How much for a work bag?

How much money would you be willing to spend on a nice work bag?

I have broken 5 rolling carts and my Vera Bradley tote bag. I really need something that will hold up. I found a Dooney and Bourke bag that I like, but it is really expensive. However, if it is better quality, then I might not have to keep replacing bags. I just got over $2,400 back for just my federal taxes, so I can easily afford it. I just feel bad spending a lot of money on something like that.

 

What do you carry in your bag that so many break?

 

For work...maybe $50-75 at the most. Believe it or not, years ago, I got a faux leather bag with adjustable strap from Target for $25 or less. It's large enough to hold 2 binders & a few folders/books. I got it several years ago & it's still looking good! The brand is Mossimo Supply Co.

 

Up until this year I've used "gimme" bags that I got free at conferences. This year I bought a 31 Bags tote (http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/Catalog/Product/27/index.html) I have the red poppy pattern, but it's not available any more. I really like it.

 

I have faux leather Target totes too. I have 2 that I switch from time to time. One was $20, the other was $30. Both hold quite a bit, and I'm not easy on them. Still, they're still going strong after 2 years.

I just saw a new style today. I don't need it, but if they go on sale I'll get one. Several color choices: yellow, mint green, orange. It'll be hard to decide!

 

I have a Vera Bradley tote that I've been carrying for three years...it still looks new. I often carry my lap top in it, plus plan book, papers for grading, several teacher resource books.

 

I use a heavy duty Trader Joe's canvas tote bag as my work bag. I think it was about $5. I started using it because my rolling cart broke and I didn't have time to get something else in the middle of the week, but the TJ's bag has held up so well that I just never replaced the cart...

 

Although I don't have anything special, I'd be willing to pay more for a work bag than purse....

 

Umm...way too much this year. It's my first year in the Music position, so I've been bringing home a lot of the teaching manuals for the music books that we have (K through grade 5). I also have materials for my 5 after school groups. And now I have all my stuff for National Board. I started last year, so my certification area is Generalist. I have to teach Science and Social Studies for the areas I'm redoing, so I have my unit binders, student work, notes, etc.

I know I bring way too much home. I recently stopped bringing home the teaching manuals for each grade level, but it's the National Board stuff that I really have to bring back and forth every day. And my laptop.

 

I did go ahead and get another Vera Bradley tote bag for now, I'm just not sure if it's big enough. I got this one in Indigo Pop: http://www.verabradley.com/product/...iantId/179055/pc/785/c/0/sc/956/p/1001882.uts

It was only $70 at the Base Exchange.

I really wanted one with a crossbody strap, but the only ones they had in stock seemed way too big.

 

I would probably spent about $100 or so on a nice work bag if I had the money. I have a rolling cart and laptop bag and I hate them, but I need something big.

 

We gave one teacher a shopping cart one year


I Imagine this the type of cart you have used


Have you tried "milk crates" + mini hand trucks, (the milk crates seem pretty indestructible). Keep bungees in the crate so you can attach things securely as needed.

I have one of these for when I come home from Grocery shopping



But if you really need carrying power just attach this to your vehicle you should just get a truck.

 

Where did you get the red cart you use for grocery shopping?

 

I use a backpack.

 

Costco but is no longer available.
I found it advertised as a fishing cart
http://www.fishing-carts.com/html/folding-fishing-carts.html
I googled "Folding Cart"

 

I want this backpack in Indigo Pop (LOVE that pattern!) but I cannot afford that.
http://www.verabradley.com/product/...iantId/180224/pc/638/c/0/sc/876/p/1001727.uts

I also want this bag. I'm thinking of saving up for it and buying it for myself as a graduation present and having my name embroidered on it.
http://www.verabradley.com/product/...riantId/175943/pc/638/c/0/sc/642/p/154766.uts

 

I have tried many bags. I carry way too much stuff! The bag I always go back to is my Lands End canvas tote. It is huge, sturdy, washable, and easy on my shoulder. I hate the color I was given, but I can't kill the thing so I keep using it! I have another one for my personal life - kid stuff, books, shoes, snacks ... They all fit, it never falls apart.