The 7 best canvas totes for commuting, travel, and everyday errands

Best overall: L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

Weight: 1.2 pounds | Closure: Open and zip | Monogramming: Yes

First things first: L.L.Bean quite literally invented the canvas tote bag (in 1944). And after testing the Boat and Tote, it's not hard for me to see why this bag is a consistent best-seller with thousands of five-star reviews.

First of all, the quality and durability are hard to match: It's constructed of heavy-duty, 24-ounce cotton canvas, with a reinforced bottom and handles. The material is so sturdy that L.L.Bean claims it can hold up to 500 pounds of weight. Though I didn't have 500 pounds of tote-bag-sized weights lying around, I did test it by carrying around a 50-pound kettlebell. The bag showed no signs of strain.

The seams are also double-stitched with nylon to prevent tearing or rotting.

How to pick the best Boat and Tote for you

• Go for a zip-top if you want more security. The Zip-Top Boat and Tote is the better option if you want to keep everything more contained.
• Upgrade to longer handles if you want to wear it on your shoulder. Select "Long" for the size (even though this labeling is a little counterintuitive)
• Pick your size based on what you carry. The Boat and Tote comes in four sizes, but the medium is a great middle ground for everyday essentials like a laptop, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
• Personalize it with color or monogramming. The Boat and Tote comes in multiple colorways, and you can add monogramming for a small extra charge.

Best with compartments: Land's End 5 Pocket Open-Top Canvas Tote Bag

Weight: 1.5 pounds | Closure: Open and zip | Monogramming: Yes

Though the Lands' End Canvas Tote Bag might not look that different from L.L. Bean's Boat and Tote, the two bags are very different inside.

Unlike with the no-frills LL Bean tote, there's no shortage of storage compartments here. Four interior pockets offer plenty of places to stash smaller items like my chapstick or hair clip, an outside pocket makes must-haves easy to access, and there's even a key ring attachment inside so I never have to go digging when I arrive back home.

The Land's End 5 Pocket Open-Top Canvas Tote Bag is tested to handle up to 250 pounds, and to that end, it features reinforced seams to support whatever you decide to throw inside. I was able to pack all my workday essentials into the medium version, including a few extras like hand cream, a book for my commute, and my instant camera to capture fun moments while walking around the city.

What I loved most about this bag is that it can stand upright thanks to the wide felled seams, so I don't have to worry about my belongings spilling out when I set it down on a seat or table.

Want to go hands-free? Choose the version with long handles, which offer a 14" drop (as opposed to 9"), or purchase a crossbody strap separately.

Best beach bag: Leatherology Canvas Beach Tote

Weight: 3 pounds | Closure: Open Top | Monogramming: Yes

I’m a longtime Leatherology fan — in part because this woman-founded and -led company makes reasonably priced yet long-lasting, timeless pieces while minimizing waste in the production process. It’s also super easy to personalize pretty much all of this brand’s bags with one-of-a-kind monogramming, including raised-stitched lettering, hand-painted art, and more.

It’s safe to say I’ll be reaching for the Leatherology Canvas Beach Tote a lot this summer — whether I’m hitting the resort pool on vacation or spending a family day at the local beach.

This unlined bag is made from heavy-duty 100% organic cotton and is roomy enough to fit a towel, sunscreen, a book, lunch, and even a change of clothes. And with several interior and exterior pockets, it’s a cinch to keep everything organized and within reach. What’s more, this tote features both short leather side handles and longer shoulder straps, so I have multiple options for carrying it around.

As a minimalist at heart, I really appreciate the simple but sleek design: It’s made with undyed and uncoated canvas with a naturally occurring speckled pattern, and an Italian leather trim.

Best washable: Baggu Zip Duck Bag

Weight: 0.84 pounds | Closure: Zip | Monogramming: No

If "less is more" is your style motto, you can't go wrong with this no-frills Baggu Duck Bag, made with 65% recycled cotton canvas and free of flashy branding.

Firstly, the fact that I can throw it in the washing machine is a huge selling point. Not only is it easy care, but it's also the lightest-weight tote on this list. Did I mention it features an adjustable strap (with a 20" maximum drop) for comfortable carrying?

The interior patch pocket is an ideal size for smaller essentials like my keys, phone, and a pack of gum. And while the larger compartment may look modest, make no mistake — it can actually fit quite a few things. In fact, I was able to pack this tote with my MacBook Air laptop, wallet, and daily planner, as well as a few snacks and a 32-ounce water bottle.

