When it come to travel products, the word “convertible” will get my attention every time. Something that functions in multiple ways? Tell me more! So, I was intrigued when Lo & Sons created the Edgemont, a convertible backpack and tote. I like to travel with a backpack and suitcase, but once I get to my destination, I don’t usually use a backpack that much. I need a purse or a tote. So I pack one in my suitcase. But what if one convertible backpack/tote could do it all?

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Design-wise, the Edgemont is pretty straight forward. It’s a rectangular bag made out of the same material as Lo & Sons’ Hanover backpacks (which I reviewed earlier this year) — water-resistant 600 D recycled poly. It measures 13″ x 14.5″ x 5″ deep and weighs 2.2 pounds (which is how much the Hanover Deluxe backpack weighs). It comes in three colors: black, navy, and this navy camo, which I thought was the nicest looking. I appreciate that the camo pattern is subtle.

Lo & Sons is known for the removable inserts in their backpacks and the Edgemont has one too. The insert in the Edgemont is the same one in the Hanover Deluxe, weighing 10 oz. It has a padded computer pocket (which fits a 11.75″ x 13.25″ laptop), two other large slip pockets, and two mesh pockets for water bottles or whatever. Small snaps hold the insert in place. Simply unsnap them to remove the insert.

How much stuff can it carry? Here are the typical things I travel with that I tried putting into the Edgemont. They’re the same things I put into the Lo & Sons backpacks that I reviewed.

The Edgemont as a Backpack

First, I tried the bag in backpack mode. Here’s the back of the bag. The backpack straps live inside the big pocket. Note the two zippers for side stash pockets. Also, note the zippers at the bottom. When you unzip these, they create a sleeve that you can put over the handles of a suitcase. I love this feature, which every travel backpack should have!

Unsnapping the outside pocket reveal the straps.

The straps attach to two rings that are tucked away at the bottom corners of the bag.

Viola: you have a backpack.

Here’s the bag stuffed with all the things above. It was nearly at capacity. I would have been able to squeeze something else in, like a pair of headphones. While it holds a lot, the lack of bigger external pockets was not ideal for me as a travel backpack. I  wanted more organization so that I didn’t need to root around in the bag as much to find what I was looking for. (BTW, I’m 5′ 4″. I felt like it wasn’t too big as a backpack on my petite frame.)

The Edgemont as a Tote Bag

OK, now on to tote mode. Here’s the bag on my shoulder with the insert and my laptop and a few other things inside.

What I Liked About the Edgemont

• The material is tough. Like Lo & Sons’ backpacks, it seems well-made and able to withstand abuse.
• The removable insert. You can just take the whole thing out (and leave your things in the insert). I don’t always need to carry my laptop and being able to remove the insert makes it a more versatile bag.
• The insert also gives the bag structure, so it stands up by itself.
• The straps had decent padding and felt comfortable.
• The ability to create a suitcase sleeve. Being able to rest your bag on top of your suitcase as you rush through an airport really takes the load off.
• The discreet zippered side stash pockets, which are super handy. You can easily grab something you might reach for often, like a bus pass or key card.

What Could Be Improved

• The tote straps feel gym-bag like to me. I wish they were a bit more upscale. They’re also not the most comfortable straps for the shoulder if you were say, just wearing a light shirt. Plus, in backpack mode the straps flop around. Sure, there’s a little strap for them so you can keep them closed together, but then you’d have to unsnap them each time to get into the bag.
• In fact, the whole look, while quite minimalist and simple, feels a little too plain. Its casual look doesn’t excite me. Maybe this is why Lo & Sons recently released the Rowledge, a more upscale and professional convertible backpack tote with leather accents.
• As a tote, with the insert in place, the depth of the bag felt too wide for me at 5″. It felt almost too big to stay on my shoulders. At 2.2 lbs, I also found it heavy to carry on one shoulder. I’m petite and small, though, so this may not be a problem for someone of a larger stature.
• The metal zippers at the bottom that unzip to create the suitcase sleeve clang against each other. I guess you could unzip them a little bit so they’re not right next to each other making noise. But then that would preclude you from using that part of the bag as just a pocket.
• The top of the bag has gaps on the side. This doesn’t seem like a big deal for most days, but I worry that it would be bothersome on very rainy days.

In the end, I returned this bag. It didn’t seem to serve my particular needs that well. I decided to continue packing a tote in my suitcase and using a separate backpack on travel days. (I kept the Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe, which I reviewed here.)

However, I could see it working well as a work bag for someone else. And it seems like a handy travel bag for someone who carries less stuff than me. It doesn’t scream tourist and you could easily switch between backpack and tote mode throughout the day.