The Best Tote Bags That Hold It All Together When You Can’t
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Tote bags have come a long way from their humble beginnings. The word tote, meaning “to carry by hand,” has been around for centuries, but the bag as we know it didn’t emerge until 1944 when L.L.Bean debuted the Bean Ice Carrier: a double-handled canvas bag designed to lug ice blocks. Fabricated from the double-layered material used in conveyor belts, its oatmeal-colored shape could bear up to 500 pounds of weight—ultimately solidifying the tote’s status in the pantheon of carryalls. You need a tote when you need to carry a ton of stuff.
Over the decades, tote bags have evolved from practical workhorses into cultural currency, adapting to reflect the shifting identities of their carriers. In 1965, the Bean Ice Carrier was reinvented as the iconic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, a taller and arguably more fashionable version that became one of its bestsellers. By the 1980s, totes were utilized as promotional swag, with the Strand Book Store’s original canvas tote bag becoming one of the first of many totes stamped with logos and brand information.
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Today, totes are social signals. The ubiquitous New Yorker tote became the uniform of the chic intellectual, and Trader Joe’s reusable bags (though around since the late ’70s) are a badge of brand loyalty. The tote is more than just a carryall—it’s a statement, a friend, and occasionally a subtle flex. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best totes for every haul and hauler, from meticulous laptop carriers to sustainable designs and fashionable pieces. We also have guides to the Best Laptop Backpacks, Best Camera Bags, and the Best Messenger Bags (which I'm convinced are making a comeback).
Updated March 2025: I added the Lululemon Boxy Mini Tote Bag 4.5L, the Aer Simple Tote, and the Topo Designs Mountain Gear Bag. The Cozy Earth Waxed Canvas Tote, Alo Yoga Foxy Sherpa Tote, and Ölend Ona Soft Bag have been added to Honorable Mentions. I also removed discontinued products and updated links.
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| I'll be testing Peak Design's Everyday Tote for $160, Troubadour's Apex Everyday Tote for $195, and Lojel's Niru – 3-Way Tote for $65. |
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How We Tested
We scoured both timeless classics and newcomers, considering everything from capacity to comfort to sustainability. To find the best tote bags, we put each contender through a real-world boot camp. Over the course of several weeks (in some cases, years), we loaded up each bag with everything from laptops and books to groceries and gym gear. We tested totes’ durability in extreme weather conditions: Portland rain, Chicago snow, and New York summer heat. Organization is key, too, so we made sure each tote was intuitive to pack.
- Materials: We prioritized durability, quality, and sustainability, and we included eco-friendly brands for environmentally conscious consumers. We also made sure to include an array of fabrics for stylistic variability.
- Design: We scrutinized every pocket, compartment, and zipper for usability. When it comes to design, we paid attention to the details: interior fabric choices that make contents easy to see, convenient pocket placement, and hardware choices like zippers and zipper pulls. We also paid attention to key design elements, such as the handle length and overall structure.
- Comfort: No one wants straps that dig into their shoulders, so we paid close attention to how each bag felt when fully loaded.
- Price: We considered how each bag stacked up against its price point, ensuring that the quality justified the cost.
- Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
Best Overall
Away The Everywhere ToteI take the Everywhere Tote everywhere. It's the bag you reach for when you're commuting, planning an overnight stay, or catching a flight. The water-resistant nylon body, designed with leather trim, looks classy in the office, but it's still built for the chaos of travel and errands. It zips shut to keep your gear secure, meets airlines’ personal item requirements, and slides onto a suitcase handle with its trolley sleeve. It's available in an assortment of colors, from coastal blue to sea green to clay pink.
Inside, there's a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, multiple slip pockets, and a key clip, which, in my case, holds my travel pillow. The exterior zip pocket is much appreciated for easy access to travel essentials like your passport, phone, and wallet. The only real miss is that there's no dedicated water bottle slot, which in this era feels like a must. Finally, fair warning: The trolley sleeve and exterior pouch look nearly identical, which has led to more than one unplanned drop test. Some shoppers have suggested Away add a contrast stitch to differentiate it, and I'll cosign that recommendation.
Another away: If you're hard on your bags, I also love the Large Featherlight Tote ($118). It's just as travel-friendly, with zippered compartments, a laptop pocket, and a trolley sleeve—and it's machine washable. I used it as a gym tote for a while, but the nonadjustable straps can get uncomfortable with heavier hauls.
