Work/Travel Tote! Help!

[meluvs2shop]

Hi All!
I am in need of advice/opinions here! I work and am on my feet all day going from location to location walking big hospitals. I need a lightweight sturdy tote (due to shoulder injury I don’t want heavy leather), that can take a beating and hold a lot. Yet, still be stylish. I carry lots of papers and folders. Plus my journal, a little Prada nylon crossbody (sometimes I’m in shady areas), my laptop and canteen water bottle. Sometimes even my lunch bag- like today. Also, like today, I was carrying 2 shoulder bags and it was annoying. Right now I am carrying my LV monogrammed bag. It’s a large tote and old, but still in great condition. Due to its heaviness I’d like something less heavy and maybe less showy.

I really wanted MZ Wallace bag and thought that would fit the bill perfectly. I purchased 3 and all 3 went back. Didn’t seem sturdy enough for me. I also do have a Longchamp and that bag has been put through the ringer and still I use it, but it’s showing its age and wear in the bottom corners.

I was leaning towards nylon. But I also saw a Kurt Geiger camel tote that was really nice but it didn’t have a zipper. Due to my line of work I need that added security. So experts! What bag would you recommend for me. I’d like a neutral color. The MZ Wallace bags I ordered were all grey. I was trying to stay clear of black but not against it either.

 

[misstrine85]

What about a new Longchamp? Perhaps in the Neo style? Where the nylon and leather are the same color. I have two from the older Planetes line (that looks like Neo) and I love them for work.

 

[Lejic]

I clicked the title assuming I’d recommend what I use for work travel (Madewell Traveler tote) but honestly it sounds like you need a Longchamp. I’d highly recommend seeing the sizes in store if that’s available to you, you’ll be able to gauge what size you need. I got a pretty big one, and of course all Longchamp nylon pieces are light, it’s just a case of what size you want/not over-filling so your shoulder doesn’t hurt.

 

[jayohwhy]

I use this North South YSL tote every day. I love how its super light, keeps its structure and is super durable. I think that the east-west version gets a little floppy but this one doesn't. The logo is super subtle and inside I carry my YSL camera bag and other odds and ends.

 

[Joule]

Another vote for Longchamp. Their le Pliage and Néo lines satisfy all your requirements. Happy hunting!

 

[Nibb]

Please don’t hate me for this, but my shoulders hurt and I got tired just reading about all the stuff you need to lug around, have you considered a small wheeled duffle or tote? Like a Tumi or Bric?

 

[meluvs2shop]

Please don’t hate me for this, but my shoulders hurt and I got tired just reading about all the stuff you need to lug around, have you considered a small wheeled duffle or tote? Like a Tumi or Bric?

Lol I don’t hate! So funny you mention this because a colleague of mine does just that- she wheels her bag around. Listen, it makes perfect sense, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be THAT person yet.

 

[Nibb]

Lol I don’t hate! So funny you mention this because a colleague of mine does just that- she wheels her bag around. Listen, it makes perfect sense, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be THAT person yet.

Totally understand but at least it’s on your radar. Good luck with your hunt, I vote for a Longchamp too.

 

[PetiteAsian]

My vote is for the Longchamp Neo as well. It fits the bill perfectly.

I’ve owned both the Le Pliage and Planetes (older version of the Neo). The latter is less prone to wear on corners as it’s a sturdier material.

 

[meluvs2shop]

Thanks all for taking the time and answer my question.

I currently do have Longchamp Le Pliage - large size in black. I’ve had it for years and used it for work and travel. Excellent bag for my needs. However, due to carrying my canteen water bottle I need something with a separate pocket for that. I’m guilty of not always closing the lid super duper tight and water sometimes spills. No bueno.
That’s why I was hoping the MZ Wallace worked out but it didn’t. I will look at the other Longchamps styles because I didn’t want the same exact bag as I already have. Thanks again!

 

[PetiteAsian]

I got a handbag organiser off Amazon for my Longchamp. Perhaps you could have a look for one that has a dedicated pocket for a drink bottle? All the best! And let us know which bag you eventually do get.

 

[ohmisseevee]

Thanks all for taking the time and answer my question.

I currently do have Longchamp Le Pliage - large size in black. I’ve had it for years and used it for work and travel. Excellent bag for my needs. However, due to carrying my canteen water bottle I need something with a separate pocket for that. I’m guilty of not always closing the lid super duper tight and water sometimes spills. No bueno.
That’s why I was hoping the MZ Wallace worked out but it didn’t. I will look at the other Longchamps styles because I didn’t want the same exact bag as I already have. Thanks again!

If water spillage is the issue, have you considered changing to a different water bottle - maybe one that has a locking mechanism, and doesn't involve screwing the cap/opening open and closed for you to drink from it?

I bought mine years ago so it's not this exact model, but something like this that allows you to lock the cap sounds like it might be helpful: https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/smshe

To fill it with water you still screw it open and closed, but you only do that when you are refilling and cleaning - for regular use i.e. drinking water, you press a button that opens the flip cap, which is lockable so you don't accidentally open the cap. I've thrown mine into bags and backpacks for years and always carry it with me when I travel (sometimes it ends up being vertical, sometimes it is horizontal at the bottom or top of the bag) and I've never accidentally unlocked it, nor have I ever spilled from it by popping it open without meaning to.

 

[3threebabies]

Thanks all for taking the time and answer my question.

I currently do have Longchamp Le Pliage - large size in black. I’ve had it for years and used it for work and travel. Excellent bag for my needs. However, due to carrying my canteen water bottle I need something with a separate pocket for that. I’m guilty of not always closing the lid super duper tight and water sometimes spills. No bueno.
That’s why I was hoping the MZ Wallace worked out but it didn’t. I will look at the other Longchamps styles because I didn’t want the same exact bag as I already have. Thanks again!

You didn’t specify which MZ Wallace you tried. I haven’t sold MZW in years; but when I did, the Kate bag was very popular as a NYC commuter bag, travel bag and diaper bag for those who needed one. The side pockets are great for bottles, and the dividers and pockets have room to stash a lap top, smaller bag or whatever you need. MZ Wallace nylon is very durable. I just browsed the website, and it looks like the Crosby traveler would have similar end uses.

if you mostly tried the quilted metro totes and similar, I would agree that they would not provide the bag structure you seem to prefer. They are a different aesthetic, but I consider them to be very similar to Le Pliage in silhouette, structure and end use.