Which is more convenient, a tote or a backpack? How to choose the right bag for business

Since you will be using your business bag every day, you want to choose one that is durable and easy to use.

Recently, more and more people are using backpacks as business bags because they allow them to keep both hands free and can hold a lot of luggage. For this reason, some people who are thinking of buying a new bag may be unsure of which one to get.

This time, we will compare popular totes and backpacks, and introduce some tips on how to choose a bag that will be useful in business situations.

The pros and cons of totes

First, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the common tote-type bags. Since this is a popular type, it's important to understand its features.

The benefits of totes

There are four main benefits to choosing a tote bag for business purposes:

1. It's easy to take out your luggage

Tote bags have a wide opening, so you can easily take out the contents of your bag. In business situations, it is important to be able to quickly take out the things you need when you need them, such as documents, a computer, writing utensils, and a notepad.

2. It can be used safely in business situations

When you hear the word tote bag, you probably think of canvas, but there are also many models made of leather and other materials that are sold for business use. If the design is not too casual, it is excellent for use in business situations.

3. It won't get in the way even on a crowded train

When choosing a bag for business use, it is often overlooked but important to consider whether it will not get in the way on a crowded train. A tote bag is convenient because you can quickly bring it to the front when it is crowded.

4. Some items can be used as is for ceremonial occasions

Business tote bags tend not to have flashy designs, and tend to be in chic colors. For this reason, many of them can be used for formal occasions as well.

Another advantage of business tote bags is that they are designed to not be offensive to others, even in such cases where you often need to visit suddenly.

Disadvantages of Tote Bags

Compared to the advantages, what are the disadvantages? There are four main disadvantages to choosing a tote bag for business purposes:

1. It's hard to carry around for long periods of time

If your job requires you to travel long distances, especially on foot, a tote bag can be difficult to carry as it puts strain on one side of your body.

It's not a problem for everyday commuting, but there may be situations where you need to use it differently.

2. It puts strain on your shoulders

Tote bags cannot be worn on the back, so they put a strain on the shoulders. If the shoulder strap is not too long, you can carry it in your hands, but you still need to be careful because the strain caused by carrying a heavy load is unavoidable.

3. One hand is full

Tote bags are worn over the shoulder, but to keep them stable, you need to hold them down with the hand you're using to hold them down. This means one hand is always occupied, which can be inconvenient.

4. The bag loses its shape when you put too much stuff in it

If you have more documents or luggage when you're out and about, putting them in a tote bag may cause the bag to lose its shape. Tote bags are worn close to the body, so they are not ideal for carrying a lot of luggage.

Also, in a business setting, a bag that is out of shape would not be considered very smart.

The pros and cons of backpacks

Next up is the backpack, which has recently become popular in the business world. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of backpacks?

The benefits of a backpack

Here are four benefits to using a backpack in business situations:

1. It's easy to carry heavy luggage

Backpacks are luggage carriers that were originally developed for mountain climbing. They are designed to allow you to move around without putting strain on your body while carrying the heavy loads you use when climbing. They also come in handy in business situations where things tend to get heavy with computers and documents.

2. You can fit your luggage in with plenty of room

As I mentioned earlier, backpacks are designed to withstand a certain amount of weight and hold a lot of luggage. In addition, business backpacks are often made in a square shape, so they don't lose their shape even when you put things inside. Unlike totes, you can rest assured even if your luggage increases when you're out and about.

3. You can use both hands freely

A major advantage of backpacks is that you can carry your belongings with you while keeping both hands free. Nowadays, most people use smartphones, so backpacks are highly compatible with the modern business world.

4. Some are multifunctional

Backpacks developed for business use tend to be multifunctional.

For example, there are an increasing number of backpacks equipped with features that are useful in business situations, such as those that are resistant to rain and wind, and those that can store a computer, cords, and chargers.

Disadvantages of backpacks

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages to using a backpack for business purposes. There are four main disadvantages:

1. It's hard to take out your luggage

Unlike totes, most backpacks have narrow openings for storing your belongings. You also have to take the bag off your back to take your belongings out. Therefore, when used in business situations, the hassle of taking your belongings out can be considered a disadvantage.

2. They can be a nuisance to others

Backpacks are worn on the back, so you need enough space on your back for one backpack. For example, they can be a nuisance on a crowded train. When it's crowded, you should be considerate and carry the backpack in front of your body.

3. Your suit will get creased

Since you carry a backpack on your back, it can cause your suit to get wrinkled. In business situations, you want to avoid having a wrinkled suit, so this is a disadvantage.

4. It can look casual

Backpacks were originally created for mountain climbing, so they inevitably give off a casual impression. Therefore, when using them for business purposes, you need to consider the material and shape.