Specs Materials: Nylon and leather Dimensions: 16″(H) x 12.6″(W) x 7.9″(D) Weight: 1.57 pounds Care: Spot-clean with warm water, gentle laundry soap, and a washcloth. - Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
Best Mini Tote
Lululemon Boxy Mini Tote Bag 4.5LSometimes, a full-size tote is overkill. When I'm heading out with just the essentials—phone, lip balm, wallet, keys, maybe a small book—I don't need a cavernous bag where everything disappears into the abyss. But the Lululemon Boxy Mini Tote Bag is compact, structured, and stands up on its own, so I'm not fishing around for my stuff.
Made from water-repellent recycled nylon, it's ready for unexpected showers. The snap closure is easy to pop open for quick access but secure enough to (hopefully) deter pickpockets. Inside, there's a zippered pocket for extra security and a drop-in pouch. Bonus points for the exterior front pocket, the adjustable (and removable) shoulder strap, and the built-in D-ring.
The Boxy Mini Tote only comes in black; if you love the setup but want a different look, Lululemon also sells the Two-Tone Canvas Mini Tote Bag 4.5L, in rotating shades, currently available in spiced chai/bone and mojave tan/light ivory. This one is made of cotton canvas and is not water-repellent, so it's better suited for the summer.
Specs Materials: Nylon and leather Dimensions: 16″(H) x 12.6″(W) x 7.9″(D) Weight: 1.57 pounds Care: Spot-clean with warm water, gentle laundry soap, and a washcloth.
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Most Lightweight Tote
Aer Simple ToteHave you ever hefted a nylon or leather tote in your hand and realized that slinging it over your shoulder would give you immediate scoliosis? Then you want Aer’s ultra-lightweight simple sailcloth tote, which weighs less than a pound, despite sporting some hardware. Its 15 liters felt surprisingly capacious, once I wasn’t wasting energy carrying a lot of clothes.
I fit two jackets inside on a walk with my kids, and the 3-inch-wide bag tucked neatly under my arm. The two exterior drop pockets fit my Nalgene and Kinto mug, and my phone fit neatly in the exterior zip pocket. The Fidlock closure, in addition to being pretty to look at and use, provided a bit of security but was much less, er, fiddly (sorry) than having to close the bag with a zipper. This is a great upgrade if you are getting tired of carrying everything in your stained, shredded tote from Umami Mart and want a bag that’s not going to get soaked in something questionable if you put it down in the wrong place on the subway. It is a little more expensive, though. —Adrienne So
Specs Materials: Ultra400X exterior by Challenge Sailcloth, YKK waterproof zippers, Fidlock magnetic V-buckle Dimensions: 15″(H) x 13″(W) x 3″(D) Weight: 0.5 pound Care: Use a damp cloth and mild detergent or a disinfectant wipe to spot-clean. Hang dry outdoors or in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best for Tech
Moment Everything Tech Tote (19L)The Everything Tech Tote has pockets within pockets, next to pockets. Moment's bags are a WIRED favorite because of their compartmental designs. And because it comes from a photography brand, it's made to protect all your expensive gear with padding, weatherproof recycled nylon, and a full-zip closure. It also holds Moment's camera insert for even more organization and protection. WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu uses it as a beach bag during the summertime, and he comfortably packs two water bottles, towels, sunscreen, his dog's food, and extra clothes, as well as his camera and a spare lens using the included divider.
Specs Material: 600D recycled nylon CPH (exterior) and 210D nylon oxlan (interior) Dimensions: 12.6″(H) x 18.7″(W) x 6.1″(D) Weight: 1.4 pounds Care: Spot-clean only.
- Photograph: Cuyana
Best Customizable Tote
Cuyana System ToteThe Cuyana System Tote is a modular design that’s meant to outlive fleeting trends. True to its name, it operates as a customizable system, with add-ons that let you adapt it for workdays, nights out, or whatever occasion. For example, you can invest in the laptop sleeve or organizational insert (both $98), which includes a laptop compartment, a water bottle holder, and two slip pockets.
If you’ve ever lost a favorite bag to snapped straps, you’ll also appreciate the high-quality construction here. The handles are seamlessly integrated into the leather, so you don’t have to worry about the usual weak points where threads betray you. The bag snaps closed at the top (no zipper), so if that is a deal-breaker, consider the Classic Easy Tote ($298).
More add-ons: Cuyana also offers a flap bag ($128) that doubles as a stand-alone clutch or an internal organizer, and an adjustable strap ($58) that transforms the tote into a crossbody bag.
