A good canvas tote bag is a multifunctional powerhouse.
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Canvas totes are real multitasking heroes, with the same bag often used for a variety of activities from shopping in town to trips away. I personally never leave home without one folded into a neat rectangle inside a purse, just in case I need to run to the store.
Since antiquity, canvas fabric has been the preferred material for heavy-duty bags, but nowadays, we've adapted it to our busy daily lives by adding a few modern-day features and creative design elements like built-in pockets, zippers, and adjustable straps. This style is infinitely versatile, lightweight, and durable, and we’ve rounded up the best options if you’re in search of the perfect canvas carryall, too.
It’s a time-tested, sturdy option that can be personalized.
The thick, reinforced canvas fabric makes for a slightly heavier bag than standard canvas totes.
What started as a simple "ice carrier" bag 80 years ago is now one of the most recognizable — and coolest — canvas totes around. But even if you don’t care about influencer-friendly styles, this L.L.Bean classic will serve you right.
One of the reasons this iconic canvas bag has withstood the test of time is its versatility. Whether you're headed for the farmer's market, the beach, or the grocery store, this bag is the gift that keeps on giving. (Or, if you simply need a sturdy commuter bag for your laptop, you can opt for the version with a zippered top.)
Cut from heavy-duty canvas the company claims can hold up to 500 pounds and designed with a reinforced bottom and double-stitched handles, the Boat and Tote is a comfortable, high-quality canvas bag that will keep your belongings secure.
Another reason this canvas bag is a best-seller is the sheer number of color and size options to shop. You can even choose the handle length based on how you prefer to carry it. And, of course, you can monogram it — which is exactly why it went viral on TikTok last year.
The Details: 10.5 x 9.5 x 5 inches (small) to 17 x 19 x 10 inches (extra large) | 5- to 14-inch handle drop | 8 to 56 liters
It only comes in two shades and has no zipper.
An oversized canvas tote is a luggage essential. Perfect for carrying oddly shaped items or weekly grocery runs, you’ll find yourself reaching for this large Herschel bag over and over again. When it comes to an oversized bag, we love that the canvas fabric is coated with resin, resulting in a stronger material and weather-resistant protection for your belongings. The reinforced bottom adds structure and provides better support, plus it’s designed with longer handles, which results in more carrying options. It does only have one front pocket, but that’s perfect for storing smaller essentials like a cell phone and a wallet.
The Details: 16 x 28 x 10.25 inches | 43 liters
It has a slip-on handle band and a removable shoulder strap.
It only comes in monochrome styles.
This July canvas tote is one of our go-to carry-ons, especially for city breaks. Its innovative design, created with travelers in mind, is why we keep it on constant rotation. The slip-on band and laptop sleeve are a game-changer. And, while we know that its sleek, minimalist look is not everyone's cup of tea, it’s the perfect blend of casual chic and utility that we can take from the airport to the office.
The zippered top closure gives us peace of mind when we are in transit, while we use the hidden exterior slip pocket to store travel documents during security and immigration checks. Another deep exterior pocket can store liquids or other items you need to easily access.
Inside, a separate laptop compartment can fit a 14-inch device, and you're still left with plenty of room for travel essentials. We also love that the bag comes with a separate water bottle pouch and a removable and adjustable shoulder strap.
And finally, since we opted for the white bag, we appreciate that this cotton canvas tote is machine washable.
The Details: 14.9 x 11.4 x 4.7 inches | 15 liters
It has a separate shoe compartment.
It’s only available in a single color.
We love Marine Layer's laid-back aesthetic, which makes us want to book a vacation, stat. But make no mistake, this fun canvas carryall may look like a breezy lightweight bag, but it is tough as nails and has plenty of useful features.
The recycled cotton exterior has been treated with a stain- and water-resistant coating, so the bag — available in a light off-white shade — stays clean no matter where your travels take you. You can also use it as a gym bag, as the separate shoe compartment on the bottom doubles as a storage area for your sweaty workout clothes.
Another feature we love and don't often see on canvas bags is the lining, which adds durability and better protects your belongings. The padded laptop compartment will certainly come in handy, but even if you're heading for a weekend of complete relaxation, you can store other items like a Kindle, book, or journal inside.
And finally, if you opt to use it as a carry-on, this bag also has a suitcase handle sleeve.
The Details: 22 x 13 x 9 inches
It repels water and has a zippered closure.
It doesn't come with a shoulder strap and has no D rings to add one.
For us, storage capacity and water resistance are key to a good beach bag. And this one delivers on both fronts, and then some. Best of all, for all its practical features, it comes with a very reasonable price tag.
You're not going to have to edit down your beach essentials because this canvas tote is large enough to fit everything from towels, books, bottles of sunscreen, snacks, and hats to beach toys or games. And thanks to its water-repellent exterior and top zipper, you can rest assured that your valuables will stay safe and dry from splashes and sand.
