The 16 Best Travel & Laptop Tote Bags in 2023 [Beach, Gym, Office]

Travel tote bags may come in all sorts of colors, styles, and sizes, but most offer a similar combination of style and practicality for carrying your gear.

Made from lightweight materials and featuring strong, longer-length straps, these tote bags are the perfect solution for keeping your laptop, gym gear, work documents, and other essentials close at hand. Perfect for everyday use, a really good tote bag can take you from the office to the gym, on a shopping spree, and even to the beach with ease.

Things To Consider With Travel Tote Bags

Whether you’re heading to the gym or taking your laptop to work, there are tote bags out there to suit every occasion. Before you invest in one of these bags, though, you’ll want to consider the following:

Use

Spacious and easy to carry, tote bags can be used in a wide variety of situations. Whether you’re heading to the gym, to the beach, to school, to the office, or on vacation, a good tote bag will offer all the space and practicality you need.

Often constructed with durable and water-resistant materials, these bags come with plenty of useful storage pockets and compartments that allow you to configure your belongings in the way that suits you best. Available in a huge variety of styles and designs, you’ll quickly come to wonder how you ever coped without one.

Size and Capacity

If you’re planning on using your tote bag for school or work, you’ll most likely want to find a bag with a padded laptop compartment and a safe space for your tablet, cell phone, and other electronics. It will need to be wide enough to slide your laptop in and out and will need extra pockets and compartments for your other day-to-day essentials.

If you want to use your tote for clothing, gym gear, bathing suits, and towels, look for one that offers a large main compartment with plenty of capacity for your stuff.

Finally, these bags are designed to be carried over your shoulder, so while a giant size tote bag may seem like a great idea, it could be uncomfortable to carry. Instead, you may want to consider a bag that can comfortably accommodate 15.6-inch laptops and folders without sacrificing capacity or comfort.

Weight

Usually made from lightweight materials such as nylon, polyester, canvas, or cotton, tote bags are typically lighter and more stylish than briefcases or carry-ons. The fuss-free design features a main compartment with dividers and a selection of smaller pockets, meaning that there isn’t too much in the bag’s construction to weigh you down.

How much you carry with you is up to you, of course, so be aware that even the lightest of tote bags will feel heavy and cumbersome when packed to the brim.

Bottom Line: Look for totes that weigh between 1 and 8 ounces when empty as a basic guideline.

Material and Durability

Most laptop tote bags are made from strong and durable nylon and polyester materials and often come with reinforced PU leather straps. If you’re looking for an upscale and stylish laptop bag for your commute to and from work, leather and artificial leather totes offer protection for your electronics as well as impressive durability.

Whatever you’re carrying, you won’t want your tote bag to let you down. Always look for reinforced stitching and strong straps and zippers, as these tend to be the areas that can fail on lower-quality bags. Padded compartments for laptops are a bonus, as are wider, flatter bottoms and “feet” upon which the bag rests when you set it down.

Comfort

Tote bags are designed to be used on a daily basis, but they’re not generally designed for more extreme adventures like hiking. This means they’re designed to stay comfortable on your shoulders, even when full, but they do not often feature additional padding or ventilation.

Most tote bags come with long grab handles that can be worn over your shoulders, while some have the addition of full-length, adjustable straps that allow you to wear the bag across your body.

The 5 Best Travel Tote Bags

1. A Super-spacious Tote Bag for Life on the Beach

MIYO Mesh Beach Tote

This awesome mesh tote bag has been designed for use on the beach and offers a ton of useful features that make packing up your swimsuit a breeze. Measuring up to 20 x 15 x 7.5 inches, this is a sizable beach bag that has plenty of room for all of your stuff.

Large enough to carry between 4 to 6 rolled-up towels, it’s a great choice for family days by the water, and the open mesh design lets your wet things dry quickly.

Offering an impressive 9 different compartments and pockets, you can keep your valuable items safe in the waterproof zippered pocket, or slide your sunscreen, sunglasses, book, drinks, and other must-have items into the external slip-in pockets.

The waterproof base layers let you leave the bag on wet sand without it getting damaged, and the top zipper design will keep all of your items safely in place on your journey to and from the water.

