The state of my handbag is sending me back to backpacks

I was a backpack person for a very long time.

When I first started my career, I'd commute over an hour to my job in the city. I was also new to working and desperately trying not to waste my new paycheck on expensive sandwiches come lunchtime. This meant I'd need my laptop, a book for the train, a meal and snacks for the day, plus everything else women typically carry in their work bags. A handbag wasn't going to do it for a packhorse like me.

As I got older, my preference for backpacks stayed strong. I eventually retired my jade green backpack (which, appearance-wise, could have been a school bag) for something sleeker: The Everyday Bag from FoldUP. However, my cream-coloured version often got dirty.

FoldUP The Everyday Bag

On sale for $119.20

While a quick wipe-down was usually all it took to get the bag clean, this year I got tired of the maintenance. I was also jealous of the girls on the train with their sleek Coach and Fossil bags. I figured it was time to adult up and start using a handbag, so I picked an old one out from my wardrobe and went with it.

Honestly, I'm thankful I didn't buy an expensive one for my glow up, because the state of this poor handbag is sending me right back to backpacks.

The culprit

The handbag in question is a JAG design I bought in the Boxing Day sales in 2020. A faux-leather, tan-coloured thing, I know it wasn't 'an investment' that would last me forever, but I did expect it to live beyond the six months I eventually spent using it consistently.

It comfortably holds my laptop and my headphones, but getting lunch inside it is a bit more difficult. And if I'm bringing more than one container, I'll be packing them in an extra tote to save myself the hassle.

It does have two large exterior pockets, and two small internal ones, which have accumulated lip gloss, Vaseline, a hair comb, etc. And actually, I'm a little impressed with the general detritus at the bottom: one quick look reveals my glasses case and a lint roller (surprisingly helpful?), but overall, the thing isn't big enough for me and my mess.

Beyond this, the handle is almost artfully coming apart. While I get that I pack it pretty full, I really thought the straps would survive longer.

So, it's back to backpacks we go

But which backpack?

After struggling to Tetris my stuff into a handbag for the past six months, I don't want to go back to just any backpack. I like the sleek, polished feeling that having a handbag gives me, which I am convinced can be found in a backpack, too. I also don't want to be carrying my leftover pizza in an Abba Voyager tote bag (no hate, the blue just rarely matches my outfit).

I've picked three that meet my criteria, but which one will I choose? You'll have to keep an eye out for the review.

Samsonite Sam Classic Leather Slim Backpack

On sale for $179.40

This classy bag is on the pricier side, but it's regularly on sale. Right now, it's just $179.40 on The Iconic, which I think is really affordable for something I'll use every day.

The dimensions: H40.6cm x L25.4cm x W12.7cm

The pros:

• This bad boy has three (!!) compartments, including a padded one for a laptop, another with a mesh pocket for notebooks/documents, and one at the front for wallets, cards, pens, etc.
• It has a smart sleeve that lets you stabilise it on top of a suitcase, which just feels grown-up and organised.
• Samsonite are renowned for its long-lasting suitcases, so I'm confident this bag would last.

My doubts: I worry the Samsonite Sam Classic Leather Slim Backpack looks like it belongs to a university professor. I want a bit more versatility in my bag of choice – I can't imagine taking this one to brunch on the weekends.

Florence The Emma Red 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack

$419 here

This bag is so cute! Italian-made leather in my favourite colour? I'm obsessed! But if I thought the Samsonite bag fell on the pricier side, this one is way out of my league.

But it's so pretty.

The dimensions: H34cm x W26cm x D8cm

The pros:

• This bag also has three (albeit smaller) compartments. The back one is ideal for a small laptop, and the middle one has a magnetic press-stud closure.
• It can be switched between 'backpack' and 'shoulder bag' designs by shifting the strap.
• It's made from high-quality leather that'll last for years.
• A versatile option, the Emma Convertible Backpack can definitely go from work to weekend.

My doubts: While the cost is a drawback, this bag also looks like it might be a touch too small. I don't think it'd fit two containers inside it, and since I'm usually ferrying breakfast and lunch to work, I'm not sure the $419 is justified.

Bellroy Melbourne Backpack

$159 on sale

I love the sleek design of the Bellroy Melbourne Backpack. It looks professional in any scenario, and the dark colour will hide any dirt.

The dimensions: H54cm x W30cm x D16cm

The pros:

• It has a side zipper rather than a top one, so the bag can splay out and let you access the contents.
• It has a fold-top for easy access, which is held in place by custom MagSnap fasteners.
• It can hold up to a 15-inch laptop.
• A soft-lined sunglasses pocket stops your sunnies from getting scratched and damaged in your bag.

My doubts: This is probably my favourite of the three backpacks based on price and functionality. While the black is a little bit basic, the design of the backpack has convinced me that it's probably the best one for me and strikingly similar to the one I ditched for my handbag. So back off to the backpack I go.

READ MORE: Why you need to invest in a bag organiser