Ah, the best tote bags — the multitaskers that can do it all. Finding the best tote bag to transport books and laptops one day and schlep groceries and climbing gear the next can be arduous. To help you sort through the proverbial tote haystack, we tested a variety of totes.

After months in the field, our testers, Meg Carney and Taneika Duhaney, came up with a list of their favorites. Meg packed these bags around for weeks while running daily errands, for beach days with her dogs, on picnic dates, and on a road trip from Washington to Utah that also brought her through Wyoming and Idaho. On her journey, she traded suitcases for tote bags, and unlike traditional bags, they kept her organized and made items exceptionally easy to access.

Taneika is a mother to human and dog children, so she’s no stranger to adventures that require a lot of stuff. And she’s very familiar with the search for the perfect bag to carry it all. Taneika took these tote bags to Europe, Africa, and several states along the eastern seaboard for business, outdoor recreation, and sporting events.

We tested accessibility, organization, durability, and usability. Whether you’re seeking the versatility and features of our top pick, the North Face Base Camp Voyager Tote, or a more budget-friendly option like the REI Co-op Trailgate 45 Tote, we have you covered. Scroll through our list to find the perfect tote bag to protect your belongings while looking good, whether on your way to the office, a weekend getaway, or a picnic. 

Check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ to learn more about each tote’s unique features.

Editor’s Note: On October 8, 2024, we updated this guide by adding 5 new tote bags, re-testing and expanding our descriptions of all the others on the list, and greatly expanding our buyer’s guide.

The Best Tote Bags of 2024

Tote Bag Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Tote Bags

Our Expert Testers

We tested ten tote bags between two testers and activities ranging from international and domestic travel to grocery hauls, commuting, beach days, and outdoor adventures. Our lead tester, Meg Carney, applied her 7+ years of outdoor gear testing and writing experience to see how well these bags held up to the chaos of her daily life with three high-energy dogs, frequent country road trips, and everything in between. Contributor Taneika Duhaney has over 12 years of experience as a bike commuter, traveler, and gear reviewer.

Our Testing Process

Over separate periods, their testing focused on the durability and precision of the stitching and seams, the functionality of closures, comfort and adjustability of handles, and suitability for different occasions and purposes. They stretched every pocket, zipped every zipper, packed every compartment, pulled every cord, and snapped every closure. Through real-life testing scenarios, they scuffed the fabrics, stained the handles, and knotted the drawstrings. In short, we put these totes through the wringer.

To assess a tote bag’s quality and suitability for different use cases, we looked at the following qualities in each bag:
● Durability: how will the material strength and weather resistance hold up in real-world scenarios and continued use?
● Carrying Comfort: what are the handle ergonomics and weight distribution like in different positions and under different weights? How many handles and carrying combinations are there?
● Organization: are there pockets and compartments for additional organization? How easy is it to access and use different organizational features?
● Capacity: what is the carrying capacity? How usable is the tote when used at the highest capacity?
● Ease of Cleaning: totes get dirty in the real world, so how well do the materials repel dirt? How easy is the bag to clean if something spills inside?
● Versatility: tote bags should be versatile and able to be used in several different scenarios. How many use cases were the bags suitable for and which ones did they work best for?
● Stability: how well did the bags stand up on their own when loaded?

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tote Bags

A tote bag is more than just a bag — it’s a key part of your daily routine, much like your favorite shoes or sweater. Remember that moment you scrambled through your bag for your phone or keys? That’s when you realize you need a better tote.

This guide will help you find a tote that organizes your items, stays out of your way when needed, and matches your style. Start by considering how you’ll use the tote. Will it carry your laptop to the office one day and gear for the beach the next?

Think about how the tote can enhance your daily life. Do you need a spacious bag for various uses, or would a more organized one with compartments for your laptop, keys, and phone suit you better?

Next, choose the right size: a large tote for groceries, a medium one for essentials, or a smaller option for specific purposes. Finally, consider the style. Do you prefer a sleek, structured design or a more relaxed, unstructured look? Color is also important—choose one that complements your style. For longer adventures, explore our guide to the Best Duffel Bags.

Types of Tote Bags

Explore the various types of tote bags to find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re seeking a versatile day bag for daily errands, a spacious option for beach outings, or a specialized carrier for work essentials, there’s a tote designed for every occasion.

Understanding the different styles and features available will help you choose a bag that not only complements your lifestyle but also offers practicality and convenience in every situation.

Travel Tote

Travel totes offer unbeatable convenience for weekend getaways, providing ample space for your essentials. Constructed from durable materials like nylon and polyester, these bags are built to withstand travel demands.

The Cotopaxi Viaje 35L is ideal for practical travel. It features a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a zippered bottom section for shoes or dirty laundry.

For those needing extra space, the REI Co-op Trailgate is a great option. Its robust construction allows for extensive packing and organization using packing cubes. The extended collar with a drawstring closure and compression strap secures your belongings, while multiple carrying options — shoulder straps, a crossbody strap, or reinforced handles — offer versatility.

