7 Australian stylists on the best carry-all bags
Carry-all bags for every budget.
After four years of university, I’ve seen just about every variation of Crumpler and Freitag bag out there. And as the colder months are upon us and the work grind is in peak operation, I’m on the hunt for a bag that’s going to fit my laptop, jumper, my current read, a notebook, Tupperware and water bottle (seriously, remember to hydrate).
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Before I purchase the Erl White Puffer Tote that’s been sitting in my cart for weeks, I decided to explore some other options. Below, seven Australian stylists weigh in on their favourite carry-all bags.
Holly Karas, stylist and producer
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The Miles Tote Bag from Viktoria & Woods is a reliable all-rounder bag. The vanilla colour goes with just about everything and it’s nice to wear a bag that isn’t black like all my others.
If I need a bag to throw around, I love the Ikea Brattby Bag. It’s just as sturdy as the traditional Ikea bag but a quarter of the size.
Betty Liu, stylist and creative practitioner
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I love a good multi-purpose bag like this A-Esque Basket 02. Using its removable straps, it can be carried as a top handle or worn on the shoulder. It has a huge base at the bottom, so it’s perfect for when I’m carrying [my] laptop and books. It also collapses into a nice shape when it’s not full. Off-duty vibes!
Backpacks are my go-to when I’m on set with lots of things to carry. I love the ruched bucket-style detail of the Nissa Alpha 60 backpack. It enables me to store things that extend beyond the original length of the bag while the drawstring keeps everything in place.
Gigi Parkin, model and stylist
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You will receive a certificate four in baddie-fication if I witness you creeping around campus with your laptop poking out of the mother of all Telfars – the large shopping bag. I’d opt for a chrome-tinted or bold tone. I’m currently partial to silver, painter’s tape, grey and cobalt. And by sporting the ‘Bushwick Birkin’, you’re supporting a black-owned business. Its only drawback is its price point and lack of compartments, which is where the milf bag comes in.
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The milf bag is essentially an oversized handbag with two main compartments and multiple zip pockets so you can swiftly pull out your Myki wof hen the metro dogs get on at the Queensberry Street tram stop. Think a collaboration between Gossip Girl and Keeping Up with the Kardashians circa 2008.
I have one in grey faux snakeskin. It fits my laptop, diary, water bottle and various unnecessary (or essential?) items comfortably on one shoulder. For a Blair Waldorf serve, this milf bag is one of my favourites.
Yuzhen Wang, stylist, creative director and photographer
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As one of the brand’s staple pieces, A.P.C. tote bags come in a large variety of colours and shapes. They use firm materials like signature denim and leather. The totes are light to mid-weight, so you can feel safe carrying all the stuff you need for your day.
Liam Ramirez, stylist and designer
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As someone who is used to carrying multiple bags and laptop cases within one big tote bag, I usually go for my grey tote bag from Muji.
Another good option is Lambert’s recycled nylon two-toned backpack which has a very similar sporty vibe (perfect for Crumpler and Freitag lovers) and is made locally in Melbourne.
Daisy Ellery, stylist and photographer
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The Eva P from Mam Originals is a unisex backpack; I love the futuristic streamlined design. The most useful element of the bag is its ability to distribute weight so you don’t get back pain. My friends who are stylists and photographers know how important it is to take care of your back!
I also use this tote from Stutterheim. It’s waterproof to protect garments and ultra-spacious.
Felynn Teo En Ning, designer and fashion student
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Some bags I use a lot are the AS Colour totes or my second-hand green Porter backpack from the store 108 Warehouse. They’ve also got an online store; it’s great for anyone looking for more stylised work bags. They’re affordable and durable.
Since I’m studying fashion and it requires a lot of tools, I sometimes even bring a wheeled High Sierra bag with me. Either that or I’m splitting my stuff between totes and smaller sling bags. Or I try to make something!
For more of the best carry-all bags. head here.
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