What qualities make for the perfect beach bag or tote?
We're all after good quality bags combined with a great price. Hopefully I can save you a few hours of research with my list of the best beach totes, backpacks and beach coolers.
All of these bags are stylish and are designed for traveling, or simply helping to get all of the family's essentials to the pool party. These will get the job done with a minimum of fuss.
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These are all great value beach bags, cooler bags and totes, and all will last more than one season!
SCOUT Cooler Bag - The Stiff One
Click on the list item below to take you straight to it, or continue scrolling to see all our recommended best beach bags.
Best Classic Tote Bags
Big totes can magically invoke memories of great summer holidays every time you stumble across an old favorite hiding in the back of the wardrobe. The classic Tote bag is a great hold-all no matter what the season.
SCOUT Brand Totes
I can't help it, I really do like these totes - they're all good quality. They will last for years so these prices make them great value in my book. Best of all, Scout have a HUGE range of styles and patterns.
Below are some of my favorites in the SCOUT Tote Bag range. With so much choice, it's easiest to work out first which size is going to suit your needs, then start to narrow it down further.
If you like the styles below but they don't quite cover what you're looking for, click here to see more of our favorite Scout Beach Bags and Coolers.
The SCOUT Original Deano - An Extra Large Tote Bag
The Scout XL Deano and Mini Deano totes are made with all-weather woven fabric. This is a very practical choice for beach totes.
The Scout Day Tripper tote is made with coated Cotton Twill fabric. This is soft to the touch.
Both fabrics are durable, lightweight and water resistant fabrics that are easy to clean. Simply hose down or wipe clean, with or without soap.
This Scout Bag is an extra large tote that's great for carrying just about everything. It measures 19" x 15" x 10" (or 48 cm x 38 cm x 25.4 cm), stands on its own and folds down flat for easy storage or travel.
The tote strap is 81/4 inches long (21 cms) so it's more of a over-the-arm tote rather than an over-the-shoulder length.
This bag has a strong faux leather base, stays open very well and doesn't fall in on itself.
The Scout XL Tote has a key ring positioned inside one of its corners which comes in very handy for securing your keys to a spot that's easy to find later. A good all round LARGE tote bag.
The Scout Deano Extra Large Tote bag comes in a huge range of fashionable patterns. This one is great for families or for those really big jobs. Click the button below to see the current price on Amazon.
The SCOUT Deano Mini Tote Bag (Small)
If the Scout Tote XL Bag is more than you need, then perhaps the Scout Deano Mini Tote is just what you're looking for. The Scout Deano Mini Tote has an interior zippered pocket to store keys, a small wallet or a smartphone.
This tote measures a very comfortable 12"x 13"x 6" deep (or 30.4 cm x 33 cm x 15 cm deep). This one stands on its own without falling over, and also folds down flat for travel.
The strap is 101/4 inches long (26 cms), so it's longer than the Scout Original Deano XL strap making it much more comfortable to wear over the shoulder.
Click the button to see the current price and any discounts that may be available now at Amazon.
The SCOUT Weekender Tote Bag
The Scout Weekender Tote is a bag that falls somewhere between the Deano XL and the Deano Mini but it's made with a coated woven cotton twill making it feel softer.
The Weekender measures 25" x 15" x 13" (or 63.5 cm x 38 cm x 33 cm), and will fit under an airline seat or can be folded flat to travel in a suitcase without taking up too much space.
The straps are 81/4 inches long (21 cm) so it's more of a over-the-arm tote, rather than over the shoulder.
The Scout Weekender has on interior zippered pocket and zips closed at the top.
Click the button to see the current price and range of colors.
Naanle Canvas Tote Bags - Turtle Print
Naanle Canvas Tote Bags are made from high quality cotton canvas, with a non-toxic print.
The strap is sturdy and is a suitable length for wearing over the shoulder.
Dimensions:
15.7 inches high x 19.7 inches long, by 5.1 inches wide.
40 cms high x 50 cms long, by 13 cms wide.
These have an open top with no zipper closure.
As well as the Sea Turtle Design, Naale have a large range of other prints available. These are available from Amazon.
Baja Waterproof Beach Bag
The Odyseaco Baja beach tote bag has a classic Bohemian look that shouts personality. This is a lightweight yet durable, heavy-duty tote. It has re-enforced stitching and is made with Ripstop fabric making it resistant to water, tearing and ripping.
This tote is perfect for a day at the beach, pool or park, picnics and BBQ's, camping, vacation, festivals, road trips, festivals, shopping trips and family days out.
The Baja has extra think soft rope handles with a 10" shoulder drop, and measures 16.5" x 14" x 7" (or 42 cm x 35.5 cm x 17.8 cm).
It has two external pockets for easy access to sunscreen or drinks, and one interior zippered pocket that's perfect for keys, and your cell phone.
This tote will easily last for years and comes with a 12 month 'no quibble' warranty.
This comes in a range of fashion colors and you can click the button below to see the current price at Amazon.
