The 19 Best Tote Bags for Men in 2025: Tested and Reviewed by GQ Editors | GQ

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When people hate on tote bags, they’re actually taking umbrage with one particular style: the random-company giveaway that has no business carrying anything more than promotional drivel. You know, the free thing made from flimsy cotton with zero carrying capacity and handles so thin they dig into your shoulders.

Those are not the totes we’re celebrating today. Rather, we're talking the best tote bags, all of which have every right to be a major player in your bag collection. Hell, some could serve as the only bag you’ll ever need—front and center, no substitutions. That’s because a proper tote does it all—grocery runs, office hauls, beach trips—while staying easy to pack, easy to carry, and easy to pair with any outfit.

The original tote, L.L. Bean’s so-called “ice bag,” debuted in 1944 to do exactly that: haul ice from your car to your icebox. Naturally, it wasn’t long before people realized it could haul just about everything else too. From there, the tote took off—spanning from utilitarian to iconic. (Exhibit A: Hermès’ Birkin, inspired by the all-encompassing needs of Jane Birkin, who wanted a bag big enough for all her essentials.)

Because today you can’t be a bookstore or mattress seller (or, yes, a media company) without pedaling a tote, our mission was to separate the opportunists from the true makers. And that’s exactly what we did, polling the GQ staff to narrow hundreds of options down to just 19—and then, after deep consideration, anointing the best do-it-all haulers for your money.

Below, you’ll find a best-in-class tote bag for every need and aesthetic. Some are waterproof, some fold down into a coat pocket, some stand tall and carry it all. But every one is made from quality materials and built to outlast trends.

Take Me To: More Tote Bags We Love | What to Look for in a Tote Bag | How We Tested

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean

Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Carrying Capacity: 8L, 17L, 35L, 56L | Materials: 24 oz. cotton canvas | Colors: 12, including natural, black and dark green

For value, durability, and enduring style, nothing has ever come close to the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. First introduced in 1944—and mercifully still sold at what feels like yesteryear’s price point—there’s a reason you’ll spot heirloom Boat and Totes in the back of most family cars, and fresh-out-the-box ones at every fashion week and ironic Instagrams.

Available in dozens of colors, four different sizes, and two handle lengths, L.L. Bean’s offering, which includes a zippered version, is simply the platonic ideal of a tote bag. Pleasingly cavernous with comfortable, wide handles, and entirely constructed from a heavyweight canvas with reinforced handles and double-stitched seams, the Boat and Tote has been tested to hold up to 500 lbs—more than you’ll ever want it to do. The iconic bag just celebrated its 80-year anniversary in 2024, so it’s less a bag and more of a cultural institution. We’ll see you at the centennial.

Alex Mill

Alex Mill

Size: 13” x 13” | Carrying Capacity: 23.5L | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: Navy, Olive, White, Black, Red, Cobalt Blue

If the L.L.Bean's tote is the OG, Alex Mill's is its stylish cousin with a loft in Greenpoint. Overseen by Mickey Drexler—the retail king who led GAP and J.Crew through their peak years across the 1990s and 2000s—Alex Mill does all the fundamental things right (see: our guide to the best chinos).

What better place to demonstrate this with a classic tote: The garment-washed canvas is charming, nostalgic, and super strong against urban surfaces, while the option to alternate between short or long straps is highly practical. We love that the snap buttons add security, and can cleverly be used to make the bag smaller, should you not be carrying as much. For a fee, Alex Mill will even paint your initials onto it, but otherwise the bag comes in six colors—good luck choosing between the classic white, military olive and eye-popping red.

Patagonia

Huckberry

Patagonia

Sizes: 25L, 61L | | Materials: 8.7 oz recycled polyester ripstop, 100% recycled nylon | Colors: Gold and Black

Patagonia’s Black Hole series is famous for being water-repellent, tear-resistant, and tough as hell—and the 25L tote is no exception. It holds a surprising amount, whether you're hauling gear or groceries. While the Gold colorway is very weekend in Ojai, GQ deputy site director Chris Cohen enjoys the black colorway for being “plausibly adventurous without giving the sense that you’re about to set up base camp,” adding that the rubbery coated nylon is “easy to keep clean, since the non-permeable material just wipes right off.” And as expected from Patagonia, it’s all built from 100% recycled materials and made in a fair trade-certified factory.

