in search of the perfect bag

I'm writing this to iron out what bag or bags I need for my lifestyle.

Here goes.

I have two use cases.

First, I have a social use case, where I need to carry items when hanging out with friends. I might want to carry: a jacket, umbrella, a water bottle, my Kindle, perhaps some miscellaneous small items, like sunscreen.

Second, I have a work use case, where I need to carry items to the office. I might want to carry: laptop, laptop charger, mouse, a water bottle, my meal prep in a Pyrex glass container, perhaps a jacket, umbrella, Kindle, perhaps some miscellaneous small items also.

So I need two bags.

For the social use case, my options are a tote bag, or a mini backpack, or a mini messenger bag. I currently use a Uniqlo shoulder bag, which doesn't fit a water bottle or umbrella so I often carry those in my hands. I can sometimes get away with it though.

For the work use case, my options are a backpack, a messenger bag, a large tote bag. I currently use a briefcase style bag, which is too slim and sometimes leaves me carrying my water bottle and umbrella and lunch in my hands. The bag also gets a bit heavy sometimes, which can be an issue with tote bags or cross body bags. I can't always use it.

Turns out my bags are too small for my needs.

That's probably why I ended up writing this post.

I need to do more research, but now I know I need a social bag and a work bag and I need it to carry the above!