The key to buying a good bag is knowing exactly what you want it to do in the first place. Need something to get your laptop to meetings in one piece? You’ll need a leather briefcase. Need something to cart your sweat gym gear home? A nylon or cotton barrel bag’s your best bet.

But what if you want your bag to do more? What if – having discovered that neon camo drawstring bag isn’t exactly what you’d call a ‘hit’ at boardroom meetings – you need a bag that works everywhere? Or at least for more than just stowing a pair of swimshorts in?

To save you dropping wads on bags that won’t pull their weight, we rounded up some of the best styles to take you from work to workout and more.

Mi-Pac Classic Backpack

A backpack isn’t just for high school – it’s for life. Especially if you’d rather not spend a chunk of yours hunched over in a chiropractor’s waiting room.

This one, from British brand Mi-Pac, comes in brown and navy, AKA the ultimate smart-casual color combo. Wear it to the office (yes, it’s got a dedicated laptop compartment), or for a weekend getaway.

Available at Mi-Pac.

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Nylon Duffle Bag

Versatile needn’t mean black or brown leather. This dome-shaped duffle, made from durable nylon, makes perfect sense if your style skews more athleisure than actuary. Plus, bonus points for its bang-on-trend quilting.

Available at Ralph Lauren

Harvest Label Brick Urban Sling Pack

Like those cross body bags you’ve seen every grime fan sporting, but want something that reads less ‘roadman’? Check this ‘sling pack’ from Japanese brand Harvest Label – a smart blend of everything’s that good about a messenger, backpack and cross body rolled into one.

With three interior pockets in addition to its three zipped main zipped compartments, it’s got plenty of stashing space.

Available at Urban Outfitters