The Best Tote Bags of 2025

The REI Co-op Trailgate 45 Tote ($70) is the ultimate budget-friendly choice for staying organized on outdoor adventures. Designed with the practical camper in mind, this tote fits into the footwell of most vehicles, turning often-overlooked spaces into efficient storage areas. Its 43.2-liter capacity provides ample room for your gear, while the drawstring top ensures your belongings stay secure and protected.

Although it is slightly more affordable than some other options, it doesn’t seem to compromise much in terms of functionality or durability. It’s made from 300-denier recycled polyester with a TPU coating and is resistant to moisture and stains. We used this bag primarily as a beach bag when going to the river to swim with our dogs. It was large enough to carry a towel, a camera bag, a large dog life jacket, leashes, snacks (for humans and dogs), and two water bottles.

While it would’ve been nice to have some small pockets to organize things like keys and phones, the side water bottle holders were convenient for storing beverages. When only storing one water bottle, we kept items like phones and sunscreen in the other side pocket for easy access.

When driving, walking down to the beach, and even at the beach, it was nice to have the drawstring top to keep items inside the bag and sand out. There are three different carrying options: a shoulder strap, two top handles, and two side handles. While the side handles are a nice option, we didn’t ever need to use them other than when organizing or moving the bag around in our vehicles.

We also occasionally used this bag for groceries and discovered this tote could carry about three average grocery bags worth of food. The shoulder strap made it easy to carry multiple bags at a time but wasn’t that comfortable under heavy weight. During one trip, some orange juice spilled. It was very easy to wipe up just using a wet washcloth. The materials didn’t seem to hold onto or absorb the juice, and no sticky residue remained. After days at the beach, we easily dumped out any wayward sand, and the fabric did not hold onto any grains, making it easy to transition between activities and functions.

Overall, the Trailgate 45 Tote combines smart design, durability, and eco-friendliness, making it the best budget tote for all your camping, travel, and daily carrying needs.

The Stio Basin XT CarryAll 25L Tote Bag ($89) is the ultimate everyday carry option, blending durability, functionality, and style for various activities. Constructed from weatherproof, ultra-tough 600 denier CORDURA material with a TPU-coated exterior, this tote excels in withstanding the elements, keeping mud, water, and debris at bay.

Whether you’re heading to the ski slopes, yoga studio, or out of town, the Basin XT is designed to handle your daily gear easily. The open top allows for quick packing, while the webbed compression strap secures your items, ensuring nothing shifts during transit. The external daisy chain is perfect for attaching additional accessories, and the padded, non-slip handles offer comfortable over-the-shoulder carrying. We tried to find an individual activity or use case that was the best for this bag, but we couldn’t because it works everywhere. It performs well on adventures to the park with the pups, quick overnights runs down to the farmer’s market, and trips to the gym.

The tote has exterior and interior zippered pockets, including a fleece-lined pocket ideal for your phone or glasses. A key clip keeps small essentials organized, and the tote stands on its own for easy loading. It would’ve been nice to have a few more exterior pockets and a water bottle holder outside or inside the bag.

Real-world use cases highlight its versatility: it’s perfect for grocery runs, transporting workout gear, or carrying supplies for a spontaneous weekend getaway. Though adding a few features could have pushed this to our best overall spot, the Basin XT CarryAll 25L remains a reliable, well-constructed bag that meets diverse needs with excellent performance.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote ($115) stands out as the best tote for transporting a large load of gear, including kid’s toys, beach essentials, clothes, or groceries. It combines versatility, durability, and eco-conscious design to create, dare we say, a near-perfect tote. The largest bag on our list, it offers an impressive 60-liter capacity (3661 cu in) that easily accommodates all your essentials.

While road-tripping from Washington to Utah and back, this was our choice for storing all the essentials we needed to bring into a hotel or friend’s house for the night. The large zipper compartment fits everything (and even has room to spare) for an entire week on the road. However, when fully loaded, the zipper is hard to close, so if you want a bag with more compact closure capabilities, a duffel may be a better option.

With dual tote handles and side grab handles, you can carry it by hand or over the shoulder, adapting to different scenarios. We especially like how easy it is to carry over the shoulder, making it easy to manage other things like walking a dog or getting out a room key.

The interior is thoughtfully organized, with a zippered pocket and slip pockets to keep small items secure and accessible. This added organization also makes toiletries and items like phone cords easily accessible. The top straps help compress the bag, preventing shifting and ensuring stability. The only thing that we feel is missing from this bag is a dedicated spot for a water bottle.

We favor this tote as a road trip travel bag, but if you want one better suited for carry-on air travel, check out the North Face Basecamp Voyager Tote. We also use the Allpa for large grocery trips, as a gear bag for car camping, and as a beach bag big enough to carry towels, snacks, and more for the whole group. Whether you’re hauling gear for a camping trip or transporting beach essentials, the Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote delivers exceptional functionality and style, making it a top choice for anyone who has a lot to carry on the go.

If you’re looking for an ultra-sturdy, waterproof, puncture- and abrasion-resistant tote bag to haul all your gear and supplies for your next adventure, the YETI Camino Carryall 35 Tote ($150) should be at the top of your list.

