The ‘RUSSH’ Editors are weighing up the best carry-all bags

The RUSSH team are on the hunt for the perfect bag that fits all of our belongings just right – all the while being chic, no matter how much chaos is ensuing inside said bag.

It can be tough finding the right bag to invest in that’ll cover all bases. Enough space for ones laptop and water bottle. Enough compartments for little knick-knacks, snacks and sanitiser. We’ve done the heavy lifting and are here to report our findings: a list of the best carry-all bags we can’t seem to put down.

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

I’m a girl who likes pockets. Pockets in skirts, pockets in dresses, pockets everywhere. One would therefore not be surprised to hear that the Prada Route large leather tote bag is on my wishlist. Everything would have it’s place and I know it would hold all I need on the daily. Backpacks are always a yes in my opinion, and offer similar pocket promises. Miu Miu’s leather backpack is a dream.

For a simple and chic go-to, the stockholm bag by DeMellier is fabulous and fits most essentials. Yu Mei makes incredible bags and the teresa tote is a bag everyone needs in their collection. Lastly, slightly smaller in size but such a great shape to hold the necessities, the DRAGON DIFFUSION santa croce big woven leather tote is great for all occasions.

Magdalene Shapter

Designer & Producer

Oh I love a big bag. I have spontaneous visions of Jane Birkin hoisting her huge, battered Birkin around Paris; bursting at the seams with enough stuff to move countries and start anew in the change of a heartbeat. Liberté! The main carry-all in my life right now is my vintage Mulberry Bayswater. When I found it a week after saving an image of a perfectly worn, brown Bayswater, I knew manifestation was real.

I also own a Florist bag (my first big bag purchase that I have a psychological complex about using) and a goblin-green vintage hobo bag that I don’t have to be precious with. It’s a similar shape to this. The apex predator of big bags and the one at the top of my wish-list is a Balenciaga Bel Air XL Carry All. A girl can dream.

Samantha Corry

Social Media Coordinator & Writer

I love leather bags – they’re reliable, last you a lifetime, and are just gorgeous. My Yu Mei Joan bag is my favourite bag in the whole entire world. It can go cross-body or shoulder style, so you switch between day and night. It’s also hard not to fall in love with one of Matthieu Blazy’s CHANEL leather bags – and this small shopping bag has my heart. And for a more practical bag, the Dragon Diffusion x Rixo collection is superb. But this tote is my favourite – it works for groceries, the beach, or an overnight bag.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

The bag I truly carry with me just about everywhere (to work, to the wine bar, to the park for a picnic) is my trusty Palorosa Medium Basket Bag. I’ve had mine for close to a year now and it’s still in perfect shape (my inner Jane Birkin fanatic also approves of a chic basket bag).

For when the occasion calls for something a little more sophisticated, I reach for my Yu Mei Teresa Suede Tote. I love the contrast suede interiors, and the bucket-like silhouette. The perfect airport companion would probably be the Louenhide Hampton Tote Bag. I love that it’s slouchy and has a special trolley sleeve that allows it to slip over your luggage handle.

Alys Hale

Music Editor Creative Producer

Perhaps it is because I was a Brownie Guide, but I love to be prepared and have all things in my bag for any occasion: notebooks for inspiration, plasters for blisters, lipstick, a camera, a waterbottle, a Champagne bottle – you know, the essentials!

My most trusted bag has been the A-esque Grocer Tote. You can get everything you need in there whilst holding shape and being relaxed enough to not be too formal. I use my brown and burgundy so much that I’m coveting one in black too. I do love a duffle bag, and this Prada one is absolutely divine, the proportions are perfect and it works as an office or a weekend bag.

I’ve always loved a Mulberry Bayswater, and have fallen in love with the Cashmere Taupe colour, it is utterly delicious. Bayswater’s really are Mary Poppins bags; you can fit a lot more than you think in them. However, I am often in ‘toolbelt mode’ at work and needing hands-free utility, so I’m also eyeing off the Margiela High Tech Weekender Backpack.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

I’m always drawn to slouchy, buttery-soft leather carry-alls. Anything from Lemaire ticks all the boxes, while I love this made-to-order style from Maison Esstentiele with its cowhide buckle detail. I’m also patiently waiting on a restock from Asteri The Label – beautiful leather pieces handmade in Sydney.

If I’m craving a little more texture, I love woven styles like the Ars Tote from Dragon Diffusion or Bottega Veneta’s large Hop bag. Suede has also been catching my eye lately, specifically in fun colours – Bleu de Chauffe, Coach, and Yu Mei all do it well.

Jaime Carmody

I’ve always thought a great carry-all is one of the smartest travel investments you can make. This weekender bag is great because it’s roomy enough for a few days away and works just as well for road trips as it does flights.

This Brie Leon bag keeps things simple with plenty of space for everything you need without feeling bulky. Maison Essentiele’s Large Leather Tote has been on my wishlist for a while and is the kind of bag you’ll reach for long after your holiday is over. It fits everything from your laptop to an extra jumper with ease. Isabel Marant’s Winna Tote is the perfect option if you want something a little more elevated. Soft leather, an easy slouch and just the right amount of polish.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I love a carry-all bag. The bigger the better. My current favourite over the last few years is my Kinnon bag. It’s huge and so sturdy. I literally have put 10kg of stuff in this bag before without a problem. But there are a few others I’m eyeing off. Perhaps the Balenciaga Bel Air which I may or may not have already bought in red… I’m really loving the new bags at Coach. I’m on CoachTok very regularly watching people restore vintage Coach bags and the quality is crazy! I love some of the new bucket styles.

I have a Mimmi Terra tote which is my favourite for travelling or days when I want something with a bit of personality. And I’ve also been lusting after carry-alls at A-ESQUE. I saw this green colour at one of the brand’s recent showing and I really fell in love, it’s so gorgeous. Finally, I caught this super chic bag in Jaime’s last editor’s picks. Now it’s on my wish list too!

Koby Dulac-Daley

Fashion Assistant

My go to carry-all bag is the Coach bleecker bucket bag (currently on sale). A Prada bag is my dream carry-all – these blue & brown bonnie’s are high on the wishlist.

Bottega Veneta does a great big bag. The intrecciato tote and traveler in kaki are true examples. St. Agni is known for a good bag, and the woven totes are a favourite of mine.

And lastly, for those who do not travel light, Acne Studios’ musubi in ochre yellow and camero camera suede bags are perfect for someone like me who will take everything but the kitchen sink for any occasion.