Overland storage systems come in many forms and varieties, but the ultimate goal of boxes, drawers, and bags is to increase efficiency, keep items organized, and maximize storage space that may already be at a premium. Eliminating multiple movements, such as heaving a duffel aside to access your favorite shovel, makes life easier and hones time management, allowing the overland traveler to spend more time engaged in activities we love. And while aluminum boxes, soft-sided storage containers, and tool rolls get the glory, the tote bag is an ever-present and reliable solution that often remains overlooked.
From canvas to cloth, tote bags have housed and transported my grocery items in Peru, climbing equipment in the Canadian Rockies, dirty laundry (just about everywhere), and, from time to time, carried books, kitchen items, and toiletries. I’ve used cheap (or often free) options, mainly from the local grocery store, and they’ve never let me down. I own a plethora of Trader Joe’s bags with fun designs, and they work just fine. But what if you desire something more robust, with some structure, water protection, or insulation? Like any gear, you can’t go wrong with investing in a durable and long-lasting item. The totes included in this Buyer’s Guide often offer more storage capacity than a backpack, are lightweight, and allow easy access to items stashed.
Materials and Construction
Reading the material specifications of a quality tote bag can be like deciphering another language. What’s the difference between water-resistant, weather-resistant, and waterproof? What do TPU and PU stand for? Then there are the qualities of fabrics, including polyester, nylon, and cotton, and indicators of strength, like denier. Many brands listed in this guide use recycled textiles, which is a definite plus. Listed below are some definitions we hope will help you navigate your next tote (or backpack) purchase.
Waterproof/Water-Resistant/Water-Repellent
- Waterproof: Indicates the material is entirely impermeable to water.
- Water-resistant: Low level of protection against water. Usually, the material is lightly coated with a substance that helps repel water.
- Water-repellent: Somewhat better than water-resistant, often designed with hydrophobic coatings.
Fabrics, Strengths, and Coatings
Polyester: Synthetic fabric usually derived from petroleum. Many companies use recycled polyester (for example, from plastic bottles) in their product lines.
Pros: durable, lightweight
Nylon: Synthetic plastic material
Pros: strong, resilient, moisture-wicking
Ripstop: Textile fiber-weaving technique
Pros: robust, resistant to abrasion, flexible
Cordura: Woven fabric, including various types of nylon
Pros: stretchy, water-resistant, quick to dry
Denier: A unit of measurement used to determine the thickness of individual fibers in a thread (example: 840D).
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Polyurethane (PU) coatings: Protective films applied to fabrics
Pros: waterproof, abrasion and tear-resistant, flexible, and soft.
The bags in this guide are organized into water-resistant and waterproof categories, but many offer a unique twist on the conventional tote. Once you’ve figured out the best purpose of your tote (carrying firewood, storing toiletries, clothes, shoes, etc.), it becomes easier to determine which features will serve you best. Do you need a laptop sleeve and the ability to transform your tote into a backpack? Perhaps totes by Eagle Creek and Fjällräven are a fitting choice. Other requirements, such as keeping food items cool (Hydro Flask), storing a ton of ski equipment (Patagonia, Cotopaxi), or going from airplane to overland trip (Topo Designs), should be considered. If you desire lockable, high-quality YKK zippers to ensure security, Red Oxx could be a decent fit.
Keep in mind that going forward, this guide isn’t intended to be a review of products but rather a primer on what is currently available on the market. Totes.
WEATHER-RESISTANT
- Red Oxx Maximum Utility Travel Tote
- Eagle Creek Explore Tote Pack
- Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote
- Rux Bag
- Fjällräven Kånken Totepack
Red Oxx Maximum Utility Travel Tote (MUTT)
Based in Billings, Montana, bag and travel accessory manufacturer Red Oxx is a second-generation veteran-owned and operated company providing a “No Bull” lifetime warranty. Alongside hand-made duffels, carry-on bags, and backpacks, Red Oxx offers a line of tote bags. The MUTT is the largest of the collection, weighing 2.2 pounds, with a capacity of 27 liters, and measuring 15.5 inches in height, 7 inches in depth, and 15 inches in width.
