I am in my 50s and carry a laptop backpack. I used to carry tote bags because they seemed more fashionable I guess but now I find tote bags are much harder on the back/shoulder to carry, especially when packed with a laptop, chargers, wallet, etc. so I’ve converted to using a laptop backpack. My only requirements for a daily use school/work backpack are:
- it has an easily accessible, padded laptop compartment that will fit my laptop size
- it has at least one side pocket big enough to carry a Swell or Hydroflask type of water bottle (bonus points for a pocket on the other side I can stash my compact umbrella in)
- It has a small easily accessible pocket to store my work badge and sunglasses
I have been using this one from Luulemon daily for the past 3 years (it goes to work, to the gym and I travel with it) and it has stood up surprisingly well and has all the compartments I would ever want including a zippered “secret” compartment on the side that I use for my passport when traveling. It also looks a little “prettier” than a lot of other backpacks which I like. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another backpack from them based upon my experience with this one.