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These are the tote bags we count on at home and abroad.
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But it’s the design features that truly set some totes apart.
Fromscenic picnicstowork trips, weve found the best for every setting.
The shape is unstructured, so you might have to dig to reach the bottom.
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Aside from its longevity, what makes this tote our best overall pick is the amount of organization.
We also love the leashed zip pouch inside and the built-in trolley sleeve on the back.
We found the top handles to be an unnecessary feature.
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Baggus Duck Bag is ready for travel activities with its washable canvas design.
This way, you’re free to stress less about keeping your bag spotless while out and about.
The material is also lightweight and doesnt weigh us down even when stuffed to the brim.
Theres an exterior zip pocket where we like to stash smaller items like a phone and keys.
There isnt a zip-top option, and suede can be tougher to keep clean.
For a tote bag thats both elevated and travel-appropriate, we love this bag from Milaner.
We own the taupe suede version and have found it versatile enough to wear with all types of outfits.
With more than a dozen color options, youll have no problem finding one to fit your own style.
(Tip: we keep ours in a dust bag when on a plane.)
The straps arent padded, and theres only one pocket.
The Le Pliage is one of the most classic tote bags you’ve got the option to own.
And after using one ourselves, were not surprised by its popularity.
This makes it a great option for both minimalist and maximalist packers.
It can be heavy when fully packed.
Weve taken it on hikes, to the beach, and on plenty of grocery runs.
We also often use it for lugging food and blankets to music festivals.
The bag has to be laid on its side to fully unzip the bottom section.
Weve used it to pack a wet bathing suit and also as a snack holder.
If you love function, you wont be disappointed with this pick.
Theres a zip pouch but no other pockets.
Plus, we can bring it to the beach without worrying about sand or water spills.
You wont find any pockets inside, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
However, there is a matching zip pouch for the most essential items such as cash and keys.
The top handles hang loose when using the tote as a backpack, which can be kind of annoying.
Convertible bags are some of our favorite bags I carryOleadas convertible laptop backpacknonstop.
This way, they wont bug you or rub up against you when in tote mode.
And while this bag isnt very structured, it is plenty spacious.
We even squeezed in a small painting we picked up from the farmers market along the way.
The top doesnt close, so we dont recommend this for outdoor camping with food.
Weve also taken this bag camping and used it to store wet items, gear, and food.
Outside of adventure trips, youll get plenty of use out of this tote at home.
Youll also get to choose from several colors, from muted gray to vibrant blue.
It might be too small for longer trips.
A classic leather tote bag will always come in handy for work and travel.
If youre still looking for your go-to, were fans of the Cuyana System Tote for its personalization options.
Plus, we love that it has a zip top for extra security.
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We wouldnt carry this outside of the beach or pool because of its rugged look.
Plus, the open top has a buckle strap thats ideal for securing towels.
There isnt much structure, so it can feel floppy when less full.
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This one offers the best of both worlds with its padded laptop sleeve built in.
With so many pockets on the interior and exterior, its a great replacement for your work bag too.
We think it would be perfect if it came in a slightly larger size.
Plus, we havent had any issues with the fabric collecting sand.
Weve frequently brought it to the beach, the pool, and out to lunch.
Unlike rubber beach totes, this one is easy to fold up into a suitcase.
Well continue testing these totes and updating the list with our findings as we try out new bags.
If you plan to be around crowds, for example, we suggest looking for zip top closures.
Bags with convertible straps are also particularly useful since they can be used multiple ways.
Though, we always suggest checking with the airline to be sure.
For pool days, we suggest sturdy canvas or splash-resistant nylon.
She also heavily researched the features of each bag that will improve the quality of your next trip.
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