Specs Material: Pebbled or croc-embossed leather Dimensions: 10″(H) x 13.25″(W) x 5″(D) (13-inch); 11″(H) x 19″(W) x 5.5″(D) Weight: 1.9 pounds (13-inch); 2.3 pounds (16-inch) Care: Wipe clean with damp cloth. - Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
Best Leather Laptop Bag
Leatherology Alex Laptop Bag SetMade from Italian croc-embossed leather, the Alex Laptop Bag Set has a stunning, crocodile-skin-like pattern that feels rich, but you can't go wrong with any model. It's structured, full-grain leather, LWG-certified silver, and though it's stiff at first, it softens with use. The Alex also comes with a matching laptop envelope sleeve, which I've found a little snug. It's just the right fit for a 15-inch Macbook Air (no case, though) and is designed with a fold-over top and magnetic snap closure. There's also an open back pocket for documents, which is a lovely touch but, again, a little tight.
It's not the roomiest tote—I wouldn't use it for a full day at the office if you carry a ton of gear—but it's a statement piece at meetings, work dinners, or business trips where you just need the basics. For an additional $40, you can also customize it with your name or initials. Leatherology also offers the Horizontal Bag without the laptop sleeve for $260 and a Vertical Work Tote model for $275.
Specs Material: LWG-certified silver Italian leather. Dimensions: 10.75″(H) x 17.75″(W) x 4.25″(D); laptop sleeve: 13.85″(H) x 10.2″(W) Care Instructions: Read Leatherology’s extensive guide to leather care.
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- Photograph: Martin Cizmar
The Mary Poppins of Totes
Topo Designs Mountain Gear BagColorado's Topo Designs makes several modestly sized and stylish totes, but this 48-liter bag is the one I love the best. It looks just a little on the large size thanks to a trim profile but it's cavernous—I primarily use it to haul my gear for the sport of curling, and recently realized I'd been hauling around two sets of slider shoes for months. I never lose anything, though, because of the well-considered pockets, which include two cinchable end-caps, a zippered pocket on the front, and two mesh sleeves on the interior walls. There is a zipper that can seal the top, but I never use it, instead piling all sorts of stuff in and out in Mary Poppins–like fashion. —Martin Cizmar
Specs Materials: Nylon and leather. Dimensions: 16″(H) x 12.6″(W) x 7.9″(D). Weight: 1.57 pounds. Care: Spot-clean with warm water, gentle laundry soap, and a washcloth. - Photograph: Amazon
A Machine Washable Canvas Tote
BAGGU Horizontal Zip Duck BagThe Baggu Duck Tote is the bag for your Sunday farmer's market run or a trip to your local indie bookstore. While the classic vertical tote is beloved, the horizontal design fits larger laptops (up to 15 inches) and still has room for a 32-ounce water bottle, a book, a phone, and other compact essentials—also ideal for a coffee date. Currently, the Zip Duck Tote comes in black and a selection of patterns, such as navy stripes, a grid print, and embroidered florals. It’s also got an adjustable strap, so you can carry it by the top handles or sling it across your body for hands-free convenience.
Reviewer Brenda Stolyar loves her vertical Zip Duck Bag. (Baggu discontinued the original version, but the updated version has a zipper which is a complaint we used to have.) She had been looking for a lightweight bag that was comfortable to wear with a winter coat, and it’s been the only bag she’s worn since. Plus, it’s machine-washable—a huge win for anyone susceptible to coffee spills and stains.
Specs Material: Cotton canvas (65 percent recycled). Dimensions: 12.5″(H) x 17″(W) x 4.25″(D). Weight: 1 pound. Care: Machine washable.
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- Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
A Splurge-Worthy Work Bag
Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote BagThe Perry Tote is another one of those designer bags that transcends trends and functions as a fashionable work tote. Much like Leatherology's Alex Laptop Bag Set, I wouldn't pack my lunch in the Perry Tote, but it's definitely the kind of bag that radiates quiet authority—and one you'll want to sport when you want to make an impression. Made from Italian pebbled leather, it wears incredibly well over time. The removable logo charm adds a touch of luxury, but I can take it off whenever I want a more understated look. It features a zippered laptop compartment in the center, plus three slip pockets to keep your possessions in order.
