Beach Bags That Perform: No-Fuss Access, Smart Storage, Sand-and-Sun Tested

When it comes to hitting the beach, the right bag isn’t just about hauling towels and sunscreen—it’s about carrying your summer vibe with style, function, and a touch of personal ritual. Whether you’re chasing waves, corralling kids, or just carving out your own little oasis in the sand, your beach bag should work with you, not against you. Think easy no-fuss storage, clever compartments, and textiles that work well with sand and sun. But function’s only half the story. You want something that looks as good slung over your shoulder as it does tossed next to a sun lounger. So we’ve dug deep to bring you the ultimate guide to the best beach bags out there. Let’s dive in.

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote®, Open-Top (US$39.95)

Want dependable quality and multifunctional design with an affordable price tag? The open-top L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is a great option that moves easily between beach carry, groceries, and general day-to-day use. It’s handmade in Maine with burly 24 oz. cotton canvas and features reinforced handles and double-stitched seams for added peace of mind. Multiple sizes are available, though the 35L Large should suit most beach trips well. Additionally, you can also choose between regular or long handles and a variety of colorways. Built tough with easy tote access, this one will likely be a regular companion on your beach jaunts.

Patagonia Black Hole Tote Bag 25L (US$79) and Black Hole® Gear Tote 61L (US$119)

Patagonia’s Black Hole line is designed to easily swallow up your gear for diverse adventures and the 25L Patagonia Black Hole Tote Bag is a solid pick for beach days. It’s sustainably made in a Fair Trade Certified factory using 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, 100% recycled nylon webbing, and a recycled TPU coating. A simple hook closure secures the main compartment, while an interior pocket houses small items. But what if you need to haul an extra-large load for beach fun? Check out the 61L Black Hole Gear Tote. Sustainably made with 100% recycled fabrics, the Gear Tote has a semi-rigid construction to help keep it open for easy packing and access. An external zippered pocket secures small essentials, with external webbing on hand to attach additional gear if required.

Bellroy Cinch Tote (US$99)

Bellroy makes beach carry a cinch with this handy tote, which features a drawstring closure for quick and easy use. A front snap pocket and two external pop pockets offer quick-access storage for small EDC and water bottles, while an interior zippered pocket stashes smaller items out of the crush zone. Crafted with recycled, water-resistant materials, this versatile tote is an enticing lightweight option for beach trips and beyond.

Fjällräven Totepack No. 1 (US$125)

Fjällräven offers a handsome twist on the everyday tote with their Totepack No. 1. Made with water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric, the tote offers adaptable portability courtesy of top grab handles and long shoulder straps that can be worn either over one shoulder or converted to backpack carry mode. On the organization front, the tote has an interior pocket for small items and an exterior zippered pocket for quick access to essentials. And for added security, it also features a zippered main closure to keep the contents contained while you’re on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote (US$125)

For serious hauling duty, look to Cotopaxi’s Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote. Crafted with 100% recycled fabrics, the tote has a semi-structured design for convenient packing and access. Zippered and slip interior pockets keep small items tidy but accessible as required, while top compression straps help secure the load. Top and side grab handles make for easy grab-and-go portability, while longer handles can be slipped over your shoulder. Big and burly, this tote is a dependable workhorse for larger loads and is ready for plenty of outdoor adventures.

YETI Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag (US$150)

If you’re seeking a beast of a tote that will handle whatever you throw at it, YETI has you covered with its Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag. The waterproof, puncture-resistant ThickSkin Shell protects gear from water and scrapes, while also being easy to rinse off after each use. Plus, it can even double as water storage if you need to wash some dishes. The main compartment has a hook closure and the EVA Molded Bottom allows the tote to stay upright even when empty. In addition to two internal zippered pockets, the tote also has deployable dividers for further organization if desired, along with external webbing attachment points for extra gear. Built to go the distance, you’ll find plenty of uses for this tote on the beach, camping, and even general day-to-day hauling.

RUX Waterproof Bag 25L+ (US$150)

The RUX Waterproof Bag 25L+ has a hybrid tote/roll-top design that offers weatherproof protection for your gear with open access if desired. The RF-welded TPU-coated 840D nylon keeps water at bay, and the lifetime guarantee provides added confidence for venturing out year after year with this dependable hauler in tow. External lashpoints make it easy to secure the bag to a boat, while top grab handles and a removable shoulder strap let you move quickly between hand and shoulder carry as needed. The self-standing, wide-opening design makes packing and access quick and simple, with a hook closure if you’re opting for open tote mode over the roll-top closure. Versatile for urban and outdoor use, this hard-working bag is a trusty piece for anyone who wants dependable protection from the elements with flexible access for the beach, camping, and everywhere in between.

Mystery Ranch x Oshman’s Drip Bag (~US$244)

Mystery Ranch teamed up with Oshman’s, a Japanese outdoor and sporting goods company, for this special-edition Drip Bag. The 24L bag has a water-resistant, quick-drying construction, with a mesh body and 330D base fabric that stands up to regular use while helping wet gear air out. A top flap and a front zipper provide flexible access, making it easier to reach gear throughout the pack. Note, this one’s tough to get hold of these days, so you’ll need to search for some good second-hand deals if this one strikes your fancy.

YETI Cayo 25L All-Weather Backpack (US$250)

While the easy access of a tote is hard to beat, sometimes the convenient portability of a backpack wins the day. And with YETI’s Cayo 25L All-Weather Backpack, you get carry convenience and weather protection in one. The water-resistant construction features a tough DryHide Shell, RF-welded seams, and PU-coated zippers to keep water and sand out, while also offering easy cleaning after a day of beach fun. The pack has removable waist and sternum straps for carry comfort, with quick-access pockets for a water bottle and EDC that can also double as storage for wet or dirty items, keeping them away from the rest of your gear. Internal pockets provide additional storage for small items, with a sleeve that accommodates a 2L hydration reservoir (not included) or flat items. External webbing attachment points let you secure additional YETI accessories for more organization, or bulkier and quick-access gear like shoes and hats.