Keeping liquids, drinks, and other items separate is easy thanks to two side pockets and multiple interior slots that allow them to stand upright. Last but not least, you can never go wrong with a classic striped pattern for a beach bag.
The Details: 19.6 x 13.8 x 3 inches
The leather details elevate the look.
It doesn't have a separate laptop compartment.
Are you looking for a chic, multipurpose bag to take to work and beyond? This chic Sancia tote has you covered. Many think of canvas totes as too casual, but this one, with its beautiful leather handles and details, as well as the classic silhouette, is office- and work-event-appropriate.
Cut from heavy-duty canvas and with a reinforced bottom, this tote keeps its shape and provides plenty of room to accommodate your daily essentials (including a laptop, although it lacks a separate compartment for it). While the bag doesn't have a zippered top closure, it does have a large zippered pocket for small valuables, such as a phone, credit cards, work IDs, and cash. The handles are long enough to carry as a shoulder bag, even over a bulky puffer coat or sweater.
The Details: 4 x 11 x 15 inches
It is extra wide and has an ultra-spacious interior.
It weighs almost two pounds empty.
Quince's timeless canvas tote is equal parts sleek looks and durable design. It is one of the widest options on our list, which makes it the perfect travel companion for parents or travelers carrying larger items. The sturdy canvas has a water-resistant coated lining, which is super useful when accidental spills happen.
The extra-long zipper is a cool style accent. It is designed to keep the top panels shut, but it leaves some space on the sides, so if you’re carrying longer items like an umbrella or tall bottle, you can easily fit them in the bag without having to unzip it partially.
Finally, the handle design is super comfortable and features supple leather accents for durability and support.
The Details: 12 x 16.5 x 7 inches
It’s quite spacious, plus it has nine pockets and slots to keep you organized.
It doesn't have a top zipper.
We love Dagne Dover's signature neoprene backpacks and weekenders, but the brand's canvas carryall is also a winner in our book. The reason? The traveler-friendly design goes above and beyond to keep our belongings easy to access and organized, especially for a canvas bag that usually features only a handful of small pockets.
And this one has five on the outside alone. Four roomy slip pockets (two on each side) can fit water bottles, documents, and snacks, while your phone can go in the fifth top pocket between the handles.
Travelers carrying tech devices will love the laptop compartment with a Velcro closure that stays flat along the side when empty. On the other side, three more pockets — one with a zipper — round out this spacious bag's impressive organizational capacity.
The Details: 14.25 x 5.5 x 11 inches | 10-inch handle drop | 14.1 liters
The sides expand to add more room for storage.
It is lightweight and has an unstructured silhouette.
If you think canvas can’t look high-end enough, think again. More and more designers are putting their luxury spin on the sturdy material, and the results are chic and eye-catching. Case in point? Our favorite Proenza Schouler White Label canvas tote is made from pinstripe patterned cotton and accentuated with cow leather details.
The silhouette transforms into a classic trapeze bag thanks to the expandable sides, while the clasp closure keeps the top closed. This bag has something only a few other canvas bags have: while the tote has an overall flexible construction, the removable bottom panel adds a bit of structure and extra protection for your belongings.
The Details: 19 x 6.75 x 10.75 inches | 9.5-inch handle drop
It has an adjustable shoulder strap and a top zipper.
This is a simple, lightweight canvas tote with no special water-resistant coatings or reinforced panels.
The slouchy silhouette of this affordable canvas tote is casual perfection. The shoulder strap can be adjusted to look like a hobo bag, or, in its full length, it can be carried as a comfortable messenger. This is a wonderful daily option for everything from quick grocery store runs to library stops, classes, and lunch with friends. It is roomy enough to fit a day's worth of essentials but not too big to look awkward, be uncomfortable, or stick out when it's full.
Another good thing about it is that it has two open-top pockets, so you can keep things like your phone, wallet, or lip balm easily accessible. And, of course, the top zipper is another reason we've added it to our canvas bag collection — safety and security always come first. Plus, if we drop it, we know our stuff won't end up all over the ground. And with over 50 color options (some priced at less than $10), you might want to add a couple of these bags to your cart.
The Details: 12.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches | 15.7-inch handle drop
It sits completely upright when empty and has a reinforced bottom.
It has no top zipper.
Leatherology's totes are the ideal carry-on luggage pieces, but if you're not a huge fan of leather and prefer something more lightweight, the brand's Belmont canvas market tote is an equally stylish alternative. Thanks to the beautiful combination of off-white canvas and dark Italian leather accents, you can take it to the office or a professional event, knowing that it looks as chic as the original leather styles.
Instead of a top zipper, this one has a magnetic clasp closure and a built-in flat pouch with two pockets, one of which with a zipper. The bag has a reinforced leather base to increase its sturdiness, which, by the way, sits completely upright.