Specs Material: Italian leather. Dimensions: 11.4″(H) x 14.2″(W) x 5.3″(D). Weight: 2.2 pounds. Care: Wipe with a damp cotton cloth—water only. To preserve its shape, stuff with tissue paper and store in the dust bag. - Photograph: L.L. Bean
A Zip-Top Packable Tote
L.L. Bean Zip Hunter's Tote Bag With StrapThis is Bean's "field tote." Its rugged construction is designed for long, wet mornings spent trudging through the New England muck in search of waterfowl. It has an outdoorsy vibe, and the entire interior surface of the bag is coated with a thin layer of water-resistant thermoplastic. That lining isn't leakproof, but it gives the tote enough hardiness to make it well suited for hauling wet gym clothes, carting snow-crusted boots, or schlepping sandy beach towels. Not the sporty type? I'll sweeten the deal: I use this bag for my weekly trips to the farmers market. I can dump in damp bunches of carrots, dewy napa cabbages, and dirt-covered beets while never worrying about soiling my clothes or the bag; the plastic lining keeps the moist crud firmly on the inside and wipes clean with a paper towel.
I use the extra-large size (53-liter capacity, $65). It can hold a week's worth of veggies, plus a couple of half-gallon cartons of oat milk and a 12-pack of hard kombucha. It's a no-frills affair, you just get one large compartment, but don't be afraid to stuff it silly. All the seams are double-stitched, the thick polyester shell is reinforced with a second layer of material along the bottom, and the handles are beefier than an Aberdeen Angus. It's also available as an open-top tote, but get the zip-top version. You don't want to be picking loose grapes up off the floor of the car. —Michael Calore
Specs Material: 1,200-denier polyester shell, nylon, and thermoplastic interior coating. Dimensions: 17″(H) x 19″(W) x 10″(D). Weight: 2.19 pounds. Care: Spot clean only.
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- Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
The Classic Cult Favorite
Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra M Tote bagI spent most of my high school and college dodging the Longchamp Le Pliage hype. But when my mom handed down her well-loved Le Pliage tote, I finally got it. This tote is the equivalent of a classic white tee: timeless, versatile, and built to last. The Le Pliage Xtra M Tote Bag is a refined, elegant take on the classic. It’s available in eight colors, but the rich cognac brown won me over. It’s also just as practical as the OG. This bag is roomy enough to fit all the essentials—laptop, notebook, snack stash—without feeling bulky. Also, like its predecessor, it’s inspired by origami, so it folds down small when you need to pack light.
Specs Material: Cowhide leather. Dimensions: 10.4″(H) x 6.1″(W) x 11″(D). Weight: 1.06 pounds. Care: Wipe using a soft damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth and leave to dry for 24 to 48 hours, with the handles down. For deep cleaning, see Longchamp's care instructions. - Photograph: Lo & Sons
The Commuter’s Carry-All
Lo & Sons The O.G. 2I (Adrienne) decided I needed a different bag for when I didn't want to look like a child in my backpack. The O.G. 2 is a larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate, but you need the large if you have a laptop bigger than 13 inches. I like that it’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports and my kid's dance classes, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. It also has sturdy feet on the bottom so you can sit it on a counter or table without it falling over, or on a floor without the bag getting gross and dirty.
I also liked a hidden shoe compartment on the side if you’re traveling from a cold to a hot location and want to switch to sandals. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag. Overall, it’s a light bag that works well for work and travel. —Adrienne So
Specs Material: Nylon and napa leather. Dimensions: 13.75″(H) x 16.5″(W) x 6.75″(D) (Medium); 14.25″(H) x 16.5″(W) x 6.75″(D) (Large). Weight: 2.6 pounds (Medium); 3 pounds (Large). Care Instructions: Use a damp cold cloth with distilled water to wipe away any excess dirt. Lo & Sons recommends testing the soap on a small area of the tote to avoid damage.
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- Photograph: Adrienne So
An Everyday Tote for Digital Nomads
Tom Bihn Nomad ToteThis is my just-right bag. It has a modest 11-liter capacity, so it’s not likely to damage my shoulder or spine with overloading. It can carry everything I need for a work or plane trip all day, from a 13-inch MacBook, my half-size Nalgene, a Kindle, and a half-bag of tortilla chips (you know, just some light afternoon snacks). The durable, bluesign-certified 630-denier ballistic nylon has stayed remarkably fresh-looking over several long overseas flights and trips, but I have also accidentally dunked it into various foul-smelling liquids (don’t ask), dumped it into a sink with some no-rinse soap, and had it come out looking brand-new.
