Finding the perfect work bag can feel like an incredibly daunting task—like the right coat or a pair of shoes, it’s one of the things you’ll wear nearly every day for years. So, when I got my hands on a bag as versatile as Cuyana’s Sytem tote, I knew I discovered something special. While I still love to sport a classic canvas tote on the weekends—perfect for tossing in odds and ends while out and about—I needed something more structured and sturdy for work and travel so my essentials wouldn’t be knocking around inside. The 13-inch System tote from Cuyana is definitely more upscale than my average tote, seamlessly befitting jaunts up the East Coast, office commutes, happy hours, road trips, and exciting new restaurant openings alike. I love the bag’s signature Italian leather exterior and interior, which is understated, tasteful, and complements any outfit I throw on. Whether I’m stashing my lunch and laptop inside for another day at the office or stuffing it full of Polaroid pictures and postcards on a trip to Maine, this multi-tasking tote is the dream companion for any type of activity.
Why I love it
There’s nothing wrong with a giant, cavernous tote that you can throw everything into, but what I appreciate about the System tote is the additional organizational accessories that you can purchase to add a bit more structure to the interior. Since I planned to use this bag primarily for work, I opted for the System laptop sleeve to keep my computer safe while I’m in transit. I also use the System Zipper Pouch to keep all the bits and bobs (a wallet, coins, jewelry, makeup, etc) from rolling around and getting lost at the bottom of the bag. Both inserts snap directly into the bag’s shell so they don’t move around and are available in the same colors as the bag. While I haven’t purchased it yet, I’m intrigued by the System Flap Bag, which also snaps into the tote, but can be removed and used with an adjustable strap to function as a purse all on its own—the perfect day-to-night option.
Aside from lugging it to and from the office each day, I use this tote as a personal item on the plane and brought it with me on a road trip to Acadia National Park, and have found it to be the ultimate travel companion. The built-in interior pocket is perfect for storing essentials you need to reach easily, like your passport, earbuds, or some petty cash, and since the bag can be snapped closed, you don’t have to worry about anything flying out. I appreciate the slight structure to the bag, which is sturdy enough not to completely collapse inward, but is still flexible enough to be folded up and stashed away for storage.
The one con: The bag had a pretty distinct smell upon arrival and took some time to subside. After using it for a few months, there’s absolutely no smell any longer.
How its held up
After more than a year and a half of use, the System tote is still my everyday work bag. I carry it with me at least four times a week (if not more), and am constantly filling it beyond what is reasonable. That being said, the tote has held up beautifully. The color is still vibrant, there are very few signs of wear or tear on the leather, and while the structure has softened a bit over time, it is still able to maintain some shape on its own. I haven’t been overly precious with my use of this bag, so the fact that it still looks almost exactly like it did when I got it is a great sign. I have filled it with pens, makeup, snacks, and other things that tend to make a mess, and the interiors have no lasting marks or damage after simply wiping them clean with a damp cloth. As a staple in both my work and travel life, I know this tote will take me through many more years. Plus, there’s a two-year warranty if anything does go awry.
It’s worth mentioning that there is some splitting at one point on the handles (which I’m sure has to do with the fact that I routinely put way more weight into this bag than it’s probably intended for), but it is barely noticeable and hasn’t caused any issues.
More sizes and styles available
The tote is available in two sizes: 13- and 16-inch. I gravitated to the 13-inch tote since it was exceptionally roomy but not too large for everyday use, but the 16-inch is likely better as a personal item on the plane, or if to be used in place of a weekender. The 13-inch is a bit small for carrying everything I need in a personal item, especially when I’m headed on a multi-week vacation, but it’s just the right size for my day-to-day essentials like my laptop, charger, notebook, wallet, makeup bag, keys, and Tupperware from lunch. It’s available in two textures and seven colors from cherry red to classic black.