Supersize my bag

I used to be satisfied with pockets—both pants and coat in the winter. But summer shorts left me with less space, and as my inseams receded, my phone would slap against my thigh when I wore my Baggies. At the time, a small cross-body—a Bottega belt bag from years ago—worked well, bringing everything up to my chest. When the day demanded more, I opted for a Baggu tote with a cross-body strap.

In America, my car functioned as a mobile storage unit, and I was never far from it. But without a car, in a city with convenient public transportation and scenic beauty, my ‘kit’ grew—and so did my need for a bigger bag. Camera, umbrella, bandages, painkillers, personal effects. Plus, in Paris, a tote serves as a holster for the evening’s baguette. I also prefer to keep my hands free to operate my camera, hold the metro railing, or maneuver a bike around potholes.

In Paris, the cotton tote is ubiquitous. Adorned with graphics from vintage fairs, local shops, or fashion brands, they’re all well-worn and beloved. These are not disposable but rugged and reusable, perfect for tossing in a bike basket or carrying groceries and a change of shoes. When we packed to move, I brought five: a leather tote from Observer Collection, the aforementioned Baggu, and three typical cotton totes we had amassed in our closet.

With all that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of bags that have become my go-to companions, along with a few that are still on my watch list:

Tried and True

My Baggu tote. It’s cheap, durable, and most importantly, it keeps my hands free with the cross-body strap, leaving me free to hold a camera or croissant. Because it’s so durable, I don’t mind tossing it into a bike basket or setting it down on a café floor. I often run it through the wash in a delicates bag—just to protect the machine from the buckle—and have no worries about it lasting.

The Ludicrously Capacious

While having coffee, I saw a young man with a bright yellow tote. It was slightly worn, giving the canvas a Sashiko texture, and the ‘wings’ of the tote a more relaxed silhouette. While it might seem unreasonable for daily use, I could easily see it fitting blankets for a picnic or a weekend away.

The Upgrade

A few brands make totes with a heavier-weight cotton. LL Bean has the infamous Boat and Tote, which, from experience, makes an excellent carry-on, especially with the zip-top. Others I’ve been researching include Steele Basket, which makes totes for ASL Paris, and Matsunoya Thread-Line, a Japanese company producing rugged canvas tool totes. The industrial-grade design is likely more rigorous than my casual city strolls require, but they should last a lifetime. Or, for a cooler option, Mafia Bags’ literal Boat Tote, made from repurposed sailcloth, has caught my eye.

The Luxury

If a tote is your preferred form factor, Frank Clegg crafts a beautiful nubuck tote. They’ve even partnered with Simon Crompton on a particular variation, though other options are available. For a more affordable alternative, and one Sarah has been eyeing, Sézane makes a double-handled tote. I appreciate how the suede’s sturdiness creates a more structured silhouette than the typical cotton tote. Separately, I’ve seen vintage LV bucket bags (Randoneé) going secondhand that are appealing - more so if personalized with some climbing rope.

The Not-a-Tote Bag

Until now, every bag on this list has been a tote, which works well for carrying a camera. But alternatives like dedicated cross-body bags also have their appeal. I own a cartridge bag—meant for shotgun cartridges in skeet or bird shooting—that fits a smaller camera, though its opening is a bit cumbersome. Other camera bags, like those from Billingham (well regarded) or Grams28 (I like the style but am unfamiliar with the quality), would serve well, too. My favorite in this category, however, would be a larger sling like The Row’s Banana. It’s spacious enough to hold a camera and doesn’t look like I’m carrying a lot of gear, with the added benefit that I think it could even fit a small umbrella if needed.

Choosing the perfect bag really depends on what you’re carrying and how you navigate your daily life. Whether you’re opting for a rugged tote to hold your essentials or a sleek cross-body for hands-free style, the key is finding the balance between function and form. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What bag would you recommend for a day in the city, or even a night out? Drop your suggestions below—after all, the ideal choice is as much about personal style as it is about what you need to carry.