Author
Annie Kluger and Bob Myaing
The name says it all. Simply designed, spacious, and pretty damn stylish, nothing beats a tote bag when all you need is a way to tote a bunch of stuff from A to B.
Heading to the beach? Going camping? Meeting with friends in the local park or at the climbing gym? Our advice for all: bring a tote. Preferably one of the following.
Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote
We’re big fans of Patagonia’s Black Hole series of hard wearing and weather-resistant bags. The Black Hole Gear Tote comes in two sizes, a 25L for day-to-day toting and a monstrous 61L that’s ready to swallow up the biggest pieces that are usually tough to fit into regular bags like snow shoes or full-face helmets. Sustainably minded construction sources polyester and webbing that’s 100% recycled. Price: $59-99 SHOP NOW
LL Bean Everyday Lightweight Tote
Riffing on LL Bean’s classic design that’s been hauling gear for 70 years now, the Everyday Lightweight Tote ($34) is made with a ripstop 600D poly outer and polyurethane interior and double-layer bottom for water repellency and added durability. LL Bean’s throwback Katahdin graphic logo embellishes the bag and a zip-top closure ensures all your goods stay put, whether it’s banging around in the trunk or an overhead bin.
Price: $25
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Snow Peak 28L Active Mesh 2Way Shoulder Bag
Likely the best known Japanese outdoors brand—at least stateside, in Japan they’ve been the “original outdoor lifestyle creator” since 1958—Snow Peak never disappoints. Made of lightweight polyester mesh, the clever Active Mesh 2Way Shoulder Bag is easy to carry and can fit all of your day’s baggage, wherever you’re headed.
Price: $58
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Klättermusen Urur Gear 23L Tote
In addition to full-on expedition gear, Swedish outdoor brand Klättermusen dabbles in pieces that are perfect for everyday use. The Urur bag is one part backpack and one part zip tote that’s easily convertible between both modes, when neither are needed it packs into its own pocket. The outside mesh pocket should be of note to climbers who need to stash their freshly ripe post-session shoes.
Price: $139
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear G.O.A.T. Tote
We stan Hyperlite Mountain Gear for making the most solid ultralight gear and will continue to do so thanks to the G.O.A.T. Tote. The minimal tote is offered up in a 23L and 31L volumes, both made from a near-impervious Dyneema bag found on many Hyperlite products. Both sizes fall below 10oz in weight and pack flat, so there’s no reason to not keep one handy.
Price: $99-119
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Montbell Mesh Tote
Made of urethane-dipped nylon mesh with a reinforced poly base, the aptly named Mesh Tote from low-key Japanese outdoor outfitter Montbell is designed to transport wet gear while allowing it to dry. Simple and straightforward, the large tote is perfect for hauling wet and sandy surf gear, and really just about anything else. Plus, the see-through mesh allows for easy access to essentials and a draw cord closure keeps everything in order.
Price: $65
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Battenwear Mesh Tote
The ideal tote for always having on hand, the Mesh Tote ($60) by NYC-based Battenwear collapses and zips away into it’s own small zippered pocket, making it perfect for stashing when not in use. We’ll let your own imagination fill in its many uses.
Price: $60
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Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote
The double-duty tote features light insulation that will keep contents hot or cold for up to four hours, making it ideal for hauling food and drinks to the park or beach for a picnic, or for getting perishable groceries home from the market. It also works for hauling regular gear too, of course, thanks to an easy to clean and durable, waterproof exterior. Also available in a 20L volume model for lighter loads.
Price: $75
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Filson Dry Roll-Top Tote Bag
If keeping your goods bone dry, then this tote-style dry bag from Filson is certainly your best bet. The 28L nylon bag is constructed with welded seams, a waterproof zipper, and a roll-top closure for good measure. The adjustable shoulder strap pops right off and there’s plenty of points to clip on extra doodads. "Might as well have the best."
Price: $185
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Yeti Camino Carryall 35
As the name hints at, this tote from Yeti packs 35 liters of waterproof portaging power. The high-density nylon body is mated with an EVA molded bottom that keeps it stranding straight up for easy loading. Yeti warns that it isn’t explicitly a cooler, but in a pinch you could certainly throw in a bag of ice along with a 12 pack without any worry of water leaking out.
Price: $150
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Published 07-22-2021