The Viaje is an excellent choice as a carry-on, but the Trailgate might be too large for under-seat storage.

Our best overall pick, the North Face Basecamp Voyager, is also ideal for a travel bag as it offers more complex organizational options, while for longer trips the large carrying capacity of the Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote may be desired.

Check with your airline for carry-on size regulations and explore our Best Carry-on Luggage Guide for more expansive options.

Commuter Tote

Commuter tote bags are crafted with the daily grind in mind. They’re often constructed from waterproof or water-resistant materials such as nylon or polyester. This feature ensures that your belongings stay dry and protected, even if you encounter unexpected rain showers during your journey.

One key benefit of commuter tote bags is their practicality. Many of these bags, such as The North Face Base Camp Voyager, are outfitted with specialized compartments and pockets, ensuring your essentials are neatly arranged and easily accessible.

A notable feature is a padded laptop sleeve that secures your laptop or tablet while on the move — a significant advantage for students and professionals. Moreover, multiple pockets and compartments aid in keeping smaller items organized and within easy reach.

In addition to their functionality, commuter tote bags often prioritize comfort and convenience.

Like Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack, many commuter totes are designed for comfort and convenience. They feature padded handles, backpack straps, or crossbody straps like the Base Camp Voyager. This allows you to effortlessly carry your belongings, even during long commutes or busy days.

The compact size and streamlined silhouette of most commuter totes make them ideal for navigating crowded buses, trains, or city streets without feeling bulky or cumbersome.

Beach Tote

Beach tote bags are essential companions for a fun day in the sun. Unlike their everyday counterparts, these bags meet the unique needs of beachgoers, but every day carry bags like the Stio Basin XT CarryAll can work for the beach and beyond. Beach-focused totes should offer ample space, durable construction, and water/sand-resistant materials to accommodate everything you need for a relaxing day by the water.

Beach totes are typically larger than standard tote bags, providing plenty of room to pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, reading materials, and other essentials. This spacious design ensures that you can comfortably carry everything you need for a day of leisure without feeling weighed down or cramped for space.

One of the defining characteristics of beach tote bags is their generous size, like YETI’s Camino Carryall. The 35L tote is water-resistant to protect your belongings from moisture and prevent the bag from becoming soggy or waterlogged. The durable nylon construction makes it simple to shake off sand or rinse any spills or stains.

Another hallmark of beach tote bags is vibrant colors and fun patterns. The Camino Carryall is available in Navy, King Crab Orange, Agave Teal, and other fun colors. Whether you prefer bright and cheerful hues or more subdued tones, there’s a beach tote bag to suit every taste and preference.

Many beach tote bags come with practical features that enhance functionality. The Camino Carryall has two internal pockets to store smaller items like sunscreen, sunglasses, keys, or smartphones. Additional pockets like the YETI’s rambler sleeves let you keep your essentials organized while you soak up the sun.

Fashion Tote

In the world of tote bags, a fashion tote often deviates from the utilitarian focus of traditional tote bags. They tend to emphasize aesthetics and usually serve as trendy accessories.

One example of a fashion tote bag is the Bagail Clear Bags Tote. Unlike traditional tote bags, which usually feature solid colors and classic designs, the Bagail Tote stands out because of its transparent construction. This allows for a modern, minimalist look that’s both chic and practical.

The Bagail Clear Bags Tote is an ideal accessory for attending sporting events, concerts, or other large-scale gatherings where traditional bags may not be authorized because of security regulations. In these situations, the tote’s transparent design allows for easy inspection of its contents while providing a stylish and functional way to carry essential items.

Closure Configuration

Tote bags come in various styles, each with different closure mechanisms. Utility-focused totes often feature zippers, while casual options may use drawstrings or buckles. When selecting a tote, consider the security your belongings need.

Zipper Closures

Tote bags designed for carrying heavy items or valuable belongings are usually equipped with sturdy, practically indestructible zippers. This ensures that your belongings are always secured, no matter how frequently you use the zipper.

Many of the totes we tested feature zipper closures for added security. For instance, The North Face Base Camp Voyager and Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack, both commuter-focused totes, have zippers to secure your work or school essentials.

Similarly, the Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Weekender Bag comes with several zippers designed to keep your belongings secure while traveling. Lastly, the Bagail: Clear Stadium Tote features a single zipper that ensures your essentials are secure, whether in a group of 10 or 10,000.

Drawstring Closure

Many casual tote bags have drawstring closures, which allow users to cinch the opening shut with minimal effort. This closure type complements the bag’s relaxed vibe and provides easy access to belongings without sacrificing style.

Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack and REI Co-op Trailgate 45 are tote bags with different drawstring closures.

Let’s discuss their versatility. The Ultralight Black Hole has a main compartment with a zipper and drawstring closure. This allows you to carry items that extend outside the tote’s main compartment, meaning you can pack more without compromising on space.

On the other hand, the REI Co-op Pack-Away 45 has an extended collar that has a drawstring closure, which is further secured by a buckle strap. This design ensures your contents stay put, no matter how much you carry.