Shylero Waterproof Beach Tote
If you really like the look and soft feel of rope handles, another big tote worth considering is the Shylero Beach Tote Bag. This tote has two outside pockets that are good for storing and accessing your water bottle, sun glasses, a magazine or book, and sun screen.
The Shylero comes with a waterproof PVC case that will keep small items such as your smartphone, credit cards, jewelry or other valuables free from water or sand damage.
The fabric is durable and washable 'Ripstop' material and this large tote can easily hold up to 22 pounds (or 10 kg). It has a big interior pocket with water repellent interior lining.
The Shylero comes with a key holder and bottle opener. Its overall size is 22" x 5" x 6" so there's room to store your beach towels, swimmers, lotions, cosmetics, and magazines or books. Click the button below to see the current price, and the trendy designs this tote comes in.
Best Tote Bags combined with Coolers
Mesh Beach Bag Tote with Insulated Cooler by OdyseaCo
This tote is both a mesh beach bag and a picnic cooler.
The top section is mesh which is ideal for storing towels, books, etc. for the beach, and has a zippered top closure. The bottom section of the Aruba bag is canvas and unzips to reveal a soft, flexible, insulated cooler section.
The Aruba tote measures 20" x 16" x 6" (or 50.8 cm x 40.6 cm x 15.2 cm). It has a 9" drop from the shoulder to the top of the bag, so it can get a little tight if it's packed full of towels, and may be easier to carry on your arm.
It has two external pockets, one is open which makes it easy to access sunscreen or sunglasses quickly, and the other is zippered to securely hold your keys, cell phone, etc.
The bottom cooler section is not rigid, so you need to fill this section before placing items in the mesh section. The top section of the bag is mesh so it won't stand on its own.
This is a very well made bag that will easily last for more than one season. This is a great value beach bag.
The tote is available in 5 different colors from Amazon. It comes with a waterproof cell phone case and a 12 month 'no quibble' warranty.
Dedicated Cooler bags that fold flat
SCOUT Cooler Bag Range
SCOUT have a nice range of insulated cooler bags to cover from small lunch bag size, right up to 24 can pack coolers. These all fold flat making them ideal to travel with. When combined with reusable ice packs, these make packing for the beach, a party or a picnic very easy.
Scout cooler bags are easy to care for, and only need to be spot cleaned. They are insulated and best combined with ice packs to really keep things cool.
Which are the best ice & gel packs for your coolers?
Before we get started on the coolers, one thing to consider is what's the best way to keep your drinks and snacks cold in warm weather. This can take a lot of ice, or you can go with ice and gel packs. These work out to be one of the most inexpensive ways of keeping your items cold during a day out.
CoolerShock Gel Packs are shipped dry making them light weight and handy to travel with. Once you get to your destination, add the water and depending on which type you buy, either zip it closed and then permanently seal with an iron, or screw the cap on.
CoolerShock packs turns to gel in 15 minutes and lasts 24 hours. Add room temperature drinks to your cooler and they'll be at near freezing temperatures a few hours later.
Interested in swimming with Sea Turtles? Learn more about where in the world to find these fascinating sea creatures.
Best Travel Backpacks & Day Packs
What's the difference between a Daypack and a Backpack?
If you're like me, you've probably been calling your daypack, a backpack. Most of us tend to use the words interchangeably. We'll say backpack, but will be referring to something that's also known as a day pack. Both items are worn on the back.
Backpacks are usually larger than a day pack, can carry a lot more than a day pack and many have an in-built frame to help support and distribute the weight evenly. This also makes them more expensive than your everyday day pack.
Daypacks are basically backpacks but smaller, and don't have the supporting frame. This makes them much lighter and easy to pack away when not in use.
Now that we have the true definition out of the way, the products below are day packs and backpacks, and none of these have support frames. If you're looking for a sturdy, hiking style backpack, then that's a whole different article. What you'll see below are day packs/backpacks that are suitable for taking your stuff to the beach or on when on a walk.
High Sierra Compact Travel Day Pack
High Sierra are a quality brand and make Day Packs that will last. I'm absolutely in love with my High Sierra day pack.
These are perfect for anyone who likes to be be organized. They come with generous main compartments and multiple pockets. This particular Day Pack shown here also has a dedicated TechSpot tablet sleeve, a front attachment clip, and side mesh beverage pockets designed to hold a water bottle.
It has a padded back panel and yoke-style, S-shaped mesh padded shoulder straps. The adjustable non-slip shoulder pads will disburse the weight more evenly over your shoulders, and the padding on the back panel and shoulder straps make carrying it more comfortable for longer periods.
I use mine to carry hats and water bottles for the kids, my purse, reading glasses, a book, a micro fiber (read very compact) towel, and sun block to the beach. I also use it around town instead of my normal bag when I want to carry extra's such as a cardigan and a book. I've had many people compliment me on it. These are very well made, comfortable packs.
Mosiso Crossbody Hiking Day Pack
The Mosiso cross-body hiking day pack is one of the most popular smaller bags available.
