Hulken review: A durable rolling tote that makes errands easier — but is it worth $100?

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• A home editor tested the viral Hulken rolling tote bag on busy sidewalks and the subway.
• The Hulken solves a real problem better than most alternatives and holds up well over time.
• Buy 2 Hulken rolling tote bags to save 19% on your order. Plus, three budget-friendly alternatives.

If you regularly haul groceries, laundry, or heavy bags, the Hulken isn't just convenient; it can actually replace the need to carry anything at all. After weeks of testing it across errands, laundromat trips, and uneven sidewalks, the appeal is simple: it carries more than a typical cart, rolls smoother than cheaper alternatives, and won't fall apart after a few months. But at over $100, it's a serious upgrade, not an impulse buy.

The question isn't what the Hulken does. It's whether it's worth paying two to three times more than a standard cart. Here's who should actually buy the Hulken heavy-duty rolling tote bag and who shouldn't — and a couple of cheaper alternatives if you decide it's more than you need.

What the Hulken does better than cheaper carts

The Hulken sits somewhere between a tote bag and a utility cart. That hybrid design is exactly why it works. Unlike traditional wire shopping carts, the Hulken uses a structured, flexible body that can expand to fit bulky items without tipping over. During my testing, it handled multiple grocery bags, awkwardly-shaped boxes, and my KitchenAid stand mixer without needing to be carefully balanced.

The wheels are another standout. On cracked sidewalks and crowded streets, it rolls smoothly and quietly, without the rattling or resistance you get from cheaper carts. That matters more than you'd expect, especially on long walks.

Where the Hulken really earns its price is durability. Cheaper carts bend, wobble, or break at stress points over time. The Hulken is built to take repeated heavy loads without degrading, which makes the higher upfront cost easy to justify if you'll use it often.

The Hulken is expensive, but it solves a real problem better than most alternatives and holds up well over time.

What I love about the Hulken

It's really spacious.

My first task for the Hulken was to schlep a plethora of products I had to test from Business Insider's offices downtown back to my apartment on the Upper West Side. I managed to fit an entire microwave, a Le Creuset braiser, and a set of sheets into the Hulken with room to spare. I had put off lugging these items home for weeks, so I was delighted that they all fit so easily into one Hulken trip.

The wheels are small but glide super smoothly and its handles are generous enough that I don't have to bend or dip to hold them.

Unlike most grocery carts, the Hulken is pulled instead of pushed, which takes some getting used to. I find I have the most control when using the two side handles to roll it alongside me instead of pulling it behind me.

At 5'11", I was also worried that I'd have to hunch to reach the handles comfortably. Fortunately, the fit is pretty much perfect for my reach; I can walk at full posture while pulling it, which is very good news for my back.

It easily navigates the diverse (and sometimes treacherous) terrain of the city.

On my initial journey with the Hulken, I took it down a cobblestone street, up and down subway stairs and escalators, onto the subway during rush hour, and over the litter-strewn streets of my neighborhood. Since then, I've taken it to Trader Joe's, the farmers market, Central Park, on the bus, and to the laundromat.

The Hulken fits on a single escalator step, so I just roll it right on and off and never have to lift and balance it. I also love that it's the perfect height to glide under the subway turnstile — it skirts right under the bars behind me.

The handles are reinforced and so sturdy.

The most daunting part of traveling with a fully loaded Hulken is lifting it up and down stairs. While it's definitely a workout, the handles feel super sturdy. Hulken claims they're "unbreakable," and I can confirm they didn't show any signs of budging while supporting about 40 pounds of weight.

The zipper top helps keep things dry and clean.

Look, the city can be really gross, and the last thing I want is for a pigeon to crap directly into my bag of groceries or some kid to drop their Mister Softee cone onto my pile of freshly laundered clothing. The Hulken's zippered top is useful for keeping everything secure and protected from the elements. The bag isn't completely waterproof, but I've carried it a few times in the rain, and it's kept everything inside perfectly dry. The top also helps keep cold grocery items cool and sheltered from the sun, though it stops short of being a true cooler.

It's way easier to store than a classic granny cart when not in use.

The Hulken folds down to not much larger than a typical reusable bag. When I'm carrying it empty, I just tuck it under my arm. A metal-frame granny cart takes up way more space and isn't as convenient to carry when not filled.

I feel really cool while using it.

Every time I use the Hulken I get compliments on it. On my last trip home from Trader Joe's, two people stopped me to ask about it. It's just a big plastic bag, but it somehow feels very sleek and chic, which is — of course — the ultimate goal for my New York alter ego.

Cons to consider

I personally find pulling the Hulken behind me more tiring than pushing a cart in front of me with two hands. It also takes a little more work and attention to navigate obstacles (of which there are many in the city) while pulling the Hulken than it is when you're pushing a traditional rolling cart. This isn't a dealbreaker for me — an active 36-year-old — but a classic granny cart may be the better option for those who need to prioritize stability.

If I were to request one change to the Hulken's design, it would be some sort of velcro strip to keep the bag from flopping open when it's folded up.

Lastly, the most undeniable con is the price. It's a lot to pay for a bag on wheels. The Hulken is patented, but I've seen cheaper imitators pop up, including one from Target. I can't vouch for its quality compared to the Hulken, but if you can't fathom spending $100+ on a big plastic bag, it may be a viable option.

What size Hulken should you get?

The Hulken comes in three sizes, and I went with the large because I'm regularly "hulking" big boxes as part of my job as a product tester. That said, I think the medium is probably the ideal size for most people, especially if you primarily plan on using your Hulken as a grocery bag or laundry cart.

The bottom line

I can honestly say the Hulken is a delight to schlep. I highly recommend it for city dwellers who are short on storage space and big on style. While it's pricey, I think it's worth every penny — and now I want one in every size.

Hulken vs. the competition

Still not sold on the Hulken? There are cheaper alternatives

If the Hulken feels like overkill for your needs, there are more affordable options. Just know that they come with trade-offs in durability and ease of use.

Budget pick: Brightroom storage bag with wheels - $12 at Target

Space-saving pick: Whitmor utility shopping cart - $44 at Amazon

Bulky items pick: DBest Trolly Dolly personal hand truck - $50 at Amazon