The Best Beach Bags and Totes for Summer
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YETI Camino Carryall -
Baggu Cloud Bag -
Bogg Bag Original -
Hydro Flask Tote -
Funboy Iridescent Beach Tote -
Lululemon Side-Cinch Shopper Bag -
Buyer's Guide
It's almost summertime, so it's time to head to the beach! But before you go, you'll need a reliable and stylish beach bag to carry all your essentials and protect them from the sand and water. Fortunately, there are plenty of options — from durable nylon and lightweight mesh to rubber for waterproof beach bags — so whether you're looking for something stylish and easy to carry or something with plenty of storage, we’ll help you identify the best beach bag for your needs.
We've done the research for you and have provided a review of the best beach bags and totes to get you started. Below, we give you a brief description and a link to a fuller review of each option, so keep reading to find your perfect summer beach bag tote!
Price Legend
$: 0 - 40
$$: 41 - 80
$$$: 81+
YETI Camino Carryall
- Durable construction stands up to sharp objects and abrasive surfaces
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) molded base to keep the bag upright
- Hitchpoint grid allows for easy attachment of camp dishes, pool toys, and so forth with carabiners or MOLLE accessories
- Expensive
- Built more for performance than for aesthetic appeal
- May be bulky and difficult to store while traveling
Baggu Cloud Bag
- 9.5” strap drop
- Machine washable
- Packs down into detachable pouch for easy storage
- Not waterproof
- No interior compartments to keep items separate
- Reported issues with loose stitching
Bogg Bag Original
- Large capacity
- Durable and waterproof
- Holed construction allows for bag attachments
- Expensive
- Functional but less visually appealing
- Bag doesn’t fully close and may allow water and dirt in through the side holes
Hydro Flask Tote
- Insulated interior maintains the temperature of food or drinks
- Lined interior for easy cleaning
- The soft, collapsible exterior folds well for travel
- Insulation may not last a full day
- Limited color and style options
- Cannot be machine washed
Funboy Iridescent Beach Tote
- Excellent customer service and fast shipping
- Low-maintenance care — just wipe clean
- Comes with a cute matching envelope that can detach
- See-through material reveals bag contents
- Lack of internal compartments to keep items separate
- Top doesn’t close completely
Lululemon Side-Cinch Shopper Bag
- Interior and exterior pockets
- Can be cinched for greater security or let out for more bag space
- Made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester
- Cannot be washed
- Limited color options
- Top does not close completely
Bestcovery's Review of the Top Beach Back Picks of 2023
YETI Camino Carryall - Most Durable
The YETI Camino Carryall is a rugged weekend bag built for adventure and might just be the perfect choice for your beach day needs. With internal dividers, this all-purpose utility bag is a great way to keep your belongings organized and secure while you hit the beach. While it is more expensive and space-consuming than comparable bags like the totes below, it's made from durable, waterproof materials, making it one of the best beach bags on Amazon.
- Durable construction stands up to sharp objects and abrasive surfaces
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) molded base to keep the bag upright
- Hitchpoint grid allows for easy attachment of camp dishes, pool toys, and so forth with carabiners or MOLLE accessories
- Expensive
- Built more for performance than for aesthetic appeal
- May be bulky and difficult to store while traveling
Colors/design choices: 5 colors available
Waterproof: Yes
Closure: Hook closure
Durability: Thickskin shell and abrasion-resistant surface
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Size: 9 7/8" x 14 7/8" x 18 1/8"
Washable: Use warm water and a mild soap to wipe clean
Structured vs. unstructured: Structured
Pockets/organization: Deployable dividers
Price: $$$
Baggu Cloud Bag - Most Portable
The Baggu Cloud Bag is the best beach tote for summer for those who want something that’s both cute and practical. Unlike the Yeti Camino Carryall, this bag has a trendy appearance and is made with lightweight and durable ripstop nylon. It's also machine-washable, making it easier to clean regularly. In addition, it features a large capacity to fit all your summer essentials, as well as a sturdy handle and adjustable shoulder strap that make it more comfortable than the Camino Carryall tote around.
- 9.5” strap drop
- Machine washable
- Packs down into detachable pouch for easy storage
- Not waterproof
- No interior compartments to keep items separate
- Reported issues with loose stitching
Colors/design choices: 4 colors available
Waterproof: No
Closure: Zipper closure
Durability: Recycled heavyweight nylon
Weight: 11.22 oz
Size: 13 4/5" H × 12 4/5" W (Bottom) × 21" W (Top) × 8"
Washable: Machine washable
Structured vs. unstructured: Unstructured
Price: $$
Bogg Bag Original - Best Capacity
The Bogg Bag Original is a sturdy and reliable choice for beach and pool goers that is large enough to hold your whole family’s beach snacks and swimming essentials. Although it may have less of a trendy appearance than the Baggu Cloud Bag, the EVA construction of the Bogg Bag makes it superior in terms of waterproofing, washability, and durability — and its flat base keeps it standing upright. This large beach bag also comes in many sizes and colors and boasts a set of two clear insert bags that can be inserted into any hole in the bag.
- Large capacity
- Durable and waterproof
- Holed construction allows for bag attachments
- Expensive
- Functional but less visually appealing
- Bag doesn’t fully close and may allow water and dirt in through the side holes
Colors/design choices: 35 colors
Waterproof: Yes
Closure: Button closure
Durability: Sturdy sides, durable rubber EVA material
Weight: 2.5 inches
Size: 9.5" x 11.25" x .25"
Washable: Hand-wash only
Structured vs. unstructured: Structured
Price: $$$
Hydro Flask Tote - Easy to Clean
The Hydro Flask Tote is a versatile, stylish cooler lunch bag perfect for picnics at the park or a long day at the beach or pool that, unlike the Yeti, Baggu, and Bogg bags, can keep food and beverages insulated for hours. This waterproof beach bag is insulated, collapsible, BPA-free, and non-toxic, so it’s safe and convenient to use. The tote has an adjustable strap that makes it more comfortable to carry and comes in several bright colors and patterns. The interior pockets also make it easy to keep everything secure and organized and minimize the chaos in the main compartment.
