Of all the types of bags people choose to lug along to the market, the gym, or a day trip, there’s something wonderfully unfussy about the tote bag. And it seems that no matter where you go, everyone has a tote.
7 Totes Perfect for All-Day Outings
Below, we’ve gathered some of the best totes out there to see you through your day.
LLBean Boat and Tote Zip Top
Raise your hand if your mom had one of these bags packed up for every road trip when you were a kid. Available with a zip top, which is handy for airplane travel, and also the old standard open top. Available in 4 sizes, 2 handle lengths, and 15 colors.
User Review: “I love this bag! I recently took it on a cruise with my husband and two young boys. I used it as a carry on bag on the airplane and a beach bag on the islands. I was really debating on getting the large vs XL. I’m glad I got the large though. The XL would have been to big for my family size. If I had three children I would go with the XL. The large was big enough for what I needed but didn’t have much extra room.”
Price: $24.95 - $39.95 depending on size, on LLBean.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
N. Gil Large Utility Tote Bag
A great, basic tote bag, available in several fun patterns. With a huge main pocket, and 7 outer pockets to hold items you want to be able to easily reach, this tote from N.Gil may quickly become your go-to day bag. Available in 28 color combos.
User Review: “Perfect travel bag - Good for overnights or as a carry-on. Lots of side pockets and a zip top. The design is really cute and I get compliments all the time.”
Price: Starting at $29.29 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Longchamp Le Pliage Overnighter
If you want to splurge on your tote, Longchamp—often seen on the arms of celebrities—is the way to go. Constructed of durable nylon with an embossed leather handle, Le Pliage Overnighter will get you through the years. Available in 2 colors.
User Review: “This bag is perfect for a weekend getaway or any occasion where you need to pack options! I completely filled it up and it wasn’t heavy to carry at all. I love that it matches my smaller Longchamp, I feel very put together while traveling.”
Price: $145 at Neiman Marcus
Average Star Rating: 5
ECOSUSI Unisex Large Travel Weekender
This water resistant model from Ecosusi is slightly larger than what you might expect of a tote, which isn’t a bad thing. With a main zippered compartment, a padded Velcro pocket, inner zippered pocket, and 2 additional slip pockets, you’ll have plenty of ways to stay organized. Available in 3 colors.
User Review: “Great, stylish-looking bag, and a helpful, intermediate size. I packed it flat inside my main suitcase on a recent trip to Europe. Then when we returned, I was able to use it as an extra bag for the gifts I'd purchased and carry it on the plane (as I'd planned). Sturdy and easy to carry, with useful compartments inside. Not sure how often I will use it overall, because it's a bit big for an everyday purse but on the small side for a weekend getaway. Just right for certain circumstances, though!”
Price: $40 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Pacsafe Slingsafe Anti-Theft Compact Tote
For a smaller, more lightweight tote to keep your essentials safe, this bag from Pacsafe could be just what you are looking for. WIth multiple anti-theft features, including a pocket lined with RFIDsafe material, your ID’s and credit cards will be safe from thieves. Available in 4 colors.
User Review: “Great tote! Went all over Europe with it. I only used the locking mechanisms when I was in crowded or touristy places. Didn't feel like I needed it elsewhere. Nice to know I could add more protection in those circumstances, though. Now that I'm home, it makes a great tote here, too.”
Price: Starting at $46 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
Lesportsac Classic Everygirl Tote
Lesportsac is always my go-to travel bag brand of choice and heir Classic Everygirl Tote is a favorite. Made entirely from durable polyester, your belongings will keep dry in wet weather., Aside from an interior zip pocket and outer pocket, this bag comes with an additional bag to keep your makeup, money, and other items you don’t want to have to dig for. Available in 16 fun patterns.
User Review: “You can spend a lot more on a Tumi, but this is almost identical. It does not have a "sleeve" in the back for the roller board handle, but I twist the tote handles around and through the roller board handle and it's very stable on top of the carry on. It's very roomy for guidebooks, sweater, scarf, sunglasses and wallet, bottle of water. The usual stuff you want with you through the day, and it's very lightweight. Handles are the right length for over the shoulder, on arm or in hand. I pack a little purse for evenings. Happy Travels!”
Price: Starting at $80.50 at Walmart
Average Star Rating: 4
Zoress Waterproof Tote
For a tote that you’ll use daily, go with the Zoress waterproof tote. Roomy with several different compartments, this bag can easily pull double duty as both a carry-on and day bag. Plus, at only $16.99, you won’t break the bank. Available in 10 colors.
User Review: “I used this bag for an 11 day trip in Scotland and it was the best thing! Had plenty of room for everything I needed and then some! The quality was great, the ability to zip up the major compartment so I could use it on the plane and not worry about things falling out was perfect.”
Price: $17.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
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