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After years of globetrotting with Lo & Sons, it's safe to say we've become connoisseurs of their thoughtful design. What began as a mission to create the perfect bag for a frequent-traveling mom has blossomed into a collection of pieces that feel both elegant and practical.

Their bags aren't just accessories; they're travel companions, each with a unique personality tailored for a different kind of journey. We've spent countless hours with the Rowledge 2, the Melrose, the Aoyama, and the Bond, and here’s our take on these trusty travel companions.

The Everyday Explorer: The Rowledge 2 Backpack

The Rowledge 2 is the kind of bag you grab when you're not entirely sure where the day will take you, but you know you need to be prepared. This is an evolution of the original Rowledge, a bag that was our trusted companion on countless adventures.

Lo and Sons Rowledge Original — **Rowledge**

It's the quintessential carry-on for a business trip that might turn into a city stroll, or the perfect day pack for a conference with a sightseeing detour. Its most defining feature is its incredible organization, which, frankly, brings a sense of calm to any traveler.

Walking with luggage at the airport — **Rowledge 2**

The separate, zippered bottom compartment is a game-changer. While it’s advertised for shoes, we've found it’s a genius space to store our DSLR camera and lens, keeping our main compartment pristine. The dedicated, padded laptop sleeve and multiple internal pockets mean you're never left digging for your headphones or a pen.

Traveling to **Tokyo** with the Rowledge 2

putting a camera in a backpack — The perfect place to store a DSLR camera

The clever design even allows the straps to be tucked away, converting it into a polished tote for more formal occasions. It's a true chameleon, blending professional polish with travel-ready functionality.

The Urban Commuter: The Melrose Backpack

The Melrose is the Rowledge's sleek and slightly more avant-garde sibling. Its design feels more architectural, and its genius lies in the detachable crossbody bag. This feature is pure brilliance. You can breeze through the airport with your laptop and essentials neatly packed in the main backpack, then, upon arrival, simply unzip the top portion and clip on a strap to create a crossbody for a day of exploration.

Lo and Sons Melrose Backpack — **Melrose**

We've found this to be a true game-changer, as the detachable purse is perfect for holding all the necessities we want to keep close at hand during a flight like our passport, wallet, phone, and medications. It's the ultimate space-saver, eliminating the need to pack a separate purse.

The removable interior organization also offers flexibility; you can keep all the meticulously designed pockets in place or remove them for a more open space, depending on your needs. The Melrose is for the traveler who appreciates a minimalist aesthetic but refuses to compromise on clever details.

The Artful Wanderer: The Aoyama Bag

The Aoyama is where Lo & Sons truly embraces an effortless, chic sensibility. This crescent-shaped bag, crafted from buttery soft sheepskin leather, is a study in quiet luxury. It’s the perfect size for a day of gallery hopping or a leisurely afternoon spent at a sidewalk cafe.

Lo and Sons Aoyama hand bag — **Aoyama**

The bag's deceptively spacious interior easily holds my daily essentials—phone, sunglasses, and chapstick—while still having room for a larger item. I can either slip in my SONY mirrorless camera or, when I leave the camera at home, swap it out for my iPad. Obviously, it will look a little bulky if you carry either one of those two items, but it’s definitely possible to manage.

Shinkansen platform in Japan — Navigating through **Japan’s** busy train platforms

Lo and Sons Aoyama Bag in cream — The perfect travel accessory for **Charleston**

The key to its versatility is the adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it as a short or long crossbody for hands-free convenience, or remove the strap entirely and carry it as an elegant handbag. It’s the bag you reach for when you want to feel put-together without any fuss. It’s durable enough to handle the rigors of travel but soft enough to mold to your body, becoming a natural extension of your outfit.

The Minimalist on the Move: The Bond Sling Bag

For the minimalist, the Bond is a revelation. This isn't your average fanny pack; it’s a refined, thoughtfully designed sling bag. Its sleek profile has an impressive level of organization, with mesh and zippered pockets inside, a quick-access back pocket for cards, and a key leash that ensures you're never fumbling at the door.

Lo and Sons Sheepskin Bond Bag — **Bond**

We've found it to be the perfect companion for quick errands or a day trip where a larger bag is simply too much. It offers a lightweight, hands-free way to keep your passport, phone, and wallet immediately accessible. The Bond proves that you don't need to sacrifice style for function, and that a small bag can make a big impact on your day-to-day ease.

Lo and Sons Bond in black — Exploring **Shinjuku**

Eating odango in Japan — Exploring **Narita Omotesando**

The Verdict

Each of these bags tells a different story and serves a distinct purpose, yet they all share the Lo & Sons DNA: a commitment to premium materials, intentional design, and a deep understanding of what a modern traveler truly needs.

We continue to use them, and they've not only stood the test of time but have also proven their worth as invaluable tools for a well-organized, well-traveled life.