- Insulated interior maintains the temperature of food or drinks
- Lined interior for easy cleaning
- The soft, collapsible exterior folds well for travel
- Insulation may not last a full day
- Limited color and style options
- Cannot be machine washed
Colors/design choices: 4 colors
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 0.7 lb
Size: 12” x 11” x 5”
Washable: Wipe with a damp cloth and air dry
Structured vs. unstructured: Structured
Closure: Welded pockets and water-resistant zippers
Durability: Fully lined, welded interior
Price: $$
Funboy Iridescent Beach Tote - Fun Design Choice
While it doesn’t include all the bells and whistles of some of the other totes we’ve reviewed, the Funboy Iridescent Beach Tote is undoubtedly the most fun large beach bag on our list! You’ll love the way the sun hits the bag, creating a mesmerizing iridescent gleaming effect. This transparent PVC bag is spacious and able to carry your largest beach must-haves like your towel, while allowing you to keep your keys, wallet, and phone easy to access in the matching detachable pouch. It’s highly sturdy, and if sand gets in or something spills inside, just wipe the bag clean!
- Excellent customer service and fast shipping
- Low-maintenance care — just wipe clean
- Comes with a cute matching envelope that can detach
- See-through material reveals bag contents
- Lack of internal compartments to keep items separate
- Top doesn’t close completely
Colors/design choices: Iridescent with yellow trim
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: Unspecified
Size: Unspecified
Washable: Yes; easily wipes clean
Structured vs. unstructured: Structured (semi-rigid)
Closure: None
Durability: Constructed from transparent PVC
Price: $$
Lululemon Side-Cinch Shopper Bag - Most Recyclable Materials Used
Lululemon has done it again with this cute and practical Side-Cinch Shopper Bag. It’s designed to be lightweight, so it’s easy to take with you wherever you go — and it allows you to tightly secure your bag contents with the cinchable sides or let them loose to open up the interior compartment. It’s large enough for your bulkier items and features pockets to make your smaller belongings more easily accessible. Plus, with this bag being water-repellant, you won’t have to worry about your belongings getting wet from pool or ocean water if you take it for a day of fun in the sun!
- Interior and exterior pockets
- Can be cinched for greater security or let out for more bag space
- Made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester
- Cannot be washed
- Limited color options
- Top does not close completely
Colors/design choices: 4
Waterproof: Yes; water-repellant material
Weight: 9.91 oz
Size: 16.1" x 5.1" x 14"
Washable: No; spot-clean only
Closure: Snap closure with cinchable opening
Structured vs. unstructured: Unstructured
Durability: Nylon and polyester construction
Price: $$
Buyer's Guide
Bestcovery's Ranking Metrics
To help you find the best waterproof beach bag for your needs, Bestcovery has compiled a comprehensive metrics guide for ranking and buying the best beach bag for summer.
Choose Fabric Based on Need
When selecting a beach backpack or bag, think about what functions you need it to serve the most based on what you’ll be doing. Heading to the beach? Consider something made of rubber to keep out the sand and water. Going to the gym? A nylon mesh bag might be better so your shoes and sweat towel can air out.
Buy the Right Size
The last thing you want to do is buy a beach bag only for it to be too small for everything you have to carry. As you shop around, check each bag’s dimensions to make sure it will fit all of your items for your day at the beach — including your books, iPad, beach towel, sandals, and so forth — and select a bag accordingly.
Look at Organizational Features
Do you prefer to keep your personal belongings in separate compartments? If so, consider the internal and external pockets and closures on bags you look at — and think about how easy they are to access. Make sure the bag has enough organizational features to keep your water bottle separate from your electronics, for example, and extra protection for any fragile items you may need to carry.
Consider Which Type of Handles You Prefer
A cute, practical beach bag could easily become a thorn in your side if it’s not comfortable to carry. Do you prefer a short handle for easy carrying or long handles for over-the-shoulder convenience? Think about what works best for your needs and lifestyle so you end up with something you’re excited to bring with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Beach Bags
How do I clean my beach bag?
The best pool bags are often easy to clean, but your beach bag’s cleaning instructions will vary depending on the material. Some need to be wiped down and air-dried, while others may be machine-washable. If you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution by spot-cleaning with a damp cloth or gentle soap and water. You can also hand-wash the bag in a sink or bathtub if needed.
What should you bring to the beach in your bag?
No beach bag is complete without sunscreen, a beach towel, a swimsuit, sandals, sunglasses, water, and snacks — and, of course, your keys, phone, and wallet. If you plan to be out for a while, you should also bring a backup battery phone charger and some entertainment, like books and electronics. Just make sure it’s not packed so full that it’s too heavy to carry — otherwise, you might want to invest in a rolling tote.
Are beach bags waterproof?
The best beach bags on Amazon are made from waterproof materials like polyester, rubber, or vinyl. They are also sturdy, holding up well against sand, water, and other elements. Remember that not all beach totes marketed as “waterproof beach bags'' will actually keep your bag contents from getting wet; it may only mean the bag will dry quickly. If you want something truly waterproof, go for a waterproof fabric without holes that fully closes at the top — preferably with a lined interior.