Hook Closure

Tote bags designed for outdoor use or on-the-go activities often use hook-and-loop closures. These closures provide a combination of style, functionality, and security, allowing for quick and easy access to the contents of the bag. Hook-and-loop closures are highly versatile and can range from simple designs to more intricate hardware, making them an excellent choice for customization based on the bag’s aesthetic.

The YETI Camino Carryall 35L has simple hook-and-loop closures that keep contents secure when carrying smaller loads. On the other hand, the REI Co-op Trailgate 45 has a hook-and-loop closure with a compression strap that fully extends across the main compartment to secure contents even when fully packed.

Size

Tote bags come in various sizes, each suited to different uses. For beach trips, a large tote, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote, with an open main compartment and minimal closure, is ideal for easy access and quick packing.

Conversely, commuters and students may prefer medium-sized totes, like the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole or North Face Base Camp Voyager, with organizational compartments and secure closures to keep essentials tidy and accessible.

When choosing the size, consider how you’ll carry the tote. Tote with crossbody straps can be adjusted to fit more compactly, reducing the bag’s bulk. If you opt for a tote with backpack straps, the weight is distributed on your back, allowing for a more spacious design without feeling cumbersome.

Ultimately, the right size depends on your needs: large totes are ideal for casual outings, while smaller, well-organized options are suitable for daily use.

Durability

A tote should be durable enough to protect your essentials. Nylon, polyester, and coated fabrics usually feel substantial without being weighty. These fabrics are often treated to be waterproof, water-resistant, or stain-resistant, enhancing their durability against the elements.

For example, the Stio Basin XT CarryAll is made with sturdy but lightweight fabrics, making it practical for everyday use. Additionally, many are treated to be waterproof, water-resistant, or stain-resistant, enhancing their ability to withstand various conditions.

Durability also hinges on reinforced features. Check for reinforced handles and stitching at critical stress points, such as where the handles connect to the main compartment or the bottom of the bag. This reinforcement helps prevent tearing and ensures the tote can handle heavier loads without compromising its structure. Seams should be double-stitched or reinforced to avoid fraying and increase longevity

Inner linings and padded areas contribute to a tote’s durability by protecting belongings and preventing damage from rough surfaces. Look for padded bases or sides, especially if you plan to carry fragile items.

Overall, a durable tote bag combines resilient materials, reinforced construction, and thoughtful design features to ensure it can withstand daily use and the elements.

Weight

The weight of a tote bag is an essential factor whether you intend to use the bag for commuting, travel, or shopping. The bag’s composition usually influences the weight and can indicate durability — but not always.

Many lighter bags are made of nylon or polyester. Though durable, bags made of heavier materials may hold up longer over time.

The lightest tote in our top picks, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole, weighs less than 1 pound. YETI’s Camino Carryall, on the other hand, weighs over 3 pounds.

It’s important to consider a tote’s weight, especially if you plan to carry any load over a considerable distance or for an extended period of time. Additionally, don’t discount a tote simply because of its weight since some of these bags can carry anything from logs to blankets.

Features

A well-designed tote bag should include features tailored to its intended use, enhancing functionality and practicality. For example, commuter totes often come with padded laptop sleeves to securely carry your tech, while weekender totes might include a separate compartment for dirty laundry, making travel more organized. Adventure totes typically have reinforced handles and large, unobstructed main compartments to withstand rugged use and carry bulky gear. Some others, like the Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30, pack down when not in use to save space.

Additionally, consider the ease of cleaning, as this can affect the tote’s longevity and upkeep. Fabrics that repel stains or can be easily wiped down like those in the Hydroflask 20L Insulated Tote are ideal for maintaining a neat appearance. Aesthetics also play a significant role; choose a design that aligns with your personal style, whether you prefer minimalist elegance, trendy patterns, or classic looks.

Focusing on these practical features and design elements can help you select a tote that meets your specific needs and complements your lifestyle, making it a versatile and indispensable accessory.

Waterproofness

A waterproof or water-resistant tote bag like the YETI Camino and the Hydroflask Insulated Tote protects your belongings from rain and splashes, especially during commutes or travel. Look for totes with waterproof materials and construction, such as nylon, polyester, or vinyl, offering effective water resistance. However, the fabric alone isn’t enough; check that the seams and zippers are sealed or treated to prevent water ingress, as untreated seams can allow moisture to seep in.

Additionally, some manufacturers provide waterproof ratings, measured in millimeters of water column pressure. Ratings typically range from 0 mm (not waterproof) to over 10,000 mm (highly waterproof). A higher rating indicates better resistance to water penetration.

It is also important to choose totes free of intentionally added PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are chemicals used in some waterproofing treatments but are known for their environmental persistence and potential health risks. Opting for bags free of PFAS ensures that you make a safer choice for your health and the environment.

While no tote bag is entirely waterproof, those with well-sealed seams, high-quality materials, and PFAS-free treatments offer superior water resistance and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions