The best reusable shopping and tote bags you can buy
The best reusable shopping/tote bag overall
The best canvas reusable shopping/tote bag
For a reusable shopping bag that could double as, well, a regular bag, look at the Baggu Duck Bag. Adorable name aside, this is a nice-looking and practical canvas tote. You could easily take it from the office to the grocery store, or as an everyday tote.
The Duck Bag snaps shut, has an interior zipper pocket, and two sets of straps — top handles and shoulder straps. It’s a bit more structured than other reusable bags, so it’s well-suited to more than just groceries. That said, despite the deep compartment, the size makes it better for smaller runs than your big weekly shopping haul.
But the slouchy material and artfully worn fabrics create a cool, lived-in effect. These bags are machine washable but should be hung to dry to prevent fading. While the structure and thicker fabric make it a bit more durable than some of its nylon counterparts, the shape is a bit restrictive so you likely can’t carry as many items.
Real Simple and The Wirecutter both give the Duck Bag high marks. The Wirecutter likes that the "bag can stand up to lots of abuse," but lack of interior padding means it isn't great for fragile items, like glass jars.
Pros: Stylish, durable, machine washable, multiple handles
Cons: Not as large as some picks, expensive
Buy the Duck Bag from Baggu for $34 to $44The best waxed reusable shopping/tote bag
Another stylish-meets-functional choice is the Colony Co. Reusable Grocery Bag. Inspired by the look of a classic paper shopping bag, it’s made of waxed canvas that is stain-resistant and easy to clean, though not machine washable.
The 16-ounce bag is shorter than it is wide and measures 17 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 7 inches deep. It’s also vegan and made with an eye toward sustainability, as most reusable grocery bags are. The brand also sells reusable produce bags, which would make a nice addition to any sustainable shopping routine.
“I’m loving my new grocery bag so far. It’s strong enough that I can load up a lot more groceries in one bag than I could with my old lighter-weight bags. The handles don’t seem like they’ll have any trouble holding up (stitching looks to be well done),” wrote one Amazon shopper.
Overall, the bag has a 4.8-rating based on 83 reviews on Amazon. The bag has also been featured by Apartment Therapy and The Spruce.
Pros: Cute design, durable waxed canvas
Cons: Only has top straps
Buy Colony Co. Reusable Grocery Bag on Amazon for $28The best reusable shopping/tote bag for under $10
If you’re not looking to splurge, the Easy Fold Bag Reusable Grocery Bags 3 Pack is a great option. It comes with three ripstop nylon bags that fold for easy storage or transportation.
These are machine washable and, though not as attractive as some of the others on this list (the company is going more for utilitarian than style), they do come in three colors. At $9.99, you can’t beat the price. They aren’t as sturdy as some of the pricier options, based on reviews, but should still last a long while.
“These work so well! Sturdy, feel great to load with either a heavy load (not more than 25 pounds) or just a few items. They take up very little space in your purse, diaper bag, etc., and they pass the ultimate reusable bag test: they fold back up EASILY,” wrote one Amazon customer.
These bags have also been featured by The Spruce. However, the site wrote the Fold Bag Reusable Grocery Bags 3 Pack have "significantly less [weight capacity] than many other reusable grocery bags on the market."
Pros: Affordable, pack of three, machine washable
Cons: Fabric is a little shiny, not as sturdy as other picks
Buy Easy Fold Bag Reusable Grocery Bags 3 Pack on Amazon for $9.99The best large reusable shopping/tote bag
Need a super-sized shopping bag? The Baggu Large Reusable Shopping Bag holds up to 50 pounds and comes in a host of cute colors and patterns.
Made of sturdy 100% ripstop nylon, the bag is durable and flexible. Despite its large capacity, it folds down to a neat 7-by-7-inch square for easy storage. The material is both thin and strong, allowing you to carry a number of heavy items with ease. The bag is also machine washable.
“Baggu bags are now my favorite reusable bags. They are so small when folded, easy to fold back into their pouch, hold 50 lbs worth of loot, and so easy to wash,” said one Amazon shopper, who actually uses hers for laundry.
Another wrote, “I never travel without one of these bags. Perfect for when the airlines forces you to combine all your smaller carry-ons into one bag. I often use it to place my bulky winter coats in when putting them in the overhead compartment.”
Huffington Post recommends this Baggu bag, while The Inventory calls it "the pinnacle of reusable nylon sacks."
Pros: Holds up to 50 pounds, machine washable, cute patterns, folds into small square
Cons: Short handles, shapeless
Buy the Baggu Large Reusable Shopping Bag on Amazon for $14Advertisement