Best for travel/Best weekender: Away Transit Canvas Tote

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Closure: Zip | Monogramming: Yes

As far as luggage goes, Away is one of my go-to brands — so, naturally, I was excited to test out this Transit Canvas Tote. It definitely didn't disappoint. With an impressive 33-liter capacity, this travel tote turned out to be the perfect weekender to carry me through a two-night trip on the Cape — with plenty of room for several outfits, in addition to all my toiletries.

By far the best feature is the zippered shoe compartments on each side to keep my footwear separate (who wants to pack dirty soles against their clothes?). I managed to squeeze a pair of flats and sneakers into these compartments, giving me multiple options for my getaway. The leather shoulder straps don't just make this canvas bag look more polished — they also make it more durable, too.

This is a great carry-on for flights, too: It meets the size requirements for most major airlines (and fits into most overhead bins), the trolley sleeve slips right onto the handles of a rolling suitcase, and there's even a dedicated padded laptop pocket inside. Plus, it's easy to securely stash your passport, boarding pass, and wallet — while also keeping them accessible — in the front and back zipper pockets.

Read more about our top carry-on picks in our guide to the best travel totes.

Best oversized: Mark and Graham Canvas & Leather Travel Tote

Closure: Snap | Monogramming: Yes

When I have a long day ahead of me, and I need to have more than the basics on hand, the Mark and Graham Canvas & Leather Travel Tote is my trusty sidekick. While I wouldn't necessarily use this as a weekender (I haven't exactly mastered packing light), it's spacious enough to fit quite a few items — including my laptop, a book, small makeup bag, and even one extra outfit (say, if I need to change after work for happy hour drinks). There are plenty of pockets — including one zipper pouch — making small essentials easy to find. And while there's no zip-top closure on this one, the magnetic snap does give me a little extra peace of mind that my belongings are safe.

From an aesthetic standpoint, this cotton-lined bag also has a slightly more sophisticated vibe than a lot of canvas totes. I'll chalk that up to the embroidered monogramming as well as the leather handles and bottom — which, by the way, also add to the durability factor.

Best convertible/hands-free: Steele Utility Tote

Weight: 1.9 pounds | Closure: Open | Monogramming: No

Steele has been making bags for over 100 years — and the company's original designs were intended for industrial use. So, needless to say, this brand is known for heavy-duty, durable products. The Utility Tote is no exception: It's made to order, and boasts a super sturdy construction and full-grain leather hand grips, among other high-quality and thoughtful features.

IMO, the best totes have loads of pockets — and that's where this one excels. It features a whopping nine different places to stash smaller items like sunnies and snacks, including one large interior pocket and eight exterior pockets (the latter of which are large enough to fit a sizable water bottle). Personally, I'm a fan of the waxed versions of this tote, because the finish not only gives the bag a unique worn-in look but also helps the material to repel water.

The best part? In addition to the top handles, this tote also features a longer crossbody strap, so you don't have to use your hands to carry it around. That's a major selling point for me, because it means I can keep my phone in one hand and my coffee in the other.

FAQs

What should you look for in a canvas tote?

A good canvas tote should feel sturdy, hold everything you need, and be comfortable to carry. Beyond that, the right pick really comes down to personal preference: Some people may want extra pockets and a zip-top closure, while others may prefer a simple open tote they can toss everything into.

Are canvas totes durable?

They can be, especially if they're made with thick canvas and reinforced stitching. The best ones are built to handle daily use, whether you're carrying a laptop, groceries, or just your usual essentials.

Is an open-top or zip-top canvas tote better?

It depends on how you plan to use it. Open-top totes are easier to pack and reach into quickly, while zip-top styles feel a little more secure for commuting, travel, or carrying valuables.

What size canvas tote is best for everyday use?

For most people, a medium-size tote is the sweet spot. It's usually roomy enough for daily essentials like a wallet, water bottle, sunglasses, and maybe even a laptop, without feeling oversized.

Can a canvas tote work as a work bag or travel bag?

Yes — many canvas totes are spacious enough to double as a work bag or personal item for travel. If that's how you plan to use yours, it's worth looking for one with a larger capacity, comfortable straps, and ideally a zip closure.