Best Products Style Travel Bags The 18 Best Beach Bags and Totes of 2023 From timeless canvas styles to fresh finds with innovative features, these bags make beach days convenient and comfortable. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Instagram Twitter Website Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 14, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa For a smooth day in the sun, simplify your outing with a great beach bag that ensures everything you need is at hand. The best beach bags stand up to the elements and can easily be cleaned when an ice cream cone goes astray. They should be big enough to fit at least one towel or more, depending on how many people are in your beach-going party, and not so delicate that you’ll be mourning the loss if they do take some damage while near the surf. Some of our favorite beach bags are tried-and-true classics that have been atop their sand-thrones for decades, while versatile newcomers earned spots in our seaside rotation with innovative features and fresh styles. Our Top Picks Best Overall: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Open-Top at Zappos Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall with Internal Dividers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cooler Bag: Hydro Flask 18L Day Escape Tote at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sand-proof: Bogg Bag Original Bogg Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Designer: Prada Raffia Tote Bag at Bergdorfgoodman.com Jump to Review Most Packable: Sea Star Beachwear Fisherman’s Tote at Saks Fifth Avenue Jump to Review Best Anti-theft: CoolBag Gen 2 Locking Anti-Theft Travel Tote at Amazon Jump to Review Best Straw: Kayu St. Tropez Tote at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Best Customizable : Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Tote at Markandgraham.com Jump to Review Best Crossbody: Sea Bags Navy Anchor Courier at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Open-Top 4.9 L.L. Bean View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On L.L.Bean Why We Love It: It’s affordable, durable, comes with plenty of customization options, and has a classic style.What to Consider: It only comes in one base color and must be spot-cleaned. L.L.Bean’s classic Boat and Tote bag has been a favorite among coastal New England moms for decades, even before it recently started making the influencer rounds. Originally designed to haul ice in 1944, this timeless tote is still tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so you won’t have to worry about losing any towels to shoddy construction. You can also take your pick from a slew of options,with sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large; regular or long straps; 10 accent colors to choose from; and the option to add a monogram. If desired, a zippered top can be added to ward off sand and keep your belongings secure. A less-customizable variation of the Boat and Tote style is also available in solid colors and with a nautical sailor stripe. When it’s not beach season, this versatile, spacious tote is convenient to use elsewhere as well. It’s a tight race between L.L.Bean and Lands’ End for the title of best beach bag, as both make extremely similar versions of a classic canvas tote. For us, L.L. Bean ultimately has the edge because of its bag's reputation for durability and thicker canvas. There are no interior pockets on the L.L.Bean model, but we don’t think they’re necessary for a beach bag. However, if you want more interior organization or a few more color and pattern options, go for the Lands’ End tote. Price at time of publish: $40 Materials: Cotton canvas | Closure: Open or zipper | Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 7.5 inches Best Waterproof Yeti Camino 35 Carryall with Internal Dividers Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On REI Why We Love It: This tough tote stands up to both water and any other elements that might come your way.What to Consider: There is no top closure. If you’re out to avoid any splash incidents or wet sand, trust Yeti. The super-durable Camino is easy to clean in addition to being hard to damage, with a puncture-resistant shell and molded bottom to keep it standing upright. Pull out the dividers to section off your water bottle or other accessories, stash smaller items in the two internal zippered pockets, and attached other gear via the external straps. There are five colors available, as well as a smaller 20-liter tote if you’re packing a little lighter and a 50-liter bag to help you haul for the whole family on a beach trip with the kids. Comfortably carry it either over your shoulder or in hand with the smaller crossbar handles. According to Yeti, the Camino can hold a whopping 1,500 pounds, though we think that’s a few too many snacks to bring to the beach. Price at time of publish: $150 Materials: ThickSkin nylon shell, EVA bottom | Closure: Hook | Dimensions: 18.2 x 9.9 x 15 inches Best Cooler Bag Hydro Flask 18L Day Escape Tote Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Dick's Why We Love It: This is light and easy to