The strong and sturdy straps come with a Velcro closure that offers additional padding for your shoulders, and the internal carabiner hook makes it easy to grab your keys in an instant. Offering incredible ventilation and increased airflow, this brilliant beach tote bag is the perfect choice for those who like to spend their time around the water.

What We Like

• The mesh design is perfect for the beach

What We Don’t Like

• While the bag itself is spacious, the slip-in pockets are on the small side

2. This Tote Bag Is Both Pretty and Practical

ESVAN Floral Tote Bag

Pretty and practical, this bag comes in a selection of 15 different colors with eye-catching floral patterns. It’s lightweight, durable, and offers 10 liters of storage space.

Measuring 14.6 x 15.4 x 2.8 inches, this bag has a spacious interior, and the high-quality water-resistant fabric is durable enough to stand up to inclement weather. The shoulder straps on this back have a practical handle-drop of 11 inches, it’s easy to pack and unpack, and the durable metal zipper will keep your belongings safely tucked away.

With an additional internal pocket for keeping smaller items such as your cell phone, wallet, or travel pass close at hand, this pretty tote bag is suitable for shopping, swimming, traveling, at work, at the gym, and plenty of other everyday activities.

What We Like

• The bag boasts beautiful floral patterns and a durable zipper closure

What We Don’t Like

• While beautiful, 10 liters may not be enough for heavy packers

3. A Great Tote for Extra Packing Power

Check on JCPenney

Samsonite Foldaway Packable Tote Sling Bag

Made from lightweight and durable 600 denier nylon polyester, this bag features a PU backing that offers protection from the rain. Designed to be highly portable, it folds down into its very own integrated compact pouch, making it an excellent choice for use on vacation, and the impressive interior dimensions allow you to carry everything you need all in 1 bag.

Measuring 15.3 × 12.5 × 5.9 inches when unpacked, it comes with a large main compartment that’s perfect for shopping trips, sightseeing excursions, and days at the beach. With a pair of additional slip-in pockets and a single zippered pocket, you can keep your important items neatly tucked away.

The foldable design provides you with extra carrying power when you need more space to hold souvenirs on your way back from vacation, and the water-resistant design means it can be used year-round.

With oversized carry straps, this bag is strong and easy to haul around with you. It’s available in black, orange, or navy blue and is an excellent choice for throwing in your suitcase or carry-on bag on your next adventure.

What We Like

• This bag is incredibly useful and folds down very small

What We Don’t Like

• The bag struggles to retain its shape unless it’s completely full

4. A Security-approved Tote Bag for Large Events

BAGAIL Clear Stadium Tote Bag

This transparent tote bag is perfect for excursions where security restrictions need to be adhered to prior to entry. This bag meets most stadium and tournament guidelines, making it an excellent choice at football games, live music events, casinos, festivals, and many more occasions.

Made from 0.4-millimeter-thick vinyl, it’s incredibly lightweight but durable enough to carry a ton of stuff. Reinforced stitching gives users the confidence to use the bag time and time again, and the thick, tear-resistant nylon is tough without feeling rigid.

Measuring 12 x 12 x 6 inches, it’s big enough to hold bottles, wallets, keys, cell phones, hats, sunglasses, and practically anything else you’d want to bring into a venue. The smooth top zipper ensures that everything stays inside.

Featuring 2 grab handles, you can easily carry this bag down by your side or use the adjustable shoulder strap — which offers between 30 and 60 inches of length — to wear this bag across your body.

What We Like

• This bag is super strong but feels soft and flexible

What We Don’t Like

• It lacks zipper pockets and additional smaller storage spaces

5. The Best Sports Tote Bag

Champion Signal Tote

Made by the sporting giants at Champion, this tote bag is an excellent choice for trips to the gym, days out at the pool, splashing around on the beach, and even as a carry-on when flying. The design is simple but effective, and the large main compartment can be used to carry everything from school folders to swimming gear.

Made from high-quality, water-resistant material, this bag comes with a polyester lining that’s easy to wipe clean between uses, and the smooth-rolling zipper closure helps to ensure that your beginnings don’t fall out in transit.