Filson

Backcountry

Size: 14” x 14” | Carrying Capacity: 20L | Materials: 100% rugged twill and bridle leather | Colors: Tan, Navy, Otter Green

Filson bags are so well made that it’s practically a bad business model. The brand’s flagship tote bag is a great example—it’s so well made it can handle everything from firewood to your laptop. Made from the same water-repellent, abrasion-resistant cotton twill Filson has used for thirty years, and with a reinforced base for heavy loads and cow leather straps that only get softer—and make it more office-appropriate—the Filson tote is quite simply the toughest, most versatile tote there is. Choose from tan, otter green, and navy, with or without a zipper, and prepare to be approached by other Filson devotees whenever you take it outside.

Loewe

Mr Porter

Size: 16.5” x 12.6” | Carrying Capacity: XL | Materials: 100% calf leather with suede interior | Colors: Charcoal

Normally, as with sneakers, we’d typically urge you to stay away from designer totes. But the Loewe Puzzle, first introduced over 10 years ago by Jonathan Anderson, has become a modern luxury icon due to its origami-like construction and versatility. This is an architectural marvel with precisely cut leather panels that ingeniously fold down totally flat into your suitcase. It’s a contemporary classic loved by celebs and fashion insiders alike for its blend of low-key status appeal, artistry and craftsmanship.

Topo Designs

Topo Designs

Size: 20.5” x 13.5” | Carrying Capacity: 33L | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon | Colors: Six, including Pond Blue/Spice and Clay/Hemp

When you need space, look no further Topo Designs’ Mountain Utility Tote. GQ associate commerce director Michael Nolledo uses the Mountain Utility Tote for camping trips and beach days, saying “the main compartment can hold a ton of gear, and the interior and exterior pockets come in handy when you need easy access to items.” He also likes that the bag stands taut and has a wide opening for easy packing.

Sized at 33 liters, the Mountain Utility Tote boasts the largest capacity of any on this list, and is truly souped-up along with that: you get a removable padded shoulder strap, cinchable top closure, interior and exterior zip pockets, gear loops and a carabiner clip. It comes in six colorways—including a quieter black—and its 100 percent nylon construction gives you two reasons to feel good. First, it lightens your load. Second, that nylon is entirely recycled, which is good for everybody.

Frank Clegg

Frank Clegg

Size: 14.5” x 14.5” | Carrying Capacity: 19L | Materials: Tumbled leather | Colors: 8 leathers, including Chocolate and Burgundy

Unlike canvas or nylon totes, a leather one will pass muster in both corporate offices and Milanese restaurants. Yes, this one comes with a high price. But let me tell you what that gets you: A lifetime guarantee on the item, leather that gets better with every decade, and a design from the same fifty-year-old, family-run American company Barack Obama chose to make his Presidential briefcase. It can be made to order in eight different finishes, and with or without a zipper and pockets. Go to town.

Aer

Aer

Size: 15.4” x 14.2” | Carrying Capacity: 19.5L | Materials: Cordura ballistic nylon | Colors: Black

We love Aer’s backpacks and laptop bags, and their tote has everything a gym rat could possibly want from their tote bag. There’s a ventilated separate base compartment for all your gains gear— shoes, your protein shaker, musty clothes or a wet towel—and plenty of space in the main compartment for workout clothes and toiletries. (The whole interior can also be wiped down easily to prevent any smells from sticking around.) But even beyond the gym, this is just a great tote. There’s a laptop pocket, a luggage handle for slipping it over your suitcase handle, and the whole thing is made from 1680D ballistic nylon which, while heavier, is considerably tougher than other nylons and most cottons.

Montbell

Montbell

Size: 15.7” x 14.2” | Carrying Capacity: 21L | Materials: Ripstop nylon | Colors: Khaki green, black, navy, red

Most packable totes compromise on functionality and security—not the one from Japan’s fifty-year-old, leading outdoors brand Montbell. While palm-sized at its most scrunched, when unfurled this tote has an outer zip pocket, incredibly spacious 28L capacity, and a water-resistant drawstring closure up top to keep everything from books to groceries to sports gear dry. (I own it, and have used it to port all three categories.) There’s also a water bottle pocket on the outside, and that logo is just undeniably nice.