carry while still keeping contents cool for up to 36 hours.What to Consider: Carrying it at full capacity is going to get heavy. Why lug a giant hard-sided cooler over the sand if you don’t need to? In addition to their water bottles, Hydroflask makes a cooler tote that will make your beach day much more maneuverable. The soft cooler is leakproof thanks to a watertight zipper and welded seams, and the 600-denier polyester shell is both durable and light. On the inside, it boasts a food-grade liner, and it will keep your refreshments cold for up to 36 hours. With its 24-can capacity, the 18-liter bag should be plenty for a day’s outing. But if you’re in charge of a party’s worth of beverages or carrying an entire picnic, you can upsize to the 26-liter tote. Both models can be carried using either the shoulder straps or a removable crossbody strap and come in cool blue and grey color options. Price at time of publish: $150 Materials: Polyester | Closure: Zipper | Dimensions: 8.05 x 21.85 x 12.7 inches The 19 Best Insulated Cooler Bags of 2023 Best Sand-proof Bogg Bag Original Bogg Bag Bogg Bag View On Amazon View On Boggbag.com Why We Love It: This trendy bag has plenty of ways to rid itself of sand while also being durable, washable, and available in a multitude of colors.What to Consider: It’s on the large side and is not foldable, so you won’t be able to pack it inside another bag on a longer trip. Sand will get into places you don’t want it to no matter what you do, but Boggs has taken a very good crack at the grainy menace. While it was just a little too bulky to be our best overall pick, the beloved Original Bogg Bag is an excellent beach companion. “But it’s full of holes,” you say. “How is it possibly sand-proof?” But that is the trick. Just tip it and shake it, and all the sand should fall right out. The bottom is also specially designed to keep the bag upright, which minimizes sand intake, and it can be rinsed at the end of your day to remove any straggling grains. The Bogg also comes with inset pouches that snap into the bag’s holes wherever you want to place them (inside or out) to hold your smaller items. It's even available in a full rainbow of more than 30 colors to match any towel. Price at time of publish: $132 Materials: EVA | Closure: None | Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 9.5 inches Best Designer Prada Raffia Tote Bag Prada View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Prada.com Why We Love It: It has a bright, beach-friendly build.What to Consider: The netting is fully open, so you’ll need an extra pouch for anything you don’t want visible, and it’s a little narrow. This loose raffia weave sets the perfect summer mood and will easily shake out any stowaway sand. The solid triangle on the front is embroidered with the classic Prada logo, and more tightly-woven raffia handles slide over your shoulder. It’s available in seven colors, including four summery brights plus black, white, and neutral hues. The bottom is a bit on the narrow side, though you can go for a larger bucket-style tote from the designer if you think you’ll need more room. Price at time of publish: $1,990 Materials: Straw/wicker | Closure: None | Dimensions: 14.96 x 1.18 x 14.17 inches Most Packable Sea Star Beachwear Fisherman’s Tote Sea Star Beachwear View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Seastarbeachwear.com Why We Love It: It’s light, water-friendly, and stores almost completely flat.What to Consider: Make sure you don’t weigh it down too much, as you’ll stretch out the net. This extremely open-weave tote is already super light and made even more packable by the fact that it folds down fully flat to easily slide into your suitcase. Once you arrive at your oceanside destination, just unfold the honeycomb-style tote and pack in your beach gear. It’s made of laser-cut neoprene, so no worries about causing damage if you get it wet, and it should dry in about 15 minutes if you do. Straps are an inch thick so they won’t dig into your shoulder, and there are seven styles available, including bright, reversible prints. Note that because the cut is on the thinner side, if you weigh it down, you’ll risk stretching out and damaging the bag, so make sure you don’t leave it hanging up full in between uses. Price at time of publish: $65 Materials: Neoprene | Closure: None | Dimensions: 14 x 22 inches Best Anti-theft CoolBag Gen 2 Locking Anti-Theft Travel Tote Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This bag is both hard to get into and difficult to steal, with multiple locking mechanisms and protective measures.What to Consider: It’s heavy, the cooler pocket isn’t leakproof, and the combination lock is only two digits. Beach theft is an unfortunate risk, as you can’t have someone watching your bag at every second, especially if you’re traveling solo or your whole party wants to get in the water. Our pick for the best anti-theft beach bag from CoolBag is here to help. The puncture-proof zipper locks into a combination lock, and the bag is armed with a cut-resistant liner. Inside, there’s an RFID pocket to secure passports or credit cards (but please