On the inside, zipper pockets help keep your smaller items safe and secure, and the reinforced bottom allows the bag to retain its shape while offering increased durability.

The 21.5-inch straps can comfortably fit over your shoulders, even when you’re wearing heavy clothing, and the strong, durable fabric easily supports the weight of the bag, even when full. With the iconic Champion logo discreetly placed on the front of the bag and a fashionable 2-tone colorway, this is a great tote bag you’ll always be able to find a use for.

What We Like

• The lightweight and basic design is very user-friendly

What We Don’t Like

• The sporty look might not suit everyone’s style

The 11 Best Laptop Tote Bags

1. Designer Bag on a Budget

ECOSUSI Overnight Tote Bag

This bag is made from water-repellent nylon fabric and comes with vegan leather trim for an upscale look and feel. Sleek and sophisticated, you can choose from beige, black, or red colorways, and the timeless design offers designer good looks at every turn.

On the inside, the main zippered compartment has plenty of room for your clothes, books, water bottle, and toiletries. You can safely carry your laptop, too, thanks to a padded Velcro pocket. Another inside zippered pocket offers safe storage for your smaller valuable items, and the 2 slip-in pockets make it easy to organize your cell phone, keys, and wallet.

For increased versatility, this bag comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap that can be lengthened to wear the bag across your body, as well as double top handles should you wish to carry the bag in your hand.

With a trolley sleeve on the back, it can easily be slipped over the handle of your suitcase, and the metal studs on the bottom ensure that it remains resistant to wear and tear over time.

What We Like

• The bag has high-end designer looks and upscale features

What We Don’t Like

• The sewn-down sides make it awkward to pack folders and magazines

2. The Best Designer Tote Bag for Fashionistas

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Quilted Tote

This women’s tote bag from Kenneth Cole is made from polyester twill and the chevron quilted design gives a luxurious look. With a tear-resistant lining, it’s been constructed to withstand the rigors of daily use, and with several compartments and pockets to stay organized.

The main compartment features padded laptop and tablet pockets to keep your prized electronics safe. The interior zipper and open-top pockets are perfect for items such as business cards, a small notebook, or your cell phone and make this a solid alternative to traditional briefcases.

You can carry this bag or wear it comfortably on your shoulder with an 8.5-inch drop on the carry handles, or there’s a trolley strap to attach to your luggage. With enough space to comfortably house a 15-inch laptop and many other business essentials, this is a smart-looking, practical leather tote bag for women who like to commute in style.

What We Like

• The bag boasts a luxury look and practical interior

What We Don’t Like

• The main compartment is a bit narrow

3. Great Tote Bag for the Gym

CHICECO Yoga Tote Bag

This spacious tote bag is roomy enough to carry all your workout essentials, and unlike a regular sports bag, it’s stylish enough to be used for work, too. Made from waterproof nylon fabric, it comes in a choice of black or grey colorways, and the versatile and innovative interior has plenty of useful storage spaces to keep your gear neatly organized.

With a wet bag for wet towels and swimsuits, you can keep your clean clothes separate from your dirty ones, and the 2 side pockets are perfect for slipping your work shoes or sneakers into. The 2 drawstring dust bags offer further protection for your footwear, and the yoga mat holder on the top of the bag will keep it neatly rolled and ready to go.

So much more than just a gym bag, it also comes with a padded laptop sleeve that can comfortably hold devices measuring up to 13.3 inches, and the interior slip pocket and back pocket offer practical storage for your cell phone, gym pass, keys, wallet, and other items.

With a long, adjustable shoulder strap, you can wear this bag across your body for a more comfortable carry or use the 2 grab handles to hold it in your hands. Stylish on the outside and spacious on the inside, this is a great bag for use at the gym, the pool, on the beach, or on the way to and from work.

What We Like

• The bag has been designed with an active lifestyle in mind

What We Don’t Like

• The strap that secures the yoga mat is a little flimsy

4. The Most Colorful Tote Bag

VOLGANIC ROCK Nylon Oxford Multi-Pocket Tote Bag

Available in numerous colors, this bag is made from 100% nylon material. It’s water-repellent and durable, and features reinforced seams for extra strength, and a smooth, high-quality zipper closure.

