Lo & Sons Makes Some Of The Best Travel Bags We've Ever Tried, Including Our Favorite Totes For Work Trips

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This four-in-one bag has changed what I consider useful in a handbag. First off, I'm not usually the purse-carrying type — if I can stuff everything I need in my pockets just to have free hands, I will. But because the Aoyama is so lightweight and easily accessible, I no longer dread being anchored down by a bag. My favorite part is its vertical zippered side pocket, where I can pull out my phone without taking the bag off my shoulder. 

Its removable, adjustable strap allows you to convert the bag into a crossbody bag, clutch, or a shoulder bag at whatever length you prefer. The exterior's leather is lightweight, buttery soft and easy to clean, and the interior compartments have helped me stay organized when traveling. It's much more spacious than it appears, and the netted pockets let me see what's inside more easily. Besides being a stylish accessory, I love this bag for its intuitive design. One little suggestion: choose one of the darker colorways, since the white sheepskin can get discolored. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

I've already used this weekender bag on several occasions in the short span of time I've had it. Whether I'm catsitting at a friend's for the weekend or going on a picnic, I'm taking the O.G. 2 with me. Even the medium size fits so much. I suggest the large only if you're taking frequent trips that last longer than two nights.

First off, it's really easy to carry. The long shoulder straps are made of durable nappa leather (which our cat tried to chew on, but even he couldn't puncture them). It also has an optional crossbody strap, which comes with a removable pad to help it stay put on your shoulder. And if you're traveling with the O.G. 2, you can slip its suitcase handle sleeve onto your carry-on.

The pocket situation is elite. There's a huge padded laptop sleeve (something the first O.G. was missing) that can also fit a small book or e-reader, all sealed in with water-resistant zippers. Its main compartment is wide at the bottom, so I can fit about two days worth of outfits and pile my essentials, like my jacket or hat, on top. The sides are lined with a mesh pocket for a water bottle, three interior slip pockets, and one zippered pocket.

There are some neat extras I learned to look for by testing some of the best work bags. Its front exterior pocket has a key leash, and the bottom has little metal feet to keep the nylon from getting dirty.

What makes this a great weekender bag for work trips is the designated shoe compartment. It unzips at the side and has space for a wet umbrella, dirty laundry, or backup ballet flats. Yet on the outside, it appears as a polished messenger bag with shimmery nylon and gold accents. Basically, this bag can carry your whole life and still accompany you to the conference room. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Read about the original version of this style in our Lo & Sons O.G. Overnight Bag review.

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When the first version of the Rowledge Backpack debuted, there was a lengthy waitlist. As one of the brand's most in-demand bags, we wanted to see how it justifies the whopping $550 price tag on the new-and-improved Rowledge 2.

Admittedly, it is an impressive backpack. It's really easily to switch from a backpack to carrying it by hand when the subway gets too crowded (which is a common courtesy anyway! But it's easier to do thanks to this design). However, I still don't consider it a "tote" because the leather top handles can't fit over a shoulder.

Instead of one main compartment, there are vertical levels of removable inserts, with a padded laptop sleeve in the rear. The zippers on the laptop sleeve seal out moisture, so I can rest assured my computer is protected from spills. The nylon exterior wicks moisture, too, so as I commuted in the rain it never became soggy.

The capacity of this backpack is something to marvel at. I usually only need my laptop, mouse, and charger when I go to work, and this backpack makes it easy to stow them. The rest of the bag is mine to fill up with whatever I may need that day — sneakers, a jacket if the office gets drafty, or a lunch bag. And as a chronic over-packer, I love that the Rowledge 2 gives me that option.

With this backpack, I'm never digging for my keys, lip balm, or work I.D. because there are little pockets hidden everywhere to keep them organized. Even the side pockets zip up to maintain its streamlined silhouette. It's small but spacious, and with its luggage handle sleeve, it's an even better personal item for flights.

I want to see how its leather ages before I deem it worthy of $550, but if you're serious about the efficiency of your home-to-work-to-gym commute, this backpack will not disappoint. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Read about the original version of this style in our Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack review.

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I took the Catalina Deluxe Weekender Large Travel Bag on a couple of short road trips a while ago. Packing a bag is easier than lugging a suitcase around, but I usually travel with the weekender version of this this striped nylon Baggu tote. It's weightless and holds a lot, but it lacks structure and organization.