don’t bring your passport to the beach unless for some reason you absolutely have to). Once everything is safely tucked inside, there’s also a cable handle to attach the bag itself to a nearby beach chair or bench so no one can just grab the whole thing. As an extra bonus, there’s a separate insulated cooler pocket so you don’t have to unlock everything else just for a snack or sip of your drink. Price at time of publish: $130 Materials: Polyester | Closure: Locking zipper | Dimensions: 21.26 x 14.49 x 3.74 inches The 11 Best Travel Totes of 2023 Best Straw Kayu St. Tropez Tote Kayu View On Jcrew.com View On Kayudesign.com View On Shopbop.com Why We Love It: Charming accents combine with socially responsible production to create a quintessential bag fit for any beach-lover. What to Consider: The handles are on the shorter side, and the top doesn’t close. Nothing says “beach day” like a cute straw bag, and one that’s ethically produced is even better. According to their website, Kayu bags are “handcrafted by women cooperatives in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, using indigenous techniques that have been passed down through the generations.” This particular tote is made from dried seagrass woven using a traditional Filipino technique. The different colors available for the yarn-wrapped handles and raffia pom-poms add a playful touch, and you can choose to add a monogram for an additional fee if you order through Kayu’s site. There are mini totes and oversized versions of the St. Tropez available as well. Price at time of publish: $150 Materials: Seagrass straw | Closure: None | Dimensions: 9.5 x 17.5 x 5.5 inches Best Customizable Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Tote Mark & Graham View On Markandgraham.com Why We Love It: Multiple colors and monogram styles pair with this resilient vinyl tote.What to Consider: There’s no top closure and only one carrying method. If you want to make your beach bag as specific to you as possible, this may be the best beach tote for you. The bright vinyl is weather- and tear-resistant, and Mark & Graham provides plenty of options to add your own touch to the bag, from a name to your initials next to a flamingo (or perhaps a very on-trend pickleball paddle?). Store your smaller items in the secondary interior pocket and throw the two shoulder straps over your favorite cover-up, and you’re good to go.We like the large for how many colors it offers and its interior pocket, but you can go down to the medium or small if you prefer to travel a bit lighter. Price at time of publish: $89 Materials: Vinyl-coated nylon | Closure: None | Dimensions: 17 x 7 x 17 inches Best Crossbody Sea Bags Navy Anchor Courier Sea Bags View On Amazon View On Seabags.com Why We Love It: What better material for the beach than recycled sails combined with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap?What to Consider: It’s a little on the smaller side. If you’re going to the beach, why not bring a bag that’s already spent time on the sea? Sea Bags makes their bags out of recycled sail cloth on the waterfront in Portland, Maine, so you know your bag will be able to stand up to some salt spray. The top closes with a simple clasp closure, and there’s an interior zipper pocket for your smaller items. The shoulder strap is both removable and adjustable so you can figure out your favorite way to carry it. It’s also machine-washable in case of any seagull incidents. The navy anchor print is the most nautical, but you can also go for a black-on-black anchor design if you’re feeling moody or the undersea octopus print. Price at time of publish: $135 Materials: Recycled sail cloth | Closure: Clasp | Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 5 inches Best Large-capacity Lands’ End Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag Courtesy by Lands end View On Amazon View On Landsend.com Why We Love It: This super-customizable affordable tote can carry up to 500 pounds.What to Consider: Carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders with a regular tote bag strap still isn’t going to be as comfortable as a backpack or roller bag. Another classic canvas tote, this beach bag from Lands’ End can hold up to 500 pounds of your beach gear. The seam construction allows it to stand upright, and a water-repellent base and trim help everything stay dry. There’s also an outside pocket as well as four interior pockets and a key ring attachment so you don’t have to go digging through its cavernous interior when you’re trying to lock the car. You also get to customize it almost exactly to your liking: Choose from regular or long handles and an open or zippered top, as well as eight different accent colors. If this is too big for you but you still need a high weight capacity (for fishing weights, perhaps?), the small, medium, and large models also have the same impressive 500-pound max. Not into neutrals? You can also go for colors or patterns. Price at time of publish: $41 Materials: Cotton canvas | Closure: Open or zipper | Dimensions: 26 x 10.25 x 17.5 inches The Best Beach Canopies We Tested to Keep You Cool and Comfortable Best