With lots of different pockets in which to store your belongings and a stylish design, this bag would be perfect for use on your daily commute, for trips to the gym, as an overnight bag, or even as a diaper bag for your baby.

On the inside, the separate laptop compartment can accommodate your 15.6-inch laptop, and the additional tablet pocket, slip-in interior pockets, and external zipper pockets allow you to keep all of your belongings well-organized.

The adjustable shoulder strap ensures a range of comfortable lengths and carrying options, and the width of the strap has been designed to eliminate pressure on your shoulders. Stylish, easy to use, and incredibly versatile, this tote bag comes with heavy-duty hardware and sturdy construction. You can be sure it’s been built to last.

What We Like

• The multiple pockets offer lots of useable storage space

What We Don’t Like

• The laptop compartment isn’t padded

5. Built-in USB Port To Help You Stay Connected

Monstina Laptop Tote Bag

This brilliant women’s laptop tote bag is large enough for your 15-inch laptop and offers tons of extra space for everyday essentials. Made from high-quality waterproof nylon and leather materials, this bag has a top zipper closure to keep your belongings safe, and with an impressive 15 pockets on the inside, you can be sure you’ll be organized at all times.

With thick padding on the laptop and tablet pockets, this bag will keep your electronics safe in transit, and the elastic Velcro strap helps to ensure that your laptop doesn’t slip out when you put the bag down.

Featuring lots of other useful pockets, you can easily find dedicated spaces for your pens, pencils, business cards, cell phone, wallet, cards, and other must-have items, and the large opening ensures easy access to your belongings at all times.

Suitable for use in a wide range of settings, this multi-function bag has an external USB port that can be used in conjunction with your own power bank.

What We Like

• It has a wide range of storage pockets and compartments inside

What We Don’t Like

• The bag has a tendency to tip over when full

6. Business Tote Bag on a Budget

Newhey Laptop Tote Bag

Offering 4 useful compartments, this stylish laptop tote bag is lightweight and lovely to look at. Made from water-resistant PU leather, it offers protection against knocks and scratches, and the polyester lining adds an upscale look and feel.

With a smooth-rolling metal zipper, your belongings will stay neatly contained, and the metal feet help to protect the base of the bag when you put it down.

With a padded divider, you can safely carry devices measuring up to 16.6 inches in size, and with lots of further pockets, you can carry your iPad, wallet, books, notebooks, and so much more. Measuring at 15.3 x 5.1 x 12.6 inches, this laptop tote bag is sizable without being bulky, and the versatile interior dividers help to ensure that your belongings stay well-organized and neatly in place all day long.

This bag is available in a selection of stylish colors and comes with adjustable shoulder straps that can be made shorter or longer to suit your frame. An additional pair of carrying handles allows you to carry the bag securely over your shoulder or in your hand.

What We Like

• This sleek and stylish design will never go out of style

What We Don’t Like

• The PU leather can occasionally become creased

7. Stylish Tote Bag That Can Be Worn Across Your Body

Check on Macy's

Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag

This great-looking tote bag is perfect for use at school, at work, out shopping, or even when you’re traveling. Designed to keep you organized, it comes with a wide selection of pockets and compartments, providing easy access to your items when you need them.

Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it’s made from lightweight and water-resistant nylon material and is machine washable.

Featuring a padded 10 x 13-inch laptop pocket, you can easily keep your small laptop or tablet nicely protected, and with a variety of additional zippered pockets, you can carry your notebooks, chargers, cell phone, and a wide variety of other essentials around with you.

Compact enough to ensure a comfortable carry, this bag never feels heavy or bulky, even when full, and the washable fabric means that it will always look and feel as good as new.

With a longer-length strap, this beautiful bag can be worn across your body for greater security and comfort in crowds, and with 5 credit card slots and a removable RFID-protected phone wristlet pocket (not machine washable), this awesome bag is not only practical but secure as well.

What We Like

• The interior is very spacious and practical, and the bag can be machine washed

What We Don’t Like

• It’s prone to falling over when full

8. A Great-looking Tote Bag for All Occasions

Bag Wizard Laptop Tote Bag for Work

Made from strong canvas material with a durable faux-leather strap, this beautiful tote bag comes in a 2-tone colorway with a choice of swatches to choose from. Spacious enough to hold everything you need on your daily commute, day trip, or vacation, this bag can also be used as a carry-on while flying.