The handles are 11 inches long, so long enough for me to comfortably tuck the bag under my shoulder but not thin enough to cut into my skin. It stands upright on its own, so I can organize the interior, and the pockets are also just-right—for example, only two pen slots (who needs more than two pens?). There's also a luggage pass-through so you can put it on top of your carry-on. Finally, it’s hand-made by Tom Bihn, which sews and designs all the bags in Seattle, so the components are top-of-the-line. For example, the zippers are big coil zippers instead of toothed ones, so I don’t tear my knuckles when I carelessly jam my hand into the pocket. —Adrienne So
Specs Material: 630 2x2 denier ballistic nylon (exterior) and 200D Halcyon or 210D Cerylon (lining). Dimensions: 10.1″(H) x 17″(W) x 3.9″(D). Weight: 1.31 pounds. Care Instructions: Hand-wash with soap. Rinse bag thoroughly and lay flat on top of a towel to dry. - Photograph: Mission Workshop
A Heavy-Duty Travel Tote
Mission Workshop The Drift Laptop ToteThe Drift is my (Michael's) new favorite travel tote. It's burly, but with styling that's refined and classy, and the rolled handles and removable strap make it comfortable to carry either by hand or over the shoulder. But the best thing about it is the smartly organized storage pockets inside and out. It feels designed especially for people like me who always carry an army of gadgets with them.
There are two zippers along the top of the Drift; one leads to the 28-liter main compartment, the other to a padded laptop pocket that can fit a 16-inch PC. The front of the bag has a smaller zip-up slot for a Kindle or iPad, plus an exterior compartment with several pockets for cables, pens, chargers, and notebooks. A dedicated phone pocket on the side of the tote is lined with a fuzzy non-abrasive fabric. The other side has a slot for a water bottle. (It fits a slim Klean Kanteen, but not a chubbier Nalgene.) Just know that the Drift is kind of a beast. It's too huge to slide under the seat in front of you on an airplane, but it fits into the overhead baggage compartment. —Michael Calore
Specs Material: MultiCam black cordura, X-PAC VX21 and Martexin waxed canvas. Lined with 210D ripstop nylon with TPU. Dimensions: 15″(H) x 16″(W) x 7″(D). Weight: 2.8 pounds. Care Instructions: Scrub with water and mild soap. Hang to air dry.
Honorable Mentions
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Cozy Earth Waxed Canvas Tote for $115: If you’re into low-key, functional fashion with a hint of “quiet luxury,” this 12-ounce waxed canvas tote delivers just that. Aesthetically, think Yeezy brand circa 2017 (minus the antisemitism). I love mine in washed navy, but the earthy tones—cedar brown, palm green, and taupe—are just as fashionable. It’s durable enough to endure a farmer’s market spree, an overnight trip, or double as a beach bag. The design is simple but still thoughtful: exterior pockets for quick grabs (keys, phone, an emergency snack) and two interior ones (including a zippered compartment) for keeping your valuables sorted.
Alo Yoga Foxy Sherpa Tote for $288: The Alo Yoga Foxy Sherpa Tote is peak soft-girl aesthetic. It's made from plush faux fur, with a subtle embroidered Alo logo at the center, no extra frills. It's roomy enough to serve as an overnight bag, and the ultra-soft handles don't dig into my shoulders, even when I overpack (which is always). Admittedly, this is more of a fall and winter tote—sherpa in summer just feels criminal—but for cold-weather months, it's the coziest companion. The only real downside is the $288 price tag.
Ölend Ona Soft Bag for $100: The Ölend Ona Soft Bag is puffy, vibrant, and offered in a rainbow of colors. Made from water-resistant nylon, it’s a clever twist on the standard tote, designed to stretch its usefulness with every new outfit or occasion. You can wear it four different ways: as a tote, handbag, crossbody, or even a backpack. The Soft Bag also includes adjustable side straps. While it fits laptops up to 16 inches, I wouldn't risk stashing my laptop here because there's no dedicated sleeve. But the external zipper pocket is a playful touch for stashing small essentials.
Lo & Sons Upcycled Patchwork Tote for $66: This is probably what you picture when you think of a tote—it has one large compartment with two smaller internal pockets, and it doesn't snap or zip closed. Still, it comfortably fits a laptop, books, and day-to-day accessories, so it could be used as a work tote bag or for a night away. Fun fact: It's made from returned and damaged Lo & Sons bags.
Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote for $285: The Petra is made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles. It's durable and huge—it fits a 16-inch laptop and is almost 17 inches tall. It's probably too big for an everyday bag. But the hardware is heavy-duty metal, and the laptop compartment is padded. For parents, this is also a decent diaper bag.
Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $100: We love the Kånken backpack. Its Totepack is essentially the same bag but can convert from a tote to a backpack. The downside is its size, with only a 13-inch laptop pocket and two side pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella—but they're tight, so don't expect to fit a 1L Nalgene in there.
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