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Founded by Helen Lo in 2010 with the help of her two sons (hence the name), offers comfortable yet stylish bags that hold up during travel. At the time, Lo was experiencing back pain and often found herself lugging bags to and fro. As someone who also experiences back pain and lives in a city where schlepping your work bag, luggage or backpack is almost mandatory, I set out to review Lo & Sons bags to determine if they make traveling easier.

Product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have previously evaluated best-selling bags from the brand during our quest to find the best backpacks and weekender bags, so I pulled testing feedback from Lab and consumer tests to write this story. I also spoke with GH staffers who continue to use their Lo & Sons bags regularly and tested a backpack and purse from Lo & Sons to see how they performed against tester favorites.

The Rowledge: Best Overall Backpack

Lo and Sons Rowledge $485 at Amazon Credit: Good Housekeeping/Sarah Gregory Size 21 L Weight 3.2 lbs Materials Nylon, Napa leather accents, recycled polyester Colors 6

✔️ WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Commuters looking for a minimalist backpack that can easily transition into a personal bag for domestic or international travel.

✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: The Rowledge pack isn’t like the others: You can wear it as a backpack or a tote bag, thanks to the two handles on the top, plus you can even slide it onto your luggage. It has a front pocket and an internal zippered pocket that can store important items like your wallet and phone. The zippered side pockets can fit a wide Hydroflask, and the laptop sleeve can accommodate laptops up to 13 inches, although our tester was able to fit a 14-inch tablet.

We appreciate the durable nylon exterior that can withstand daily commutes and longer trips, as well as the buttery-soft leather accents that give it a stylish edge that some utilitarian packs lack. Multiple testers found the Rowledge to be on the heavier side, and one tester wished the main compartment was a bit roomier to fit multiple notebooks in addition to your tablet or laptop.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Testers gave this versatile bag perfect scores for its overall sleek design and helpful features, including adjustable straps and easy-to-use zippers. Whether wearing it as a backpack or tote, testers also found the bag comfortable to wear.

“I can carry it after work straight to a more formal event and not feel like a college student pulling up with a rucksack,” shared one tester who described the gold accents on the bag as “luxe.” Another tester agreed: “I really love the look of it, as backpacks can sometimes make me look like I’m still in high school.”

After using the backpack for a year, Deputy Editor Sarah Gregory reports that it has held up very well. “The structure means it’s not slumpy with repeated use, and the fabric has thus far resisted signs of wear and tear.” While Gregory keeps the backpack straps on, she does use the tall handles when on public transit so her pack doesn’t get in the way of other commuters.

The Hanover 2: Best Backpack for School

Lo & Sons Hanover 2 Now 50% Off $238 $119 at loandsons Credit: Good Housekeeping/Jillian Sollazzo Size 21.4 L Weight 1.75 lbs Materials (Recycled) polyester and memory foam Colors 2

✔️ WHO IT’S BEST FOR: High school and college students who want a comfortable backpack that can keep up during the academic years and beyond.

✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: After reading through multiple tester surveys about the Rowledge, I believe the Hanover (almost half the price before sales) addresses the concerns our testers shared. However, while you gain a lighter weight pack that has a more spacious main compartment and shoulder straps with memory foam padding, you sacrifice the sleeker design elements.

Made with durable polyester and water-resistant zippers on the laptop sleeve and main compartment, the Hanover can handle surprise rain showers during your commute as well as trips out of state and beyond. It has a laptop and zippered luggage sleeve in addition to slip pockets in the main compartment to help keep things organized. We appreciate the zippered side and top pockets to keep small items like your wallet safe.

Note that the navy color I tested is no longer available online, and the gray color is sold out. I recommend snagging the remaining color while it’s on sale and still available!

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: As you may have guessed, I am not currently in school; however, I can imagine packing this bag with my laptop and notebooks for back-to-back classes around campus. When using the Hanover on my commute to the office, I was able to fit my MacBook Pro, agenda book, lunch and more. I also used the backpack when traveling home for 10 days and was impressed that I could fit two beach reads and two notebooks in the main compartment. That isn’t even counting the two small packing cubes and toiletry bag I was also able to fit!

Similar to our Rowledge testers, the main reason I sported a tote around high school hallways and my college campus was because shoulder bags looked “more adult.” However, my back pain has prompted me to reevaluate my preference for a tote bag. The Hanover’s cushioned memory foam shoulder straps and ability to hold an impressive load without feeling too heavy have made it my go-to bag for work. Even though it is somewhat boxy and isn’t as sleek as the Rowledge, the Hanover’s basic design doesn’t feel too “young” and I actually look forward to slipping it on my shoulders.

RELATED: Best Backpacks for College

Catalina Deluxe: Best Weekender Bag

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe $129 at loandsons.com Credit: Good Housekeeping/Jill Sollazzo Size 24″ x 8.5″ x 16″ (small); 26″ x 9″ x 18″ (large) Weight 2.4 lbs (small); 2.6 lbs (large) Materials (Recycled) polyester and canvas Colors 18

✔️ WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Anyone who frequently plans weekend getaways and needs a new bag large enough for a multi-day stay. It’s great for road trips and any journey by car.

✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: This may be a hot take, but I find packing for shorter trips to be more difficult than an international trip. Fewer days means I can bring a smaller bag. However, I too often force a zipper to close after barely fitting what I need in a small weekender bag.

The Catalina Deluxe solves this problem with a spacious main compartment that has internal slip and zippered pockets, as well as a separate shoe compartment that comes with a removable tray for easy cleaning post-trip. Similar to the Rowledge and Hanover backpacks, this weekender also has a luggage sleeve so you can slip it onto your carry-on suitcase or checked bag.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Our testers appreciated the lightweight polyester and canvas material and were shocked by how much they were able to fit in the Catalina Deluxe.