Zipper Paravel Cabana Tote Paravel View On Tourparavel.com Why We Love It: Paravel combines sustainable materials with plentiful pockets and style.What to Consider: It’s on the pricier side for a beach tote. It’s no surprise to see traveler-favorite brand Paravel among our picks of the best beach bags. The Cabana Tote is crafted out of EcoCraft Canvas, which is made from old plastic bottles, and is durable, spill-proof, and stain-repellent — all excellent things for the boardwalk. The interior lining is also water-resistant and fitted with one interior zip pocket and two interior slip pockets. There’s also an exterior slip pocket, a longer shoulder strap to give you multiple carrying options, and accents made from vegan leather. Choose from small, medium, or large (we think the medium is the best option for a beach day). There are four different color schemes to choose from, all with striped nautical-prep handle design, and you can even add a monogram if you so desire. Price at time of publish: $175 Materials: Canvas | Closure: Zipper | Dimensions: 17.75 x 12.25 x 7.5 inches Best Mesh Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It: It’s light, waterproof, durable, and full of pockets.What to Consider: Only one small pocket has a zip, and the bag is basically fully see-through. This internet favorite bag is simply packed with pockets. In addition to the main opening, there’s a zipper internal pocket and eight outer pockets. Everything can have its own spot, from water bottle to sunscreen to banana. Because the bag is mesh, sand and debris can easily be shaken out of it. If more severe messes occur, you can rinse it in water or even put it in the washing machine. The mesh build also makes it light and foldable, but it can still hold up to 150 pounds; the stitching is designed to be durable enough for whatever a family can throw at it. There are also more than 20 colors available, so you’ll be sure to recognize it next to your chairs. Price at time of publish: Starting at $16 Materials: Mesh | Closure: None | Dimensions: 16.5 x 8.5 x 15 inches Best Men's-specific Filson Dry Roll Top Bag Moosejaw View On Amazon View On Filson.com View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It: It has solid construction and waterproofing in an unfussy design.What to Consider: We wish it came in a more neutral color. We promise you can carry any of these bags no matter how you identify your gender. But if you’re looking for a more masculine style, we like Filson’s roll-top tote bag that gives you full waterproofing protection in an unfussy design with an expansive 35-liter carrying capacity so you can provide for the whole pack. If anything doesn’t fit inside, you can also clip it onto the outside daisy-chain webbing and D rings. The nylon tarpaulin fabric is TPU-coated to make it fully waterproof as well as light, durable, abrasion-resistant, and UV-resistant, and nothing will sneak in around the welded seams either. It comes in a bright orange or dark gray-green and can be carried either by the two shorter handles, which include a neoprene grip, or the longer removable padded shoulder strap. Price at time of publish: $130 Materials: Nylon TPU | Closure: Roll-top | Dimensions: 22.25 x 23.25 x 9.5 inches Best Backpack Patagonia Guidewater Backpack Patagonia View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com Why We Love It: It’s fully waterproof and has plenty of adventure cred while still being light and decently cute.What to Consider: This is a little hardcore and a little pricey for everyday beach trips. It’s a little on the extreme adventurer side, but why not go fully waterproof if you’re looking for the best beach backpack? The Guidewater is fully submersible and sturdy with solid recycled fabric and an IPX7 rating. The panel and straps are designed to be hydrophobic, so they repel rather than absorb water. There’s also an interior organizational pouch that can be moved and attached to the exterior instead if you need easier access, and chest and hip straps keep it easy to carry while trekking to even the most hidden beaches. And because it’s Patagonia, you know the labor process and materials are all carefully considered. Price at time of publish: $299 Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon | Closure: Zipper | Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 21 inches Best for Families Scout 4 Boys Bag Extra-large Tote Amazon View On Amazon View On Scoutbags.com Why We Love It: This extremely large bag holds everything with a stable base and has a zipper top to keep it all together.What to Consider: With this much capacity, a few more organizational features would be useful. If you’re toting beach towels for everyone and then some, you’re going to need a lot of space. We picked the Scout extra-large tote as our best beach bag for families for its frankly massive interior, which should be able to hold enough snacks, beach toys, and other accoutrements to keep child meltdowns at bay. The stable bottom allows the bag to stand up on its own so it’s easy to dig through once you’ve set it down, and there’s a clear interior zipped pocket for anything you