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The everyday bag: 11 must-have bags for carrying your daily essentials in style

These everyday carry bags – from affordable slings and crossbody bags to backpacks and totes – will help meet your storage needs on the go.

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The everyday bag: 11 must-have bags for carrying your daily essentials in style

Everyday bags are a versatile option for your personal gear, whether you’re heading to the office or going on a short holiday. Photo: Unsplash/Anete Lusina

An everyday bag – one that’s light and versatile – is an essential part of the urban warrior’s kit. When it comes to life and luggage, keeping things light matters, especially in Singapore’s climate. Sometimes referred to as an EDC (everyday carry) bag, these are great for keeping your essentials close at hand whether you’re heading to the office, gym or classroom.

WHY AN EVERYDAY BAG MATTERS

If you only carry your essentials – wallet, handphone and keys – you may think cargo shorts are the way to go. That’s fine if you’re into the dadcore aesthetic but can be a challenge if you want to put together a more stylish ensemble. When crammed with EDC items, they can also make your legs look misshapen, negating all that effort you put into leg day at the gym.

But a sleek everyday bag that holds your essentials and has room for additional items? That's fashion and organisational gold.

CONTENTS

1. Decathlon Trekking 15L Compact Messenger Bag Forclaz Travel – Black

2. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

3. UnderArmour Project Rock Gym Sack

4. Fjallraven High Coast Pocket, Patina Green

5. Bellroy Lite Sacoche, Chalk

6. The Paper Bunny Utility Laptop Bag, Lavender

7. Hellolulu Kasen Shoulder Bag, Dark Blue

8. Beyond the Vines Poofy Bag, Orange

9. Gaston Luga Dash Duffel S, Taupe

10. Nike Sportswear RPM Tote, 26L

11. The North Face Borealis Tote, Gardenia White

We’ve compiled a helpful list of everyday slings, backpacks and totes that will help meet your EDC needs, whether you’re just popping out to your hawker centre, heading to the office or going to your next workout.

1. Decathlon Trekking 15L Compact Messenger Bag Forclaz Travel – Black (S$8.90)

Photo: Decathlon.sg

Weighing just 100g, this 15L messenger bag is an affordable EDC option that can also be easily folded and packed. This makes it an ideal backup bag if you’re holidaying or if you simply don’t want your house to be cluttered with bags. With one large main compartment, one zippered external pocket and two side pockets, this collapsible messenger works as an affordable everyday carry or a just-in-case travel bag.

  • Dimensions: 36cm x 32.5cm x 13cm

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2. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag (S$19.90)

Photo: Uniqlo.com/sg

Say hello to the OG lightweight everyday bag which hits a design sweet spot. It’s big enough to hold a surprising number of EDC items without having a bulky profile. Made from a nylon fabric with internal piping for added rigidity, it has an inner pocket for valuables. It’s also available in a wide variety of colours that make it easy to accessorise. Launched in 2022, the bag took social media by storm as owners raved about its understated design, affordability – and how much gear the bag could swallow up.

  • Dimensions: 28cm x 17cm x 10cm

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3. UnderArmour Project Rock Gym Sack (S$34.30, Usual Price: S$49)

When is a gym bag not quite a gym bag? When it’s the Project Rock Gym Sack. This Dwayne Johnson-approved backpack’s 19L capacity and large, zippered main compartment offers storage for workout gear and work essentials. An oversized top grab handle is useful if you’re on a crowded train or bus, so you can keep your valuables close at hand. Its dual front pockets with snap closures fit water bottles. An interior zippered pocket and slip pocket offer additional storage for gadgets and valuables.

  • Dimensions: 38.6cm x 56.9cm

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4. Fjallraven High Coast Pocket, Patina Green (S$44.62)

If minimalism is your lifetime travel goal, this compact 85g bag is for you. It’s compact yet big enough to carry your daily necessities – like wallet, handphone and keys. Its zippered main compartment also has an inside mesh pocket for smaller items like earbuds. Its main fabric and lining are made from 100 per cent recycled nylon. There are multiple attachment points for its removable shoulder strap so the bag can be carried in a variety of ways. Thread your belt through the rear loop to always keep it close.