“I was able to pack for me and my son for a four-day vacation,” said one tester who was able to fit shoes and toiletries in the bottom compartment. Another tester was even able to squeeze three pairs of shoes in the compartment (although it was hard to close), citing that the bag “fits more than one of the suitcases I have.”

While it can certainly fit multiple outfits and shoes, the obvious caveat is that the bag becomes heavier the more you pack. While the shoulder strap is padded, the bag can still be uncomfortable if you are carrying a lot. You can use the two shorter straps, but either way, the weight won’t be well distributed. On the flip side, though, “It’s not very structured, so it doesn’t look great if you don’t pack it with a lot of stuff.” That’s why we recommend packing it for trips when you’ll be traveling by car, so you don’t have to lug it around as much.

RELATED: Best Weekender Bags

The O.G. 2: Best Bag for Work

Lo and Sons O.G. 2 Now 25% Off $378 $283 at loandsons.com Credit: Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman Size 25.1 L (medium); 26 L (large) Weight 2.6 lbs (medium); 3 lbs (large) Materials Nylon and Napa leather accents Colors 10

✔️ WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Those who prefer a bag instead of a backpack for commuting to the office, or anyone who travels frequently for work.

✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Designed for travel, the O.G. 2 is chic enough to bring to work but equally versatile for overnight stays. It features a pass-through luggage sleeve, a padded laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 13 inches and multiple internal and external compartments for top-notch organization. There is even a designated shoe compartment if you prefer to commute to work in your sneakers and then switch into heels upon arrival.

Note that the size of the O.G. 2 is comparable to some weekender bags. That’s why we recommend it as a work-friendly personal item for those who travel often or want more room to fit gym clothing and shoes to change into after their 9 to 5.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Associate Director of the Textiles Lab Emma Seymour regularly uses her O.G. 2 for overnights and some weekend trips, although she notes that the bag is probably too small if you aren’t a light packer.

“The sleek material is easy to wipe clean and I love the look of the hardware,” says Seymour, also calling out the convenient crossbody and shoulder straps as well as the internal water bottle pocket.

RELATED: Best Laptop Bags

The Aoyama: Best Purse

Lo and Sons Aoyama $248 at loandsons.com Credit: Good Housekeeping/Jillian Sollazzo Size 15″ x 2.36″ x 11.4″ Weight 10.8 oz Materials Sheepskin leather and recycled polyester Colors 5

✔️ WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Purse lovers tight on storage space. This adjustable bag caters to almost every occasion and requires a single purchase.

✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Crossbody bags used to be my go-to option for a night out or a day trip to a new city. Eventually, I tired of the style and preferred wearing a fanny pack or a regular purse. The Aoyama, however, offers a unique design that can cater to all your bag preferences.

When clipped all together, the Ayoama’s long strap lets you wear it as a crossbody bag. Or, you can unclip one or both sections of the strap and sport the bag as an over-the-shoulder purse or a short-handled handbag. Four internal mesh pockets securely hold smaller items like your chapstick and earbuds’ case, while the zippered internal pocket features three card holders. A side seam pocket is great for items you want to be easily accessible or separate from other essentials.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: During a girls’ weekend getaway, I primarily wore this bag as a crossbody and easily fit my phone, keys, wallet, a small toiletry pouch and cases for my eyeglasses and sunglasses. When carrying multiple grocery bags, I appreciated the key leash that made it easy to find my keys quickly and open my door. I can’t get enough of the on-trend crescent shape, the shiny hardware and the soft leather exterior. I found the clips on the strap easy to use and observed that the bag didn’t slip off my shoulder. As I continue testing this bag, I have an inkling I will primarily wear it with one strap clipped in.

How we test backpacks and bags

When testing backpacks and bags for everyday use and travel, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab use standardized equipment to evaluate durability features like abrasion resistance, strap strength and tear strength. We also note any organizational elements like zippered pockets and laptop sleeves. Our analysts pack each bag with standard loads to see how much they weigh when at capacity and if it fits everything a user needs for their trip.

For this story, we paired bags with consumer testers who then provided feedback on style and comfort while carrying. I tested two of the five picks included in this guide. I packed the Hanover 2 backpack for a weekend and a 10-day trip, and used the Aoyama as my purse for both trips.

Bottom line: Are Lo and Sons’ bags worth it?

When not on sale, Lo & Sons’ backpacks are some of the most expensive we’ve tested, while the brand’s weekender and travel bags fall somewhere in the more moderate price range. You are paying for a premium design and unique features, but spending upwards of $400 on a backpack or $300 on a tote bag can be hard to swallow.

In many ways, the Catalina Deluxe is the most budget-friendly option because it offers the most space at a more affordable price. However, almost every backpack and bag (except the Catalina) offers impressive versatility. That said, I think the Lo & Sons bags that can shape shift into a tote bag or purse are worth the upfront price because they offer a better value. Alternatively, the Catalina and Hanover styles come at a lower cost with less versatility, but retain the thoughtful design features and durability that the other bags feature.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the GH Institute where she collaborates with the Textiles Lab to ensure our product guides reflect accurate testing and pricing information. She has researched, tested and reported on a variety of bag categories including the best backpacks for men and the best daypacks. To write this story, she tested the Hanover 2 and Aoyama bags, traveling with them during weekend getaways and longer domestic trips.

She spoke with Associate Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Emma Seymour, who has led testing for luggage and backpacks at the GH Institute since 2018. She uses the O.G. 2 regularly and provided additional testing input for this piece.