It has a larger zippered multipurpose storage area with an accessory compartment. The larger compartment measures 15.3 inches x 7.5 inches x 3.5 inches and will fit most tablets. The smaller pocket is good for a phone, wallet, or power bank.
This day pack comes with 2 mesh side pockets making it easy to carry and access bottled water up to 2.5 inches in diameter, sun glasses or sun screen.
It has a good with flexible padded shoulder strap so it doesn't dig in to your shoulder. The length of the strap can be varied from 18 inches to 36 inches. There's also a lightweight back panel that helps with comfort.
This day pack has top quality zippers and is made of durable, water repellent polyester. All Mosiso day packs come with a 1 year warranty.
Best Multipurpose Beach Day Packs
All of the Day Packs below are made of water resistant (but not waterproof) nylon. They are compact and lightweight, and fold into themselves when empty to store easily. When they are folded up, they take up very little space in your suitcase when traveling, and can be used to hold any excessive baggage on the return trip.
All have 2 side mesh pockets that are great for carrying water bottles, sunscreen or an umbrella, and 2 zippered outer pockets.
As most daypacks are designed to be lightweight, their straps may not be as padded as you may expect to find on a normal backpack. These daypacks all have wide shoulder straps so although they aren't as padded as a heavy-duty backpack, these are still going to be comfortable and not dig into your shoulders.
All have a Lifetime Warranty.
New Outlander Brand Daypacks & Backpacks
Outlander 35L Daypack
The inner main compartment has a 35 liter capacity. To put this into some perspective, it will hold the essentials needed for an enjoyable day at the beach. The image on the right shows its capacity.
Unfolded dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 7.5 inches (or 47 cm x 33 cm x 19 cm)
Folded dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches (21.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 3 cm).
The New Outlander Day Pack comes in a wide range of colors, and has a Lifetime Warranty.
The difference size between 20L and a 33L backpack
The Outlander Travel Backpack is very similar to the Outlander Day Pack. This Travel backpack comes as either a 20 liter capacity or a 35 liter capacity.
20L Dimensions
Unfolded: 16.92 x 10.63 x 7.08 inches (43 cm x 27 cm x 18 cms)
Folded: 6.29 x 5.90 x 1.97 inches (16 cm x 15 cm x 5 cms)
33L Dimensions
Unfolded: 19 x 13 x 8.2 inches (48 cm x 33 cm x 20.8 cms)
Folded: 6.29 x 5.90 x 2 inches (16 cm x 15 cm x 5 cms)
The inner main compartment has a 35 liter capacity. To put this into some perspective, it will hold the essentials needed for an enjoyable day at the beach. The image on the right shows its capacity.
Unfolded dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 7.5 inches (or 47 cm x 33 cm x 19 cm)
Folded dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches (21.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 3 cm).
The New Outlander Day Pack comes in a wide range of colors, and has a Lifetime Warranty, and is available from Amazon.
Patti February 29, 2020 Ok thank you!
Where can I find the totes in the top picture?
Hi Patti, My apologies as the totes in the top picture are no longer available on Amazon. I placed that image there a couple of years ago. I did, however, check to see if anyone anywhere had similar totes,
but was unable to find them. There are very similar bags here:
https://amzn.to/38a1ZJ8
BTW Will be updating the image in the very near future.
I hope this helps.
You can never go wrong with the Scout Tote Bags. I have some and I am loving it. I am thinking of giving it to my friends this Christmas. Thanks for this. Xoxo
Amazing range of bags! Wow, beach bags are available in waterproof!! It looks so classy and the main attraction is its amazing prints so every girl gonna love these bags. Ohh how can I forget it also looks cool for boys.
Should we use these bags as shopping bags?
It is always essential to invest in a good bag to carry all things. It is hard to bring kids stuff, personal items, food, and others all at the same time. Good thing, Scout bags save the day!
I like your organized stuff method. I am going to use Venture Pal backpacks on my next trip to the US. thanks
Hi Nasir, I’d love to hear what you think of the Venture Pal daypack once you’ve had a bit of time to use it. Happy travels!
Hi there, I’m from Australia and I’m going on a trip in March for two weeks. I’m trying to find a carry on bag that fits both my camera and camera gear, plus my laptop comfortably, and preferably a few more travel essentials.
I don’t want to pay a fortune for a bag as I have limited funds at the moment. What would you suggest be the best for me to use? I just don’t want to take the chance of losing my camera or laptop if I pack it in a suitcase, so I would prefer to bring it on the plane with me.
You are spot on. A good beach bag is handy, especially if you’re like me and like to be organized.
A quality, solid beach shade is also good to have for protection against the sun and wind.
These have become essentials for me and my family when heading to the beach. They make the whole day more comfortable.
I went ahead and purchased the Tortuga Beach Tote from Wildhorn. Such a fantastic range of bags and totes to choose from. Thanks for putting in the effort to do the research on these items. Hard to find a similar comparison page on the web that has this much detail.
The 52 Liters capacity has made going to the beach a pleasure.