  • Dimensions: 17cm x 11cm x 4cm

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5. Bellroy Lite Sacoche, Chalk (S$55; Usual Price S$89)

If you’re after fashion flexibility, this slim sling bag has an expandable base for bulkier items. Valuables can be stored in its main zippered compartment which sits snugly against the body, out of sight. A fold on the zip helps create a larger opening that belies the bag’s compact dimensions. Internal slip pockets with a bult-in key clip offer easy access to essential items. It’s made from light, durable ripstop derived entirely from recycled PET plastic bottles and can be easily folded or rolled into your main everyday bag or luggage.

  • Dimensions: 18.5cm x 23.5cm x 6cm

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6. The Paper Bunny Utility Laptop Bag, Lavender (S$75)

Photo: The Paper Bunny

This local label got its start producing stationery but has diversified into other accessories. This sleek padded 15-inch design easily carries your laptop, documents and accessories. It’s a slim bag that includes a detachable shoulder strap. It also features several internal and external storage sections so you can say goodbye to rummaging for your accessories. Although it’s billed as a 15-inch laptop bag, the company says it will fit a 16-inch Macbook Pro.

Dimensions: 29.5cm x 39.5cm

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7. Hellolulu Kasen Shoulder Bag, Black (S$79.20, Usual Price S$99)

Weighing just 200g, the body of this shoulder bag is made from polyester with a water repellent coating. Its front pockets include a pen slot and key clip covered by a magnetic flap. This places frequently accessed items within easy reach. Valuables like your wallet, cards and office pass can be stored in its main zippered compartment which also has in internal slip pocket. A rear zippered compartment offers additional storage for valuables.

  • Dimensions: 36cm x 15cm x 22cm

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8. Beyond the Vines Poofy Bag, Orange (S$89)

Made from water resistant nylon, this bag from homegrown design studio Beyond the Vines works as a shoulder or crossbody sling.  Its front flap contains a magnetic enclosure and main compartment includes a detachable pouch. Its inner snap tab offers easy access to keys or jewellery. With its slim silhouette and understated design, this bag works for casual outings or more formal occasions.

  • Dimensions: 15.2cm x 22.9cm x 5cm

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9. Gaston Luga Dash Duffel S, Taupe (S$89)

If your plans include a gym session or staycation, this light duffel bag offers plenty of space. Weighing 600g, it has a 25.9L capacity and is made from an eco-friendly recycled polyester coated with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for water resistance. It also features a detachable shoulder strap and inner mesh pocket for accessories.

  • Dimensions: 43.5cm x 32cm x 17.5cm

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10. Nike Sportswear RPM Tote, 26L (S$125)

Made from recycled polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles, this 26L tote offers heavy-duty practicality whether you’re heading to the office, classroom or gym. Cord handles wrap around the spacious zippered main compartment, which also contains a 15-inch laptop section. An internal pocket ensures you won’t have to hunt for personal accessories while the durable outer fabric helps protect your gear.

  • Dimensions: 33cm x 48cm x 20cm

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11. The North Face Borealis Tote, Gardenia White (S$139.82)

Top handles and back-mounted straps let this 22L bag pull double-duty as a tote and backpack. Its side pockets can store taller items like water bottles, which are secured by bungee cords. Weighing 580g, the bag is designed to stand upright, so it’s less likely to tip over onto dirty surfaces or spilling liquids. It features U-pull YKK zippers, which are known for their durability and smooth action. The padded 16-inch laptop compartment makes this a good choice for adulting and play.

  • Dimensions: 47cm x 14.5cm x 41.9cm

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There is no single Goldilocks bag that is “just right” for everyone. Look out for a bag that best meets your needs. The Fjallraven High Coast Pocket is a compact bag that’s great for carrying your essential EDC items. The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is an affordable, relatively spacious option that’s available in a wide selection of colours. If you’re looking for sleek shoulder slings, the Bellroy Lite Sacoche , Hellolulu Kasen Shoulder Bag and Beyond the Vines Poofy Bag are worth a closer look.

The Utility Laptop Bag is great for users who want a slim bag that still has additional storage for personal items. The UnderArmour Project Rock Gym Sack and Gaston Luga Dash Duffel offer storage for gym clothes or short trips.

Larger everyday bags like the Nike Sportswear RPM Tote and The North Face Borealis Tote offer one-bag-to-rule-them-all versatility. The most affordable bag in our roundup, the Decathlon Trekking 15L Compact Messenger Bag Forclaz Travel is a versatile gem. It’s light, roomy and can be easily folded away until needed or used as a backup travel bag.

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.

Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Discount codes for some products are available for eligible Prime members.

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Source: CNA

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