Constructed from YETI’s proprietary Thickskin and molded EVA materials, the Camino Carryall tote is built for anything — literally anything. Weighing 3 pounds, this heavy-duty tote can carry up to 1,500 pounds of static weight, making it perfect for toting around anything from a few gallons of milk from the store to your tote-sized pup when the ground is too hot on the walk back from the beach.

Though we couldn’t verify the weight limit during testing, we tested the tote while carrying logs, firewood, camping gear, propane tanks, groceries, pets, and wet gear after a day on the lake. Nothing left a mark on the bag despite putting it through the wringer. No matter the task, the bag looked as good as new after a quick rinse and towel dry. 

Though rigid, the tote is exceptionally flexible, making it easy to fit into closets, lockers, and behind car seats. The open-top style makes it easy to pack and access the main compartment.

The interior zip pockets, perfectly sized for cell phones, wallets, keys, and snacks, are complemented by rugged, easy-to-hold tabs. Despite the bag being waterproof, the zipper is not, so remember to remove any moisture-sensitive items before submerging or rinsing the bag.

Whether packing for a picnic or tailgating, the secret rambler sleeves with integrated tabs, perfect for half-gallon-size jugs or bottles of wine, relax against the sides of the tote when not in use. Reinforced, vertical daisy chains allow for four connections on each sleeve.

The tote does not have a zipper for the main compartment, but it does have a small but rugged hook and closure tab to keep year gear inside. When it’s time to take your tote and go, reach for the exceptionally sturdy yet slightly cushioned shoulder straps or the reinforced grab handles if toting a bit more weight.

Though higher priced than all other totes in this category, the Camino Carryall 35 Tote’s versatility and durability make it a worthy investment. It’s the perfect tote for your next beach trip, playdate, or camping excursion.

The Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30 ($60) is the ultimate choice for grocery shopping, gear hauling, and everyday use. Practical and durable, this tote excels in functionality and convenience and is most comparable to the YETI Camino CarryAll Tote. The biggest difference between the YETI and this one (other than being half the price) is that it is fully collapsible, making it easier to store when not in use.

With its slim, soft-sided design, the Alpaca Gear Tote fits perfectly behind the front seat of your car, utilizing the often-unused footwell space. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps the tote open for easy access, making loading and unloading groceries a breeze. We use this most often for trips to the store because of the amount it can carry and the strength it has compared to a standard reusable shopping bag. We also use it to store our dog’s gear and food when on the road. It packs a week’s worth of items, including a small bag of dog food and several pouches of wet food, his dog bowl, toys, supplements, water bottles, leashes, and more.

Its rigid frame and structured bottom, with two layers of fabric and foam padding, provide exceptional durability, safeguarding your groceries or other items against bumps and jostles. While the rigid design is nice, especially for car travel or unloading and loading items, it makes carrying awkward.

We would’ve liked a different handle design because it wasn’t very easy to throw over our shoulder. When holding it on one arm, the aluminum frame dug into our arm, making it uncomfortable to carry for very long. The best option for carrying was simply with one hand dangling down by your side, but that’s not always the most functional or easiest carrying option.

Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, a park, or an outdoor event, the Alpaca Gear Tote 30 combines robust design with practical features, making it an indispensable addition to your daily routine.

The Hydro Flask 20L Insulated Tote ($65) is your ultimate companion for keeping food and drinks perfectly chilled on the go. Ideal for a variety of uses, this versatile tote transitions from a lightweight, soft cooler to a reusable grocery bag or even a daily lunch bag.

Its fully lined, leakproof interior ensures easy cleaning and prevents spills from escaping. The 20L capacity is perfect for packing groceries, picnic lunches, or cans and bottles, making it an excellent choice for beach days, boat trips, or a day at the park.

As an insulated tote, we felt opportunities for use would be limited, but we used it more than anticipated. It came in handy for keeping drinks and snacks cool on long drives to the trailhead, for picnics and as a lunch bag on our work job site where it kept food cold until lunch (with an ice pack, of course). It held up to the wear and tear of being hauled around and tossed in the back of a truck or van and occasionally was a helpful companion in keeping items cold on a trip back from the grocery store. Don’t expect this tote to keep items cold for more than 5 to 6 hours, and on a hot summer day (85+ degrees F), it only keeps them cold for about 2 to 3 hours.

One additional feature we love, especially when using it as a lunch bag or a beach bag, is the waterproof exterior pocket. We stored keys and phones in this pocket during picnics and beach outings, so we didn’t have to carry an extra bag for essentials. If something leaked or spilled in the tote, the waterproofing kept everything contained inside the bag. This meant easy cleaning with a quick rinse and air or wipe dry. The only thing missing: a designated slot or pocket inside the tote for utensils or even a mesh interior pocket to hold a beverage can or bottle upright.

The tote’s well-structured design and vibrant colors make it both functional and stylish. The 20L Insulated Tote is a top choice for keeping your essentials cool and organized, whether for a day at work or an afternoon outdoors.

Have you ever considered a tote bag that fits in the palm of your hand? We know what you’re probably thinking but stay with us because the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack ($99) is a sight to behold. 