Available in 13 colors, this tote fits neatly under airplane seats and features a #10 YKK zipper with a self-locking feature. A 9-inch trolley sleeve allows users to slip the bag over the handle of a rolling carry-on, preventing shoulder strain during runs between airport gates. Loose items can be tucked into one of three interior storage pockets, a sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, a water bottle pouch, within an exterior zipped compartment, or a rear snap pocket. For ease of transport, 1-inch, over-the-shoulder carry straps are included.
This tote fits into the weather-resistant category as it is constructed from 1,000-weight urethane-coated Dupont-certified Cordura brand nylon. Rugged touches include nylon threads and double-box stitching on stress points. If the MUTT performs like Red Oxx’s popular Flying Boxcar Sports duffel (which I’ve had the opportunity to beat up over the past few years), this tote is certainly one to consider.
$175 | redoxx.com
Eagle Creek Explore Tote Pack
Eagle Creek’s Explore tote pack is for folks who want a tote that also acts as a backpack. A padded back panel offers comfort during backpack mode. To initiate tote mode, merely tuck away the padded shoulder straps. Traveling by airplane? Use the rear trolley sleeve to secure the tote to any dual-handled suitcase.
This bag is constructed from Renu 100 percent recycled poly, made of PVC-free materials and recycled textiles, and responsible for the bag’s water-resistant properties. The roll-down and easy-grip zip top options illustrate versatility and, in combination with weather-resistant fabric, protect your coveted main compartment contents.
Speaking of the interior, a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve can be accessed through the exterior side zipper, while the interior zip pocket, document slip space, and toggle attachment points mean everything has a dedicated place. There is also a large exterior front pocket and a side stretch pocket suitable for small water bottles only. In other words, don’t expect your wide-mouth Nalgene to fit.
The Explore Tote Pack offers 27 liters of capacity and weighs 1 pound, 9 ounces. At its full expansion, expect the bag to take up 12 x 23.25 x 4.75 inches of space. Finally, Eagle Creek products, including this one, are covered by a No Matter What warranty that covers “all functional aspects of the product for the life of your gear.”
$109 | eaglecreek.com
Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote
Offering 61 liters of capacity, this tote by Patagonia is the biggest of the bunch. Weighing 12.2 ounces (1 pound), this bag measures 15 x 18 x 12 inches and is built to hold anything from fishing gear, ski stuff, and watersports equipment to camping and climbing items, laundry, or firewood. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop with highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate, the fabric is certified as Bluesign approved, the goal of which is to “help conserve resources and minimize negative impacts on people and the environment.”
The Black Hole tote features durable, reinforced double haul handles, daisy chains, and an external zippered side pocket for stashing small items. Adjustable straps close the top, no matter how much gear you’ve crammed inside. There are three styles to choose from: black with Patagonia’s recognizable Fitz trout, plain black with logo branding, or pitch blue with pink and teal accents. For those seeking something a tad smaller, Patagonia offers a nearly identical 25-liter Black Hole tote with a large main compartment, hook closure, and interior stash pocket.
Patagonia’s solid return and repair policies mean that consumers can turn to fixes on-site, repair and DIY tutorials on the company’s website, or a Tenacious Tape patch kit to lengthen the life of the product.
$119 | patagonia.com
Rux Bag
Founded on the west coast of Canada, in Squamish, British Columbia, Rux is the vision of industrial designer Tony Richardson and entrepreneurs Andre Charland and Jamie Bond. Like many outdoor brands, Rux was born due to a gap in the market. Charland wanted a product that could pack faster than a duffel, worked better than a Rubbermaid bin, could be transported like a tote or backpack, and fit in tight spaces when not in use. The result was half rucksack, half box: the Rux.
Rux’s 25-liter tote fits inside the company’s 70-liter Rux, a fully collapsible waterproof carry box with several carry configurations and a tri-fold lid. The 25-liter tote nests within the 70-liter container, creating a complete system for transporting gear. On its own, the tote boasts 13.8 x 7.9 x 12.2 inches of dimension, a hook closure, mesh flap pocket (handy for keys, a wallet, or a phone), an internal auxiliary pocket, connect buckles, and webbing grab handles. Total weight is 0.6 pounds—light enough to justify for the most stickler of payload adherents.
