Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
We’ve talked about Totes a dozen and a half times, but they’ve always been classic styles: cotton, waxed canvas, leather, and the like. No love for the techwear enthusiasts, but that changes today. We’ve applied our Five Plus One formula to bring you some of the best technical totes out there, perfect for a picnic, day trip, or even overnight excursion.
1) Briefings: Discrete Tote
If you’re looking for a simple, classically designed tote that just happens to fit well with the techwear aesthetic then Briefing‘s Discrete Tote is an excellent choice. Made from ripstop Cordura nylon and webbing, this bag is about as tough a tote as you’ll find; it’s designed with a snap closure to keep the handles together, and a zippered top to make sure everything you packed is nice and secure.
Available for ~$180 from Hinoya.
2) Epperson Mountaineering: Climb Tote
Leaning into a vintage techwear aesthetic, Epperson Mountaineering‘s Climb Tote is one of the most fun totes out there. Featuring a brightly colored body, these totes have wrap-around webbing handles with daisy chain loops for anything you need to clip to the side. With one large, central pocket and the ability to clip on anything you might need, this tote is as functional as it is attractive — plus, the drawcord opening gives you added peace of mind that nothing will fall out.
Available for $100 from Hatchet Supply Co.
3) Battenwear: Mesh Tote
While I don’t go around submerging my tote bags in water, Battenwear‘s Mesh Tote is perfect for those whose outdoor activities are a bit more water-centric. While certainly not a tote for electronics or valuables, this bag is for those items that will get wet during your day and need a ventilated sack to be stuffed in – i.e. a swim cap and a small towel. This one is clean and simple, does what it says on the tin, and is finished with Battenwear’s iconic logo.
Available for $60 from Lost and Found.
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4) Porter Yoshida: Tanker 2Way Tote Bag ‘Sage Green’
Porter Yoshida is known for their top-of-the-line techwear bags, but you’ll certainly need to be prepared to pay handsomely for them. Their Tanker 2Way Tote comes with a classic, olive/sage green nylon twill exterior and bright orange interior à la flight jackets, and features not only padding for all your valuables but several pockets both on the inside and outside. Finished with a brass zipper and Porter’s iconic woven brand tab, this made-in-Japan bag is one that you’ll be using for many years to come.
Available for $603 from Hatchet Supply Co.
5) DSPTCH: Utility Tote in Dyneema
DPSTCH has a wide range of fabric choices for the Utility Tote, but we’ve chosen the Dyeema option because, well, Dyneema. This top-spec tote bag has wrap-around handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, and plenty of pockets for all your storage needs. At 18L this bag is suitable not just for that Sunday park day, but perhaps even a weekend away if you’re going to pack light.
Available for $266 from DSPTCH.
Plus One – Snow Peak: Pocketable Tote
Snow Peak‘s ‘Pocketable’ Tote features all the functionality and appearance of a techwear tote while still being easy to cram into your pocket at the end of your trip. Despite its packability, this tote still features a 25L(!) capacity and internal pockets for those smaller items. It’s even got some external pockets and a hit of Snow Peak branding. This is a packable tote done right.
Available for ~$126 from Kafka Mercantile.
