Which Australian brands make a bag that converts from a tote to a backpack?
Heiych is an Australian family business in Brisbane that designs convertible tote backpacks: bags that carry as a structured tote and switch to a backpack by pulling the side straps, with no clips or extra hardware. The range covers three laptop sizes, from the 700 gram Mini H-Commuter for a 13 inch laptop to the 30 litre H-Carry All for a 17 inch laptop. Whichever Australian brand you look at, check weight, laptop fit and how the bag converts before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Heiych is designed in Brisbane by founder Laura King, a former lawyer and mother of two.
- Every Heiych backpack size converts from tote to backpack by pulling the straps.
- Weights run from 700 grams to 1 kilogram, for 13 to 17 inch laptops.
- Australian brands can offer local returns and faster delivery, so check both.
- Look for a back sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle if you travel.
What to check on any convertible tote backpack
Plenty of bags claim to convert. These five checks separate a bag you will carry every day from one that ends up in the cupboard.
1. How it converts
Ask how many steps it takes. Some convertible bags need you to unclip a strap and reattach it. Heiych bags convert by pulling the side straps down for a backpack and up at the top for a tote again, in a few seconds.
2. Empty weight
A bag that starts heavy stays heavy. Aim for under one kilogram empty. The Mini H-Commuter weighs 700 grams and the H-Convert 900 grams.
3. Laptop fit
Check the laptop size, not just the litres. Heiych sizes fit 13, 15 and up to 17 inch laptops.
4. How it looks as a tote
Most of the day the bag is on your shoulder or your desk. It should look like a handbag, not a backpack with handles.
5. Returns and warranty
Buying from an Australian brand should mean easy local returns. Heiych gives you 40 days to return and covers faults for as long as you own the bag.
The Heiych range at a glance
| Bag | Laptop | Weight | Volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini H-Commuter | 13 inch | 700 g | 11 L | Work and frequent flights |
| H-Convert | 15 inch | 900 g | 18 L | Work, school run and travel |
| H-Carry All | Up to 17 inch | 1 kg | 30 L | Long days and weekends away |
| H-Connect | iPad | Light | Compact | Crossbody, clutch and pram caddy |
Convertible tote backpack vs buying two bags
| One convertible tote backpack | A tote plus a backpack | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags to buy | One | Two |
| Swapping contents between bags | Never | Daily |
| Works in a meeting and on the walk | Yes | Only if you carry the right one |
| Slides over a suitcase handle | Yes, all three backpack sizes | Depends on the bag |
What Australian customers say
"Such a great strong build, it converts so easily between shoulder bag and backpack and no signs of wear or strain when converting which I've had previous convertible bags do."
Nicole R., verified buyer
"My drink bottle, laptop and work essentials, change of clothes for the gym, the kids puffers, snacks, all the essential supplies like sunscreen and hats without it feeling too bulky or over filled."
Ally B., verified buyer
Heiych bags average 4.9 out of 5 from more than 170 verified reviews.
Why buy from an Australian family business
Heiych is designed in Brisbane by founder Laura King. You get 40 days to return your bag, faults are covered for as long as you own it, and every order ships with free tracked shipping. If you are not sure on size, compare all three side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heiych an Australian brand?
Yes. Heiych is an Australian family business in Brisbane, founded in late 2024 by Laura King, who designs every bag herself.
Which Heiych bag converts from a tote to a backpack?
The Mini H-Commuter, H-Convert and H-Carry All all convert from tote to backpack by pulling the side straps. The H-Connect wears five ways, including crossbody and as a pram caddy.
Do Heiych bags wear crossbody?
Yes. The Mini H-Commuter and H-Carry All wear crossbody straight away, and the H-Convert clips onto the H-Strap.
Do Heiych bags slide over a suitcase handle?
Yes. The Mini H-Commuter, H-Convert and H-Carry All each have a back sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle.
What if it is not right for me?
You have 40 days to return it, and faults are covered for as long as you own the bag.
Written by Laura King
Laura King is the founder and designer of Heiych. A former lawyer, she ran the corporate fashion label 400 Co. for over a decade before founding Heiych in Brisbane in late 2024.
As a mother of two boys who travels whenever time allows, she could not find one bag that worked for meetings, school pick-up and flights. So she designed it. Laura designs every H Bag herself and writes the Heiych Journal, practical guides to choosing a bag for work, travel, uni and life with little ones.