The Rux tote is made of 1000D Fazelon, a weather-resistant PU-coated poly that fights against abrasion and is easy to clean. Prospective buyers should note Rux offers a lifetime warranty and, if a part breaks or becomes dysfunctional, will ship a new replacement for free.
$80 | rux.life
Fjällräven Kånken Totepack
For those seeking a smaller, more casual tote, the Fjällräven Kånken Totepack provides 14 liters of storage space, an inside sleeve pocket, and a padded base for 13-inch laptops. While this tote looks the part for a trip to the farmer’s market or local park, it is constructed from Fjällräven’s cornerstone water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S. fabric comprised of recycled polyester and cotton and Greenland wax. This carry-on approved bag may be worn over a shoulder or transformed into a backpack thanks to webbed shoulder straps and handles with a top-loaded zippered main compartment.
Available in 14 colors and styled after the classic 1978 Fjällräven backpack, the tote version also includes two open, deep side pockets, a zippered front pocket, and a removable seat pad for sitting. Weight and dimension figures are compelling at 0.7 pounds and 14.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches. Fjällräven’s website contains a valuable Product Care page which contains washing instructions for Kånken products. The tote should be washed with mild detergent, lukewarm water, and a soft brush or sponge.
Finally, Fjällräven undertakes several initiatives to give back, including the Arctic Fox Initiative. A collaboration with Stockholm University, the project involves research and supplementary feeding to prevent the extinction of the Scandinavian arctic fox.
$95 | fjallraven.com
WATERPROOF
- Yeti Camino Carryall Tote Bag
- Topo Designs Mountain Gear Bag
- Hydro Flask Insulated Tote
- Filson Dry Roll-Top Tote Bag
- Cotopaxi Allpa Gear Hauler Tote
Yeti Camino Carryall Tote Bag
Made from ultra-durable and easy-to-clean material, the Yeti Camino Carryall tote is also waterproof and puncture-resistant due to its ThickSkin Shell, a high-density nylon with TPU lamination. The EVA-molded bottom is designed to keep the bag upright, preventing water from seeping.
Built to carry big, bulky gear, Yeti notes the 50-liter tote is particularly suited to transport snow gear, climbing equipment or used as a trunk organizer for overpacked family road trips. Two interior zippered pockets and deployable interior dividers fit Yeti’s Rambler bottles and jugs, among other things. The top is not zippered, lending well to easy loading and unloading; a hook closure at the top keeps items contained instead. While Yeti is known for its coolers, prospective buyers should note this tote isn’t insulated.
At 4.7 pounds, and measuring 22 x 12 x 16.5 inches, the Camino Carryall is weighty compared to the other totes listed. However, Yeti states that the bag has been tested to carry up to 1,500 pounds of static weight—to say it’s tough seems like an understatement.
Washing instructions are straightforward and involve rolling out the garden hose or wiping with warm water and mild soap. If the 50-liter bag is more than you need, the Camino Carryall comes in 20- and 35-liter options.
$130/20L, $150/37L, $200/50L | yeti.com
Topo Designs Mountain Gear Bag
Topo Designs founders Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen yearned for outdoor gear similar to the stuff they grew up using. So, in 2008, Rose bought a sewing machine while Hansen collaborated with local Colorado companies to build the brand. The goal was to construct gear with “classic styling, functionality, and durability.” These days, Topo Designs is well-known for balancing mountain culture, outdoor living, exploring the world, and offers an extensive collection of gear, including packs, apparel, accessories, and bags.
Available in khaki and pond blue, or bone white with blue, the 48-liter Mountain Gear bag has a rolltop panel, grab handles, and front daisy chain webbing for additional attachments. External expandable cinch side pockets, a large main compartment, and interior mesh pockets ensure plenty of space to stash all sorts of belongings. At 20 x 14 x 10.5 inches, the Mountain Gear bag weighs around 1 pound, 6 ounces.
Made from 1000D recycled nylon and 200D lightweight recycled nylon, the tote comes with a 10-ounce waterproof vinyl tarp liner. The high abrasion-resistant nylon is 100 percent recycled, resulting in a long product lifespan.