When we first opened the package, we were skeptical that we received the correct product and couldn’t imagine why this tote was included in this category. After unfolding it from its own pocket, we quickly understood.   

First — the size. As the name states, the Ultralight Black Hole Tote weighs virtually nothing and easily fits into the palm of your hand when folded. Hidden in plain sight is the litany of features you can’t see: hand and backpack straps, dual mesh 1L water bottle holders, and an easily accessible but protected key lanyard, to name a few. 

Second — the weight. Tipping the scales at only 13 ounces, courtesy of the 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon, this bag performs as the main star or a complementary piece, depending on your needs. 

We repeatedly reached for it to carry items we planned to pick up while out multi-tasking. This tote performed superbly, like the unexpected superhero that debuts only when needed. Whether we were picking up a few items at the farmers market or packing post-workout clothing, this small but mighty tote crushed it. 

The tote may appear misshapen since it has no structure, resulting in an unevenly distributed load. The padded straps were comfortable when carrying lighter loads over longer distances; however, the straps, which sometimes get caught in the main compartment zipper, can feel slippery and require frequent adjustments.

Optimizing weight with the 70-denier fabric results in minimal padding, making this tote feel like our least durable option. Though the large compartment allows for easy packing and travel, this may not hold up to the rigors of frequent travel, especially if filled to capacity on a daily basis. When caught in light rain, the bag held up exceptionally well, but is not as rugged or durable as the YETI Camino Carryall Tote.

The Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack, available in a range of eye-catching colors, is great for quick hikes and commuters who need to transport the essentials — a 13-inch or smaller laptop, water bottle, keys, glasses, and maybe a small charging cord.

One of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes inspired the llama logoed Cotopaxi. At first glance, a llama may seem like a quiet, awkward animal; however, like still waters that run deep, the adventurous, versatile, and uniquely inspiring mascot adorns the ready-to-go Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Weekender Tote Bag ($130). The Viaje is quite literally prepared to take you on almost any journey every day — and anywhere that you might need a tote bag. 

The first thing we noticed about this tote was its clean lines, eye-catching but muted colors, cape, and excellent organization. We tested it on runs to the grocery store, yoga studio, beach, and on longer international trips. It shined no matter where it was toted. 

This tote includes many features normally found in more oversized travel totes, such as multiple external zippered pockets, yoga mat straps, side carry handles, a shoulder strap, and large bottom storage. Meg found the organization options of this tote to be a little overkill at times, but it added to the versatility of the use cases and organizational capacities for travel.

At 37 L, the weekender’s large main compartment is spacious enough for a weekend or week-long trip. We packed the tote for a four-day international trip. The large base meant larger items could be folded neatly with packing cubes placed on top with no fuss. When it was time to close the bag, compartment handles made closing the bag a cinch. Large zippered external pockets are ideal for keeping essentials like passports, keys, wallets, and snacks within reach without opening the main compartment. 

The integrated luggage sleeve provided a secure fit on different roller luggage without resistance. Removing the tote from carrying handles to go through security was also a breeze. The bag fits neatly in the overhead compartments of several airlines without hassle. When overhead compartments were full, the tote also easily fit under airline seats. 

When we weren’t traveling, the tote doubled as a day bag for trips to the beach and bazaar. The adjustable side straps neatly supported a small rug, allowing us to remain hands-free. For the return trip, a separate storage compartment on the bottom was ideal for extra shoes or dirty clothes. 

Take the Viaje 35L Weekender Tote Bag tote on your next weekend getaway or grocery run. It can do it all.

While most of the totes on this list can serve double duty, Bagail Clear Bags Tote ($9) elevates the stadium tote. Though simple, this tote is exactly what it says it is — a clear tote that most stadiums require for access.

This tote is large enough for all your concert-going essentials; it fits a phone, wallet, snacks, water bottle, and a light layer. It’s big enough to carry everything you need without feeling oversized or cumbersome. We also use it for trips to the dog park. We like that it’s small and lightweight enough to sling over our shoulder and large enough to fit a towel, dog treats, a water bottle, and other essentials like phone and keys.

This no-frills tote is low on features; however, it fits the maximum dimensions allowed at most stadiums, concerts, and music festivals. Larger and clearer than most see-through bags, getting through security will be the easiest part of your adventure. You can carry the tote using the shoulder straps or the adjustable crossbody nylon strap. With two D-rings on the main bag, you can remove the crossbody strap for a cleaner appearance.

The cons of this tote lie in its overall appearance and quality. It appears cheaper and feels flimsy; we can see this bag ripping or tearing very easily. The materials are not very high quality, so the use cases are limited. Though the zipper worked smoothly, the single stitch connecting it made us question its durability with repeated openings. The zippers are not water resistant, and the rubber zipper tabs were a bit of a drawback. Although the zipper isn’t waterproof, the plastic outer materials are, and we had no issues with items getting wet, even with dogs shaking off next to the bag or water splashing it while they played.

You may not be a fan of vinyl bags; however, if you need a clear bag for a stadium event at a wallet-friendly price point, the Bagail Clear Bags Tote is an option.