, with a medium size handbag for my personal item and day bag.
I am on a search for the right one for me!
I have an older Travelon convertible backpack that we used when sightseeing in Europe.
Just purchased a Sherpani sojourn to use as my under seat bag for an upcoming trip to Europe. Can’t wait to give it a try.
I have a different version of the Sherpani (mine is a Sojourn) and love it! I’m going to have to try and get my hands on one of the teal Soleils. I also have a different verion of the Pixie Mood (mine is the Cora), which I haven’t used as much. I’ll have to consider it more often.
Thank you for sharing your love of the Sherpani backpacks with us Cheri! 🙂
I have the exact Sakroots bag shown. It’s a good idea, but the patterned version of it is not stiff enough or structured enough. It collapses on itself all the time and the adjustable straps never stay put. The bag ends up at my knees in crossbody mode. This bag will only drive you crazy. The concept is good, but doesn’t function like it should.
Good to know, thanks!
I have the same bag. I agree 100% with your comment. Hence, my search for a new convertible backpacks begins.
I have one too and I agree with J.C and Elle. I now use the Tumi Jackie convertible bag, it’s way better than this one!
I love the Henri Bendel Convertible Backpack. It is super cute, comes in many colors, and is very versatile.
I would love to know what the bag is in the top, title picture for this article.
The image used is a stock photo, however the bag is similar to item 2 on the list 🙂