don’t want getting tossed around. The top zips shut so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out when you bend over to pick up the shoe that Percival Junior dropped for the eighth time, and at the end of the trip, just hose it down to get rid of any spills. You can also size down to the 3 Girls Bag if you don’t need quite so much space. Price at time of publish: $65 Materials: Woven polypropylene | Closure: Zipper | Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 12 inches The 15 Best Beach Games of 2023 Best Neoprene Nordic By Nature Beach Bag Tote Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordicbynaturebags.com Why We Love It: Good organization, handy snaps, and removable accessories help distinguish this tote.What to Consider: This won’t maintain its structural integrity on its own. Nordic by Nature started out by making lunchboxes to minimize the use of single-use plastic bags, but they’ve expanded their neoprene expertise into the world of beach bags. These fun totes have a soft-but-sporty design that will fit right in on the sand. Both the top and sides can snap shut (turning it from a square tote into more of a handbag shape, with the two upper corners snapped in), and there are also two large zippered interior pockets to tuck away smaller items. The bags are machine-washable, so no worries about built-up beach detritus or sunscreen stains. The bottom board and shoulder pad can be removed for cleaning or just if you feel like traveling with a less-structured bag Price at time of publish: $40 Materials: Neoprene with nylon lining | Closure: Snap | Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 12 inches Best Clear Eastsport Clear Deluxe Tote Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: It has good zippers, an organizational wristlet, and multiple accent patterns.What to Consider: The bottom isn’t structured. If you want to be able to keep an eye on everything in your bag at once or need to be able to go through a security check situation, go for the Eastsport Clear Deluxe Tote. There are plenty of accent colors and prints, so you can still add some personality to the clear style. A smaller front pocket and included (also clear) wristlet also help you stay organized. Eastsport offers a limited lifetime guarantee, so you can hope for a high level of durability. Price at time of publish: $29 Materials: PVC and polyester | Closure: Zipper | Dimensions: 18 x 15 x 6 inches Tips for Buying Beach Bags Look for beach-ready materials As much as you may love your favorite leather purse, it’s not the best beach bag. Your beach bag will be exposed to sun, sand, and salt — all things that aren’t exactly fabric-friendly. Look for materials like neoprene, treated canvas, EVA, and polyurethane that can stand up to the elements and still look chic later without getting warped or discolored. Some other fabrics may be less waterproof but still beach-friendly, like straw. Think about size and handles practically How much stuff are you actually carrying, and how far are you carrying it? Those towels can add up, weight-wise. If you think you’re going to be carrying a heavy load, look for a bag that has padded handles and maybe even more than one carrying method so that you can adjust if it starts to weigh you down. On the flip side, if you’re only carrying for yourself and possibly one other person, a giant bag may be more of an inconvenience than a help. Don't forget about organizational needs If you’re carrying a lot in your beach bag, you don’t want to have to spend hours digging through it with your sandy hands just to find your lip balm. Conversely, too many pockets might take away from valuable towel space. Think about what kind of packing style you generally prefer (more pockets or fewer?) and choose a beach bag accordingly. Frequently Asked Questions What should I pack in my beach bag? What do you usually like to have on the beach? Unless you’re heading straight from a hotel room to their private beach, you’ll probably need your own towel. Water (in your refillable bottle, please) and sunscreen (reef-safe, preferably) are also a must. We also recommend a hat, some stylish shades, and a lip balm with SPF for extra sun protection. Beyond that, it’s up to personal preference — do you usually get snacky? Do you prefer a paperback or e-reader for your latest travelogue? Are beach bags waterproof? Some of them, but not all, and many non-waterproof bags may still have “beach bag” in their name. As we discussed above, look for materials like neoprene, nylon, and polyurethane to protect against unexpected tidal incursions. And make sure to read the product descriptions; if a bag is waterproof, the manufacturer probably wants you to know, so it should be mentioned on their website. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Rena Behar utilized her almost 10 years of gear reviewing experience, extensive research, and more than 30 years of beach-going to inform her picks of the best beach bags for every day in the sun. The 11 Best Beach Coolers of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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