Topo Designs adheres to Fair Wear-certified production, meeting fair labor standards for employees’ safety, health, and wellness. The brand also stands by its MAP Guarantee Repairs Program, which is focused on “creating a rehab center for those well-loved or accident-prone pieces so they can stay in the family.”
$149 | topodesigns.com
Hydro Flask Insulated Tote
This 20-liter soft-sided tote by Hydro Flask suits those looking to keep groceries, drinks, and snacks cold for up to four hours. Ideal for the beach, visits to the local market, or an outdoor picnic, this waterproof bag features a collapsible design for quick storage and travel. The lined interior features welded seams, while water-resistant zippers and a welded outdoor pocket round out the exterior.
Available in blackberry, baltic, or alpine, this insulated tote has folding handles for convenient storage and transport and a robust base to maintain unsupported self-standing. Weighing 1.3 pounds and spanning 17 x 7.25 x 14 inches, the bag conforms to your average tote size without being too heavy. Hydro Flask doesn’t spill the beans about what type of coated waterproof fabric it uses for this tote, but the 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects gives peace of mind at least.
Hydro Flask supports non-profit organizations focused on maintaining, restoring, building, and providing better access to parks. In addition, the brand has donated over 68,822 bottles and champions the Refill for Good campaign, encouraging the elimination of single-use plastics.
As with other totes in this buyer’s guide, Hydro Flask’s model is available in several sizes, including 8- and 35-liter capacities. The company suggests cleaning by wiping surfaces with a cloth.
$75/35L, $65/20L, $45/8L | hydroflask.com
Filson Dry Roll-Top Tote Bag
Arguably the fanciest of the bunch, the Dry Roll-Top tote bag is a product of Filson’s legacy as an outfitter born from the daring pioneers of the 1897 Yukon Gold Rush. Now based in Seattle, Washington, Filson is commonly known for its Mackinaw wool, tough luggage, and American heritage outerwear. Accordingly, Filson goods have outfitted loggers, sportspeople, miners, ranchers, and the US Forest Service.
Filson’s vision for the 35-liter Dry Roll-Top tote involves being tossed into a drift boat, thrown into a truck bed, or strapped to an ATV. Filson stitches all webbing and padding to an additional layer of waterproof fabric, which is then radiofrequency welded to the bag’s body using similar construction as white-water rafting gear manufacturers. TPU-coated 840-denier nylon tarpaulin fabric, a roll top (three times for good measure), and side buckle straps create waterproof protection and resistance to abrasion. This attention to detail and commitment to a tough-built product is reflected in the product price, which is the highest featured in this buyer’s guide.
An adjustable padded shoulder strap is included, while the 2-inch webbed neoprene handles work for hand carrying, and daisy chain webbing and D-rings provide adequate gear attachment. Available in green or flame, this tote measures 22.25 x 23.25 x 9.5 inches.
$215 | filson.com
Cotopaxi Allpa Gear Hauler Tote
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Bold colors and a wide, accessible top characterize Cotopaxi’s 60-liter Allpa Gear Hauler tote, the second-largest bag in this buyer’s guide. Dual tote straps and a set of side grab handles help lug this oversized sack to your next destination, while interior slip pockets keep gear (such as gloves, hats, or snacks) organized, and top compression straps ensure bulky items stay in place. Exterior features include a zippered pocket and daisy chain sections.
The Allpa Gear Hauler is constructed from 1,000-denier TPU-coated polyester; paneling is 8,040-denier ballistic nylon. Available in four colors—pacific, rust, cavern, and black—this bag could give Patagonia’s Black Hole Gear tote a run for its money due to its similar size, shape, and good looks.
If Cotopaxi’s punchy colors are your thing but this tote is not, the brand also offers a 16-liter Todo Convertible Tote, which can transform between a backpack and a tote, and the Taal Convertible Tote, a messenger bag slash backpack.
Cotopaxi is very transparent about its commitment to fair labor and environmentally sound practices. This product is produced in the Philippines at a factory that partners with the brand to reduce fabric waste through Cotopaxi’s repurposed Del Día Collection. Finally, the company’s Guaranteed for Good policy includes free returns and exchanges, a lifetime warranty and repairs, and a trade-in for gift cards option.
$100 | cotopaxi.com
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