I’ll admit it: it took me a while to come around on the tote bag.I was firmly in the briefcase/weekender/backpack camp. A tote felt a little too precious, maybe a little too fashionable, and certainly not something I thought I needed. Then I actually started using one. My first was a Filson Waxed Tote (that they don’t make anymore) from Sid Mashburn back in ’09. And like a lot of things I’ve changed my mind, I realized I had been overthinking it. A good tote might be one of the most useful bags a guy can own.
Think about all the times when you need to carry just a little more stuff. Laptop and a notebook to the office. A jacket, book, and headphones on a flight. A change of clothes for the kids. A couple bottles of wine headed to a friend’s house. Golf shoes. Fishing gear. Whatever you picked up while running errands. A tote doesn’t require organization, a packing strategy, or ten different zippered compartments. You open it, throw your stuff in, and go.
That’s really the appeal: it’s not trying to be anything other than useful. And when it’s made from the right material and has the right proportions, it looks pretty cool doing it. Here are totes that I recommend:
From Top Left:
1. Filson Zippered Tote Bag: The OG. While the price is up over 50% from when I bought mine, they are still a good buy (IMO). Great size, great function…it’s the top of the heap.
2. Jones Passenger Tote: A GREAT, affordable option. I love the 22 oz. Canvas – very tough and should patina well.
3. Holderness & Bourne Treadwell Tote: They make a twill version, but I actually see more function in this ballistic material. It’s a good size too – big enough to double as a weekender.
4. Epaulet Harbor Tote: A complete ninja – currently on sale for $50, it is made out of the jungle cloth fabric that goes into their chore coats and pants. Seriously consider…
5. Monocle Tote Bag: I harp on this one, but for $30 it becomes a daily driver.
6. Banana Republic Nubuck Leather Tote: I know, Banana Republic, but don’t sleep on them…a lot of these brands (Abercrombie, Gap, J.Crew) are turning the corner. More on this later. Check out this leather tote…it’s a bit more luxury vs. utility, but doesn’t have the Hermes price tag, if you are into that sort of thing.
7. Tom Beckbe Canvas Carryall: We have two in our house. We love them. That should say enough.
8. Duck Head Waxed Canvas Tote: So, I’ve gotten my hands on these…they are sort of amazing. Literally: built like a tank. Operates like a tool bag as much as a tote.
9. Topo Designs Mountain Utility Tote: The GOAT of the ball field. It holds everything you need and then some. And the colors are amazing.
10. Frank Clegg Large Working Tote: I have to include the Clegg tote. It’s classic. It’s dependable. It’ll be passed down to a grandchild. Yes, please.
What did I miss?
