My Roommate Travels 3 Days a Week, and I Asked for Her Tote Bag Recommendations Ahead of My Summer Trips

I quit complaining about my short commute to the office when my roommate started hopping on a plane every weekend for work. In addition to earning enough miles to wave smugly at me from first class, she’s also gained insight into the best travel tote bags. Her advice: Choose an expandable, easily packable puffy tote bag in a carry-on size to avoid wasting time at baggage claim when you’re on a tight work deadline. 

After my roommate convinced me to try the super durable Calpak Tote Bag (which is now my go-to), I’m shopping more of her recommended travel tote bags for my upcoming summer trips. Best of all? Her picks start at just $28.

Calpak Luka Expandable Tote Bag

$138 at Nordstrom

My roommate, who’s traveled to 15 states this year alone, and I agree that the Calpak Expandable Tote is our number one choice for chronic overpackers. I’ve stuffed it like a Thanksgiving turkey with running shoes, coats, and the entire contents of my cosmetics case, and it holds everything like a champ thanks to its expandable base. While the luggage slip is handy when I’m traveling with my suitcase, its soft, puffy sleeves and even weight distribution make it comfortable enough to carry on my shoulder.

Baggallini Carryall Expandable Lightweight Travel Tote

$60

$42 at Amazon

The frequently sold-out Baggallini Carryall is a solid, under-$50 option for any self-proclaimed bag lady whose space is already crowded with too many totes. Geniusly, the brand designs it so you can fold the tote into a 9-by-12 pouch when you’re not using it. The space-saving hack is ideal for someone like me, whose apartment is already bursting at the seams with bulky, oversized travel bags.

Bagsmart Lightweight Puffy Tote

$46

$28 at Amazon

When I noticed that over 3,000 Amazon shoppers bought the Bagsmart Puffy Tote this month, I had to investigate further, and the glowing reviews praised everything from its superior organizational features to its cute and comfy puffy design. Also, as someone who's always looking for an efficient work tote, I loved how a school teacher said they “can easily carry my laptop, a charging cord, and papers,” thanks to the “deep” side pockets.

Bellroy Classic Getaway Bag

$90 at Amazon

It’s hard not to have expensive taste when you shop for a living, so my eagle eyes always notice smart design details that elevate a more affordable option. The Bellroy Classic Getaway Bag, for instance, has a beautiful matte finish, tonal stitching, leather accents, and an Anne Hathaway-approved top-handle design. As for its functional features, the bag has a two-way expandable zipper, allowing you to easily access the items you’ve squeezed in its deep pockets, and water-resistant material.

Quince Water-Repellent Puff Expandable Tote

$80 at Quince

Any frequent traveler knows Murphy’s Law well: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong—and when it comes to vacation, that often means rain. I’m definitely eyeing the Quince Water-Repellent Tote for this exact reason. Plus, I know it’ll also come in handy when I get caught in an inevitable summer shower during my work commute. Beyond this smart design choice, the brand also outfits it with a laptop sleeve and three multi-sized net interior pockets.

I’d be a happy traveler with any of these cleverly designed tote bags, but if you prefer one that’s not puffy, or are willing to spend a little extra, shop for more equally functional options below.

Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Expandable Tote

$279 at Nordstrom

The Sak Expandable Shopper

$99 at Nordstrom

Everlane The Renew Transit Weekender

$118 at Everlane.com

Antler Water-Resistant Core Tote Bag

$150 at Amazon