If you want to create a formal look, you can achieve balance by choosing something made of leather or a sturdy type that can stand on its own.

Which is better for business: a tote or a backpack?

When it comes to business, which is better, a tote bag or a backpack? We will explain the features of each.

If you want a more formal look, we recommend a tote bag.

If you don't want to look too casual, we recommend choosing a tote bag instead of a backpack. If you choose one that fits your build and height, it will look smart and will blend in with a suit without any problems.

If you want your tote bag to look more formal, we recommend one that is made of leather, like a backpack, or one that can stand upright when placed on the floor.

If functionality is important, a backpack is recommended.

If you travel a lot and tend to carry a lot of luggage, a backpack is a good choice. Backpacks are more functional than tote bags, so they are also ideal for people who want something more functional.

Not only do they put less strain on your body than tote bags, but if they have lots of internal dividers and pockets you can also store your belongings separately.

Some models have a special function for letting the earphones out, so it's recommended to choose one based on your preferred features.

If you can't decide, try this! A 2-way bag that can be carried in different ways

When considering using it in a business setting, some people may feel that "I want a tote that doesn't look too casual, but I don't want to give up the functionality of a backpack." For those people, we recommend a 2-way bag that can be carried in different ways.

Bags that can be attached with handles or backpack straps can be used in different situations. If you are not sure which one to buy, why not choose one that is 2-way?

Recommended 2-way bags for business use

A 2-way bag that can be switched between a tote and a backpack is useful in any situation.

What kind of 2-way bags are there that are so easy to use? Here we will introduce some recommended 2-way bags for business use.

Recommended 2-way business bags 1

Dulles Bag Toyooka Bag Genuine Leather Attached L Size YK3 [LIZARD]

This vertical backpack has beautiful wood grain and a wooden handle. It is a "Toyooka bag" certified type made in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Since it is made of synthetic leather, it is easy to care for, and has a luxurious embossed pattern with a subdued sheen to reproduce the texture of genuine leather, so even though it is a backpack, it does not feel casual even in business situations. It is a large-capacity B4 size with mobile storage.

Recommended 2-way bags for business use 2

Dulles Bag Medium Y7 [LIGHT]

It is a size that fits comfortably on your lap so that you can carry it comfortably on the train. It can be worn as a backpack, but it is also stylish when carried by hand.

It can be used by both men and women, so it is also recommended for female business people who have a lot of luggage due to their work. In addition, the bag has a wide opening so you can easily take out your items. Furthermore, it has a 3-way design that can be used as a handbag, backpack, or shoulder bag.

3 recommended 2-way bags for business

Dulles Bag, Genuine Leather, Waterproof, Limited to 10 pieces, M size Y7WP [WaterProof]

This bag can be carried by hand, as a backpack, or over the shoulder, making it a convenient bag for both commuting and business use.

The material used is unique, being very supple and having the texture of leather, yet lightweight and waterproof even if it gets wet in the rain.

The design is classic and elegant, so it is recommended for business situations. The bag also has a wide opening, so you can easily take out your computer.

4 Recommended 2-way Business Bags

Dulles Bag Toyooka Bag Genuine Leather Attached M Size YK7 [LIZARD]

This business bag features a lizard-skin-like embossed pattern. It comes in three colors: black, chocolate, and navy, all of which are very elegant.

The horizontal model makes it easy to see the contents, and is especially recommended for those who often carry documents. There is also a zipper pocket on the outside, so you can easily take out items you use often, such as your smartphone or wallet.

5 recommended 2-way business bags

Dulles Bag, Size S, Y9S [LIGHT]

This is a slightly smaller bag that fits A4 size perfectly. It has enough capacity to store a 12-inch iPad Pro neatly. It is made of beautifully glossy synthetic leather, and the texture is not inferior to genuine leather.

Another big advantage is that it is made of synthetic leather, so it is water resistant. The bag itself is lightweight, making it a recommended item that is easy for women to use.

6 recommended 2-way business bags

Dulles Bag XL Size Y3XL [LIGHT]

The most distinctive feature of this business bag is its large capacity, which can easily store even a 15-inch laptop.

The bag is made of synthetic leather, so it is lighter than a genuine leather bag and is easy to carry even when filled with luggage. This bag is perfect for people who need to carry a lot of documents or for situations where they need to take a lot of luggage with them on a short business trip.

summary

Tote bags and backpacks used in business situations each have their own unique advantages.

The appropriate business bag will vary depending on whether you want formality or functionality, so use it according to the situation. If you are unsure, we recommend a 2-way bag that can be used as both a tote and a backpack.

Please try comparing different ones and find your favorite.