There’s plenty of space to hold both your 15.6-inch laptop, as well as other daily essentials like cell phones, water bottles, books, and more. The structured shape looks upscale and offers extra protection and durability, and the selection of pockets on the outside makes it easy to grab boarding passes or other documents.

The superstrong PU leather straps are long enough to be worn comfortably over your shoulders but can also be used to carry the bag in your hands. With a soft, striped lining inside, this tote looks upscale enough for even the most discerning traveler to enjoy.

What We Like

• The overall size and the useful strap length make it ideal for many uses

What We Don’t Like

• The colors don’t always seem to match up with the pictures

9. Strong and Durable With a Versatile Interior

Bug Laptop Tote Bag

This awesome, extra-large laptop bag has been designed to accommodate devices measuring up to 15.6 inches. Measuring 16 x 7 x 13 inches, it’s spacious without being too bulky, and the stylish design works well with any outfit.

Offering an impressive 14 different compartments in total, it features 2 padded pockets in which to safely secure your laptop and tablet, and the roomy main storage area can accommodate just about anything you need to take on the road with you. Weighing in at just 1.31 pounds, it will feel light on your shoulders, even when full.

The strong and durable microfiber leather handles are long enough to be worn over your shoulder, and the high-quality buckles are designed to eliminate the risk of the straps coming away from the main body of the bag over time. Available in a choice of fashionable colors, this bag comes with a striped lining to give it an upscale look and feel.

What We Like

• The quality of this bag is very impressive for the price

What We Don’t Like

• The bag, while lightweight, can feel big on your shoulders

10. This Bag Is Best for Those Who Like To Workout

BAGSMART Large Tote Bag

Available in a choice of pretty pink or stylish black, this oversized tote bag is perfect for trips to the gym, the park, your yoga class, and other everyday adventures. It would make an excellent diaper bag, as well.

Measuring 15.3 x 6 x 12.5 inches, this bag can easily accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop, and the padded divider pocket will help to keep it safely protected.

Made from durable and water-resistant polyester and nylon, this bag comes with a large main compartment, a zipper compartment for smaller items, and 2 further slip-in pockets. It also features an innovative top buckle that’s been designed to hold your yoga mat in place.

Weighing in at just 1.08 pounds, this bag remains lightweight and soft to the touch, and with 2 strong handles, it can be easily worn over your shoulder. Slip your water bottle in the side pockets, lock and load your yoga mat, and enjoy your days with this tote that will quickly become a travel must-have.

What We Like

• The soft and durable fabric and high-quality construction make this a bag you’ll love for a long time

What We Don’t Like

• If you are looking for a truly oversized tote, there may be better options out there

11. Stylish Canvas Tote Bag and Laptop Carrier

Barsine Canvas Laptop Tote Work Bag

Made from heavy-duty canvas material, this stylish and practical women’s tote bag comes in a choice of black, blue, or grey colorways. Constructed to a very high standard with a stylish design, this bag features a versatile and roomy interior that’s practical for use at school, work, at the gym, or even on vacation.

Offering multiple compartments and pockets, this bag has an upscale, striped inner lining and comes with a padded laptop divider that can comfortably accommodate devices measuring up to 15.6 inches.

With a bottle pocket, a pen holder, back zipper pockets, and wall slip pockets, you can easily keep all of your belongings in place while in transit. There’s also a useful hidden key chain that allows you to find your keys without having to look through all the pockets.

Featuring vegan leather handles, this bag can be carried over your shoulders, and reinforced stitching ensures that it will remain strong for a long time. The handles are also just the right length to slide over your suitcase handle for greater comfort when walking through airports.

What We Like

• The interior is spacious and features a padded laptop divider

What We Don’t Like

• The zipper feels a bit clunky

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a new gym, travel, or work bag, a tote offers all the space and versatility you could wish for. With padded laptop compartments, well-organized interiors, and a wealth of styles and designs to choose from, these tote bags make excellent alternatives to briefcases, backpacks, or duffel bags.