By comparison, Lo & Son's Catalina weekender is made out of thick canvas — it's heavy duty, but can be folded when not in use. I have yet to max out the large bag on a weekend trip, even with packing sweaters and bulkier items. If I were traveling to a warm-weather destination, the bag could easily fit a week's worth of clothes. The bottom compartment comes in handy for separating out shoes and heavier pieces of clothing, but I did find the zipper hard to maneuver when the bag was empty, since the weight of the canvas bag weighs it down. Overall, this is a well-made travel bag and one that I will definitely continue to use. — Lauren Lyons Cole, former director of personal finance 

Lo & Sons

Small but functional, the Waverley 2 is perfect for taking on the go while running errands, exploring new cities, or toting around during the day. It's big enough to fit a phone, wallet, and other small essentials, plus the interior has three small card pockets that can help save some space if your wallet takes up too much room.

The best part of this bag, though, is the exterior — it can be worn four different ways! Adjust the straps to wear it as a crossbody, a belt bag, a shoulder bag, or a wristlet. I've worn this bag on days when I'm just walking around the city. The size is small enough to bear holding for long walks, but big enough to hold all the essentials for a casual weekend day. The light grey color is unlike any bag I've owned before, but it has a minimalist chic look that I'm excited to incorporate more for spring. — Remi Rosmarin, freelance reporter, Insider Reviews

Lo & Sons

I've had a DSLR camera for six years. During that time, I've probably taken it on vacation with me once or twice — and at least one of those times, it didn't make it out of my suitcase. The problem is that it's clunky, no lightweight or attractive travel purse fits it, and wearing it around my neck is not appealing. It also becomes a risk in museums, when I worry every time I lean over if it will swing into a neoclassical treasure like a cannonball.

Lo & Son's Claremont camera bag is a game-changer. It's attractive, lightweight, and built specifically to house and protect my DSLR as well as the other tourist essentials, like my passport and money in the easily accessed back pocket. Its organization is helpful but not overwhelming — meaning that I can convert it to a crossbody bag, or make full use of the SD memory card pockets and the soft and protective divider. — Mara Leighton, former senior digital culture reporter

Lo & Sons

Editor's note: This review was of the original Hanover Deluxe backpack. You can now purchase the redesigned Hanover Deluxe 2, which features similar specs.

I was honestly shocked how much I was able to fit inside this backpack. There two side pockets and one exterior pocket, plus the main compartment has a removable insert designed to organize all your stuff. I was able to fit well over 20 items, including multiple outfits, a pair of shoes, laptop, Kindle, and random electronics and toiletries, with ease. On top of that, the memory-foam shoulder straps are very comfortable, so much so that I almost forgot I was carrying 15-20 pounds on my back. I'm not sure I'll ever use another travel backpack if I'm being honest. — Francesca Rea, former Insider Reviews senior story producer

Read more in our original Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe Backpack review.

Lo & Sons

The Pearl leather crossbody looks small, but holds everything I need to go out during the day. The main compartment located in the middle of the bag is perfect for items I need to access quickly, like my phone and wallet. Its smaller zippered pockets on the outside are optimal places for loose cash. It also includes this neat little leash to hook onto my keys. I hate digging for my house key in the bottom of my purse (especially when it's raining!), so this was perfect. The leather feels high-quality and I can tell it won't scratch easily. — Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern

Cons to consider

Lo & Sons bags are expensive, so we expect them to last. It offers a one year warranty, which is generous, but what happens beyond this? One editor had an experience with a broken zipper on his bag, and tried contacting its customer service for a replacement piece to fix it. He wasn't able to connect with a person who could accept the bag for repairs.

If it turns out your style is discontinued, you can only receive a store credit, not a money-back guarantee. You'll also need to be prepared to take photos if you're filing a claim on a faulty product.

Lo & Sons

If you're someone who travels on a regular basis, you know how the right bag can impact the smoothness of your trip. While testing Lo & Sons' bags in real hustle-and-bustle settings, we liked how easy they make it to reach a phone or wallet in one simple, fluid motion. Their padded compartments and switchable straps also create a more comfortable, customizable experience than your average tote.

Shop all Lo & Sons bags here.