The Details: 15.5 x 11.75 x 6 inches | 10-inch handle drop
It fits perfectly under the seat of any airplane, even when it's full.
It’s a bit large for everyday use.
We've carried the large Paravel canvas tote on so many trips over the past few years that we lost count. We always seem to reach for it as our go-to carry-on because it is a perfect size and fits an impressive number of items (and trust us, we've tested it during family trips, too). Not once have we been asked to check it in or place it in the overhead compartment by airline staff because even when it's completely full, it still fits like a glove under the front seat. And even though the adjustable crossbody strap is removable, we always keep it attached because it makes carrying it so much easier and more comfortable.
Another great feature is that, while the bag is not padded, it is fully lined, which, together with the thick exterior canvas fabric, makes for pretty heavy-duty protection for something like a laptop or an iPad (just keep in mind that there is no separate compartment for a device). The roomy interior has one zippered pocket that perfectly fits a passport case or a phone, as well as two more open-top pockets.
Lastly, we've been really impressed that even though our Paravel tote has a lot of mileage on it, the exterior still looks brand new with no visible stains or traces of dirt.
The Details: 23.75 x 14.5 x 7.5 inches
It has a water-repellent base and trim.
Because of the thick, heavy-duty canvas material, it doesn't fold into a compact shape.
Put your creator hat on, and start designing your perfect Land's End canvas tote. This bag is known to be pretty close to perfect, and the company recently added new colors, bringing the total number of hues up to 20.
You can also customize a lot of the bag’s features to fit not just your style, but also your intended use. For example, you can opt for a zippered or open-top design, and regular or short handle length. And unlike some canvas styles that only allow you to add a monogram, Land's End also has a wealth of cute embroideries to choose from, further personalizing your canvas tote. Those concerned with storage and organization will also find plenty to rave about. It has four interior pockets of different sizes that can fit everything from a wallet to a laptop. They lay flat along the side, so if you prefer to pack everything in the main compartment, you won't have extra fabric in your way.
The Details: 12.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches | 15.7-inch handle drop
Canvas bags come in many shapes and styles, and thanks to technological advances, it's also easy to find water-resistant styles. All this means there is likely a canvas tote out there to accompany you on any trip — from the grocery store to the airport. We frequently pack a lightweight canvas tote in our carry-on (which is also often a canvas bag) to use as a beach or shopping bag.
For a carry-on, we recommend opting for a fully lined tote with a zippered closure for extra safety and protection of your belongings. For a day at the beach or pool, choose one that allows you to pack a lot and is treated with a water-resistant coating that repels moisture.
Pockets and interior organization are also important, so if you need a canvas tote for travel or work, we would recommend you pick one that has a laptop compartment (or is big enough to accommodate a laptop sleeve), a separate water bottle pocket (ideally an exterior one), and at least one zippered pocket where you can keep your valuables.
There are many reasons to choose a canvas bag, instead of one made from leather or synthetic fabric. Canvas is a woven cotton fabric (although it was actually woven from hemp for a very long time) that has been used for thousands of years. Nowadays, many people opt for canvas because it is a more sustainable alternative to materials like nylon and polyester and can be just as durable and lightweight. Also, unlike a leather bag, for example, most canvas totes are flexible enough to be folded, making them perfect for travel.
However, canvas does have its limitations. As a natural fiber, it is absorbent, so companies treat it with stain- and water-repellent coatings. Many also opt to use duck canvas, which is much heavier than regular canvas and is an excellent material for heavy-duty bags or backpacks.
Certain canvas bags make for perfect personal items. We prefer using canvas totes because they are flexible, and most of them can easily fit under the seat. Of course, always check with your airline for carry-on size restrictions to ensure your canvas tote is not oversized.
Canvas is also very lightweight, so if you're traveling in Europe, where many airlines have carry-on weight restrictions, a canvas bag will allow you to pack more before reaching the maximum weight limit.
Another benefit to carrying a canvas bag is that it can usually be machine-washed and tumble-dried since it's made from cotton. And those that are bulkier, more structured, or feature leather accents can usually be spot cleaned with some mild detergent. We usually opt for canvas totes with stain-repellent treatment (which is typically noted in the item’s description online).
While people tend to think of canvas totes as a more sustainable option because they are reusable and biodegradable, this is not always the case. Cotton crops need a lot of water and pesticides to grow, so canvas totes are not always the most sustainable option. However, you can opt for one made from organic or recycled cotton.
T+L contributor Dobrina Zhekova is a lifestyle journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia, with over a decade of editorial experience in print and digital media in Europe and the U.S. Dobrina has extensively written about travel-friendly fashion and shopping. Her product reviews are often informed by real-life tests during her trips. For this story, she gathered feedback and insight from online product reviews and item descriptions and included products that she has tested herself or that were recommended by other travel experts.
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