Gramicci

Gramicci

Once again, Gramicci lands on our radar—this time with a tote that’s as tough as its legendary hiking pants. Made from sturdy ripstop nylon, it’s built to take a beating, with a generous 40L main compartment and mesh side pockets that make it even more functional. Rugged, roomy, and ready for anything.

Southern Field Industries

Southern Field Industries

This handmade-in-Japan carryall elevates the tote into a high art form. Nolledo has used this tote bag as his daily hauler for more than a decade, noting it’s the perfect office tote bag. He likes that the bag has structure, noting that the piped leather edges are an excellent “just-for-me” detail, and that every tote bag should have two exterior side pockets.

Porter-Yoshida & Co.

Mr Porter

Porter Yoshida is best known for its tasteful nylon bags (every menswear guy either has one or wants one) but we’re partial to this rugged nylon-twill version. It’s hefty enough to protect your laptop (with a canvas-lined compartment inside) and loaded with exterior pockets for all your bits and bobs.

LeSportsac

LeSportsac

A great laptop tote shouldn’t feel like a tech accessory. But it should be padded, lightweight, and snug enough to keep your tech from rattling around. Made from ultra-light nylon with a durable ripstop weave, Le Sportsac's features a zip-top closure, plenty of pockets, and just the right hit of nostalgic branding.

Kapital

Mr Porter

An outlaw tote with duffel energy from the cotton fiends at Kapital. This tote works equally well as a messenger bag, and it’s an undeniable IYKYK flex that’s not for the faint of heart.

Amiacalva

Mohawk General Store

Also from Japan, Amiacalva nailed it here with what could be described as a handmade Japanese boat and tote. Its six pockets don’t take away from its neat appearance, and you'll appreciate those long 8” handles on big sweater days.

COS

COS

Cos’s ability to construct a designer look at a more affordable price extends to its bags. This slouchy tote, cut from 100% leather, nails the luxe-but-lowkey vibe and looks a whole lot more expensive than it is.

Colin Meredith

Colin Meredith

Based in Vancouver, Colin Meredith cut his teeth at major technical apparel brands like Arc’teryx and Rapha before applying his learnings to his own design practice. This bag is a prime example of his eye—and the same bag Meredith himself uses daily.

Lemaire

Lemaire

Lemaire’s bags don’t scream for attention—they just quietly outclass everything else. This latest style is no different: heavy cotton canvas, a leather belt-style strap that doubles as structural reinforcement, and enough space for your laptop and the rest of your daily clutter.

Makr

Makr

Makr, the Florida-based design studio, is known for its precise, utilitarian craftsmanship. Made in the USA from heavy brown cotton duck canvas, it features a unique fold-top closure and an asymmetrical body gusset that adds a subtle design twist to its rugged functionality.

While the dream is that tote bags also rep your local deli or beloved indie bookstore, what turns an average tote into a truly great one is if it’s sturdy, comfortable to carry, and suited to your daily needs. That doesn’t mean it has to be canvas, though there are plenty of reasons totes often are, including durability, comfort on the shoulder, and cotton’s certain patinated charm. Plenty of our favorite totes are nylon, too—the key thing is really just that the fabric is light (given that a heavier tote is more of a burden to carry than a heavy backpack) but still strong.

While it’s not essential—our best overall tote bag, for example, doesn’t offer this—it’s also nice when a tote has a degree of organization built in, whether in the form of internal open pockets, outer zip ones, or a padded laptop section. These things just mean you aren’t always reaching around at the bottom to find your keys, or letting your pens cozy up dangerously against your sweatshirt.

And it goes without saying that the handle drop should be generous enough. No tote should ever make your armpit feel like it’s one added layer away from losing blood flow.

While we couldn't test out every tote on the planet, across our discerning team we had at least a collective century of tote-toting knowledge to share and debate. So that’s what we did: We gathered all of the totes we owned, and then whittled that long list down to only the totes we’d urge a friend to buy.

That left us with still too many (a nice problem) so from there, we edited down further to include only the best totes for a handful of different user needs—from the best for a gym-goer, to the best for bigger loads, to the best for a decades-long commitment. Whatever your preferences, whatever your lifestyle, there's bound to be a superlative tote on this list for you.