Optimal transforming backpack bag

October 15, 2021 8:51 AM

I need to replace my beloved, highly functional Baggallini Mosey bag, but I can't find a single other bag on the market that does the shoulderbag-to-backpack conversion as elegantly.

The bag I have isn't this model but the way the straps work is the same. Just grabbing the straps in the right place converts it instantly into a simple backpack. I love it because I prefer to wear it as a backpack most of the time, but if I go into a crowded area*, I can quickly move it onto my shoulder. However, I can't find a single currently available bag that works this way.

Here's what I'm looking for:
- instant conversion between backpack and shoulder/crossbody mode, absolutely no detaching and re-attaching, unclipping, unzipping, etc.
- a generous amount of strap in backpack mode (I am both large and tallish)
- room for a Contigo stainless steel bottle (does not need to be a water bottle holder: in the current one, I just wedge it in the open center compartment)
- suitable for business casual events*
- if more backpack than bag, should not have a drawstring or simple flap closure
- should have more than one internal compartment
- neither a huge totebag size nor a small handbag size
- not super femme or flashy, available in black, gray, purple/plum/burgundy, or blue

But really it's the first thing that I can't find at all anymore. I wish Baggallini hadn't abandoned this strap style!

I ordered and will be returning this "classic 3-in-1 convertible backpack" and this "Legacy All Set 3-in-1 backpack" and this "Jessica convertible tote backpack". All of them require multiple steps to switch between modes (and two of them are huge, but that's not the main problem).

I've looked on eBay and Poshmark with no luck. I'm open to other brands if you have suggestions! My current bag is hanging on by a thread, so any help would be much appreciated.


*not that I remember what those are like anymore

posted by wintersweet to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

Here's one on Poshmark you might not have seen?
posted by teremala at 9:03 AM on October 15, 2021

Response by poster: Oh shoot, I completely forgot to say: it looks like the example I linked (and the one on Poshmark) is probably too small to hold a Contigo bottle, but I'll look into it anyway!
posted by wintersweet at 9:08 AM on October 15, 2021

Maybe a Fjällraven Totepack? There are no "steps" to switch between tote-mode and backpack-mode, although there is a little bit of a trick to it, especially if you've got heavy stuff in the bag (there's only a trick for switching from tote to backpack - backpack to tote, you just grab the handles). There is one *main* compartment, plus a zipper compartment on the front, and an open sleeve and a small zipper compartment on the interior.

I'm not sure whether the straps will be generously-sized enough for you, though. I generally find them plenty large enough (I am a 5'4" woman of "average" build), but if the bag is full and I'm wearing a heavy coat, they can be tricky. It comes in a few different sizes, though, so this might be easier with the largest one.
posted by mskyle at 9:18 AM on October 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

I am going to suggest you look at Rough & Tumble. There's a lot of options there for you but they are $$$.
posted by all about eevee at 9:22 AM on October 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Maybe the Cole Haan Grand Ambition Backpack? It seems like the strap mechanism might be a little different, but it does just slide instantly between the shoulder bag and backpack configurations. It’s business-casual appropriate in my opinion, roomy but not tote-sized-huge, zips on top, and has quite long straps in backpack mode.
posted by somedaycatlady at 10:52 AM on October 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: The Sak has a similar convertible style (more than just this design as well.)

Alternatively - if you have a good tailor or leather worker you can probably get a bag converted yourself if you have the right base bag style. It’s just a few D rings and straps.
posted by Crystalinne at 11:04 AM on October 15, 2021

I have a nice one from MEC, if you are in Canada. Mine is discontinued, but they have other options.
posted by Valancy Rachel at 8:03 AM on October 16, 2021

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! The Sak and Cole Haan look closest to being what I need. They're definitely more expensive, but hopefully they'll last longer, too. (And I'm bookmarking the other suggestions as well.)
posted by wintersweet at 9:03 AM on October 19, 2021